How to Password Apps in Xiaomi: 5 Ways to Protect Your Personal Data

Protecting personal data on a Xiaomi smartphone is one of the key tasks for users who store sensitive information on their phone, even if you have a pattern lock installed or a key installed. PIN-The code to unlock the screen, individual applications (messengers, banking services, gallery) remain vulnerable. In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to password applications in firmware. MIUI, including hidden functions and third-party solutions.

It’s important to understand that the protection options depend on the MIUI version and the device model. For example, the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14 has advanced privacy settings, while the budget Redmi Note 10 may not have some features. We’ll look at universal methods that work on most devices, as well as alternatives for older versions of firmware.

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

The easiest way to protect applications is to use the built-in App Lock feature, which is available on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 8 and later, including the latest versions of HyperOS. This feature allows you to set a password, fingerprint or face scan to access selected programs.

To activate the lock:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Blocking applications.
2. Click Enable and set a password (it may differ from the main one). PIN-phone-code).
3. Select applications from the list that you want to block.
4. Activate additional options: Hide notifications (so that the content of messages does not appear on the lock screen) and Disable screenshots.

⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from the Application Block, it can only be reset through your Mi Account. Without the associated account, the data will be lost!

Make sure your phone is at least 30% charged

Connect to a stable Wi-Fi or mobile network

Linking your Mi Account to your device

Write your password to a secure location (not in your phone’s notes!)

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The feature supports instant locking – the application closes immediately after folding, which is especially convenient for instant messengers. However, this method has a disadvantage: if an attacker gets physical access to the unlocked phone, he will be able to temporarily disable the lock through Settings → Special features → Delete the locking of applications (in some versions of MIUI).

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

If you want maximum privacy, consider the Dual Apps feature, which creates a separate user profile with its own apps, settings, and data, a method that is suitable for completely isolating work or personal accounts.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
2. Create a new space and set a separate password for it.
3. Install the desired apps (such as WhatsApp, Telegram) in both spaces.
4. In the main space, remove "extra" applications, leaving only protected copies in the second.

⚠️ Note: When using Second Space, remove notifications from the main profile, otherwise the content of messages may appear on the lock screen. → Additionally. → Hide the contents of notifications.

Built-in application locking

Second space

Third-party applications (such as AppLock)

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3. Third-party applications for blocking (AppLock)

If the built-in MIUI features are not enough, you can use third-party programs.

• 🔒 AppLock (by DoMobile Lab) – supports password, fingerprint, lock on the Internet Wi-Fi/geolocation.
• 🛡️ Norton App Lock – Integration with antivirus, protection against hacking.
• 📱 Smart AppLock – minimalist interface, blocking incoming calls.
• 🔐 Keepsafe App Lock – Hiding apps from the menu, fake lock screen.

Advantages of third-party solutions:

• 🔹 They're working on older versions. MIUI (even MIUI 7-9).
• 🔹 Additional functions: time lock, remote control through SMS.
• 🔹 The ability to hide the AppLock itself from the list of applications.

⚠️ Note: When installing third-party blockers, disable battery optimization for them in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-run, otherwise the protection may be reset after rebooting.

4. Hiding applications without password (for quick access)

If you don't need a password, but you want to hide apps from prying eyes, MIUI has a Hidden Apps feature, which doesn't block access, it just removes icons from the menu, and to find a hidden app, you need to type its name in a search.

How to hide the application:

1. Press the app icon on the home screen.
2. Select Hide the App (or drag and drop to Hidden folder).
3. To return, open Settings → Applications → Hidden Applications.

This method is suitable for:

• 📂 Applications that are rarely used (e.g. system utilities).
• 👁️ Hiding duplicate icons (e.g., two Telegrams in different spaces).
• 🔄 Quick access to applications through search (without entering a password).

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If you hid an app and forgot its name, find it through Settings → All apps → Show system. Sort the list by alphabet or installation date.

5. Protection through "Guest Mode" (for temporary access)

Guest mode in MIUI allows you to create a limited profile with access to only basic phone features, which is handy if you need to temporarily give the phone to another person without revealing personal details.

How to turn on:

1. Open the notification curtain and click on the user icon.
2. Choose Add a Guest (or Guest Space)
3. Configure the available applications in Settings → Users → Guest.

Restrictions on guest mode:

• 🚫 No access to messages, calls, gallery (unless otherwise configured).
• 🔄 Only call pre-approved numbers.
• 📱 It is impossible to install new applications without an administrator password.

⚠️ Warning: Guest mode still has access to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings, and if you hand over your phone to a stranger, turn off those features in advance or use Flight Mode.

6. Additional security measures

In addition to blocking applications, we recommend configuring:

• 🔐 Encrypting the device: Settings → Additionally. → Encryption and credentials: Protects data when you steal your phone (slower on weak devices).
• 📡 Lock-in MAC-Address: restricts Wi-Fi access to your devices only (configured in the router).
• 🛡️ Two-factor authentication for Mi Account (protects against remote resetting of settings).
• 🔄 Automatic lock after 30 seconds of inactivity: Settings → Lock screen → Sleeping mode.

It is also useful to disable USB Debugging and Installation from unknown sources if you are not using these features, which will prevent the installation of malware through your computer.

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The combination of the built-in application lock (App Lock) and the Second Space provides maximum protection, the first for quick access, the second for complete isolation of sensitive data.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

When setting up a lock, Xiaomi users encounter typical errors:

If the lock settings are missing after the MIUI update, try:

1. Clear the cache of the Security app (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Security → Storage → Clear the cache).
2. Restart your phone in Safe Mode (hold the power button → Restart in Safe Mode).
3. Install MIUI again via Settings → About Phone → System Update → Reinstall the package.

Frequently asked questions