Protecting personal data on Xiaomi’s smartphone is a key challenge for users who store sensitive information on their phones. Set a password for apps to prevent unauthorized access to messengers, banking programs, a gallery or social networks. The MIUI ecosystem has an inbuilt App Lock feature, but its setting is nuanced depending on the firmware version and device model.
In this article, we will look at all the ways to protect applications with passwords, from standard tools to bypassing restrictions on some models, learn how to turn on App Lock on Redmi, POCO and flagship Xiaomi, what alternative methods exist, and how to avoid typical errors when setting up. Special attention will be paid to security issues: why not use simple graphics keys, how to restore access when you lose your password, and which applications should be blocked first.
Why it is important to put a password on applications in Xiaomi
Xiaomi smartphones collect a huge amount of personal data, from Google Maps, Mi Location, to financial information (SberBank Online, Tinkoff). According to a 2023 Kaspersky study, 68% of data breaches occur due to physical access to an unlocked device. Even if you use your fingerprint to unlock the screen, individual applications remain vulnerable:
- 💬 Messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber): access to correspondence, media files and geolocation.
- 💳 Banking applications: the ability to transfer funds or change card settings.
- 📷 Gallery and cloud storage (Google Photos, Mi Cloud): personal photos and videos.
- 🔑 Password Managers (Keepass, 1Password): access to all accounts.
In MIUI, App Lock is integrated at the system level, but many users are unaware of its existence or are misconfiguring it, such as blocking with a graphical key alone easily bypasses ADB or resetting, and we'll show you how to set up protection as securely as possible.
How to set a password for applications in Xiaomi
MIUI has three main methods of protecting applications:
- The built-in App Lock is a standard tool available on all devices with MIUI 10 and up.
- Third-party applications (e.g. AppLock by DoMobile or Norton App Lock) – for users who need additional features (e.g. geolocation lock).
- Hidden folders (Second Space or Private Folder) are an alternative for those who want to hide applications completely.
Let’s look at each method in detail, starting with the standard App Lock.
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The built-in App Lock in MIUI is the most secure method, as it works at the system level and does not require superuser rights.
Step-by-step: how to turn on App Lock on Xiaomi
Before setting up, make sure that your device has the current version of MIUI (at least MIUI 10). The instructions are suitable for all modern models: Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5 and others. If you have old firmware (for example, MIUI 9), update it through Settings → About Phone → System Update.
To set a password for the application:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to Apps → App Lock. Do not see App Lock?On some models (e.g. POCO X3), the path may be different: Settings → Special Options → Application Lock. If there is no option at all, update MIUI or use third-party apps.
- When you first start, the system will prompt you to set a password for App Lock: 🔢 PIN code (recommended: 6)+ symbolism). 🔄 pattern lock (less reliable but convenient). 👆 Fingerprint (only paired with PIN code!).
gallery
Sberbank
Application lockdown
☑️ Checking the settings of App Lock
Important: Once the App Lock is activated, apps will ask for a password every time they open. To avoid this, you can enable the Unlock option in the App Lock settings after you reboot (the password will only be requested after you restart the phone), but this reduces security.
Bypassing restrictions: what to do if the App Lock does not work
On some Xiaomi devices (especially custom firmware or regional versions of MIUI), App Lock may be disabled or not work properly.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No App Lock item in the settings | Obsolete version of MIUI or regional restrictions | Update your firmware or install AppLock by DoMobile from Google Play |
| Password is not requested when opening the application | Misfunction of MIUI or conflict with other applications | Restart your phone, clear your Settings cache → Apps → Block apps → Storage → Clear the cache |
| Unlocking the fingerprint does not work. | No fingerprint added to App Lock or sensor failure | Remove and add the fingerprint again to Settings → Passwords and Security → Fingerprint |
| App Lock resets after update | Mistake in the MIUI Update Process | Restore Settings Through Settings → Xiaomi Account → Data Recovery |
If none of the methods worked, try resetting the security settings:
Settings → Passwords and Security → Resetting Security SettingsWarning: This step will delete all saved passwords, fingerprints and App Lock data!
Alternative methods of application protection
If the built-in App Lock doesn’t suit you, consider alternative ways to:
- 🔒 Third-party blocking apps: AppLock by DoMobile – supports blocking by time, geolocation and even over the Wi-Fi network. Norton App Lock – integration with Norton antivirus for additional protection. Smart AppLock – allows you to hide icons of blocked applications. ⚠️ Note: Third-party blockers require accessibility service and Usage Data rights, which can affect the performance of the phone. Install them only from official sources (Google Play or Mi App Store).
- 📁 Hidden folders (Second Space or Private Folder): Second Space allows you to create a separate profile with your own applications and data. → Special facilities → Second Space → Create space B MIUI 14 also introduced the option of Private Folder to hide files and applications behind a password.
- 🔐 Data encryption: For maximum protection of sensitive data (e.g. in Gallery or Notes) use built-in encryption: Settings → Passwords and security → Encryption of the telephone
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If you use Second Space, remember to update apps regularly in both profiles. Outdated versions may contain vulnerabilities.
How to Restore Access If You Forgot Your App Lock Password
A forgotten password from App Lock is a typical situation, especially if you rarely use it. Unlike locking the screen, resetting the App Lock password is harder, but there are several ways to do it:
- Through Xiaomi Account: If you have linked your device to your Mi Account, you can reset your security settings: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Device → Reset security settings After that, all passwords (including App Lock) will be deleted.
- Using Recovery Mode (for advanced users only!): This method will result in a reset of all data on the phone! Turn off the phone. Press the Power button + Volume up to enter Recovery Mode. select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data. ⚠️ Warning: This method will delete all data on the device, including photos, contacts and apps. Use it only as a last resort!
- Through ADB (for users with unlocked bootloader): If you have access to ADB, you can delete the file with the App Lock settings: adb shell su rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot After the reboot, the App Lock password will be reset.
If none of the methods worked, contact the Xiaomi service center with a confirmation of purchase. specialists will be able to unlock the device without losing data (if you have a check or a warranty card).
What apps should be blocked in the first place
Not all apps require password protection, but there are some that contain the most sensitive information, and we ranked apps by risk.
| Level of risk | Annexes | What can happen when a leak occurs |
|---|---|---|
| ⭐⭐⭐ (High-pitched) | SberBank Online, Tinkoff, VTB Online, Google Pay | Theft of money, changing card settings, accessing credit history |
| ⭐⭐⭐ (High-pitched) | WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, Signal | Access to correspondence, the ability to send messages on your behalf, leakage of media files |
| ⭐⭐ (Medium) | Google Photos, Gallery, Mi Cloud | Leakage of personal photos / videos, access to backup copies |
| ⭐⭐ (Medium) | 2GIS, Yandex.Maps, Google Maps | Location tracking, history of visited places |
| ⭐ (Low) | YouTube, Twitter, Instagram | Access to public data, the ability to publish on your behalf |
We also recommend blocking:
- 📝 Notes (Google Keep, Mi Notes) – often contain passwords or personal information.
- 📞 Call log - history of outgoing/incoming calls.
- 🔧 Settings to prevent changing phone configuration.
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Block not only messengers and banking applications, but also system tools (such as Settings or File Manager) that will make it harder to access data even when physically accessing the phone.
Frequent errors when setting up App Lock and how to avoid them
Many Xiaomi users are experiencing problems with App Lock because of typical errors, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
- 🔑 Use a simple password: Passwords like 1234, 0000 or date of birth is hacked in minutes, use combinations of letters, numbers and symbols (e.g, k7!P9@m2).
- 👆 No backup unlock method: If you only use a fingerprint, if the sensor is damaged, access to applications will be lost.Always set up a backup PIN.
- 🔄 Disable lock after reboot: Unlock option after reboot is convenient but reduces security.
- 📱 Install App Lock on all apps: Password locking is a quick bore. Only choose those that contain sensitive data.
- 🔄 Ignoring updates MIUI: Old versions. MIUI (MIUI 11 and below) App Lock is unstable. Update your firmware regularly.
Another typical error is storing the password from App Lock in notes or messengers, and if an attacker gains access to the phone, they can easily find that password, use Bitwarden, 1Password, or remember it.