Protecting personal data on Xiaomi Redmi 9C is a task that many users put off “for later.” Meanwhile, even basic blocking of messengers, social networks or banking applications can prevent confidential information from leaking. If your phone often falls into the hands of children, colleagues or simply lies unattended, passwords for apps will become a reliable barrier.
In this article, we’ll look at all the available ways to protect applications on Redmi 9C, from built-in MIUI features to third-party solutions. You’ll learn how to configure App Lock, create Second Space, and which Google Play programs do the best job, and we’ll focus on the hidden MIUI 12/13 settings that Xiaomi doesn’t advertise but make protection as reliable as possible.
Importantly, the methods vary in security, for example, Second Space is more reliable than the standard App Lock, but requires more action to set up, and we will help you choose the best option for your needs.
1. Method: Built-in App Lock in MIUI
The easiest and fastest method is to use the standard application blocking feature, which is available in the MIUI firmware. It does not require additional programs to be installed and works at the system level, which reduces the risk of bypassing protection.
To activate App Lock:
- Open the Settings. → Passwords and security.
- Select the option “App Lock” (App Lock).
- When you first start, the system will ask you to create a master password (may be a pattern lock, PIN-fingerprint).
- After setting up, select the apps you want to block by moving the slider to the right.
Advantages of the method:
- 🔒 System integration: works even if the phone is down to 1% (unlike third-party apps).
- 👆 Convenience: Unlocking your fingerprint takes less than a second.
- 📱 Low power consumption: does not load the processor like third-party programs.
⚠️ Note: If you forget your password from App Lock, you can only reset it through a full reset (Hard Reset). Xiaomi does not provide official ways to restore it!
2. Method: Second Space - second desktop with password
Second Space allows you to create a completely isolated copy of the system with separate applications, settings and a personal password, which is the ideal solution if you want to hide not only individual programs, but also all activity (for example, correspondence or browser history).
How to set up Second Space on Redmi 9C:
- Go to Settings → Special Options → Second Space.
- Click Create Second Space and follow the instructions (you need to specify a password to log in).
- Once created, restart your phone and select Second Space when turned on.
- Install the required applications (they will only be available in this space).
Features of Second Space:
- 🔄 Complete isolation: applications and files are not visible in the main space.
- 🔐 Dual authentication: You can set different passwords for the main and second spaces.
- 📲 Flexibility: Easy to switch between spaces via the notification panel.
| Criteria | App Lock | Second Space |
|---|---|---|
| Level of protection | Medium. | High-pitched |
| Difficulty setting up | Low. | Medium |
| Fingerprint support | Yes. | Yes. |
| File isolation | No. | Yes. |
| Impact on productivity | Minimum | Moderate. |
⚠️ Note: Second Space does not have some system features, such as Game Turbo or Smart Assistant, and may also have problems with push notifications from the main space.
☑️ Preparation for the creation of Second Space
Method 3: Third-Party Applications for Blocking
If the built-in MIUI features don't suit you, you can use Google Play, which offers advanced features like time-locking, masking as system utilities, or even shooting an attacker through a front-facing camera.
Top.-3 Applications to block on Redmi 9C:
- 🔐 AppLock (by DoMobile Lab): Supports locking Wi-Fi/geolocation, hidden mode, protection from removal.
- 🛡️ Norton App Lock: Integration with antivirus, blocking incoming calls, protection from screenshots.
- 🔒 Smart AppLock: minimalist interface, low power consumption, support for themes.
How to install and configure:
- Download the app from Google Play (like AppLock).
- Launch the program and set a master password.
- In the menu, select the applications to block (you can configure exceptions).
- Activate additional features (such as Hack Resistance or Fake Failure).
Warning: Third-party programs may conflict with MIUI, especially if they use the Accessibility Service features.
- Slowing down the phone.
- Spontaneous reboots.
- Losing notifications from blocked applications.
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Before installing a third-party App Lock, check the reviews of Redmi 9C users - some programs are optimized only for Xiaomi flagship models and can slow down on budget devices.
4. Hidden MIUI settings for enhanced protection
Xiaomi hides a few useful features that make blocking apps more secure, which are not found in the basic settings, but they are available through Developer Mode or Hidden Menus.
How to turn on additional protection:
- Blocking through ADB (for power users): Adb shell pm hide com.miui.securitycenter/com.miui.permcenter.autostart.AutoStartActivity This command disables autorun for all applications except system ones, making it difficult to bypass App Lock.
- Hidden mode in App Lock: - Open App Lock, click on three dots in the top right corner. - Select Settings → Hide the icon (the app will disappear from the menu, but will work).
- Screenshots Ban: - In Settings → Additional → Privacy activate Ban screenshots in protected applications.
These settings are useful if:
- 🕵️ You want to hide the fact of using the lock.
- 🔧 You need protection from advanced users (such as teenage children).
- 📵 You often pass the phone to your friends or colleagues.
What to do if the App Lock is not working?
5 How to reset your password if you forgot
Forgotten passwords from App Lock or Second Space are a common problem. Unfortunately, Xiaomi doesn’t provide official recovery options, but there are workarounds.
Resetting methods:
- 🔄 Through Mi Account: - If you have linked your Xiaomi account to App Lock, try resetting your password through Settings → Mi Account → Security. - On some firmware, this only works for Second Space.
- 📱 Reset via Recovery: - Turn off the phone, pinch the power + Volume up to log in to Recovery Mode. - Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (this will delete all data on your phone!).
- 💻 Through ADB (For advanced: - Connect your phone to your PC, open the command line and type: adb shell pm clear com.miui.securitycenter - This will reset the App Lock settings, but will not affect the data in the apps.
⚠️ Note: Reset via Recovery or ADB This may result in a loss of warranty if the phone is on service firmware, and after a reset, you may need to re-activate the device through your Mi Account (Mi Cloud Lock function).
6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
Many Redmi 9C users have problems with setting up app locks, and let’s look at common errors and how to fix them.
Error 1: App Lock does not ask for a password
Reason: Power saving mode for system applications is turned off or permissions are reset.
Solution: Go to Settings → Battery → Power Saving Mode and add Security to Exceptions. Also check permissions in Settings → Apps → Permissions Management.
Mistake 2: Second Space is slowing down your phone
The reason: lack of RAM (on the Redmi 9C only 2/3 GB of RAM).
Solution: Close all background applications before switching between spaces or reduce the number of duplicate programs.
Mistake 3: Third-party App Lock eats battery
The reason: the program is constantly running in the background, scanning active applications.
Solution: In the application settings, turn off Permanent Protection and leave only locking when you open.
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On the Redmi 9C with 2GB of RAM, it is not recommended to use both Second Space and a third-party App Lock simultaneously - this will lead to heavy lags.