Owning a Xiaomi smartphone offers a huge opportunity, but it also raises the issue of protecting personal information. It often happens that the phone falls into the hands of friends, colleagues or children, and access to instant messengers or a gallery becomes open. Standard locking the screen does not save if the device is already unlocked. Which is why the application lock feature is one of the most popular in the MIUI shell. It allows you to close access to selected programs with additional code or biometrics.
The developers have built-in tools to do this, which do not require third-party software, which makes data protection fast and secure. In this guide, we will discuss in detail how to activate this feature, what nuances exist, and how to configure access for different profiles, you will learn how to hide the content of notifications and set different types of protection.
It’s worth noting that the settings interface may vary slightly depending on the Android version and regional firmware. However, the basic principle of operation remains unchanged over the years. We’ll look at current methods that work on modern models such as the Redmi Note and Xiaomi Mi.
Preparation for data protection settings
Before you start restricting access, you need to make sure your Mi Account is activated and linked to the device. Although the basic lock works without it, having an account allows you to restore access in case you forget your password. It is also important that the phone has an up-to-date version of the operating system installed, which ensures that there are no bugs in the operation of the system security modules.
You'll need to come up with a strong pattern lock or a digital code, and a pattern lock is often more convenient for frequent use because it's easier to type with one hand. PIN-It's harder to see the code from the outside. Choose the one that feels most comfortable for everyday use.
⚠️ Note: Do not use simple combinations like "1234" or keys in the form of the letter "L." These passwords are easy to guess or reproduce from the fingerprints on the screen.
Make sure you have access to the phone number or email you provided when you register, which may be necessary for the recovery procedure, and if you have not previously set up security issues, the system will suggest that you do so in the process, and it is not recommended to ignore this step, as this is the only insurance against loss of access.
Activate App Lock through Settings
The main way to access control is through the system menu, you have to open your smartphone settings and find the security section. It may be called differently in different versions of MIUI, but the logic of placing elements remains similar. Follow the step-by-step instructions so you don't get confused in the menu items.
Log in to the Settings menu and scroll down to the App. Here we are interested in the App Lock (or App Lock) subitem. When you first log in, the system will ask you to come up with a password. Once you enter and confirm the code, you will be prompted to configure recovery through your Mi Account.
- 📱 Open the list of secure applications and switch sliders opposite the desired programs (WhatsApp, Gallery, Contacts).
- 🔐 Click on the gear icon in the top corner to access additional security options.
- 👁️ Activate the option “Hide content” so that the notification curtain does not display the text of messages.
Once you activate the sliders, when you try to open the selected application, you will see a password entry window, which means that the protection is working correctly, you can go back to the settings at any time and add new programs or remove old ones from the list of protected ones, and the flexibility of the system allows you to adapt it to your current needs.
☑️ Checking the activation of App Lock
Use of the Application Security
Within the MIUI shell, there's a system application called Security (a green icon with a shield) that integrates all security tools, which is an alternative and often faster way to manage access. Many users don't know that App Lock functionality is fully integrated into this service. Launching through a shortcut on the desktop saves time.
Run the Security app and scroll down the tool screen. In the optional feature block, you'll find the App Lock icon. Clicking on it will immediately lead you to the list of installed programs. If the function is enabled earlier, you'll need to enter a password. If not, the system will prompt you to reconfigure it, as described in the previous section.
It also has easy sorting and search, and you can quickly find the program you want alphabetically, and it often displays access attempts statistics if that's supported by your firmware version, so you can control who tried to access your personal data when.
| Function | Description | Where to find out. |
|---|---|---|
| App Lock | Blocking application launches | Settings / Security |
| Hiding contents | Masking of notification text | App Lock settings |
| Second space | Creating a separate profile | Settings / Advanced |
| Hidden applications | The complete disappearance of the icon | Settings / Applications |
The advantage of using the Security app is that all the security tools are in one place, so you don't have to wander through the deep settings menu, just one tap on the label to check the security status or change the settings, and that makes security management intuitive even for beginners.
Set up biometric unlocking
Entering a password can be tiring every time, especially if you open messengers dozens of times a day. Fortunately, modern Xiaomi smartphones support unlocking through a fingerprint or Face ID. This is not only faster, but also safer, since biometric data is unique.
To activate this option, you must first configure the application lock itself with a graphical or digital key. Without the main password, the biometrics will not work. Once the code is installed, go to the lock settings (through the gear) and find Fingerprint unlock or Face unlock. Activate the appropriate switch.
Now, when you try to open a secure app, the phone will immediately request biometrics, and if your finger doesn't match or your face doesn't recognize it, the system will require you to enter your primary password, which is an important security mechanism, and make sure you add the fingerprints that you use most.
What to do if the print is not read?
It's worth remembering that after a device is rebooted, the first unlock of any secure application always requires the primary password. It's a standard Android security measure that prevents access to data if the device has been forcibly turned off. Biometric keys are encrypted and stored in a secure processor module.
Hiding applications and protecting notifications
A launch lock is sometimes not enough. An attacker or a curious acquaintance can see an app icon and realize that it is password protected. In MIUI, there is a Hidden Applications feature that completely removes the icon from the desktop and menu, and you can only find such a program through a special gesture or search bar.
To configure the concealment, go to Settings → Applications → Hidden Apps. Enable the function and select the programs you want to disguise. Opening them will require you to enter a special code or make a certain gesture with your fingers on the desktop (for example, spread two fingers to the sides), which creates an additional level of privacy.
- 🔒 Hidden apps don’t appear in the list of recently launched apps.
- 🔇 Notifications from hidden apps don’t show text even on a locked screen.
- 🔍 Searching for the name of a hidden app in global search can also be limited to settings.
Notification protection is a special concern. Even if the application is closed with a password, the text of the incoming message can be seen in the curtain. To fix this, go to the application lock settings, click on the gear and turn on the option to Hide contents. Now instead of the text of the message, you will see only the inscription "New message" or the name of the sender.
⚠️ Note: When you turn on content concealment, you won’t be able to see text in the curtain until you unlock your phone or app.
The combination of hiding apps and masking notifications creates a virtually impenetrable barrier for prying eyes, and even unlocking your phone, a stranger will not know what services you use or what messages you receive, especially in the face of intense social interaction or sensitive information.
Addressing problems and restoring access
Despite the convenience of the system, users can face difficulties. The most common problem is a forgotten password. If you do not link a Mi Account, it will be extremely difficult to restore access to blocked applications. Xiaomi's security system is designed to prevent the possibility of bypassing protection.
If you have forgotten the code but your account is tied, click on the Forgot Password? button on the input screen. The system will send the confirmation code to your email or offer to answer a check question. After successful identity verification, you will be asked to set a new password. Old access data will be reset.
In some cases, cleaning the data of the system application Security helps. To do this, go to Settings → Applications → All applications, find Security and click Clear Data. Attention: this method does not work on all versions of MIUI and can reset all antivirus and cleaner settings. Use it only as a last resort.
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Save a screenshot or record of your pattern lock in a secure location (such as cloud storage with two-factor authentication) so you can recover it in case you forget it.
If nothing works, the last resort is to completely reset the device to factory settings, which will delete all data, including application lock passwords, so regular backup of important data is a must for any smartphone owner, and it is better to spend time backup than lose important contacts and photos.
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Linking a Mi Account and setting a check question is the only reliable way to restore access to blocked applications without losing data.