How to set a password for the application in the phone Xiaomi: 3 proven ways

Protecting personal data on a smartphone is a key challenge for today’s users. Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi and POCO lines, offer several ways to restrict access to applications, but not everyone knows how to set them up correctly. In this article, we will analyze all available methods of blocking applications, from standard MIUI functions to third-party solutions, and also explain what nuances are important to consider to avoid losing access to your data.

Many users mistakenly believe that setting a password to unlock the screen is enough, but this does not protect against viewing messages or photos if the phone is left unattended. For example, someone can open WhatsApp or the Gallery directly from a locked screen through notifications, we will show how to completely block access to selected applications, including hiding their icons from the menu.

Why the Standard Screen Password Doesn't Protect Apps

The main problem with standard screen locking in Xiaomi is that it doesn’t restrict access to apps that are already open, for example, if you leave your phone unlocked, anyone can:

• 📱 Switch between the latest open programs via the multitasking menu.
• 🔍 View notifications on the locked screen (unless the appropriate setting is disabled).
• 📷 Open the Gallery or Files through the widgets on the home screen.

Moreover, some versions of MIUI (especially older models) lack the built-in application lock feature, in which case you will have to use third-party programs, which we will discuss below, but first we will deal with the standard security features.

Method 1: Built-in “Application Lock” function in MIUI

Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi firmware has a built-in application lock feature that works on most modern models (Redmi Note 11, Xiaomi 12, POCO X4 Pro and later).

1. Open the Settings. → Passwords and security.
2. Select Application Lock (on some devices it may be called Privacy → Application Blocking).
3. Set a password (if it is not already) or use an existing one.
4. In the list of applications, mark the ones you want to block.

After that, each time you open a blocked application, you will be asked for a password, fingerprint or facial recognition (depending on the chosen unlock method).

Remember the password from the Mi Account|Check the version. MIUI (should be 12.+)|Disable notifications for blocked applications|Create a backup copy of the data-->

⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from blocking applications, it can only be reset through a full reset of the phone settings!

On some models (Redmi 9A, POCO M3), the application lock function may not be available, in which case move on to the next method.

Method 2: Use of the "Second Space" function

If your version of MIUI doesn't have a separate application lock, you can use the Second Space function, which creates a separate user profile with its own apps and settings.

• 🔒 Complete data isolation – applications from the main space will not be visible in the second.
• 📱 Different passwords for each space.
• 🔄 Quickly switching through the notification panel.

To set up the second space:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
2. Follow the instructions for creating a second profile.
3. Install the apps you want to hide in the second space.

Method 3: Third-party applications for blocking

If the built-in features don't fit, you can use third-party programs from Google Play.

• 🔐 AppLock – supports password, fingerprint and facial recognition.
• 🛡️ Norton App Lock – Additional Malware Protection.
• 📱 Smart AppLock – allows you to block system settings.

When installing third-party blockers, consider:

• 🔓 Some applications require permission for the device administrator, which may conflict with other security features.
• 📊 They may collect data about your applications (check permissions before installing).

💡

Before installing a third-party blocker, check reviews and rankings on Google Play. Apps rated below 4.0 often contain ads or hidden subscriptions.

Example of setting up AppLock:

1. Download and install the app from Google Play.
2. Run it and set the main password.
3. Select the applications to block in the list.
4. Activate additional settings (such as blocking notifications).

⚠️ Note: Some antiviruses (e.g. Avast) may conflict with third-party blockers. If the phone starts to brake after installing the AppLock, add it to the exceptions of the antivirus.

How to hide apps from prying eyes

In addition to blocking, MIUI has a hidden app feature, which is useful if you don't want anyone to know that certain programs exist, to hide the app:

1. Press and hold the app icon on the home screen.
2. Select Hide the app (or drag it to Hidden folder).
3. Confirm the action with a password (if requested).

To see the hidden apps again:

1. Deploy the notification panel.
2. Click on the editing mode (pencil) icon.
3. Select Hidden Apps and enter a password.

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Hiding apps doesn't replace blocking! A hidden app can be opened through search or settings if you know its name.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users have problems with setting up a lock, and let's look at the most common ones:

1. Forgot the lock password, and in this case, only resetting the settings through Recovery Mode will help.
2. The locker does not work after the MIUI update. Check the permission settings for the lock application.
3. Applications unlock themselves. Smart lock may be enabled in the security settings, turn it off.

Another common problem is the conflict between multiple blockers, where if you have two locking apps installed (like AppLock and the built-in MIUI), they can interfere with each other. Choose one method and disable the other.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions