How to set a password for the application in Xiaomi Redmi 9C: a complete guide with pictures

Protecting personal data on Xiaomi Redmi 9C is a task that many users put off until the last. Meanwhile, even basic blocking of individual applications (messengers, banks, gallery) can prevent leakage of confidential information. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to set a password for Redmi 9C applications, from built-in MIUI functions to third-party solutions with advanced capabilities.

The Redmi 9C (codenamed angelica) is a lightweight version of MIUI firmware, where some security features are hidden or limited, such as the standard App Blocker may not be on the menu if the device is not tied to a Mi Account, and we'll show you how to circumvent these restrictions and configure protection even without root rights.

Important: All methods are tested on Redmi 9C with MIUI 12.5–14.0. If your device runs on an older firmware (e.g. MIUI 11), some menu items may differ - check the relevance of the software in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.

1. Standard application blocker in MIUI

The most reliable way to do this is to use the built-in App Lock feature, which encrypts application data and requires a password/fingerprint every time you run it, but on Redmi 9C, this option can be hidden if:

• 📱 The device is not linked to the Mi Account (a prerequisite for the MIUI 12+).
• 🔄 The function is disabled in regional firmware assemblies (for example, for the EU or Russia).
• 🛠️ Resetting the settings to the factory.

To activate the blocker:

1. Open the Settings. → Passwords and security.
2. Slip on the Application Blocker (if there is no item, see Section 2).
3. Set a password (we recommend using a combination of 8+ characters with numbers and letters).
4. Select apps from the list (e.g. WhatsApp, SberBank Online, Gallery).
5. Activate Hide Notifications so that the contents of messages do not appear on the lock screen.

Linking a Mi Account Account|Update MIUI last-minute|Make a backup copy of important data|Remember the password from the blocker-->

Limitations of the method:

• 🔐 The password of the blocker must not match the PIN-code SIM or graphical key.
• 📵 The feature does not work for system applications (e.g. Settings or Phone).
• 🔄 After resetting the settings, the blocker is automatically disabled.

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If the menu does not contain the item "Application Blocker", try to enter the "app lock" request in the settings search bar - the system can show a hidden option.

2. Alternative method: Second Space (Dual Space)

If the standard blocker is not available, use the Second Space feature, which creates an isolated user profile with a separate set of applications and data, and the advantage of the method is that applications in Second Space are not visible in the main profile and are password protected.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Second Space.
2. Click Create Space and follow the instructions.
3. Set a password to log in to Second Space (different from the main one!).
4. Move the desired applications to the new space through Second Space Settings → Apps.

Second Space doesn't encrypt application data, it just isolates it in a separate profile, and use it with a blocker or third-party apps for full protection.

Built-in blocker MIUI|Second Space (Dual Space)|Third-party annexes|Don't use protection.-->

3. Third-party applications for blocking

If the built-in features of Redmi 9C do not suit you, install one of the proven applications from Google Play:

• 🔒 AppLock (from DoMobile Lab) - supports password, fingerprint, masking as a system window.
• 🛡️ Norton App Lock – Additional Malware Protection.
• 📱 Smart AppLock – lightweight solution with minimalist interface.

Instructions for setting up AppLock:

1. Download the app from Google Play and open it.
2. Set a master password (save it in a safe place!).
3. In the Blocked Applications section, select programs for protection.
4. Activate Hidden Mode so that the AppLock icon does not appear in the menu.

⚠️ Note: Some third-party blockers may conflict with MIUI If, after installation, applications start to spontaneously close, add the blocker to the exceptions: Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start.

Advantages of third-party solutions:

• 🔧 More settings (e.g. time lock or geolocation).
• 📊 Entry Attempts Statistics (Useful for Parental Controls).
• 🎨 Customization of the locking interface.

4. Hiding applications without password (for quick access)

If you don’t need a password, but only hide applications from prying eyes, use the Hidden Applications feature in MIUI:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Hidden Applications.
2. Choose the programs you want to hide.
3. To access hidden apps, swipe down the screen with two fingers.

This method doesn't protect data with a password, but it makes apps invisible on the main menu.

• 📸 Photo editing applications (e.g. Snapseed).
• 💰 Financial utilities (for example, 1C:Cabinet).
• 🎮 Playing with purchases (so that children don’t spend money).

5. Additional security measures

Setting a password on apps is only part of the protection. To maximize the security of data on Redmi 9C, follow the following steps:

1. Setting up Mi Account:

• 🔐 Link your device to your Mi Account and activate two-factor authentication.
• 📱 Enable the Find Device function (Settings) → Mi Account → Find the device).

Data encryption:

• 🔒 Encrypt internal memory: Settings → Passwords and security → Encryption of the telephone.
• ⚠️ It takes 30 to 60 minutes, don’t turn off the phone!

Control of permits:

• 🛡️ Limit the access of applications to contacts, SMS and geodata: Settings → Confidentiality → Application authorizations.

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Encrypting your phone protects data even when you physically access your device (such as when you steal it), but once encrypted, you can't reset your password without losing data!

6. Frequent problems and solutions

When you set up the application lock on Redmi 9C, users encounter typical errors.

Problem 1: The application blocker does not save the settings.

⚠️ Note: This is due to limitations MIUI Optimization. Solution: Disable optimization for the blocker in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Threefold → Special access → Optimizing the battery.

Problem 2: After the MIUI update, the blocker reset.

Solution: Update your firmware to the latest version via Settings → About Phone → System Update, then reconfigure the locker. If the problem recurs, use Second Space.

Problem 3: Fingerprint unlocking doesn't work.

Check it out.

• Is fingerprint added to Settings → Passwords and security → Fingerprint?
• Is the option to unlock applications enabled in the fingerprint settings?
• Whether the sensor is clean (mud or moisture interferes with the scanning).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions