How to put protection on applications on Xiaomi: a complete guide to MIUI and HyperOS

The modern smartphone stores a huge amount of personal information, from instant messaging to accessing bank accounts. Xiaomi device owners often wonder how to restrict access to specific programs without blocking the entire screen of the phone. Fortunately, the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS provide built-in tools to solve this problem without installing third-party software.

Installing personal protection on apps is a basic level of digital hygiene that every user should have, so you can hide the contents of the gallery from prying eyes or prevent children from running games in your absence. In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods, including hidden features and settings for system constraints.

Before we get to the specific steps, it’s important to understand that Xiaomi’s security system works at the Mi Account level and device local settings, which means that even if you reset your screen password, access to secure applications will remain blocked without additional code.

Built-in “Application Protection” function in MIUI

The easiest and most reliable way to restrict access is to use the App Lock utility, which is built into the Security system application and does not require root rights or complex configuration, but allows you to select any installed programs and put a separate password on them, different from the unlock code of the screen.

To activate the function, you need to open the Security application, which is the system control center on all smartphones of the brand. In the menu, you should find the Application Protection item and activate the slider. PIN-code, as well as link Mi Account to restore access in case of forgetting the password.

Once you set a password, you will see a list of all installed programs, you can choose WhatsApp, Telegram, Gallery or any other service that requires privacy, and each time you run the selected application, the system will request proof of identity, which creates an additional barrier for unauthorized persons who have physical access to the unlocked phone.

⚠️ Note: Do not use your date of birth or simple combinations like “1234” as a password to protect applications.

It's important to note that the feature works even after the device is restarted. However, if you decide to remove the Security app (which is impossible without superuser rights) or reset to factory settings, the protection will be removed, so this method is ideal for everyday use, but it is not a file system-level encryption tool.

Using biometrics for quick access

Entering a password can be tedious every time, especially if you often access secure applications. MIUI 12, MIUI 13, MIUI 14 and up-to-date HyperOS shells allow you to use biometric data to log in. You can set up unlocking by fingerprint or face ID.

To activate this option, you need to go back to the application protection password settings menu, and there's a "Use Biometrics" switch or similar item depending on the firmware version, and once you turn on, you don't have to enter a pattern lock, just put your finger on the scanner or look at the screen.

Using biometrics is a great deal of a speedy process, but it has its nuances: for example, a fingerprint is considered a more reliable method of authentication than facial recognition, because it is more difficult to fake, but Face ID is enough to quickly check messages in instant messengers.

• 👆 Fingerprints provide a high level of security and work even in the dark.
• 😎 Face ID Comfortable when hands are busy, but can malfunction in bright sunlight.
• 🔒 The combined method allows you to use any of the methods for maximum comfort.

Keep in mind that biometrics are stored in a secure processor module (TEE) and are not transmitted to the company's servers, which ensures that your fingerprints or facial scans remain exclusively on your device, but if the biometrics fail several times in a row, the system will force you to enter the master password.

Incognito mode and hidden applications

In addition to blocking launch, Xiaomi offers a feature to hide app icons, a solution for those who want to not only protect the application with a password, but also make it invisible in the general list, often called “Hidden Apps” and works in conjunction with the theme of the design or through a special menu.

To access hidden apps, you use a special gesture in the Themes app or through the search bar, and you can set a list of hidden programs to open when you type a specific code in a search, creating a double bottom level: an outsider will not even see an Instagram icon or a bank client on the desktop.

You can hide the application through settings: go to Settings → Applications → Hidden Applications. You just need to activate the switch opposite the desired program. To enter the hidden partition, you need to swipe up at a certain place on the screen (usually in the Themes or Gallery app, depending on the version of MIUI) or enter a secret code.

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Using different passwords for App Lock and unlocking the screen, if an attacker learns the unlock code, they can't log into secure applications without a second code.

This method is especially useful when you give someone a phone to call or view a photo, but you don't want that person to see certain shortcuts. However, remember that an experienced user can find hidden apps through system settings or task manager, so relying on cover-up alone is not a good idea.

Second Space: Complete Data Segregation

The most radical and effective protection is the Second Space feature, which creates a virtual second, independent profile on your smartphone with its apps, photos, contacts and settings, and switches between the main and second spaces instantly using a fingerprint or password.

Imagine you have two different phones in your hands, basically your work files and your regular apps, and then you have private emails, hidden photos, and private accounts, and when you turn on your phone, you decide what space you're going to go into, just by using a certain finger to unlock it.

You can configure Second Space in Settings → Additional Features → Second Space. The system will suggest you create a separate password or attach another fingerprint. All data in this space is encrypted separately. Even if someone accesses the main profile with administrator privileges, they will not be able to see files in the second space without their password.

This feature is ideal for separating work and personal life, or for handing over the phone to children. You can give your child a phone with your baby finger unlocked and make sure they don't get to your work documents or adult sites. Apps in the second space need to be re-installed, they don't automatically duplicate.

⚠️ Note: When you delete the Second Space, all data in it will be irretrievably lost.Be sure to back up important files via Mi Cloud before resetting or transfer them to the main storage facility.

Restriction of access for children (parental control)

If your goal is not so much to protect against hackers as to limit children’s access to certain content or purchases, you should pay attention to the Parental Controls feature or Child Space mode. Unlike App Lock, the emphasis here is on limiting the time of use and filtering content.

In Google account settings or through the Family Link app, you can prevent new apps from being installed without parental confirmation, and at the MIUI level, there are also restrictions that prevent a child from uninstalling system apps or changing important network settings.

You can set up your child's profile so that they can only run educational apps or games that you have approved, and access to your browser, YouTube, or app stores can be completely blocked or time-limited, a more flexible tool than simply locking your password.

• 🕒 Setting time limits for specific games and entertainment.
• 🚫 Blocking purchases on Google Play and Mi Store.
• 📍 Tracking the location of the child’s device in real time.

Using parental controls requires initial setup and linking of accounts, but it provides a powerful tool for managing digital consumption, and it is important to explain to the child that these measures are not for surveillance, but for security and balance between the virtual and real world.

Frequent questions and problem-solving

Despite the convenience of Xiaomi’s interface, users often face questions about restoring access or compatibility features, and here are answers to the most common questions that will help avoid locking your own device.

What if you forgot your App Lock password? If you've linked your Mi Account, you can try to reset access through the "Forgot Password" button on the input screen. If the account wasn't tied, the only way is to completely reset your phone, which will result in all data being lost.

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Always link your Mi Account to the application protection feature when you first set up, which is the only way to restore access without losing data if you forget your password.

App Lock is available on most Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi MIUI smartphones since version 9. However, on some trimmed firmware versions (Global Beta or specific regional versions), the path to settings may vary slightly.

Update your system regularly to get security patches. Xiaomi is constantly improving its biometrics and encryption algorithms, and following these simple rules will make you feel confident using your smartphone in any environment.