How to put a password on the application in Xiaomi: all ways to protect

Why put a password on applications in Xiaomi?

Xiaomi smartphones store a huge amount of personal information: correspondence in messengers, banking applications, photos and work documents. Even if you trust your loved ones, accidental access to the phone can lead to data leakage or unwanted actions. Putting a password on applications in MIUI is an easy way to add an additional layer of protection without installing third-party antiviruses.

In this article, we will discuss all available methods, from the built-in App Lock to the creation of Second Space (second workspace) and the use of third-party applications. MIUI (12–15) model Redmi/POCO, We'll also tell you how to get around the restrictions if you forget your password, and we'll give you some advice on how to choose the most reliable way.

Importantly, not all methods are equally secure. For example, Second Space does not encrypt data at the system level, but simply hides it from the main user. This means that when you physically access the phone, an attacker can bypass the protection through the recovery menu.

Method 1: Built-in App Lock in MIUI

The easiest and official way to block applications is to use the App Lock feature, available in most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones. It works on the basis of system protection and does not require superuser rights (root).

To activate App Lock:

1. Open Settings → Applications → App Lock.
2. Click Enable App Lock and set a password (or pattern lock).
3. Select the apps you want to block by moving the slider to the right.
4. Enable Hide notifications so that the contents of messages do not appear on the lock screen.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔒 Integration with the system: no additional applications required.
• 📱 Biometrics support: Unlocking by fingerprint or face (on supported models).
• 🔄 Automatic blocking after closing the application.

Disadvantages:

• 🚫 No data encryption, only access blocking.
• 🔄 When resetting the App Lock settings, it is turned off.
• 📵 In some models POCO The function may not be present in global firmware.

Make sure the version MIUI less than 12|Check the presence of the function in the menu "Applications"|Remember your password or save it to the manager (e.g. Google Password Manager)|Disable Smart Blocker in Security Settings if it conflicts with App Lock-->

Method 2: Second Space – Second Work Profile

Second Space is a MIUI feature that allows you to create a second independent user profile with your own apps, settings and data, essentially a smartphone in a smartphone where you can hide personal apps under a separate password.

How to set up Second Space:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Second Space.
2. Click Create Second Space and follow the instructions.
3. Set a password for the second profile (it may differ from the main one).
4. Move the apps you need to Second Space through the Application Management menu.

Features of the method:

• 🔐 Complete isolation: applications and files in Second Space are not visible in the main profile.
• 📲 Quick switching between swipe profiles on the lock screen (configured in settings).
• 🔄 You can clone apps (e.g., have two WhatsApp accounts).

💡

If you use Second Space for banking applications, disable autocomplete passwords in the main profile, which will prevent data leakage through the keyboard or browser.

Important limitations:

• 🚫 Second Space doesn't encrypt data at the file system level. With physical access to the phone, you can bypass security through the file system. TWRP or Fastboot.
• 📵 Busy memory doubles – each application in Second Space takes up a separate space.
• 🔄 Some system applications (e.g. Settings) cannot be moved to a second profile.

Built-in App Lock|Second Space|Third-party applications (e.g. Norton App Lock)|Don't use protection.|Another option-->

Method 3: Third-party applications for blocking

If your version of MIUI doesn't have an App Lock or Second Space, you can use third-party software that offers additional features, such as geolocation locking or an automatic lock timer.

Top.-3 lock-in:

How to install and configure:

1. Download the app from Google Play (e.g. Norton App Lock).
2. Open it and set a master password.
3. Select the applications to block from the list.
4. Configure additional parameters: auto-unlock over Wi-Fi, hide the application icon, etc.

Warnings:

⚠️ Note: Some blockers require device administrator rights.This may conflict with App Lock MIUI Disable the built-in lock before installation.

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with custom firmware (like LineageOS), third-party blockers may not work properly due to security changes.

Method 4: Hiding applications without password

Unless you want full locking, but only hiding apps from prying eyes, MIUI has a built-in Hidden Apps feature that doesn't password-protect data, but removes icons from the home screen and app menus.

How to hide applications:

1. Hold your finger to the free space on the main screen.
2. Select Settings → Hide applications.
3. Check the boxes of the programs you want to hide.
4. Confirm the action. Now the apps will only be available through the search or Hidden Apps menu.

How to return hidden applications:

• Swipe down the main screen and type the name of the application in the search bar.
• Or re-enter Settings → Hide applications and uncheck the boxes.

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 No password protection – hidden apps can be opened through search.
• 📵 Does not work for system applications (such as Settings or Phone).
• 🔄 After updating MIUI Hidden apps may appear on the screen again.

What to do if I forget my password?

If you forget your password from App Lock or Second Space, there are several ways to recover it. Importantly, some methods require a data reset, so back up beforehand!

Recovery methods:

• 🔑 Recovery via Mi Account: Link your device to your Xiaomi account (Settings) → After 5 failed attempts to enter the password, the system will suggest resetting it via email or SMS.
• 📱 Reset via Recovery: Go to Recovery Mode (turn off phone, then pinch power) + Volume up) and select Wipe Data. This will delete all data!
• 🔧 ADB-Teams: If you have a debugging enabled USB (Settings → For developers, you can delete the password through the command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.guardprovider This will delete App Lock but will not affect other data.

Warning:

⚠️ Warning: On bootloader devices, an attacker can reset the password through Fastboot, even if you use Second Space. To avoid this, lock the bootloader by commanding: fastboot oem lock But remember: After that, you will not be able to install custom firmware.

Comparison of methods: which way to choose?

The choice of blocking method depends on your goals:

Recommendations:

• 🔒 For banking applications and instant messengers, it is better to use App Lock + Two-factor authentication in the applications themselves.
• 📱 If you want to hide personal photos/videos, combine Second Space with encrypted archives (e.g., a video, 7-Zip password-wise).
• 🚫 Avoid third-party blockers if you have custom firmware installed – they may conflict with the system.

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For maximum security, combine several methods, such as App Lock for messengers + Second Space for working applications + hiding unnecessary programs.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking apps in Xiaomi