Protecting personal data on a smartphone is one of the main tasks of the modern user. Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI offer several built-in ways to block access to applications, but not everyone knows how to use them correctly. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, from the standard App Lock to hidden system functions and third-party solutions.
According to statistics, more than 60% of Xiaomi users do not use application blocking, although the risk of data leakage through messengers, banking programs or a gallery is extremely high. We will show how to configure protection in 5 minutes without root rights and complex manipulations, and also tell you which applications to block first and why standard methods sometimes fail.
Why you should block applications on Xiaomi
Even if you have a graphical key to unlock the screen, it doesn't guarantee security. Here are 3 key reasons to use app lock:
- 🔒 Access to personal data: Messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), mail and cloud storage contain confidential information that can be read even from an unlocked phone.
- 💳 Financial risks: Banking applications (SberBank Online, Tinkoff) and wallets (Qiwi, WebMoney) allow you to transfer money without additional authorization.
- 👀 Accidental actions: Children or colleagues may inadvertently delete important files, send messages, or change settings.
In MIUI 12-14, locking is system-level, so it's almost impossible to get around it without knowing the password, but there are nuances: for example, if you use a fingerprint to unlock your phone, the same fingerprint can open the blocked applications, which is the default setting that you should change.
⚠️ Warning: If you block the Settings app, you can't change your system password or disable App Lock without completely resetting!
Method 1: Built-in App Lock in MIUI
The easiest and most reliable method is to use the standard App Lock feature, which is available in all Xiaomi smartphones since MIUI 8. It does not require additional software installation and works even on budget models (Redmi 9A, Poco M3).
To activate the lock:
- Open Settings → Applications → App Lock.
- Click Enable and come up with a password (other than unlocking the screen!).
- Select applications from the list (e.g. Gallery, Messages, Bank).
- Activate Hide notifications so that the content of messages does not appear on the locked screen.
Newer versions of MIUI 13/14 have the ability to face lock, but this method is less reliable than a password, and you can set up automatic blocking of applications 30 seconds after you fold.
Make sure that MIUI version is not lower than 8| Invent a password other than unlocking the screen | Turn off autocomplete passwords in the browser | Check that the fingerprint does not duplicate unlocking applications-->
| MIUI version | Supported blocking methods | Features |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 8–11 | Password, pattern lock | No lock on the face, possible bugs with notifications |
| MIUI 12 | Password, fingerprint, face. | There is an option "Hidden applications" (hidden icons) |
| MIUI 13–14 | All methods. + PIN-code | Time-bound locks (for example, only at work) |
Method 2: Hidden MIUI features for advanced users
If you don't like the standard App Lock, MIUI has hidden features for enhanced protection, such as blocking apps from accessing it through Second Space Mode or Private Mode.
The second space creates a separate user profile with its own apps and data, to customize it:
Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space → CreateAfter that, you can move sensitive applications (like Tinder or VKontakte) to the second space and protect it with a separate password, the main advantage is that even if someone unlocks the main profile, they will not see the data from the second.
Private mode (available on Xiaomi 11/12/13 series) allows you to hide files and applications behind a password.
Settings → Privacy → Private Mode → Include⚠️ Warning: The second space takes up additional memory (up to 2-3 GB) and can slow down the work of budget smartphones (Redmi Note 8, Poco) X3). Before setting up, check the free space in the Settings section. → Memory.
How to get around the lock through the Second Space if you forget your password
Method 3: Third-party applications for blocking
If the built-in MIUI features seem insufficient, you can use third-party programs.
- 🔐 AppLock (by DoMobile Lab) - supports locking by fingerprint, face and password. There is a function "Hacker" (photo of someone who tried to hack).
- 🛡️ Norton App Lock – integrates with antivirus, blocks phishing links in blocked applications.
- 📱 Smart AppLock – allows you to set different passwords for different applications and configure the lock schedule.
To install a third-party App Lock:
- Download the app from Google Play (avoid APK from unknown sources!).
- Grant permissions for Special Opportunities (required for blocking).
- Select the applications to block and set up the authorization method.
The downside of third-party solutions is that they can conflict with MIUI, especially on newer versions (MIUI 14), such as AppLock, which sometimes stops working after a system update, and these programs consume an additional battery (up to 5-7% per day).
Built-in App Lock|Second Space|Third-party apps|Do not block apps|Another way-->
Which apps to block in the first place
Not all programs require protection. TOP-5 Apps that you need to block on Xiaomi in the first place:
- Banking applications (SberBank Online, Tinkoff, VTB Online) – access to accounts and payments.
- Messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) – the history of correspondence and media files.
- Gallery and Google Photos – personal photos and videos.
- Mail (Gmail, Mail.ru) - letters with important information.
- Cloud storage (Google Drive, Yandex.Disk) – backup copies and documents.
It's also worth blocking:
- 📱 Settings – so that no one changes passwords or resets the phone.
- 🎮 Gaming Accounts (Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile – Linked payments and progress.
- 🔧 File Manager (Mi File Manager) - access to system folders.
MIUI 14 has introduced the “Block System Applications” feature, which allows you to protect even Settings and Phone, and it is activated in Settings → Apps → App Lock → System Applications.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many Xiaomi users have trouble setting up locks, and here are the most common mistakes:
- 🔄 Using one password to unlock the screen and the App Lock, if it's picked up, protection is useless.
- 👆 Forgetting to disable autocomplete passwords in the browser (Chrome, Mi Browser) allows you to bypass the lock through the web version of the application.
- 📱 Not updated. MIUI. Old versions (MIUI 9-10) There are vulnerabilities that can bypass App Lock ADB.
Another common problem is resetting the lock after the update, so you can avoid it.
- Before updating, check that App Lock is enabled in Settings → Accounts → Sync.
- Do not use MIUI beta unless you are ready for bugs.
- Create a backup of passwords in Mi Cloud (Settings → Mi Account → Cloud → Backup).
💡
If the App Lock has stopped working after the update, try clearing the Security app cache (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Security → Clear the cache).
How to remove the lock if you forgot the password
Forgot your password from App Lock? There are several ways to restore:
- Through Mi Account: Go to Settings → App Lock → Forgot your password?. Enter your Mi Account (mail or phone). Follow the reset instructions.
- Through Settings Reset (if Mi Account is not tied): Perform Settings → About Phone → Reset. Attention: This will delete all data from the phone!
- Through ADB (for advanced): adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.applock This command removes App Lock without resetting, but requires enabled debugging over USB.
⚠️ Note: If you use the Second Space and you forget your password, you can only restore access through a full reset!
💡
The most reliable way to not lose access is to link Mi Account and enable password synchronization in the cloud.