How to put a password on all applications on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Protecting personal data on Xiaomi smartphones is a pressing task for every user. Even if you don’t store bank passwords on your phone, messenger messages or photos may contain sensitive information that should be restricted, and in this article we’ll look at all the possible ways to set passwords for applications, from built-in MIUI features to third-party solutions with advanced settings.

Feature of firmware MIUI It offers multiple layers of protection, from the basic App Lock to the creation of a separate workspace, but not all users know that these tools can be combined for maximum security. For example, you can block individual applications with a password, and for especially important data, create an isolated profile with your own. PIN-code.

It is important to understand that the protection methods differ depending on the model of the smartphone and the version of MIUI. On Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14, the algorithm may differ slightly from the Redmi Note 10 on MIUI 12.5. We took these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that will be suitable for most devices of the brand.

1. Built-in App Lock: Basic Application Protection

The easiest way to restrict access to apps is to use the built-in App Lock feature (also known as App Lock) that is available on all Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI and does not require additional software installation. The main advantage of the method is system integration: locking is triggered instantly, and unlocking occurs through a fingerprint, pattern lock or PIN.

To activate App Lock, follow the following steps:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application lockdown.
• 🔒 Click Enable and set the password (PIN Tip: Use a combination of 6+ safety-signature.
• 📌 Select the apps you want to block by moving the slider to the right.
• ⚙️ In Lock Settings, you can enable the option Hide notifications for blocked applications.

Note that if you use a fingerprint to unlock the screen, you can also link it to the App Lock. In the lock settings, activate the fingerprint unlock option. However, on some models (such as the POCO X3 Pro), this feature may not work stable after upgrading to MIUI 13.

Set the main password of the lock screen|Synchronize fingerprints (if you use them)|Update MIUI last-minute|Check the list of applications for duplicates-->

2.Second Space: A separate workspace with a password

If you don't just want to block individual apps, but create a completely isolated environment (for work or personal data, for example), use Second Space. It's the equivalent of guest mode, but with advanced features: you can set up a separate desktop, your apps and even other wallpaper. Second Space is protected by a separate password.

How to set up Second Space:

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → Special functions → Second Space.
• 🔐 Click Create Second Space and set a new password (it may differ from the main one).
• 📲 Select the applications that will be available in the second space (you can duplicate or leave unique ones).
• 🔄 To switch between spaces, swipe down the lock screen and select the desired profile.

The advantage of Second Space is that you can hide not only apps, but also files, contacts, messages. For example, if you give a colleague a phone to call, they won't see your personal WhatsApp chats or photos. However, keep in mind that some system applications (like Settings or Phone) will be shared between the two spaces.

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If you forget your Second Space password, you can reset it through your Mi Account, but this will result in the deletion of all data in an isolated profile.

3. Third-party applications for blocking: advanced features

The built-in MIUI tools are suitable for basic protection, but if you need additional features (for example, locking on time, masking applications as a calculator or fake failure), it is worth considering third-party utilities.

Before installing a third-party App Lock, check:

• 🛡️ Availability of permissions Device Administrator (required for secure locking).
• 🔋 Compatibility reviews with your Xiaomi model (some utilities conflict with your model) MIUI).
• 📱 Ability to block system applications (e.g. Gallery or Contacts).

Built-in App Lock|Second Space| Third-party AppLock (specify in the comments)| Do not use protection-->

Important: Some antiviruses (such as Avast) may conflict with third-party blockers. If apps start to crash after installing AppLock, add it to the antivirus exceptions or turn off real-time scanning.

4. Hiding applications without password: alternative methods

If you don’t need full encryption, but simply hide applications from prying eyes, MIUI has several built-in features:

• 🕵️‍♂️ Hiding icons: hold your finger on your desktop → Desktop settings → Hide applications. Selected programs will remain on the menu, but will not appear on the home screen.
• 📂 Password folders: Create a folder on your desktop, add apps to it, then lock the folder through App Lock (the feature is available in the app). MIUI 13+).
• 🔍 Gesture Search: Turn off the display of hidden apps in search (Settings) → Desktop → Search for applications → Hidden applications).

These methods don't provide complete protection, but they do allow you to quickly hide apps from random glances, for example, if you temporarily transfer a phone to a child, you can hide TikTok or games without setting a password.

5. Lock setting for individual functions (calls, SMS, gallery)

Some Xiaomi system features allow you to set a password for individual interface elements, such as:

• 📞 Blocking calls: in the phone settings → The number lock can be installed PIN for outgoing calls to certain numbers.
• 📷 Gallery protection: in the Gallery app, select the album → More. → Block (Mi Account Requires).
• 💬 Hidden chat rooms in SMS: In the app Messages click on the dialogue → Hide (available in) MIUI 12.5+).

You can also use third-party apps like GalleryVault or KeepSafe to block the Gallery, which encrypt photos and videos and password-protect them, and the main advantage is that files are not displayed even in the system Explorer.

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Blocking system functions (calls, SMS) works only with an active Mi Account, and without linking to the account, these settings will reset after the reboot.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When setting up the application lock, Xiaomi users encounter common errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If after setting up App Lock applications start to slow down, try:

1. Clear the blocker cache (Settings) → Annexes → App Lock → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
2. Disable animation in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version → 7 times press to activate the developer mode, then Settings → Additional → For developers → Animation → set No animation).

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If Second Space stopped opening after the update, try resetting the space settings: Settings → Second Space → Delete Second Space (data will be deleted!).

7. Additional security measures

Setting a password on the application is only part of the comprehensive protection. To maximize the security of data on Xiaomi, we recommend:

• 🔐 Activate device encryption: Settings → Additionally. → Encryption and credentials → Warning: the process takes up to 1 hour and requires a full charge!
• 🔄 Set up automatic locking: Settings → Lock screen → Autolock (set the interval of 30 seconds or less).
• 🛡️ Use Mi Cloud for backup: This will restore locks after resetting settings.

Also note phishing attacks: if you receive an SMS or notification asking for a password from App Lock, don’t click on the links. Xiaomi never requests such data through messages.

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Encrypting your phone permanently disables Second Space. If you need both, choose the priority.

⚠️ Note: If you are using App Lock on a root-righted device, the lock can be bypassed through system files. In this case, we recommend installing Magisk and the AppLock Unlocker module for enhanced protection.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions