How to Password Apps in Xiaomi: Data Protection

Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones store vast amounts of sensitive information, from instant messaging to banking applications, so protecting them is a big deal. The built-in MIUI shell and the new HyperOS provide powerful tools to restrict access to selected programs without the need to install third-party software. This feature allows you to create an additional security barrier that requests a pin code, pattern lock or fingerprint every time you launch a secure application.

Using built-in protection is significantly more convenient and safer than downloading dubious blockers from the Google Play store, which often overload the system with advertising. Device owners can flexibly adjust lock settings by selecting specific programs and setting waiting times before re-querying a password. Below we will discuss all the nuances of the settings, including the hidden features of the security menu.

However, activating this feature requires you to pre-set your Mi Account or local password protection, which is an important element of the overall security system Android devices Chinese manufacturer. Ignoring this step can lead to the inability to restore access to data in case of a system failure.

Preparation of the security system before blocking

Before you start setting limits on running programs, you need to make sure that the system has a basic method of unlocking the device. If you use a simple swipe on the screen or a feature "facial recognition" without an additional pin code, the system will require you to install a more reliable graphical key or digital code, which is due to the fact that the application password is often tied to the general security profile of the device.

To start, go to the main smartphone settings menu, scroll down to the Passwords and Security section, and select Application Protection. When you first start this module, the system will automatically prompt you to create a separate password or use an existing screen unlock code. It is recommended to choose the option to create a unique password other than the screen unlock code to provide two-level protection.

During the setup process, you will be asked to link your Mi Account or ask a check question, remember the answer to the control question or the password from the Mi Account, as they will be needed to reset the forgotten password for blocking applications, without this step, restoring access to blocked programs will not be possible even after the phone has completely reset its settings.

Also, at this point, you should pay attention to biometrics, because if your smartphone is equipped with a fingerprint scanner or a facial recognition module, the system will suggest activating their use for quick login, which will eliminate the need to enter a digital code every time, making the process of using secure applications as comfortable as possible.

Step-by-step instructions for setting a password for applications

After you successfully set up the security module, you will see a list of all the programs installed on the device. The interface is divided into two tabs: “Blocked” and “Unblocked”, which allows you to visually assess the current security status. To activate the protection, you just need to click on the switch opposite the name of the desired application, for example, WhatsApp, Telegram or Gallery.

Once you activate the switch, the application will instantly become secure. The next time you run this program, the system will require authorization in the previously chosen way. It is important to note that the lock only applies to the direct launch of the application, but does not always block access to notifications on the lock screen, which requires a separate setting in the notification menu.

Owners of HyperOS devices may notice minor changes in menu design, but the logic of the work remains the same. New firmware versions add the ability to quickly lock all applications in the category "Finance" at a single click, which is extremely convenient for users who keep a lot of banking customers.

Remember that once you have a password set on the app, it will require authorization even after you have rebooted your device. If you plan to transfer your phone to your children or colleagues, make sure that the comprehensive data is securely hidden behind an additional barrier.

Setup of biometrics and unlocking methods

Using biometrics greatly speeds up access to secure data, eliminating the need to remember complex combinations. In the application protection settings, you can activate fingerprint unlock or Face ID. To do this, click on the app protection icon in the upper right corner and select the appropriate item.

The system allows you to combine security techniques, for example, you can set the password requirement only after you reboot your device, and use a fingerprint in normal mode, balancing high security with the convenience of daily use of your smartphone.

Keep in mind that biometric data is stored in a secure CPU circuit and is not transmitted to Xiaomi servers or third parties, however, if you do not have a registered fingerprint in the main settings of the system, the application protection module will not be able to offer this unlock option.

To increase privacy, it is recommended to periodically check the scanner and re-install fingerprints if necessary, especially if the old finger stopped reading the first time, this will prevent situations when you can not quickly open an important application at the right time.

Hidden space function and additional settings

MIUI offers a unique feature called “Second Space” that allows you to create a completely isolated environment on your phone, not just a password to the application, but a separate desktop with its own programs, photos and contacts, accessed through a special fingerprint or password.

Unlike just blocking apps, hidden space completely masks the presence of certain files and programs. Even if someone unlocks your phone and accesses the main applications, they won't know there is a second profile.

To activate this feature, go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Second Space. The creation process takes a few minutes, as the system needs to allocate a separate partition of memory. After switching between spaces, not only does the set of applications change, but the wallpaper and notification settings change.

Using hidden space requires more battery and RAM resources, so on low-end models with low RAM, it is recommended to use a regular application lock rather than a full-fledged second space.

Management of notifications and previews of communications

One of the common problems is that even a blocked application can display the contents of incoming messages in the notification curtain. To prevent information leakage, you need to properly configure the notification display settings for protected programs.

In the security settings menu, find "Notifications" or "Hide Contents." Activating this feature will replace the text of the message with the standard phrase "New Notice" or hide it completely until the application itself is unlocked, which is especially true for instant messengers and email clients.

Also worth paying attention to pop-ups: some applications can use floating windows on top of other programs, and in the security settings, you can prevent the display of protected applications in floating mode, which will prevent accidental viewing of correspondence while using other functions of the phone.

Remember that notification settings may be reset when you update your system or clean your application data, and it is recommended that you check this setting periodically to make sure that your correspondence remains private.

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Use the "Guest" mode to transfer your phone temporarily so you don't even show icons of blocked apps.

Possible problems and ways to solve them

Despite the stability of the shell, users may encounter a situation where the password for applications is not requested or, conversely, blocks access to the system, often due to a conflict of versions of the security component or an error in the operation of the biometric module, in which case the first step should be to update the Security application through the system store.

If you forget your application protection password, you can only restore it through the Mi Account account that you set up. Click Forgot the password on the input screen and follow the instructions. If the account was not tied, the only solution is to completely reset the device, which will result in the deletion of all data.

Sometimes users complain of increased battery consumption when the protection is turned on, this may be due to background activity of the security module, which constantly monitors the launch of applications, in such cases, cleaning the security cache or restarting the smartphone helps.

Also worth mentioning is the problem with accessing widgets: If you use widgets on your desktop to quickly access the functions of a secure application (such as a note widget), they may stop working or require permanent authorization, in which case it is better to remove widgets from the home screen.

⚠️ Note: When you reset your phone to the factory settings (Hard Reset), all passwords for the applications will be deleted, but the applications themselves will remain blocked until the protection is reset.

⚠️ Note: Third-party launchers (desktop shells) may conflict with Xiaomi’s built-in security system. When using third-party launchers, the lock function may not work correctly or request a password when starting.

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Built-in application protection in Xiaomi is a balance between convenience and security, not requiring additional software installation, but requiring a mandatory binding Mi-account to restore access.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)