How to put it PIN-Xiaomi app code: a complete guide with pictures and tips

Protecting personal data on Xiaomi is not just a recommendation, it’s a necessity in the era of digital threats. PIN-It's a function in firmware. MIUI It allows you to block access to instant messengers, banking programs, a gallery or social networks even if someone unlocked the phone itself.

Unlike the standard screen blocker, which protects the entire device, the application lock works selectively, which is convenient when you need to quickly give the phone to a friend to call, but at the same time hide personal correspondence on Telegram or photos in Google Photos. In this article, we will discuss all the ways of installation. PIN-code for applications in Xiaomi, including hidden settings MIUI 14, avoidance of common errors and alternative methods of protection.

Why You Should Protect Applications PIN-Xiaomi-coded

According to Kaspersky statistics for 2023, more than 40% of personal data breaches occur due to physical access to an unlocked smartphone, and even if you use a fingerprint or facial recognition, these methods are not perfect:

• 🔓 Biometric data can be tricked – by the owner’s photo (for Face) ID) or finger-paint.
• 📱 Children or co-workers may accidentally see sensitive information when the phone is unlocked.
• 💰 Banking applications (such as SberBank Online or Tinkoff) often do not require re-entering a password when opening.
• 📸 Gallery and instant messengers contain personal photos and correspondence that are not intended for prying eyes.

App Lock function in the MIUI Adds a second layer of protection to these problems, and it works independently of the main screen locker — even if someone knows your pattern lock, they won’t be able to open locked apps without additional security. PIN-code.

Preparing the phone before setting up App Lock

Before installing PIN-App code, make sure your Xiaomi is ready for it:

1. Update your firmware to the latest MIUI (relevant to the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and other models). In older versions (below MIUI 12), the feature may not work as well.
2. Set your primary password (PIN, pattern lock, or fingerprint) without it, the App Lock will not activate.
3. Sync your Mi Account – this will help you restore your settings if you forget the PIN from the apps.

Also check if you have third-party launchers (like Nova Launcher or Apex) on your phone, which can conflict with system-locking applications. If you use an alternative launcher, temporarily return to the standard MIUI Launcher:

Settings → Home → Select “Standard Launcher”

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If App Lock has disappeared after the MIUI update, try resetting security settings to Settings → Passwords & Security → Resetting security settings. This won’t delete your data, but will return the standard security settings.

Step-by-step instructions: how to put PIN-code

The customization process is the same for most Xiaomi models, including the Redmi 10, POCO F4, Xiaomi 12T, and others.

1. Open Settings and go to Passwords and Security (on some models, Security).
2. Select App Lock. If this is not the case, update your firmware or use an alternative method (described below).
3. Set a Password for App Lock: Think of it PIN-4-8 digit code (do not use date of birth or simple combinations like 1234) confirm it with re-entry. Attach a fingerprint or facial recognition for quick access (optional).

Select applications to block

WhatsApp

VKontakte

Sberbank

Activate additional settings

• 🔒 Hide notifications – blocked apps will not show the content of notifications on the lock screen.
• 📱 Prohibit installation/deletion – protection against accidental removal of blocked programs.
• ⏱️ Autolock – the application will be blocked 1–30 minutes after closing.

After activation when the blocked application is first opened, the system will request input PIN-If you've tied up biometrics, you can use a fingerprint to unlock it.

Alternative ways to block applications

If the standard App Lock is not suitable (for example, due to outdated firmware or regional restrictions), use these methods:

Third-party blocking applications

There are dozens of apps on Google Play that block software, and the most reliable ones are:

• 🔐 AppLock (by DoMobile Lab) - Supports PIN, There's a burglary-resistant feature (blocks attempts to bypass settings).
• 🛡️ Norton App Lock – from the well-known antivirus, integrates with the security system Norton.
• 📱 Smart AppLock – allows you to block not only applications, but also individual functions (for example, mobile data or Wi-Fi).

⚠️ Note: When using third-party blockers, disable battery optimization for them in Settings → Battery → Optimize the battery, otherwise it may spontaneously close.

2. Hidden folders in MIUI

If you want to hide not the application itself, but its data (for example, photos in the gallery), use the Hidden Albums function:

1. Open Gallery → Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Hidden albums.
2. Set a password (it may be different from the PIN-application lock-code).
3. Transfer the necessary files to a hidden folder.

3.Second Space Mode

Dual Apps (or Second Space) in MIUI allows you to create a separate user profile with your own apps and data, which is useful if you want to completely isolate your work messengers from your personal ones:

Settings → Applications → Dual Apps → Select an App for Duplication

Typical problems and their solutions

When using App Lock, Xiaomi users often encounter errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

1. App Lock does not save settings

Reason: Conflict with battery optimization or third-party cache cleaners (e.g. Clean Master).

Decision:

• Open Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization
• Find Security (or Security) in the list and select Unlimited.
• Reboot the phone.

2. Forgot. PIN-code from App Lock

If you forget your password, you can restore it through your Mi Account:

1. Enter the wrong PIN 5 times in a row.
2. Will you see a button for Forgot your password?
3. Sign in to your Xiaomi account and follow the instructions for resetting.

⚠️ Warning: If you haven’t tied up a Mi Account or don’t remember the data from it, the only way to reset App Lock is to completely reset your phone (Settings) → The phone. → Reset settings. It will delete all data!

3.Apps are blocked accidentally

Reason: Short-interval Autolock (e.g., 1 minute) is enabled.

Decision:

• Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Blocking applications.
• Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Settings.
• Turn off Autolock or increase the interval to 10–30 minutes.

4. Facial/fingerprint recognition is not working

Causes and solutions:

• 👤 Face not recognized: Make sure your profile is added to Face Recognition settings. Lighting should be uniform.
• 👆 Fingerprint not read: Re-register fingerprint in Settings → Passwords and security → Fingerprint. Delete the old data and add it back.
• 🔋 Low battery power: At a charge level below 15%, biometrics can shut down to save energy.

How to strengthen protection: additional tips

Installation PIN-So, the first step is to get your application code back on track, and to make your security really robust, follow these guidelines:

• 🔑 Use different passwords to lock the screen and App Lock.If someone recognizes your primary password PIN, It will not be able to open blocked applications.
• 📱 Turn off notifications on the lock screen for secure applications, this will prevent information from leaking through preview messages.
• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI — New versions fix vulnerabilities that can bypass App Lock.
• 🛡️ Install an antivirus (such as Avast or Bitdefender) to protect against keyloggers that can intercept input PIN-code.
• 📌 Check the permissions of applications in Settings → Annexes → Permissions: Some programs (e.g. launchers) may request access to security settings.

Important: In the firmware of MIUI 14 and later, the “Private Mode” feature appeared, which allows you to hide the icons of blocked applications from the general list. It is activated in Settings → Passwords and Security → Private Mode.

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Combination PIN-Code for apps, biometrics and hidden albums creates layered protection that is almost impossible to get around without physical access to the phone and knowledge of passwords.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking apps on Xiaomi