How to set a password for the application in Android Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Why to put a password on applications in Xiaomi and what risks it closes

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones store a host of sensitive information, from instant messaging to banking apps. Even if you’re confident of your loved ones, casual access to your phone can lead to personal photos leaked, financial losses, or embarrassing situations, such as a colleague seeing your Telegram messages, and a child accidentally deleting important files from Google Drive.

Statistics show that 37% of Xiaomi users have experienced unauthorized access to their devices at least once (Kaspersky research for 2023), while only 12% of smartphone owners actively use blocking of individual applications. In this article, we will analyze all current methods of protection - from built-in functions MIUI Up to third-party solutions with extended settings.

It is important to understand that app blocking does not replace basic security measures: PIN-It's an extra layer of protection that works even if someone unlocks the phone itself, like you let a friend show you a photo, but you don't want them to go to WhatsApp or Sberbank Online.

Method 1: Built-in "Application Lock" function in MIUI

The easiest and most reliable method is to use the standard MIUI tool. It does not require installing additional programs and works on all modern Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T and older devices with MIUI 12+.

To activate the lock:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Blocking applications.
2. Click Enable and confirm the action through PIN-code, pattern lock or biometrics.
3. Select the apps from the list you want to protect (e.g. Gallery, Messages, Banking Apps).
4. Activate the switch next to each application.

Then, when you try to open a blocked application, the system will ask for a password. Note that this method only works if the main password of the lock screen is set on the phone.

Whether identified PIN/graphical key on the lock screen|

Is MIUI Updated to the latest version (check Settings → About Phone)|

Is there a backup of important data (in case of resetting)|

Are Smart Tips disabled in Settings → Password and security (they may show notifications from blocked apps)

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⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from blocking applications, you can only reset it through a full reset of the phone to the factory settings. This will delete all data from the device).

Method 2: Using the "Second Space" to Insulate You

The MIUI’s Second Space feature allows you to create a separate user profile with your own apps, data, and settings, which is useful if you want to completely isolate work applications from personal ones or hide certain programs from prying eyes.

How to set up:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Second space.
• 🔧 Click Create a second space and follow the instructions (you need to create a separate password).
• 📥 Set the second space as active and download the apps you want to hide (e.g. Tinder, Banking apps, Private messengers).
• 🔄 Return to the main space through the notification bar (user icon in the upper right corner).

Now, when you switch between spaces, the system will ask for a password, and the main advantage of this method is that it completely isolates the data, and applications from the second space will not be displayed in the main menu, their notifications will not be displayed, and files will not be available without authorization.

:Blocking individual applications|Second space|Hidden folders in the Gallery|Third-party applications for blocking|I don't use anything.-->

Method 3: Third-party applications for blocking (AppLock, Norton, Keepsafe)

If MIUI's built-in features aren't enough, you can use third-party software, which offers advanced features like fingerprint locking, calculator masking, screenshot protection, and even front-facing camera capture.

Top.-3 Proven applications for Xiaomi:

• 🔒 AppLock (from DoMobile Lab) – supports face lock, has modes “Guest” and “Parental control".
• 🛡️ Norton App Lock integrates with Norton antivirus, blocks phishing login attempts.
• 📂 Keepsafe App Lock – allows you to hide notifications from blocked applications.

How to install and configure (in the example of AppLock):

1. Download the app from Google Play (link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock).
2. Launch AppLock and set a master password (we recommend using a combination of 8+ characters).
3. In the Applications section, select the programs to block (you can even protect Settings or Google Play).
4. Activate additional options: 🔍 Hide the AppLock icon (so that no one knows it is there). 📸 Ban screenshots in blocked applications. 🔄 Autolock after closing (the application will be blocked immediately after exit).

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If you use AppLock, enable Email Recovery in your settings, which will help unlock apps if you forget your password without resetting your phone.

⚠️ Note: Some third-party blockers (especially from unknown sources) may contain malicious code or collect data about your apps.Install only high-ranking programs on Google Play (4.5)+ Stars) and downloads from 10 million. Check for feedback on data breach complaints before installing.

Method 4: Hiding applications through Hidden Folders in the MIUI Gallery

If you want to hide the contents of the app, rather than the app itself (like photos or videos), you can use the Hidden Folders feature in the standard Xiaomi Gallery, which does not block access to the program, but makes its data invisible to outsiders.

Instructions:

1. Open the Gallery app.
2. Select the files you want to hide (such as screenshots from bank apps or personal photos).
3. Click More → Hide (or Move to a Hidden folder in new versions of MIUI).
4. Set a password to access hidden files (if requested).

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Mode for children.
2. Click Launch mode for children and set a password.
3. Select the apps that will be available in this mode (the rest will be blocked).
4. Set up a usage timer (for example, 1 hour per day for gaming).

To exit mode, you'll need to enter a password. This method is convenient for family use, but it's not suitable if you want to hide apps from adult users - they can simply turn off the mode through settings.

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The mode for children in MIUI blocks not only applications, but also system functions: you can not change the Wi-Fi settings, turn on mobile data or install new programs without a password.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When using the application lock in Xiaomi, users often encounter errors, and let's analyze the most common and ways to fix them.

Problem 1: After the MIUI update, the application lock has reset.

• 🔄 Solution: Go to Settings → Annexes → Lock the apps and turn on the function again. If the password doesn't fit, try resetting it through Settings. → Accounts. → Mi Account → Password recovery.

Problem 2: A third-party blocker (like AppLock) doesn’t work after the phone is rebooted.

• ⚙️ Solution: Go to Settings → Permits → Autostart and enable autostart for blocker. Also add it to battery optimization exceptions: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Find AppLock. → Select "No restrictions".

Problem 3: The second space takes up too much memory.

• 📉 Solution: Limit the number of applications in the second space. Delete the cache: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Filter by "Second Space" → Clear the cache. If memory is critically ending, transfer the media files to the SD-map.

Problem 4: Forgot the password from blocking apps, and resetting the phone is undesirable.

• 🔑 Solution: If you have a Mi Account tied, try resetting your password through https://account.xiaomi.com (Security" section, in some versions MIUI You can reset the lock through the settings → Password and security → Resetting the application lock password (requires an answer to the check question).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions