How to set a password for applications in Xiaomi Redmi: 3 proven ways

Protecting personal data on Xiaomi Redmi smartphone is a pressing task for every user. Even if you have installed a screen lock, individual applications (messengers, banking services, gallery) can contain confidential information that should not be accessed by outsiders. Fortunately, firmware MIUI offers built-in tools for restricting access, and for advanced features you can use third-party solutions.

In this article, we will discuss three working methods for setting a password for applications: through the standard function Block applications in the application. MIUI, And then you can use the Second Space (to create an isolated environment) and third-party applications like AppLock, and each one has its own nuances, from the speed of the setup to the level of protection, so you can choose the best option for your needs.

Important: Make sure your Redmi has an up-to-date version installed before you start. MIUI (lower MIUI 12) In older firmware, some features may be missing or not work properly. Also remember that resetting your phone to factory settings will remove all passwords set to apps if they are not synced with your Xiaomi account.

1. Standard application locking in MIUI

The easiest and most reliable way is to use the built-in Application Lock feature, which is available on all modern Xiaomi Redmi smartphones (starting with the Redmi Note 7 and later) and does not require additional software installation.

To activate this function:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application lockdown.
• 🔒 If the function is used for the first time, the system will prompt you to set a password (you can choose between the two). PIN-code, pattern lock or fingerprint).
• 📌 Select the apps from the list you want to block (e.g. WhatsApp, Gallery, SberBank Online).
• 🔄 Turn on the switch Request password at each start for maximum protection.

Make sure the main screen unlock password is installed on the phone.|

Check the version. MIUI (less than 12)|

Remember or save the lock password in a safe place|

Turn off notifications for blocked applications (optional)-->

Advantages of this method:

• ⚡ No need to install third-party programs – everything works at the system level.
• 🔐 Password syncs with Xiaomi account, which allows you to restore access when resetting settings.
• 🎯 You can block not only the launch, but also the display of notifications from the application.

⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from the Application Block, you can only restore it through your Mi Account. Without an associated account, the data will be lost!

2.Use of the "Second Space" to isolate applications

If you need not just to block the application, but completely isolate it from the main profile, use the function of the Second Space in the app. MIUI. This creates a separate desktop with its own settings, applications and data, for example, you can move Telegram or Photos to a second space and password-protect it.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings. → Special opportunities → Second space.
2. Click Create a second space and follow the instructions (you will need to set a separate password).
3. After creation, go to the second space through the notification panel (icon) 👤).
4. Install the apps you need and set them up – they will be completely isolated from your main profile.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔒 Complete isolation: Applications in the second space do not have access to the main profile data.
• 📱 You can use different accounts (for example, a personal WhatsApp in the main space and a work account in the second one).
• 🔄 Quickly switch between spaces through the notification curtain.

⚠️ Warning: Second space takes up extra memory (about 1-2 GB).If your Redmi doesn't have enough space, this method may not be optimal.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ You can't block individual applications, just the whole space.
• ❌ Some system utilities (e.g. Settings) cannot be moved.

Standard lock-in MIUI|Second space|The Appendix (AppLock et al.)|I don't use a lock.-->

3. Third-party applications for blocking (AppLock and analogues)

If the built-in functions MIUI Not enough (for example, you want to block apps on a schedule or use Facebook) ID), You can install third-party utilities:

• 🔐 AppLock (from DoMobile Lab) – supports password, fingerprint, lock on Wi-Fi/geolocation.
• 🛡️ Norton App Lock – Additional Malware Protection.
• 📱 Smart AppLock – Flexible lock settings (for example, only at certain times).

How to set up AppLock:

1. Download the app from Google Play and install it.
2. When you first start, set a master password (save it in a safe place!).
3. Select the apps to lock from the list or add them manually.
4. Set up additional parameters: 🕒 Time-bound blocking (for example, only during working hours). 📍 Location-Blocking (Automatically Unlocking Your Home). 👆 Fake Lock Screen (Shows a False Error When Entering a Password).

Advantages of third-party applications:

• ✅ More functions than in the standard MIUI (For example, geolocation locking).
• ✅ The ability to use Face ID supported-model.
• ✅ Flexible settings for each application separately.

⚠️ Note: Some blocking apps (especially the little-known ones) may collect data about your activity!

💡

If you use AppLock, enable Email Recovery in your settings, which will help unlock apps if you forget your password.

4.How to reset your password if you forget it

If you have forgotten the password from App Block or a third-party utility, there are several ways to restore it.The options depend on which blocking method you used.

For standard lockdown MIUI:

• 🔑 If your phone is linked to a Xiaomi account, go to account.xiaomi.com and reset your password through Device Management.
• 📱 If the account is not tied, you will have to reset to factory settings (all data will be deleted!).

For AppLock and similar programs:

• 📧 Use the recovery function by email (if it was configured).
• 🔍 Check if your password is saved in Google Smart Lock (Settings) → Google → Managing a Google Account → Security → Smart Lock for Passwords).
• 🔄 Remove the application through Settings → Applications (blocking data will reset, but this is a radical method).

⚠️ Note: On some Redmi models (for example, Redmi Note 9 Pro) after 5 failed attempts to enter a password in Application Lock, the system requires you to enter a password from your Mi Account!

💡

The most reliable way to not lose access to blocked applications is to link the phone to your Xiaomi account and enable password synchronization.

5. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When setting up app locks, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

1. Password is not requested when the application is launched

• 🔍 Check if Request Password is enabled at each start in the lock settings.
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes the system resets temporary settings.
• 📌 Make sure that the application is not added to the Exclusions (in some versions) MIUI There's a list).

2.The lock is triggered with a delay

• 🛠️ Clear the Security app cache (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Security → Clear the cache).
• 🔋 Check if the energy saving mode is on for system processes.

3. Fingerprint lock is not working

• 👆 Make sure the print is added to the settings → Lock screen → Fingerprint.
• 🔄 Re-register the fingerprint – sometimes it helps to re-scan.
• 📱 Check if your Redmi model supports this feature (some budget devices may not have it).

4.The application is blocked even after entering the correct password

• 🔑 Try to enter the password more slowly – sometimes the system does not have time to process quick input.
• 🔄 Restart the Security application through Settings → Annexes.
• 📌 If the problem recurs, reset the lock settings (in Settings). → Application lockdown → Drop it).

6. Additional security measures for Xiaomi Redmi

Setting a password on the application is just one step to protect your smartphone. To maximize the security of data on Xiaomi Redmi, we recommend:

1. Set up two-factor authentication for your Mi Account

• 🔐 Go to account.xiaomi.com → Security → Two-step verification.
• 📱 Link a phone number or authenticator app (e.g. Google Authenticator).

2. Enable device encryption

• 🔒 Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Encryption and credentials.
• 📌 Select Encrypt Phone (requires password and full battery charge).

3. Limit access to notifications on the lock screen

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Lock screen → Notifications on the lock screen.
• 🔕 Choose Do Not Show Notices or Show Without Content.

4.Use Hidden Albums in the Gallery MIUI

• 🖼️ Open the gallery, select a photo. → More. → Hide.
• 🔑 To see hidden files, enter the password in the Hidden Albums section.

5. Set up automatic screen lock

• ⏱️ Go to Settings. → Lock screen → Autolocking.
• 🕒 Set a minimum time (e.g. 5 seconds).

💡

If you often transfer your phone to other people (for example, to make a call), turn on the Guest Mode feature in the phone. MIUI. It temporarily hides personal data and blocked applications.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking applications on Xiaomi Redmi