How to set a password for the application in Xiaomi Redmi 9A: all ways to protect

Why put a password on apps in Redmi 9A?

Xiaomi Redmi 9A is one of the most popular budget devices with MIUI, but even it is not protected from prying eyes. Social networks, instant messengers, banking applications or personal correspondence can be made available to anyone who picks up your phone. According to statistics, 68% of Xiaomi users do not use app blocking, although the feature is built into the system.

In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to set a password for applications in Redmi 9A, from standard MIUI 12/13/14 tools to third-party solutions, learn how to protect individual programs with a password, fingerprint or graphical key, and what pitfalls await with each method.

Important: If you share a phone with your kids or coworkers, blocking apps will help you avoid random purchases in games, changing settings or leaking sensitive data. And for owners of Redmi 9A with 2/32 GB of memory, it is also a way to save space - you do not have to delete personal photos before giving the phone to someone else.

Method 1: Built-in application locking in MIUI

The most reliable and simple method is to use the built-in Application Lock feature in your security settings, which works on all versions of MIUI, including those installed on the Redmi 9A (from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14).

To activate the protection:

Open the Settings. → Password and security.
Select the option Blocking applications.
If the feature is used for the first time, the system will prompt you to create a basic MIUI password (which will also be used to unlock applications).
After creating a password, select the apps you want to block by moving the slider to the right.

Now, every time you open a blocked application, the system will require you to enter a password, fingerprint (if configured) or pattern lock. Please note: if you forget the main password MIUI, you can only reset it through a full reset of the phone to factory settings!

☑️ What to check before setting up the lock

Make sure that the main MIUI password is configured in the phoneCheck if your fingerprint is added (if you plan to use it)Remember or write your password to a secure locationUpdate MIUI to the latest version (bugs are possible in older versions)

Done: 0 / 4

Method 2: Using the "Second Space" to be completely isolated

If you need to not just block individual applications, but create a completely isolated work environment, use the "Second Space" function. This is the analogue of "guest mode" on Android, but with advanced features. In Redmi 9A, the function is available in MIUI 12 and later.

How to set up:

🔒 Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Second space.
📱 Click Create a second space and follow the instructions (you need to come up with a separate password or pattern lock).
🔄 After creating, switch between swipe spaces down the lock screen (or through the notification bar).
📌 Install the desired applications only in the main space, and in the second leave a minimum set of programs.

The advantage of this method is that the second space will not show your personal data, messages or installed applications, but the disadvantage is that you will have to support two separate environments, which can be inconvenient for daily use.

📊 What kind of lock you prefer?

Built-in application locking

Second space

Appendix side (AppLock)

I don't use a lock.

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

If the built-in MIUI features don't suit you, you can use third-party programs from Google Play, the most popular ones are AppLock, Norton App Lock and Smart AppLock, which offer additional features, such as:

🔐 Time-bound blocking (for example, only during working hours).
📸 Hiding notifications from blocked applications.
🚫 Prohibition of deleting the application without a password.
📊 Entry Attempts Statistics (Useful for Parental Controls).

However, this method has risks:

⚠️ Note: Some blocking apps may collect data about your activity or display ads. Before installing, check the reviews and permissions that the program requests. SMS Geolocation or geolocation is suspicious.

Instructions for setting up AppLock:

Download and install the app from Google Play.
When you first start, create a master password.
Select the applications to block from the list.
Set up additional settings (for example, automatically locking when connecting to a specific Wi-Fi network).

What permissions are secure for AppLock?

Normal permissions: "Make a view on top of other windows," "Start when system starts," "Read the application list." Suspicious: "Access to SMS," "Geolocation," "Read call logs."

Comparison of locking methods for Redmi 9A

To choose the best way, compare all options on key parameters:

Criteria	Built-in MIUI lock	Second space	Third-party AppLock
Level of protection	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐ (depending on the application)
Usability	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐ (need to switch)	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fingerprint support	✅ Yes.	✅ Yes (for entry)	✅ Yes (mostly)
Impact on productivity	No.	Minimum	Can slow down (depending on the application)
Additional functions	Just lockdown.	Complete data isolation	Flexible settings (timers, masking)

For most Redmi 9A users, the best solution is built-in MIUI locking – it does not require additional programs, does not load the system and reliably protects data. The second space is suitable for those who want to completely separate personal and work environments, and third-party AppLock is for advanced users who need advanced settings.

💡

The built-in MIUI lock is the most balanced option for the Redmi 9A: it does not require root rights, does not brake the system and is integrated with the fingerprint.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When setting up the application lock, Redmi 9A users often encounter typical errors.

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI Application locking stopped working, try resetting security settings in Settings → Password and security → Resetting. It won't delete your data, but it will return the security settings to the factory.

Problem 1: The application is not blocked after setting up.

🔹 Make sure that the application lock feature is enabled in the security settings.
🔹 Restart your phone – sometimes changes only apply after a reboot.
🔹 Check if the application has been added to exceptions (for example, Settings). → Battery → Optimizing the battery).

Problem 2: Forgot the password from the lock.

🔑 If it's a password. MIUI, You can restore it through your Xiaomi account (if it was added).
🔑 For third-party AppLock, try the recovery function by email (if it was configured).
🔑 In the extreme case, you will have to do a hard reset (but it will delete all data!).

Problem 3: The locking works too often.

🕒 In the lock settings (Settings) → Password and security → Application lockdown → Settings) can increase the timeout of automatic unlocking.
👆 If you use a fingerprint, add it again – sometimes the Redmi sensor 9A smacks old prints.

💡

If the application lock suddenly turned off after the MIUI update, check if the security settings have reset, often helping to re-enable the function manually.

How to protect the lock from bypassing?

Even if you set a password for apps, a power user can bypass the security, and let's look at how to make the lock as secure as possible on Redmi 9A:

1. Turn off debugging over USB

If you have USB Debugging enabled in Settings → About Phone → The MIUI version (7 times to activate the developer mode), an attacker can access data via a computer. Always turn off this feature if you do not use it for firmware or debugging.

2. Set up the screen autolock

Go to Settings → Lock screen → Autolock and set a minimum time (e.g. 15 seconds) to prevent access to the unlocked phone if you are distracted.

3.Use a complex password

pattern lock or PIN-It's easy to find a 4-digit code. MIUI You can set a full password with letters and symbols:

Go to Settings → Password and Security → Password of the lock screen.
Select a password (not a PIN or a graphical key).
Come up with a combination of 8+ characters with numbers, capital letters and characters (!@#$%).

4. Hide notifications on the lock screen

Even if the application is blocked, its notifications can give out confidential information.

🔕 Go to Settings. → Notifications → On the lock screen.
🔕 Choose Not to Show Notifications or Hide Confidential Content.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I put different passwords on different apps in Redmi 9A?

No, standard MIUI locks use one password for all blocked applications, but third-party programs (like AppLock) allow you to set individual passwords or even different types of locks (PIN, fingerprint, pattern lock) for each application.

Will the app lock work after the phone is reset to factory settings?

No, all lock settings, including passwords and the list of blocked applications, will be deleted. After reset, you will have to adjust the protection again. If you reset through Recovery (for example, to delete a pattern lock), the application lock will also disappear.

Can system applications be blocked (e.g., “Settings” or “Phone”)?

In standard MIUI lock, system applications (e.g. Settings, Phone, Messages) cannot be blocked - they are not on the list of available for blocking. However, some third-party AppLock (e.g. Smart AppLock) allow you to block them, and note that this can lead to unstable operation of the phone.

How to remove the lock from the application if you forgot the password?

If you forget the password from the built-in MIUI lock, the only way to reset it is through your Xiaomi account: On the lock password entry screen, click Forgot the password?. Enter Xiaomi account details (email or phone number) and follow the instructions. If the account is not tied or you do not remember the data, you will have to do hard reset (loss of all data!). For third-party AppLock, sometimes reinstall the program, but this depends on the specific application.

Is it true that blocking apps drains the battery?

Built-in MIUI locking has little or no effect on battery consumption, as it is integrated into the system. Third-party AppLock can consume up to 3-5% of charge per day if they are actively working in the background (for example, tracking application launches or showing notifications). To reduce consumption: Turn off unnecessary features in the AppLock settings (for example, "Capture photo when you enter incorrectly"). Add the application to the battery optimization exception list (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization).