How to set a password for the application in Xiaomi Redmi: official and hidden methods

Protecting personal data on a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone is a task that many users put off until it's too late. Have you ever given a colleague a phone to show a photo and suddenly found that he had scrolled through your messenger's feed? Or left the gadget unattended, risking someone reading WhatsApp or Telegram correspondence?

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to block access to individual programs on the Redmi Note. 12/11/10 Pro, Redmi A2, POCO X5 and other shelled models MIUI 12–14. You’ll learn how to use the built-in features of App Lock and Second Space, which third-party apps are reliable, and what to do if you forget your password, and why fingerprint locking may not be reliable on some versions. MIUI.

1. Method 1: Built-in App Lock (app lock)

The easiest and most reliable method is to use the standard MIUI tool called App Lock (in Russian firmware – “App Lock”), which is available on all Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones, starting with MIUI 8, and does not require additional programs to be installed.

To activate App Lock, follow the following steps:

• 🔒 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application lockdown.
• 📱 If the function is disabled, click “Enable” and come up with a password (minimum 4 digits) or use a pattern lock.
• 👆 Select the apps you want to block (e.g. Gallery, WhatsApp, SMS).
• ⚙️ In the App Lock settings, you can enable the option “Hide notifications” for blocked programs.

⚠️ Note: If you use a fingerprint to unlock, note that the MIUI 12-13 was a vulnerability: after the phone restarted, the biometrics temporarily turned off, and a password was required to access the blocked applications. MIUI 14 This problem was fixed, but on older models (Redmi) 9A, Note 8 Pro) may be retained.

Make sure your phone has the latest version of MIUI | Remember your password or save it in a safe place | Check your fingerprint (if you plan to use) | Turn off notifications for sensitive apps

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2. Method 2: Second Space (second desktop)

If you want to not just block an app, but hide it completely, use Second Space, a separate account on your phone with its own settings, apps, and data, and you can switch between spaces by password or fingerprint.

How to set up Second Space:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Second Space.
2. Click “Create Second Space” and follow the instructions (you need to create a password).
3. Once created, move to a new space and install the apps you want (they won’t be visible in your main profile).
4. To return to the main space, swipe down the lock screen and select “Main Desktop”.

🔹 Advantages of the method:

• 🕵️‍♂️ Applications are completely hidden – they are not visible in the menu and in the list of installed programs.
• 📱 You can adjust different wallpapers, sounds and even IMEI (on some models).
• 🔄 Quick switching between spaces on double tap to the lock screen.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 10C, Note 11 SE) Second Space can cause slowdowns due to limited resources, and if your phone starts to slow down, try turning off the second space or reducing the number of apps installed in it.

Built-in App Lock|Second Space (second space)| Application side (e.g. Norton App Lock)| Do not use lock |Other option

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Method 3: Third-Party Applications for Blocking

If standard MIUI features don't suit you, you can install third-party programs that offer additional features, such as:

• 🔐 Scheduled blocking (for example, only during working hours).
• 📸 Photo Trap – a film of an attacker who is trying to crack the password.
• 🌐 Remote lock through SMS-team.

The best applications for Xiaomi Redmi:

⚠️ Warning: Install third-party blockers only from Google Play or Mi App Store Apps from unverified sources (APK-files) may contain viruses or spyware that will steal your passwords.

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4. How to unlock the application if you forgot the password

Forgot your password from App Lock or Second Space? Don't panic -- there are several ways to restore access. The rule of thumb is, don't try to get your password back up multiple times, or your phone might lock up for 24 hours.

Methods of unlocking:

1. Reset via Mi Account: On the password entry screen, click "Forgot your password?" Enter your Xiaomi account (email and password). Follow the reset instructions.

App Lock

adb shell pm clear com.miui.applock

This command will reset all lock settings, but delete saved passwords.

Resetting the phone to factory settings:

Last resort, if other methods didn't work. All data will be erased! To do a reset, go to Settings → About phone → Reset.

🔹 Important: If you don’t remember the data from your Mi Account, it will be extremely difficult to restore access to blocked applications, in which case only a full reset or contacting the Xiaomi service center will help.

5. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Many Xiaomi Redmi users have problems with setting up their application lock, and here are the most common errors and ways to solve them:

• ❌ App Lock Fingerprint Not Working: Check if Your Fingerprint Is Added to Settings → Passwords and security → If so, but the lock doesn't work, update your firmware or restart your phone.
• ❌ Applications are unlocked themselves after updating MIUI: It's a famous bug in MIUI 13.Solution: After the update, go to App Lock and re-enable the lock for the desired programs.
• ❌ Second Space won't open: Check if it's disabled in the settings. If the space is damaged, try to recreate it (the old one's data will be lost).

🔹 Advice for owners POCO: In some models (POCO X3 Pro, POCO F4) App Lock can be called Privacy Protection. See Settings. → Confidentiality.

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6.Comparison of methods: which method of blocking to choose

To determine which method is right for you, compare them on key parameters:

🔹 Recommendations for selection:

• 📱 If you need a fast and reliable way, use App Lock.
• 🕵️‍♂️ If it’s important to hide apps from outsiders, set up Second Space.
• 🔧 If you need advanced features (for example, lock time) – install a third-party blocker.

7. Additional security measures for Xiaomi Redmi

Passwording apps is only part of protection, and to keep your data as secure as possible, follow these tips:

• 🔑 Use complex passwords: Don't put simple combinations like 1234 or 0000. Better come up with a unique 6-8 digit code.
• 📱 Set up screen lock: In Settings → Lock screen, turn on. PIN-a pattern lock (even if you use a fingerprint).
• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI: In new versions, firmware closes vulnerabilities that can bypass the lock.
• 📴 Turn off notifications on the locked screen: Go to Settings → Notifications → On the lock screen and select "Do not show».

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi phones with an unlocked bootloader, some security features, including App Lock, may not work properly. If you have installed custom firmware, check system integrity in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (It should be indicated as “Stable” or “Official»).

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FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking apps on Xiaomi Redmi