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

Why you need to block applications on Xiaomi and how it works

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer users flexible privacy protection tools, from a standard pattern lock to advanced features like App Lock, but how does it work? Unlike the lock screen password that protects the entire phone, the app password only restricts access to selected apps, such as instant messengers, banking customers or a gallery.

Technically, MIUI uses two layers of protection: PIN/pattern lock to unlock and biometrics (fingerprint or facial scan), while data on blocked applications is encrypted and stored in a protected memory area, making it difficult to bypass them even when root accessed. It is important to understand that if you reset your phone to factory settings, all App Lock settings will be deleted — this is due to the MIUI architecture, where the security configuration is tied to your Mi Account.

According to Xiaomi data for 2023, more than 60% of users in Russia have at least once enabled application blocking, but only 15% use it constantly, the reason is simple: many are not aware of additional features, such as hiding notifications from blocked applications or automatically unlocking in trusted Wi-Fi networks.

Method 1: Built-in App Lock in MIUI - step-by-step configuration

The most reliable and simple method is to use the built-in App Lock feature available on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones with MIUI 12 and later.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Lock (App Lock).
2. Click Enable and set a PIN or pattern lock (minimum 4 characters).
3. Select the apps from the list you want to block (such as WhatsApp, SberBank Online or Gallery).
4. Activate additional options: 🔒 Hide notifications – the content of the alerts will be hidden on the lock screen. 🌐 Unlocking on trusted networks – no password required when connecting to home Wi-Fi. 👤 Use a fingerprint – quick unlock without entering a PIN code.

Important: If you forget the PIN from App Lock, you can restore it only through the attached Mi Account. Without it, the data will be lost. Resetting the password through Factory Settings will remove all blocked applications from the list.

Make sure MIUI is updated to the latest version | Link your Mi Account to your phone | Remember or record your PIN in a safe place | Check the fingerprint sensor-->

Method 2: Blocking through the “Second Space” for maximum privacy

If you want to not just block the app, but completely hide it on your phone, use Second Space, a separate user profile with its own apps, settings, and data, to create it:

1. Go to Settings → Special Functions → Second Space.
2. Click Create a second space and set a password (it may differ from the main one).
3. Install the apps you want (such as Telegram or Tinder) in the second space only.
4. Activate Hide the Switch icon so that no one knows the existence of a second profile.

⚠️ Note: Third-party blockers may conflict with MIUI Optimization is Xiaomi's built-in optimization service. If the phone starts to brake after installation, add the app to Settings → Annexes → Special rights → Ignore battery optimization.

Method 4: Blocking through Incognito Mode in MIUI 14+

Starting with MIUI 14, Xiaomi added Incognito Mode, which allows you to temporarily hide selected applications from prying eyes. Unlike App Lock, you do not need to enter a password every time – just activate the mode in the notification curtain.

How to set up:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Click on the icon Incognito Mode (mask icon) 🎭).
3. Select the apps you want to hide (they will disappear from the main screen and menu).
4. To get them back, click the icon in the curtain again.

This method is convenient for fast hiding applications, but has limitations:

• ⏳ Temporary effect – after the phone restarts, all apps will be visible again.
• 🔍 Does not block access – if someone knows about the mode, they can easily turn it off.
• 📵 Does not work on models older than 2022 (required) MIUI 14+).

💡

If you have a POCO F4 or Xiaomi 12T on MIUI 13, update your firmware through Settings → About Phone → System Update to get Incognito Mode.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after the lock is set up correctly, users are faced with errors, and consider typical scenarios and ways to fix them:

1. App Lock does not save settings after reboot

Reason: conflict with MIUI Optimization function.

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Three points (⋮) → Special rights.
2. Find App Lock in the list and turn off Battery Optimization for it.
3. Reboot the phone.

2.The password is not suitable, although entered correctly

Possible causes:

• 🔢 Mi Account Sync Failure – Try to log out and log in again.
• 📱 Changed region of the phone - some functions MIUI Depends on regional settings.
• 🔄 Update MIUI — After upgrade, you may need to re-enter the password.

3.Blocking works too often

If App Lock asks for a password every 5 minutes, check:

• ⚙️ Auto Lock Settings in App Lock (set 30 minutes interval or Never).
• 🔒 Administrator rights for other applications (e.g., Clean Master may reset settings).

💡

If none of these methods worked, reset your security settings via Settings → About Phone → Resetting → Resetting lock settings. This will delete all passwords but will not affect personal data.

Additional security measures for Xiaomi

Blocking apps is only part of the protection, and to keep your data as secure as possible on Xiaomi, follow these tips:

• 🔐 Use a complex password for Mi Account – link two-factor authentication (2FA) Google Authenticator.
• 📲 Set up Find Device – lets you remotely lock your phone when you steal (Settings) → Mi Account → Find Device).
• 🚫 Turn off the debugging. USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Click on the version 7 times, then in the additional → For developers).
• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI — In new versions, vulnerabilities are closed (for example, in the MIUI 14.0.5 fixes bug with App Lock bypass ADB).

For models with pure Android (such as Xiaomi Mi A3), standard MIUI methods will not work.

• 🔒 Google Play Protect – scans apps for malicious code.
• 📁 Secure Folder (from Samsung) works via Island on Xiaomi).

⚠️ Note: on phones with an unlocked bootloader, any application lock can be bypassed through the TWRP If you have installed custom firmware, consider re-locking the bootloader via Mi Flash Unlock.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions