How to put a password on the apps in Xiaomi phones: all ways and life hacks

Do you want to hide private WhatsApp messages, block access to banking apps, or simply restrict the use of certain programs on your Xiaomi? Modern versions of MIUI (14/15) have several ways to set passwords for apps, from built-in features to third-party solutions, but not all of them work equally well, and some may even reset security settings after a system update.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current methods, from standard Application Protection in Xiaomi settings to Second Space and third-party blockers, how to get around common bugs (for example, when a password is not saved), which models support a particular function, and what to do if you forget the code, and why some applications (like TikTok or Telegram) can ignore the lock and how to fix it.

Method 1: Built-in Application Protection in MIUI

The easiest and most reliable method is to use the built-in Application Protection option, which is available in MIUI 12 and later, it does not require additional software installation and works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models (except the oldest ones with MIUI 11 and below).

To activate the protection:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Protection.
2. Click Enable and come up with PIN-code or pattern lock (minimum 4 characters).
3. Select the apps from the list you want to block (such as Gallery, SMS, or Google Pay).
4. Activate the switch Request a password when you open.

⚠️ Note: If you are using Xiaomi with MIUI Global Market (Global) ROM), In this case, upgrade to the latest version or use method 3 (Second Space).

Make sure that MIUI updated 14/15 version|Check for a function in Settings → Annexes|Remember or write your password to a secure location|Disable battery optimization for secure applications-->

Method 2: Locking through Second Space

Second Space is a feature built into Xiaomi that creates a second independent user profile with separate apps and settings, often used to separate work and personal data, but it is also great for blocking access to certain programs.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Second Space (on some models, path: Settings → Special features → Second Space).
2. Create a second profile by following the instructions on the screen (you will need to create a password).
3. In the main space, remove or hide the applications you want to block (e.g., through Settings → Apps → Hide Apps).
4. In Second Space, install these apps again and use them only there.

🔹 Pros of the method:

• 🔒 Complete isolation: Second Space apps are not visible in the main profile.
• 📱 It works even on older versions. MIUI (starting MIUI 8).
• 🔄 You can quickly switch between swipe spaces on the lock screen.

⚠️ Note: Some system applications (such as Settings or Phone) cannot be migrated to Second Space, and the feature may conflict with Google Pay and other services associated with an account.

Built-in application protection |Second Space|Third-party blockers |Do not use lock-->

Method 3: Third-party applications for blocking (AppLock)

If the built-in Xiaomi features do not suit you, you can install a third-party blocker, for example:

• 🔐 AppLock (from DoMobile Lab) - supports PIN, graphical key and fingerprint.
• 🛡️ Norton App Lock – a reliable solution from the well-known antivirus.
• 📱 Smart AppLock – a lightweight application with a minimalist interface.

How to set up AppLock:

1. Download the app from Google Play (link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock).
2. Run it and set the main password.
3. In the Blocked Applications section, select the programs you want to protect.
4. In the settings, activate Hide notifications and Disable deletion so that no one can bypass the lock.

🔹 The Benefits of Third-Party Blockers:

• 🔧 More settings (e.g. time lock or geolocation).
• 📲 It works on all versions of Android, including the old Xiaomi MIUI 9-11.
• 🔒 You can block not only applications, but also individual functions (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth).

⚠️ Note: Some blockers (especially the little ones) may collect data about your apps. Check reviews and permissions on Google Play before installing them. MIUI Optimization – in this case, add a blocker to battery exclusions.

💡

If apps continue to open without a password after installing AppLock, restart your phone and check your battery optimization settings for the blocker.

Method 4: Hiding applications without password (for quick access)

If you don't need a password, but you just want to hide apps from prying eyes, MIUI has a Hide Apps feature that doesn't block access, but makes programs invisible on the menu.

How to hide applications:

1. Press the free space on the home screen and select Settings (or go to Settings → Home screen).
2. Hide the apps and choose the ones you want to hide.
3. Confirm action. These programs will no longer appear in the menu, but can be found through a search (swipe down on the home screen).

🔹 How to Return Hidden Apps:

• 🔍 Enter the name of the application in the search bar (swipe down on the main screen).
• 📌 Hold the icon and drag it back to the screen.
• 🔧 Or go back to Settings. → Main screen screen → Hidden apps and uncheck the boxes.

⚠️ Note: Hidden apps can still be opened through Google Play or system search. Use App Protection or Second Space to block them completely.

Table: Comparison of locking methods on Xiaomi

What to do if I forget the password from the lock?

If you have forgotten your password from Application Protection or Second Space, there are several ways to recover:

🔹 For Application Protection:

1. Try to enter a spare PIN or pattern lock (if installed).
2. If you have a Mi Account attached, click Forgot your password and follow the instructions.
3. In extreme cases, reset your settings via Settings → About Phone → Reset settings (data will be deleted!).

🔹 For Second Space:

• 🔑 Try the password from the main space (sometimes it matches).
• 📧 If you have a Mi Account attached, restore access via email.
• ⚠️ Without a password and Mi Account, space can only be deleted through a full reset.

🔹 For third-party blockers (AppLock):

• 🔍 Check the email specified during registration – many blockers send backup copies of the password.
• 📱 Reinstall the app – sometimes it resets settings (but not always!).
• 🔧 If nothing helps, remove the blocker through Safe Mode (press the power button). → Safe regime).

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

When setting up a lock on Xiaomi, users often face the following problems:

🔸 Password is not saved after resetting

• 🔋 Check if battery optimization for the Security or AppLock app is disabled.
• 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (old versions had an error with saving settings).

🔸 Applications open without asking for a password

• 🔒 Make sure that the Application Protection settings have switched on Request Password when you open.
• 📱 Reboot your phone – sometimes it helps.
• 🔧 For third-party blockers, check settings Special features → AppLock.

🔸 The lock does not work for some applications (TikTok, Telegram)

• 📌 Some apps (especially those with push notifications) can bypass locking:
• → Disable notifications for this application.
• → Use Second Space instead of the standard lock.
• → Install AppLock with notification blocking function.

🔸 After updating MIUI lockdown

• 🔄 It's a known problem. MIUI 14→15. After the update:
• → Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application protection and reconfigure.
• → If the feature is missing, try changing the region of the phone to India (in some firmware, this returns the option).

💡

If Application Protection is lost after the MIUI update, check the phone region in Settings → Additional → Region. Sometimes changing to India returns hidden options.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking apps on Xiaomi