How to set a password for the application in Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: all methods with step-by-step instructions

Protecting personal data on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is a challenge that is becoming more and more relevant with the growing amount of sensitive information stored in messengers, banking applications and social networks. Even if you use a pattern lock or fingerprint to unlock the screen, individual applications remain vulnerable: anyone can open them, gaining access to your phone for a few minutes. Fortunately, MIUI offers several built-in tools to block applications, and also supports third-party solutions.

In this article, we’ll break down three main ways to set a password for an app in Redmi Note 9: through the Second Space feature, the built-in app lock, and through third-party utilities. Each method has its pros and cons, from security level to usability, and we’ll also compare them in the table and give you recommendations on which option to choose depending on your needs.

1. Block applications through Second Space (Second Desktop)

Second Space in MIUI allows you to create an isolated environment with a separate set of applications, settings and data. It's not exactly password-locking, but rather hiding applications behind an additional layer of authentication. The advantage of the method is a high degree of privacy, since the applications in the second space are not visible in the main interface.

To set up Second Space on Redmi Note 9:

1. Open Settings → Special Options → Second Space
2. Click Create Second Space and follow the setup instructions (you will need to come up with a password or a pattern lock).
3. After creation, go to the second desktop through the notification bar (swipe down → user icon → Second Space).
4. Install the apps you want (they will only be available here) or move them from the main space.

Now, when you try to switch to Second Space, the system will require a password, and it's important that apps that are only installed in the second space won't show up in the main menu, and they won't be able to send notifications without switching.

Check the MIUI version (must be at least 11)

Remember the password for the second space

Transfer confidential applications (banks, instant messengers) to Second Space

Disable notifications for applications in the second space (optional)-->

⚠️ Warning: If you forget the Second Space password, it will be impossible to restore access to factory settings without resetting your phone. MIUI It does not provide recovery mechanisms for this tool.

2. Built-in application locking in MIUI

Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi added Application Lock, which allows you to set a password or graphical key to individual programs, a method that is more convenient than Second Space, since it does not require you to create a second desktop and does not hide the applications completely - they simply ask for a password when you open.

Instructions for setting:

• 🔒 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application lockdown.
• 📱 Turn on the function by setting a password (you can use the same one as you used to unlock the screen).
• ✅ Select the apps from the list you want to block (for example, WhatsApp, SberBank Online, Gallery).
• 🔄 When the blocked application is first launched, the system will request a password.

Advantages of this method:

• ✔️ Quick setup (no need to create a second account).
• ✔️ Applications remain in the main interface.
• ✔️ Supports fingerprint unlocking (if configured).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ The password is valid only when you first open after rebooting or locking the screen (by default - 5 minutes).
• ❌ Some system applications (e.g. Settings) cannot be blocked.

💡

If you want a password requested each time you open the app, go to Settings → App Lock → Additional settings and turn off the “Automatic Unlock in 5 Minutes” option.

3. Third-party applications for blocking (AppLock)

If the built-in MIUI features aren’t enough, you can use third-party utilities from Google Play, the most popular ones are AppLock (from DoMobile Lab), Norton App Lock and Smart AppLock. They offer advanced features such as:

• 🔐 Lock-in PIN-a code, pattern lock or fingerprint.
• 📸 Hiding notifications from blocked applications.
• 🕒 Automatic lock timer (for example, after 1 minute of inactivity).
• 🚨 Photographing an attacker when entering a password incorrectly (optional).

How to install AppLock:

1. Download the app from Google Play (like DoMobile’s AppLock).
2. Open it and set a master password.
3. Select the applications to lock in the Blocked section.
4. Configure additional options (for example, Hidden Mode so that the AppLock icon does not appear in the menu).

⚠️ Note: Some third-party blockers may conflict with MIUI, Especially if they request device administrator permissions. Before installing, check the Redmi Note 9 user reviews for compatibility.

Built-in MIUI lock

Second Space

Third-party applications (AppLock, etc.)

Don't block it.-->

Comparison of application blocking methods in the table

As you can see from the table, Second Space provides maximum privacy but is less convenient in everyday use.Integrated MIUI lock is the gold standard for most users, and third-party utilities will be suitable for those who need advanced features (for example, hiding notifications or taking photos of an attacker).

💡

For most users of Redmi Note 9, the best solution is the built-in application lock in MIUI - it does not require the installation of additional software and reliably protects data.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you set up the application lock on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 users face typical errors. Let's consider the most common and ways to fix them:

• 🔄 Password is not requested when opening the application Check settings in Application Lock → Additional settings. Auto unlock option may be enabled.
• 🚫 You can't block system applications. MIUI. You can bypass it only through Second Space or third-party utilities with administrator rights.
• 🔧 Third-party AppLock doesn't work after update MIUI Try reinstalling the app or rolling back the version MIUI (If the update has led to a conflict, check the access rights to Settings. → Annexes → Permits.
• 📱 The only way to get back access is to reset your phone to factory settings (all data will be deleted!). To avoid this, write down your password in a secure location.

If none of the methods worked, check the MIUI version on your Redmi Note 9. Some features (like app lock) may not be available in older builds. Update through Settings → About Phone → System Update.

Additional security measures for Xiaomi Redmi Note 9

Setting a password on the apps is only part of the comprehensive protection of your smartphone. To maximize the security of data on the Redmi Note 9, we recommend:

• 🔐 Use a complex lock screen password (at least 6 characters, with numbers and letters) and avoid simple combinations like 123456 or date of birth.
• 👆 Set up fingerprint unlocking in Settings → Lock screen → Fingerprint. This will speed up access to blocked applications.
• 📡 Disable debugging by USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Click on version 7 times, then return to Additional → For developers → Debugging by USB). This will prevent unauthorized access to data through a computer.
• 🔄 Enable device encryption in Settings → Additionally. → Encryption and accounts, it's going to take time, but it's going to protect data even if you steal a phone.
• 🛡️ Install an antivirus (such as Avast Mobile Security or Bitdefender) to scan for malware that can bypass lockdown.

It is also helpful to regularly check the list of installed apps in Settings → Apps → Application Management. Uninstall suspicious programs that request excessive permissions (for example, accessing SMS or contacts without an obvious reason).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions