How to set a password for applications in Xiaomi Redmi 9A: From standard settings to hidden chips

Xiaomi Redmi 9A — One of the most popular budget smartphones, but its owners often face a problem: how to protect personal data in applications from prying eyes? 9A It works on a lightweight version. MIUI, Where some security features are hidden or missing out of the box, this guide will take you through all the working ways to set passwords for applications, from built-in tools to trusted third-party solutions, and how to get around common setup errors.

It is important to understand: password protection on Redmi 9A It has its own nuances, like the standard App Lock feature in the MIUI It may not be available in some regional firmware, and third-party apps sometimes conflict with Xiaomi’s memory optimization. MIUI (including MIUI 12.5 and MIUI 13 for Redmi 9A) We have prepared unique recommendations for choosing a method depending on your tasks - whether it is protecting messengers, banking applications or hiding multimedia.

1. Checking the availability of the built-in App Lock feature

Before installing third-party utilities, check if your firmware has a native app lock feature. 9A It can be hidden or disabled by default. Here's how to find it:

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Blocking applications (or Passwords & Security) → App lock in the global version).
3. If there is no item, try to enter the App lock request in the Settings search.

If the function is missing, it means one of two things:

• 📱 You have a lightweight firmware for Redmi. 9A (for example, MIUI Lite), where App Lock is removed.
• 🌍 Your region does not support this feature (often found in firmware for India or China).

In this case, move to the second method (using Second Space) or the third (third-party applications). If there is an App Lock, follow the instructions below.

2.Setting up App Lock: step-by-step instructions

If the App Lock feature is available, it will take no more than 5 minutes to set up.

1. Activation of the function: Go to Settings → Block applications. Click Enable and create a PIN or pattern lock (Mi Account password cannot be used!). Confirm your password and link your email to restore (required!).
2. App selection: In the list, tick the apps you want to block (e.g. WhatsApp, Gallery, SberBank Online). For banking applications, turn on Hide Notifications (if available).
3. Additional settings: Enable Lock after closing so that the application is blocked immediately after folding. Activate Hide the App Lock icon in the notification panel (hiding the use of the feature).

A reliable PIN (not date of birth!)

Linked to workmail for recovery

All necessary applications are noted

The option "Block after closing" is enabled

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Important nuance: on Redmi 9A s MIUI 12.5 and below, App Lock can reset after the device restarts. To avoid this, add a feature to AutoRun:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Autorun.
2. Find Security and enable Auto Start.

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After the update MIUI App Lock has disappeared, try resetting security settings: Settings → Memory. → Clear the data for the Security app, and it will bring back the standard options.

3. Alternative method: Second Space (Second Profile)

If App Lock is not available, use the built-in Second Space feature, which creates a separate work profile with its own applications and settings, a method that is suitable for complete isolation of personal data (for example, for separation of work and personal life).

How to set up:

1. Open Settings → Special Options → Second Space
2. Click Create Second Space and follow the instructions (you will need to create a new password for your profile).
3. Once created, go to Second Space Settings and select the apps you want to hide from your main profile.
4. Return to your main profile and block the transition to Second Space with a password (Settings) → Second Space → Lockdown).

Pros of the method:

• 🔒 Complete application isolation (even system utilities don’t see data from another profile).
• 📱 No conflicts with memory optimization (unlike third-party applications).
• 🔄 You can quickly switch between swipe profiles by the button Latest applications.

Cons:

• 📴 Doubling of space (the applications are duplicated in both profiles).
• ⚙️ You need to set up each profile separately (Wi-Fi, accounts, etc.).

4. Third-party applications for blocking: TOP-3 tested

If the built-in methods don't work, use third-party utilities, and we tested dozens of apps and selected the three most reliable ones for Redmi. 9A, non-contradictory MIUI They don't eat the battery.

How to install and configure:

1. Download the selected application from Google Play (links above).
2. When you first start, allow all the rights you request (especially Accessibility and Usage Data – without them, the lock will not work!).
3. Set a PIN or a graphical key (don’t use simple combinations like 1234!).
4. In the list of applications, mark the ones you want to block.
5. In settings, activate: Automatic lock (after 5-10 seconds after folding); Hide notifications (for instant messengers and banking applications); Deletion protection (so that an attacker cannot remove the blocker).

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On the Redmi. 9A With 2GB of RAM, avoid heavy blockers like Norton – they can cause lags.Optimum choice: Smart AppLock or built-in App Lock (if available).

Typical problems and their solutions

When you set up application locking on Redmi 9A Users often encounter errors, and we've collected the most common problems and ways to fix them:

⚠️ Attention! If, after installing the blocker, applications start to spontaneously close, add it to the battery optimization exceptions: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Find the blocker. → Select "No restrictions".

Problem 1: App Lock resets after reboot

Decision:

• Check if AutoRun for Security is enabled (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Auto-start).
• Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (in the new firmware, the bug has been corrected).
• If it doesn’t work, use third-party blockers.

Problem 2: Fingerprint locking is not working

Decision:

• Make sure that the fingerprint is added to the system: Settings → Screen locking → Fingerprints.
• In the App Lock or third-party blocker settings, enable the option to Allow Biometrics.
• If the fingerprint is not recognized, re-register it (sometimes adding the same finger twice helps).

Problem 3: Third-party blocker doesn’t see some apps

Decision:

• Check if Accessibility rights are enabled for the blocker (Settings) → Special facilities → Special facilities services).
• Update the blocker to the latest version.
• If you have a problem with system applications (such as the Gallery), use Second Space.

6. How to restore access if you forgot the password

Forgetting the password from the blocker is a difficult but solvable problem, and the methods of recovery depend on the method of blocking:

If you have used the built-in App Lock:

1. On the application lock screen, click Forgot your password?
2. Enter the linked mail and follow the instructions for the reset.
3. If the mail is not tied, reset security settings: Go to Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings → Resetting security settings. ⚠️ This will remove all passwords, including screen locking!

If you used Second Space,

1. Restart your phone and keep Volume up when booting. + Food to enter Recovery.
2. Choose Wipe Data → Delete Second Space (Data from the second profile will be deleted!).

If a third-party blocker is used:

1. Try resetting your password via email (if you were tied during installation).
2. Remove the blocker via Safe Mode: Turn off the phone, then hold Power until the Redmi logo appears. Immediately after the vibration, hold Volume down until the Safe Mode sign appears. In Safe Mode, remove the blocker through Settings → Annexes.

⚠️ Attention, Redmi! 9A With an unlocked bootloader, you can remove the blocker through ADB, But it takes technical skills. Wrong commands can lead to data loss. If you're not sure, go to the service center.

7. Additional security measures

Blocking apps is only part of the protection, to keep data as secure as possible on Redmi. 9A, follow these recommendations:

• 🔐 Set the password on the lock screen (even if you use a fingerprint). The best fit is a PIN of 6.+ Numbers or Alphabetical Digital Password.
• 📱 Turn off notifications on the locked screen: Settings → Notifications → On a locked screen. → Hide the contents.
• 🔗 Do not use the same passwords to lock your screen, App Lock, or Mi Account.
• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI — New versions of security vulnerabilities are closed.
• 🛡️ Install an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes or Bitdefender) to protect against keyloggers that can intercept passwords.

Hidden functions MIUI safe:

• 🔍 Hidden folders: You can create a folder in the Gallery that is only accessible by password (Select files) → More. → Hide).
• 📡 Network Protection: C Settings → Wi-Fi → Additionally. → Network protection enable phishing connection check.
• 🔑 Hardware keys: in Settings → Google → Managing a Google Account → Security → Hardware keys can be linked to a physical security key (e.g. YubiKey).

8. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To determine the best way to block, use our table:

Selection recommendations:

• 📱 For most users: use App Lock if available. This is the most balanced option.
• 🔒 For maximum privacy: Configure Second Space and bring all your personal apps to it.
• 🛠️ If you need advanced features (such as geolocation lock or timer), choose Smart AppLock.

FAQ: Frequent questions