How to set a password for apps in Android Xiaomi: the complete guide

Protecting your personal data on a Xiaomi smartphone is a task that many users put off until the last. Meanwhile, setting a password for apps takes only 5-10 minutes, but prevents 90% of unauthorized access to your messengers, banking services or gallery. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to restrict access to applications on MIUI devices (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark models), and also consider the nuances that are not written in the standard instructions.

Unlike iPhone, where app blocking is built into iOS, on Xiaomi Android devices, this process depends on the firmware version and smartphone model. For example, on Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14, the algorithm is different from that used on Redmi Note 10 with MIUI 12.5. We tested all methods on current versions of the software (2026) and highlighted those that work stably. You will also learn how to get around common errors, for example, when the system requires a binding to a Mi Account or why some applications are not displayed in the blocking list.

1. Built-in “Application Lock” function in MIUI

The most reliable and recommended way is to use the MIUI tool, which does not require third-party installation, which is available on all Xiaomi smartphones released after 2018, but its location on the menu may vary depending on the firmware version.

To activate the lock:

1. Open the Settings. → Passwords and security.
2. Select Application Block (on some models it is hidden under Privacy → Application Blocking).
3. The system will offer to create a pattern lock, PIN-- A code or password. Choose a convenient option and confirm it.
4. In the list of apps, mark the ones you want to protect (for example, WhatsApp, SberBank Online, Gallery).

Importantly, if you use a fingerprint or facial recognition, you can link it to the app lock on the same menu, but note that biometrics are less reliable than the ones you use. PIN-code, as they can be fooled (for example, using a photo to unlock the face).

Make sure the latest version is installed on your smartphone. MIUI|Create a backup copy of important data|Remember or write down the lock password|Check that your Mi Account is not blocked-->

2.Why are some apps not displayed in the block list?

Users often face a problem when the desired application (for example, Telegram or VKontakte) does not appear in the list to block.

• 🔹 The app is not installed from Google Play, but via Google Play. APK-In this case, the file. MIUI It may not be recognized as “official».
• 🔹 Lock function disabled for system applications (e.g. Camera or Contacts) Solution - use third-party utilities (see Section 4).
• 🔹 The application runs in the background as a service (e.g. Google Play Services) and cannot be blocked by standard means.
• 🔹 On the smartphone installed custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), where the lock function may be absent.

If the app doesn't show up, try:

1. Reinstall it from the official store.
2. Update MIUI to the latest version via Settings → About Phone → System Update.
3. Clear the cache of the Settings application → Applications → Application Management → Find the right one → Clear the cache.

3. Alternative method: use of the "Second Space"

If the built-in lock is not suitable (for example, due to a limited list of applications), you can use the Second Space function, which is a separate work profile with its own applications, settings and password, all data in it is completely isolated from the main space.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
2. Create a new space, follow instructions on the screen (you need to come up with a separate password).
3. Once created, reboot your smartphone and select Second Space when turned on.
4. Install only the apps you want to hide (e.g. Tinder or Banking Services).

Advantages of the method:

• 🔐 Complete data isolation: even if someone gets access to the main space, they won’t see the app from the second one.
• 📱 You can use different Google and Mi Accounts in every space.
• 🔄 Quickly switch between spaces through the notification panel.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ It takes up additional memory space (each space duplicates system files).
• ⚠️ Some apps (like WhatsApp) may conflict when used in both spaces at the same time.

Built-in lockdown MIUI|Second space|Third-party applications (AppLock)|Don't use protection.-->

4. Third-party applications for blocking: pros and cons

If standard methods don’t work, you can install third-party utilities such as AppLock, Norton App Lock, or Smart AppLock, which offer advanced features such as:

• 🔒 Fingerprint or face locking (even on older models).
• 📊 Entry attempts statistics.
• 🔄 Automatic locking by time or location.
• 📱 Hiding notifications from blocked applications.

However, this method has risks:

⚠️ Note: Many blocking apps require Administrator or Accessibility Service permissions, which may conflict with work. MIUI. For example, after updating the system, some utilities stop blocking applications correctly, and their removal can lead to malfunctions in the smartphone.

Selection recommendations:

Before installing, check the reviews about compatibility with your Xiaomi model. For example, on the POCO F5, some utilities may cause overheating due to conflict with the Game Turbo.

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If after installing a third-party AppLock, applications began to slow down, try turning off background activity for it in Settings → Apps → Permissions → Auto Run.

5. Hidden MIUI features for additional protection

In addition to the obvious methods, MIUI has little-known settings that enhance protection:

• 🔐 Hidden folders in the Gallery: Bring personal photos to the Gallery → Albums. → Hidden albums and passwords. These files will not be displayed in standard viewing.
• 📱 Incognito mode in the browser: In Mi Browser, you can block history and tabs with a password through your browser settings → Confidentiality.
• 🔄 Autoclean notifications: Enable in Settings → Notifications → Privacy of notifications to hide the content of messages on the lock screen.
• 📵 Lock-in IMEI: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) You can connect access to applications to SIM-When you extract it, the applications are automatically blocked.

Important: IMEI lock function only works on smartphones with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and later. It is absent on devices with MediaTek (for example, Redmi Note 11).

MIUI 14 also allows you to create "Secure Notes" in the Notes app, which is encrypted and requires a separate password to view, to activate:

1. Open your notes.
2. Click + → Confidential note.
3. Set a password (it may be different from the screen lock password).

6.What to do if I forgot the password from blocking applications?

If you lost your password from the built-in MIUI lock, you can restore it in two ways:

1. Using Mi Account: On the password screen, click Forgot your password?. Enter your associated Mi Account (email or phone). Confirm your recovery via SMS or email.
2. Reset via Safe Mode (if Mi Account is not tied): Turn off your smartphone. Hold the power button until the MI logo appears, then release and immediately press Volume down until Safe Mode boots. In Safe Mode, delete the Security app data via Settings → Apps. Reboot the device.

⚠️ Warning: Reset via Safe Mode will remove all lock settings, including fingerprints and graphics keys.If the smartphone has data encryption enabled, a full reset to factory settings may be required.

For third-party applications (such as AppLock), password recovery depends on their functionality, usually through:

• 📧 Email specified during registration.
• 🔑 Security Question (if asked when setting up).
• 📱 SMS by the attached phone number.

If nothing helps, you will have to delete the application via ADB (requires a connection to a PC) or reset your smartphone to factory settings.

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Always link your Mi Account to your smartphone, which is the only official way to restore access to blocked apps without losing data.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When setting up a lock, users often make errors that lead to loss of access or vulnerabilities.

• 🔓 Use a simple password: Code like 1234 or 0000 is easy to match. Use a combination of 6+ letter-and-numeral.
• 📱 No backup: If you block the Gallery or Files and then forget the password, it will be impossible to restore the data.
• 🔄 Conflict with other features: For example, if Battery Optimization for a blocking application is enabled, it may spontaneously shut down. Add it to exceptions in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.
• 📵 Blocking System Applications: Do not restrict access to Settings or Phone – this may result in inability to make calls or change settings.

Another common problem is notifications from blocked applications, and even if the application itself is password protected, its notifications can be displayed on the lock screen to hide them:

1. Go to Settings → Notifications → Privacy Notifications.
2. Enable the option to Hide the content of notifications on the lock screen.
3. For individual apps (like Telegram), turn off notifications completely or set a Low priority.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions