How to put a lock on the application in Xiaomi: all ways to protect from outsiders

Protecting personal data on Xiaomi’s smartphone starts with controlling access to apps, whether it’s messengers with confidential correspondence, banking programs or a gallery with personal photos, blocking apps prevents unauthorized access when a device is lost or when a phone falls into the wrong hands. MIUI (the shell from Xiaomi) has several layers of protection, from standard password to biometric authentication and hidden folders.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to block applications on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO (including models from 2023-2026 on MIUI 14/15/16). We will pay special attention to the nuances: why some applications are not blocked, how to circumvent system restrictions and what to do if you forget your password.

1. Standard application lock through "Application Protection"

The easiest way is the built-in Application Protection feature in MIUI settings, which allows you to set a password, fingerprint or pattern lock to individual programs, and works on all Xiaomi devices starting with MIUI 12.

To activate the protection:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Password and security → Application protection.
• 🔒 Set the primary password for the system (if not configured). PIN, pattern lock or combination of letters/digit.
• 📌 Select the apps from the list you want to block. Popular messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) and banking programs (SberBank Online, Tinkoff) are usually displayed at the top.
• 👆 Activate the switch next to the application name. Now, every time you run, you'll be asked for a password.

An important nuance: some system applications (such as Settings or Phone) cannot be blocked using this method, and the feature may conflict with some launchers (such as Nova Launcher) if they intercept desktop control.

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If the list doesn’t have the right app, try opening it first and then returning to the Application Protection menu – sometimes the system only updates the list after the program is launched.

Biometric blockage: fingerprint and facial recognition

On Xiaomi devices with a fingerprint sensor (or 3D-Face scanners can link biometrics to app locks, which is more convenient than entering a password every time, but less secure — fingerprints can be faked, and face can be fooled by a photo (on budget models).

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Password and Security → Fingerprint Sensor (or Face Recognition).
2. Add a fingerprint or face scan if not already configured.
3. Return to Application Protection (see Section 1) and enable the option to Use fingerprint/face to unlock.
4. When you next open a blocked application, the system will prompt you to select the authentication method.

Limitations of the method:

• ⚠️ On some models (Redmi Note 10, POCO X3 Pro) biometrics only work to unlock the screen, not for applications.
• ⚠️ After restarting the device, the first 24 hours may require a password instead of a fingerprint (bypass protection).

3. Safe Folder: a hidden folder with blocked applications

Safe Folder not only blocks apps, but also hides them from prying eyes, which is useful if you want to hide messengers or games from children, colleagues or just curious.

Instructions for setting:

1. Hold your finger in the free space of the desktop, then select Widgets → Safe Folder.
2. Drag the widget onto the screen and set the password (it may differ from the device’s primary password).
3. Move the shortcuts to the folder of the apps you want to hide. To do this, click on the app icon, select App Information → Add to Safe Folder.
4. To open the folder, tap its icon and enter the password.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔐 Apps are completely hidden from the search and menu of all applications.
• 📱 It works even on devices without a fingerprint sensor.
• 🔄 You can quickly move applications to the folder and back.

Parental Controls: Restricting Access for Children

If you want to block apps for your child, instead of yourself, use built-in parental controls.

• 🕒 Setting time limits for using applications.
• 🔞 Block access to certain programs (such as social networks or games).
• 📊 View the statistics of device usage.

How to set up:

1. Open Settings → Digital Well-Being and Parental Controls.
2. Select a child profile (or create a new one).
3. In the Application Limitations section, add programs to the blacklist.
4. Set a password for parental control (it will be requested when you try to change settings).

Importantly, parental controls only work for standard users, and if a child knows the password from the main Mi Account, they can reset all restrictions, and the feature does not block the installation of new apps through APK.

Set a password to your Xiaomi | Create a separate profile for your child | Add apps to the blacklist | Set time limits | Check access to Google Play-->

5. Third-party applications for blocking: AppLock and analogues

If the built-in MIUI features are not enough, you can use third-party programs.

• 🔒 AppLock (from DoMobile Lab) – supports password, fingerprint, masking under the calculator.
• 🛡️ Norton App Lock – Integrated with antivirus, blocks access to system settings.
• 📱 Smart AppLock – allows you to block incoming calls and SMS.

Advantages of third-party solutions:

• ✅ More flexible settings (e.g. time-locking or geolocation).
• ✅ Ability to hide the fact of blocking (invisibility mode»).
• ✅ They work on devices without MIUI (If you have switched to custom firmware).

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Additional permissions (such as access to notifications) are required, which can reduce security.
• ⚠️ Some programs display advertisements or collect data.

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The side of the locking application may conflict with the built-in MIUI protection. Before installing, disable Application Protection in the settings to avoid dual authentication.

6. Hiding applications without blocking: alternative methods

If you do not need a lock, but you just want to hide the application from outsiders, there are several ways in MIUI:

Complete concealment (including removal from the installed program list) requires root rights or ADB use.

adb shell pm hide com.example.app

hide the application with the batch name com.example.app (you can find out the name of the package through the App Inspector or adb shell pm list packages).

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To return a hidden application via ADB, use the command adb shell pm unhide com.example.app.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

When you block applications on Xiaomi, users experience common errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI The lock has stopped working, reset the protection settings in Settings → Password and security → Resetting the security settings. It won't delete the data, but it will return the settings to the factory settings.

Problem 1: The application is not blocked through Application Protection.

• 🔹 Check if your model supports this feature (on some budget Redmi it is disabled).
• 🔹 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version – in old firmware, the list of supported applications is limited.
• 🔹 Try opening the app first, then going back to the lock menu – sometimes the system updates the list dynamically.

Problem 2: Forgot the password from the lock.

• 🔹 If you are using Mi Account, reset your password through Forgotten Password? in the lock menu (confirmation will be required by the user). SMS email).
• 🔹 On root devices, the password is stored in a file /data/system/locksettings.db — You can remove it through Root Explorer.
• 🔹 The last option is reset to factory settings (remove all data!).

Problem 3: The biometrics stopped working after the update.

• 🔹 Remove all saved prints/faces and add them again.
• 🔹 Check if the power saving mode is on – it can turn off the sensors.
• 🔹 In some models (POCO F4, Xiaomi 12T) After major updates, re-registration of biometrics in Settings is required → Additionally. → Biometrics and password.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions