Protecting personal data in a smartphone is a task β1 for most users.Even if you don't keep state secrets on Xiaomi Redmi, access to instant messengers, banking apps or a gallery can get you into trouble. MIUI offers built-in tools for blocking applications, and for advanced scripts there are proven third-party solutions.
In this article, we will discuss three working methods: the standard App Lock from Xiaomi, hidden MIUI functions for individual models (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+), as well as reliable third-party applications with additional options such as masking for system utilities.
Important: instructions are current for MIUI 12, 13 and 14 (including global and Chinese versions).If your Redmi runs on pure Android One (like Redmi A1), some features may be missing - check this in the first section.
1. Standard App Lock in MIUI: How to enable and configure
The built-in App Lock (or App Lock in Russian) feature is the easiest way to restrict access.It works on all Xiaomi Redmis with MIUI, except Android One devices (like Redmi Go or Redmi A1).
To activate the lock:
- Open the Settings. β Passwords and security.
- Select App Lock (or App Lock in English).
- When you first start, the system will ask you to create a pattern lock, PIN-- code or password. Choose a convenient option (recommended) PIN β It's faster to get in).
- In the list of apps, mark the ones you want to block (for example, WhatsApp, Gallery, SberBank Online).
When you try to open a blocked application, you will see a window asking for a password. Importantly, App Lock only works after you reboot or close the application from multitasking β if the application is already open, you will still have access to it.
Make sure that MIUI updated to the latest version|Create a backup copy of important data|Remember or write down the lock password|Disable notifications for blocked applications (optional)-->
Additional settings for App Lock:
- π Hiding notifications: In the lock settings, you can turn off the display of notification content for blocked applications (useful for messengers).
- π Auto-Unlock: Auto-Unlock on Trusted Networks (such as Wi-Fi Homes) β convenient but less secure.
- π± Fingerprint Lock: If your Redmi supports the scanner, you can use it instead of a password.
β οΈ Note: If you use the second space (function) MIUI To separate the work and personal profile, App Lock will only work in the space where it was turned on!
2. Hidden MIUI features: lock without App Lock
Not everyone knows, but some Xiaomi Redmi models (especially flagship ones like the Redmi K50 or Note 12 Pro+) have alternative ways to block apps, which are less obvious, but sometimes more reliable than the standard App Lock.
One of these methods is to use the Private Mode function, which hides selected apps from the menu and blocks access to them.
- Go to Settings β Special Opportunities β Private Mode.
- Activate the function and set a password (different from the screen lock password!).
- Add apps to the list of Private β they will disappear from the main menu and will be available only after entering the password in Private mode.
The advantage of this method is that applications are not just blocked, but completely hidden from prying eyes. The disadvantage is less convenient access (you need to turn on / off mode every time).
Another little-known trick is blocking through Parental Control:
- πΆ Go to Settings. β Parental control.
- π Create a profile for yourself (yes, it works even without a childβs attachment!).
- π΅ In the profile settings, select App Restrictions and add those you want to block.
- π Set a lock schedule (for example, from 00:00 to 23:59) β applications will be unavailable around the clock.
| Locking method | Supported models | Level of protection | Deficiencies |
|---|---|---|---|
| App Lock | All Redmi's MIUI | Medium. | Does not work in the second space, resets when resetting settings |
| Private regime | Redmi Note 11/12 Pro, K50, POCO F4 and newer | High-pitched | Apps are hidden but accessible through search |
| Parental control | All models with MIUI | Low. | Easy to do through settings, lock time |
| Third-party annexes | All models. | Very tall. | Can conflict with MIUI, requires administrator rights |
Standard App Lock|Private Mode |Parent Control |Third Party Apps |I don't block apps-->
Third-party applications for blocking: TOP-3 verified versions
If MIUI's built-in features aren't enough, third-party tools will come to the rescue, offering advanced features: masking as system applications, geolocation locking, fake login errors, and even shooting an attacker through a front-facing camera.
We tested dozens of apps and selected the three most reliable ones:
- AppLock by DoMobile Lab (Play Market) π Supports the password, PIN, graphical key and fingerprint. πΈ Takes a photo of the attacker when unsuccessful login attempts (saves in a hidden folder). π Can block access by geolocation (e.g. at work). β οΈ Requires the rights of the administrator of the device β without them, some functions do not work.
- Norton App Lock (from Norton Antivirus Developers) π‘οΈ Built-in protection against removal through Safe Mode. π Keeps a log of access attempts with time indication. π Automatic lock when connecting to unfamiliar Wi-Fi networks. β Not working. MIUI below version 12.5.
- Smart AppLock (with masking support) π Can be disguised as a calculator, weather or settings. π Supports different passwords for different applications. π± It also works on Android One (like Redmi). A1). β οΈ The free version shows ads.
How to install and configure a third-party blocker:
- Download the app from Google Play (avoid third party sites!).
- At the first start, grant the rights of the Administrator of the device (this is mandatory for blocking).
- In the settings, enable the option Protection from Deletion β this will prevent uninstallation through Safe Mode.
- Add apps to the lock list and select the type of protection (password, fingerprint, etc.).
π‘
Before installing a third-party blocker, check its Play Market ranking and the date of the last update.Apps that haven't been updated for more than a year may contain vulnerabilities.
β οΈ Note: Some antiviruses (e.g. Avast or Kaspersky) conflict with third-party blockers. If apps start to crash after installing AppLock, add a blocker to the antivirus exceptions or turn off real-time protection.
4.How to bypass the lock if you forgot the password
The situation is familiar to many: they put a password on the app, and after a month they forgot it, and fortunately, MIUI has several ways to restore access to factory settings without resetting the phone.
Method 1: Reset password through your Xiaomi account
- On the app lock screen, tap Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password?).
- Enter your Xiaomi account (the one that is linked to the phone).
- Follow the instructions for resetting your password (confirmation by SMS or email may be required).
Method 2: Safe Mode (works only for third-party blockers!)
- Turn off the phone.
- Hold the Power button until the Redmi logo appears, then let it go and immediately press Volume down.
- Hold it until the phone boots in Safe Mode (the corresponding label will be at the bottom of the screen).
- Go to Settings β Applications, find the blocker and remove it.
- Restart your phone in normal mode.
Method 3: Through ADB (for advanced users):
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.ivy.applockReplace com.ivy.applock with your blockerβs batch name (you can find out through the App Inspector in the Play Market), a method that requires you to turn on Developer Mode and connect to your PC.
What if none of the methods worked?
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after you set up your lock correctly, Xiaomi Redmi users are still experiencing bugs, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:
Problem 1: App Lock does not ask for a password
- π Solution: Go to Settings β Passwords and security β Block applications and check if the option Request Password is enabled when you open.
- π± If it doesnβt help, clear the Security app cache (Settings) β Annexes β Application management β Security β Clear the cache).
Problem 2: The blocker has been removed after the MIUI update
- π Solution: This is a known bug in MIUI 13/14. After the update, go to Settings β Annexes β Manage applications, find your blocker and manually grant him the rights of the Administrator of the device again.
Problem 3: Applications are blocked even after the correct password is entered
- π Solution: Reboot your phone. If it doesn't work, disable the lock for the problem app and turn it on again.
- π οΈ For third-party blockers, check the Blacklist settings β itβs possible the app was added there incorrectly.
Problem 4: Fingerprints are not working in App Lock
- π Solution: Remove all fingerprints in Settings β Passwords and security β Fingerprints and add them again. Then restart App Lock.
- π± If the sensor is damaged, the fingerprint will not work in any application β check it in Lock screen settings.
π‘
If the application locking stopped working after the MIUI update, try clearing the cache of the system application Security first. In 80% of cases, this solves the problem without resetting the settings.
6. Additional security measures for Xiaomi Redmi
Blocking apps is only part of the protection, and to maximize the security of data on Xiaomi Redmi, we recommend:
- π Set the password on SIM-This means that you can prevent calls and SMS When you steal your phone, type ##4636## in the dialer, select Phone Information and activate lock. SIM.
- π‘ Disable debugging features: If you are not a developer, deactivate Developer Mode and Debugging by USB at the Settings β The phone.
- π Set up automatic locking: in Settings β Lock screen set minimum time to automatically lock (30 seconds).
- π± Use device encryption: C Settings β Passwords and security β Encryption activate full encryption (takes) ~1 hour, the phone should be charged at 80%+).
For owners of Redmi with NFC, it is useful to set up a secure payment:
- Open Settings β Connected Devices β NFC.
- Select Secure Items and activate Require Authentication for payments.
- Payment via Google Pay or Mi Pay will require unlocking your phone.
If you often pass the phone to colleagues or friends, turn on guest mode:
- Pull down the notification panel and tap on the user's avatar.
- Select Add Guest.
- In guest mode, only basic applications (phone, browser) will be available, and personal data will remain hidden.
7. Methods Comparison: What to Choose for Your Redmi
WedΕug of our experience, the choice depends on the phone model and your needs:
- π± For most users: the standard App Lock MIUI β It's simple, reliable, and doesn't require any additional software. 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4 other popular models.
- π For maximum security, third-party blockers like Norton App Lock or Smart AppLock offer advanced features (photo attacker, geo-blocker), but can conflict with the security of the user. MIUI.
- π€ For stealth: Private mode or disguise via Smart AppLock. useful if you need to hide apps from prying eyes (for example, in a family phone).
- πΆ Parental Control: Integrated Parental Controls MIUI. Allows you to limit the time of use and block games.
A special case is Xiaomi Redmi on Android One (like Redmi A1 or Redmi Go).There is no App Lock, so there are only two options left:
- Third-party blockers (check compatibility in the application description).
- Use of parental control with time limit.
If you frequently test firmware or install custom ROMs (like LineageOS), remember: all lock settings are reset when you are firmware. Before experimenting, back up through Settings β Additional β Backup and Reset.