Owning a Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 smartphone involves a huge amount of personal information, from instant messaging to banking applications. Standard screen protection is often insufficient if the device is used by other family members or colleagues, which is why blocking individual programs becomes critical to keeping your data confidential.
The MIUI operating system that runs your smartphone offers built-in tools to solve this problem without the need to install third-party software, which allows you not only to restrict access to selected programs, but also to hide their presence on the desktop. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods of protection, including the use of hidden space.
Many users mistakenly believe that protecting files or programs requires complex technical manipulations. In fact, application protection is built into the default MIUI shell and activated in a few taps. We'll look not only at the basic password settings, but also at the nuances of working with biometrics and hidden profiles.
Setup of basic application protection
The first step to security is to activate the built-in lock mechanism. To get started, you need to go to the system settings menu. Find the section that Xiaomi usually labels as Application Protection or is inside the Applications category, and it stores access control for all installed programs.
When you first log in, the system will require you to set an unlock method. You can use a digital pin, pattern lock, or fingerprint unlock if it has been pre-configured in the basic security settings of the phone. It is recommended to use the same unlock method as when you log in, so you don't get confused with passwords when you urgently need to open the application.
Once you set the password, you'll see a list of all the installed programs, you'll just need to switch switch switches against the ones you want to restrict access to. Usually, users will first protect the gallery, messages, contacts and bank clients. After activating the switch, you'll be asked to enter a password or scan your finger every time you run the selected program.
☑️ Security check
Importantly, the system allows you to manage these settings flexibly, so you can add a new application to the protected list at any time, or remove it from the protected list if the need for increased secrecy is no longer required.
Use of the Hidden Applications function
In addition to locking, Redmi Note 8 has a feature that completely hides the application icons, which means that the program not only requests a password when you start, but disappears from the desktop and from the menu of all applications, and you can only find it through a special interface or search bar.
To activate this feature, you need to go to the Security app, which is standard for the MIUI shell. At the bottom of the screen or in the tool menu, find the Hidden Applications item. The system will prompt you to enable this option, after which it will hide the programs you select from public access.
There are several ways to open hidden apps, which adds an extra layer of security:
- 🔍 Use of the search bar: just enter the name of the program in the global search.
- 🖐️ Gestures in dialer: in some versions of firmware you can type a special code in the call.
- 📂 Hidden Applications folder: Access through a special folder in the menu, which can also be password protected.
⚠️ Warning: If you forget the password from hidden apps or disable the feature without first restoring access, finding and opening hidden content will be extremely difficult, sometimes requiring a complete reset settings.
This feature is especially useful if you want to hide not only the content, but also the fact that you use certain services, for example, games or social networks can be completely removed from the public eye.
What happens when you update the system?
Set up the Second Space for Maximum Insulation
For those who don’t need a simple lock, Xiaomi offers a “Second Space” feature, which is the creation of a full-fledged second profile inside a single smartphone that works as a separate device with its apps, photos and accounts.
Switching between the main and second spaces is quick, often with a special fingerprint or short code. In the second space, you can install the same apps as in the main profile, but they will be completely isolated. Photos from the main profile gallery will not be visible in the second, and vice versa.
To create a second space, go to the settings and find the appropriate section, and the system will suggest setting up a separate password or fingerprint to log in, which is ideal for separating work and personal life, or for handing over the phone to children without worrying about accessing your personal data.
The second space has its own power saving and notification rules, and you can customize them regardless of your main profile, giving you flexibility to manage background processes and notifications from different services.
Working with biometrics and fingerprints
The Redmi Note 8 features a fingerprint scanner on the back, which makes it much easier to use security features, and instead of typing in a pattern lock or pin code every time, you can unlock the secure app with the touch of your finger.
To set up biometric protection, you need to have your fingerprints written in the system. Go to your password and security settings, select Unlock by fingerprint, and add your data. Then, the fingerprint unlock option will appear in the application protection settings, which you need to activate.
The system allows you to assign different fingerprints for different actions, for example, with the thumb of your right hand you can unlock the phone, and with the finger of your left hand you can instantly open hidden space or secure applications, which creates convenient and fast access without compromises in security.
However, it is worth remembering the limitations of biometrics: If the phone has not been used for more than 24 hours, has been rebooted or has gone through more than 3 failed unlock attempts, the system will require you to enter a primary password.
Access management and exclusions
The flexibility of MIUI allows you to create complex use cases, you can set exceptions for certain types of notifications, or you can allow applications to be accessed at a time, and while the basic lock function is simple, managing it requires attention to detail.
The table below shows the main differences between the protection methods available on the Redmi Note 8:
| Protection method | Level of secrecy | Convenience | Data isolation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application lockdown | Low (icon visible) | High. | No. |
| Hidden applications | Medium (no icons) | Average. | Partial |
| Second space | High (separate profile) | Low (must be switched) | Complete. |
| Guest mode | High-pitched | Low. | Complete. |
If you want to protect the gallery from accidental viewing by children, a basic lock is enough, and if the phone can fall into the hands of an opponent, you better use a second space.
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Use different fingerprints to log into the main menu and to open hidden apps – this will speed up access and increase security.
Frequent problems and their solution
Users may encounter some difficulties in setting up the system, such as when the security settings are updated, or the Security app may stop asking for a password correctly, in which case it is recommended to check for updates for system components in the GetApps store.
Sometimes users forget the application protection password, in which case, if a Mi Account was linked, you can try to restore access through it, but if the password is forgotten and the account is not tied, the only way is to completely reset the device to factory settings, which will lead to the deletion of all data.
Also, it is worth considering that some applications may not work correctly with the lock function, especially if they require constant background processes, in such cases, there may be errors or outages, the solution lies in updating the application itself or temporarily disabling protection for it.
⚠️ Warning: Third-party launchers (desktop shells) may conflict with the standard application hide feature. If you use an alternative interface, the hideout features may not work properly.
Check the relevance of the MIUI version regularly. Xiaomi engineers are constantly improving security mechanisms by closing vulnerabilities and adding new features to protect user data. Ignoring updates can leave your phone vulnerable.
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A combination of security techniques (e.g., app lock + second space) ensures the highest level of security for personal data on your smartphone.