How to put a lock on the application in Xiaomi Redmi: data protection

A modern smartphone stores a huge amount of sensitive information that should not be open to prying eyes. Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi devices often wonder how to securely block access to specific programs, such as instant messengers, gallery or bank customers. The standard shell of MIUI and its current version of HyperOS offer built-in, powerful tools to solve this problem without the need to install third-party software.

Using built-in security features is preferable because they are deeply integrated into the system and do not drain the battery with background processes. Installing a lock on an application in Xiaomi is not just a restriction of entry, but also creating an additional layer of data encryption. Below we will discuss in detail all the available methods, from simple locking to creating a completely isolated space.

You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to set up your data protection. Xiaomi’s settings interface is designed with an emphasis on intuitiveness, however, some features can be hidden in the submenu. We’ll help you find the right switches and configure them correctly for maximum efficiency.

Setting up the password protection in the system

Before blocking individual programs, you need to create a universal access key that will be used by the MIUI security system. This step is fundamental, since without it, none of the security features are activated. The system will prompt you to choose the type of password: a pattern lock, a digital code, an alphanumeric password or a fingerprint unlock.

A pattern lock is often considered less reliable than a complex alphanumeric code, but more convenient for frequent use. When creating a password, the system will urge you to link your Mi Account account or specify a check question, which is critically important, because if you forget your password, you can only restore access through this data.

⚠️ Note: Do not use simple combinations like "1234" or geometric shapes like the letter "G". Attackers often check for such obvious options in the first place.

Once the password is set, it will act as a master key for all the protected features: hiding applications, blocking startups and accessing personal files. It is recommended to also enable fingerprint or face unlock if your Redmi supports these technologies, which will significantly speed up access to blocked programs.

• 🔒 pattern lock – quickly drawn, but may remain traces on the screen.
• 🔢 Digital. PIN-code - classic version, convenient for entering with one hand.
• 🔡 A strong password is the maximum protection, but it takes time to enter.
• 👆 Biometrics is the fastest method, but requires pre-tuning in the system.

Use of the built-in function "Application Protection"

The main tool for the "how to put a lock on an app" problem is in the standard "Security" application, a system utility with a green shield icon that is pre-installed on all Xiaomi devices, and this is where the main levers of access control to your data are concentrated.

To activate the function, you need to open Security, scroll down to Application Protection and activate the slider. The system will require you to enter a previously created password for protection, and then a list of all installed programs will open, where you can select the ones you want to lock.

Interestingly, in the settings in this section, you can activate locking not only when you start, but also when you exit the program, which means that even if you fold the messenger, rather than close it completely, re-entry will require confirmation, a feature that is useful to prevent accidental viewing of correspondence when the phone is in the hands of another person.

There's a switch in the app list opposite each name, activate it for those programs that contain sensitive information, and the system will remember your choices and require authorization every time you try to open the software you select.

Set up notifications and exceptions

Once you have locked, you may find that the contents of the notifications are still visible on the lock screen or in the curtain, which can reveal the essence of the message, even if the application itself is closed, and to avoid leakage, you need to properly configure the options for displaying the notifications.

The Application Protection menu has a Notification Settings option, where you can choose how the system should behave when a new message is sent to a blocked program, and you can choose to hide the content, show only the sender's name, or completely block pop-ups.

You also need to pay attention to the Exceptions feature, which allows you to unlock the application for a certain time without entering a password. This is convenient when you use your phone in a secure environment, such as at home, and persistent password requests start to annoy you, and you can set a timer, after which the protection is activated again.

• 🔇 Hide contents – the curtain will say “New message”, but without text.
• 👤 Show the sender – the contact name is visible, but not the text of the message.
• ⏱️ Exceptions – temporary removal of the lock for 15, 30 or 60 minutes.
• 🚫 Block notifications – notifications from secure applications do not come at all.

Second Space: Creating a Second Profile

For users who want the highest level of privacy, Xiaomi offers Second Space, not just a lock on an app, but a completely isolated environment inside a smartphone, and in fact, you get two phones on the same device with different desktops, different accounts, and different data.

Switching between the main and second spaces is instantaneous, so you can set the entrance to the second space with a separate fingerprint, for example, if you put your right thumb on your thumb, you get into normal mode, and if you put your left finger on your left hand, you immediately find yourself in a hidden space with banking apps and personal photos.

The data in Second Space is completely isolated. The applications installed in the second space are not visible in the first space, and vice versa. This is the perfect way to hide not only the fact that certain programs are used, but also the fact that they are on the device, and even when you connect the phone to the computer, files from the second space will not appear without unlocking.

⚠️ Note: When you delete the second space, all data, photos and apps inside will be permanently deleted.

You can find this feature in the general smartphone settings, in the “Special Features” or “Advanced” section, depending on the version of MIUI. Creating a second space takes a few minutes, since the system needs to prepare the file structure.

Hiding applications on the desktop

If your goal is not so much to protect data with a password as to remove application icons from view, use the app hide feature, which works in conjunction with the lock, but has a slightly different interface, hidden applications disappear from the desktop and from the menu, but remain available through special input in the Themes app or through search.

To activate this mode, go to the Themes (T icon), click on the user profile and select Hide Apps. Here you can mark the programs you want to make invisible. To run them, you will have to enter a special keyword in the search or use the hidden app widget.

This method is often used by parents to restrict children’s access to certain games or settings, as well as by users who want to keep a minimalist desktop look.

In newer versions of the HyperOS shell, the logic of hidden applications has been reworked to improve security, and access to them now most often requires biometric authorization or the device’s primary password, making the method more reliable.

Comparison of data protection methods

Once you've got all the tools in place, let's organize the information. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages depending on what you want to protect and against whom, and the table below will help you choose the best use case.

As you can see from the comparison, for everyday use, the best option is to combine Application Protection with biometric unlocking, which provides a balance between security and access speed. Second Space is worth using in situations where increased secrecy is required.

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Use different fingerprints for the main profile and Second Space, which allows you to switch between modes instantly, just changing your finger on the scanner.

Restoration of access and expert advice

No one is immune to forgetfulness, so it’s important to know how to restore access if a password is lost. In Xiaomi, the main recovery tool is the Mi Account account. If you tied it to your password when you set up the protection, you can reset the forgotten data through the Xiaomi cloud service site.

The process of resetting the application protection password through the site takes a few minutes, you will need to log in, go to the security section and select the option to reset the password protection, after which the notification will come to the phone, and you can specify a new code. However, if the account was not tied, it will be almost impossible to restore access to the blocked applications without losing data.

⚠️ Note: Resetting your password through your Mi Account may result in deleting data within secure applications (e.g., correspondence history) if you do not make a backup copy.

Mobile security experts recommend checking checks and phone numbers regularly, and upgrades should be made as new versions of MIUI and HyperOS are constantly improving encryption algorithms and fixing vulnerabilities.

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Regularly linking your Mi Account and remembering a check issue is the only reliable way to restore access to data if you lose your password.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)