How to block applications with a password on the Xiaomi phone: all ways

Protecting personal data in a smartphone is a key challenge for the modern user. Even if you don’t keep state secrets on Xiaomi, accessing instant messengers, banking apps or personal photos can backfire. In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to password apps in Redmi, POCO and other Xiaomi phones, including hidden MIUI features and third-party solutions.

It is important to understand that standard screen locking methods (PIN-The only thing that protects you from having full access to your device is code or fingerprint, but what if you're already unlocking your phone and you want to restrict access to specific programs? MIUI We tested all the methods on the latest versions of firmware (MIUI 14/15) And we put together step-by-step instructions, taking into account the nuances of different models.

1. Built-in "Application Lock" function in MIUI

The most reliable and easy way to use the built-in App Lock feature, which is available on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12 and later, this feature does not require installing additional programs and is integrated into the security system.

To activate the lock:

1. Open Settings → Passwords and Security
2. Select the option Blocking applications
3. When you first start, the system will prompt you to create a master password (it will be used for all blocked applications).
4. After creating a password, select the apps from the list you want to protect.

Features of this method:

• 🔒 Supports fingerprint or face unlocking (if configured)
• 📱 It works even after the phone restarts.
• 🔄 You can quickly disable the lock for all applications through the main menu
• ⚠️ Does not block notifications from blocked applications (their content can be seen on the lock screen)

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If you forget your App Lock password, you can reset it through your Mi Account, but this will result in the deletion of all lock data.

2.The use of the "Second Space" for complete isolation

Xiaomi’s Dual Apps feature allows you to create a completely isolated user profile with a separate set of apps and data. It’s not exactly password-blocking, but an effective way to hide apps from prying eyes.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space
2. Follow the instructions for creating a second profile (you will need to specify a separate one). PIN-code)
3. In the main space, remove or hide the apps you want to protect.
4. In the second space, install these applications again (they will only be available after you enter them). PIN-second-profile)

Advantages of the method:

• 🛡️ Complete data isolation (the applications in the second space are not visible in the main)
• 🔄 Quickly switch between spaces through the notification panel
• 📱 Supported on all models with MIUI 11 and newer

⚠️ Note: When using the second space, some applications (e.g. banking) may require re-authorization each time you switch profiles.

Third-party applications for blocking: TOP-3 solutions

If MIUI isn't built-in enough, you can use Google Play, and we tested dozens of apps and selected the three most reliable ones:

Installation of third-party blockers has its nuances:

• 🔧 Device Administrator rights or Special features are required
• 📱 Some applications may conflict with MIUI Optimization (disable it in the developer settings)
• 🔄 After updating MIUI You may need to reconfigure the blocker

4. Hiding applications without password: alternative methods

If you do not need a full password lock, but simply hide applications from outsiders, there are several built-in ways in MIUI:

Method 1: Hiding through the application menu

1. Press and hold the free space on the main screen.
2. Select Settings → Hide Apps
3. Check the programs you want to hide.
4. To access hidden apps, make a down gesture with two fingers on the home screen

Method 2: Disabling in system settings

For completely unnecessary applications:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management
2. Select the application and click Disable.
3. The app will disappear from the menu and stop working (but will not be removed)

⚠️ Warning: Disabled system applications can affect the stability of the phone. Do not turn off services called com.android. or com.miui..

5. Lock setting for banking applications

Banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff, VTB, etc.) require a special approach to blocking, many of which have built-in protection, but an additional layer of security will not hurt.

Adjustment recommendations:

• 🏦 Use the built-in application lock (App Lock) + Two-factor authorization in the banking application
• 🔒 Set up automatic deletion of application data after 5 failed password attempts
• 📱 Turn off notifications from banking applications on the lock screen (Settings) → Notifications → Confidentiality)
• 🔄 Regularly update banking applications (outdated versions may have vulnerabilities)

Important: Some banking apps (e.g., SberBank Online) block phones with unlocked bootloaders or root rights. If you use such modifications, blocking through App Lock may not work.

Latest version of app installed |Two-factor authorization enabled |Notifications disabled on lock screen |Configured lock via App Lock|No root rights checked-->

Frequent problems and their solutions

When using application blocking, Xiaomi users often face typical problems, and we have collected the most common cases and ways to solve them:

If none of the methods worked, try resetting the security settings:

1. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security
2. Select Reset Security Settings
3. Confirm the action (this won’t delete your data, only reset your lock settings)

7. Comparison of methods: which to choose?

The choice of blocking method depends on your needs, and we have prepared a comparative table that will help you determine:

For most users, the best solution is a combination of built-in App Lock for critical applications (banks, instant messengers) and a second space for complete isolation of personal data. Third-party blockers are advisable to use only if you need advanced features (for example, locking by geolocation or time).

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For maximum security, set up two-factor authorization in the applications themselves (banks, social networks) in addition to blocking through MIUI.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions