Owning a Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 smartphone gives you access to a huge amount of personal data, from banking apps to private correspondence. However, standard lock screen protection is not always effective enough if the device can be used by unauthorized people in your absence, which is why blocking individual applications becomes critical to maintaining privacy.
The default MIUI operating system on your gadget offers built-in and fairly flexible tools to solve this problem. You don't have to download dubious software from third-party sources, risking system security. In this article, we'll discuss in detail how to configure access to programs using only the regular capabilities of the shell.
The security installation process is quite simple, but it has its own nuances, depending on the firmware version and regional settings. We will look at the basic methods, including the use of a digital pin code, a pattern lock and biometric data, which will allow you to choose the most convenient option for everyday use of your Redmi Note 7.
Preparation of the security system and the Mi Account
Before you start setting restrictions directly, you need to make sure that the basic security settings are correctly configured. MIUI requires an active Mi Account to work with some security features, as this ensures the synchronization of encryption keys and the ability to restore access in the event of loss of the device.
Go to the basic settings of your smartphone and find the account section. If you are not already logged in, the system will prompt you to enter your username and password or register a new profile, an important step that is often ignored, which subsequently leads to problems unlocking security features.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure you remember the password from your Mi Account.Resetting the application security password without accessing the account may not be possible or require a complete data reset.
It's also worth checking if Find Device is enabled, which not only helps track a lost gadget, but also indicates that security services are working correctly. Without this module, some advanced settings may not be available or work unsettled.
After checking your account, you should update the Security system app, which is where the main access control functionality resides. Open the GetApps store or Google Play store, find the app and check for updates. The current version ensures that there are no bugs that could prevent the blocker from working properly.
Setting up a privacy password through the Security app
The main data protection tool in Xiaomi smartphones is the built-in Security app, which has a green icon with a shield and is usually located in the Tools folder or on the home screen, and this is where the hidden mechanism is located, allowing you to set a separate password for selected programs.
Launch the app and scroll down to App Protection (or App Lock) on the menu. When you first start, the system will prompt you to create a privacy password. Note that this is a separate code, different from the screen unlock password, although you can use the combination for convenience.
☑️ Setting up application protection
You'll be asked to draw a pattern lock or enter a digital code, and then the system will ask you to link this key to your Mi Akka and specify a control question, which is necessary to restore access if you forget the invented combination of characters, and be careful when entering data, as it will be difficult to change it later.
Once you create a password, you'll see a list of all the installed programs, switch switch switch switches against the apps you want to hide from prying eyes, and most often, users block instant messengers, a gallery, bank clients, and notes.
You can also configure additional options in the same menu, such as fingerprint or face unlocking. If your Redmi Note 7 has a fingerprint sensor on the back, this feature will work instantly, eliminating the need to enter a pattern lock every time.
Using hidden space for maximum privacy
For users who need a higher-than-standard privacy level, MIUI’s cover features a “Second Space” feature, not just a password for an app, but a full-fledged second profile on the system that looks like a clean phone.
To activate this feature, go to the settings and select Advanced Settings and then Second Space. The system will create a separate environment with its apps, photos and accounts. Switching between the main and hidden spaces is either through a special shortcut or a unique fingerprint.
The idea is that you assign the unlock with your second finger (like your left finger), and when you put that finger on the scanner, the phone unlocks in a hidden mode, and no one knows that there's a second profile, which is the perfect solution for storing critical data.
| Function | Application password | Second space | Hiding applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level of protection | Medium. | High-pitched | Low. |
| Difficulty setting up | Low. | Medium | Low. |
| Visibility of icons | See, they need a password. | Hidden in another profile | Icons disappear. |
| Resource utilization | Minimum | Enlarged. | Minimum |
Keep in mind that creating a second space takes up extra memory on the drive, as some system files are duplicated. However, for the Redmi Note 7 with its storage capacity, this is usually not a critical problem.
The function of hiding applications without setting a password
Sometimes users need to not so much protect the application with a password, as to hide the fact that it is on the desktop. MIUI implements an icon hiding mechanism that works in conjunction with the lock function, but has its own features.
To activate the concealment mode, you need to go to the desktop settings, which can be done by pinching the main screen with two fingers or through the system settings menu. In the Hidden Applications section, you will see a list of programs that can be removed from public access.
Once you add an app to a hidden list, the icon will disappear from the desktop and from the menu of all applications. To run such a program, you will need to enter its name in the search bar or use a special gesture / code if it was previously configured, which creates an additional layer of obscura.
Can I hide the system applications?
It is important to understand the difference between hiding and blocking. A hidden application does not require a password to run unless it is separately denied access, so for maximum security, it is recommended to combine these methods: first hide the icon, and then put the password to launch through the Security menu.
Some users use this method to hide games or entertainment apps so as not to get distracted, but remember that an experienced user will be able to find hidden programs through the system settings, so relying on this method alone to protect bank data is not worth it.
Biometric protection: fingerprint and face ID
Modern smartphones, including the Redmi Note 7, are equipped with reliable biometric sensors. Using a fingerprint to unlock apps is not only convenient, but also much safer than simple graphic keys that are easy to peek.
To activate fingerprint unlock for secure applications, go to the Application Protection settings and find the appropriate fingerprint unlock switch. The system will require you to confirm the action with your current privacy password.
After activating when you try to open a blocked application (such as WhatsApp or Gallery), the smartphone will immediately request to attach a finger to the scanner on the back. If the finger does not match or you use another finger, the system will require you to enter a pattern lock or password.
⚠️ Note: Biometric data is stored in a secure processor module and is not transmitted to Xiaomi servers. However, when rebooting a device, the first sign-in to secure applications always requires the entry of a master password.
The Face ID feature on the Redmi Note 7 is software-based through the front camera, faster than a fingerprint scanner, but less safe in low light conditions or if someone tries to unlock your phone with your photo, but it is effective for quick protection from casual gaze.
Solving and restoring access
Even with the most careful setup, there may be situations when the user forgets the password or the system crashes. MIUI provides a recovery mechanism that is directly linked to the previously associated Mi Account.
If you have forgotten your privacy password, click on the Forgot Password link on the key input screen, the system will suggest sending a confirmation code to the associated phone number or email, or logging into your account to reset. Without access to your account, you cannot reset your password without losing data in secure applications.
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Change your privacy password regularly and update security questions, a standard digital hygiene procedure that protects against unauthorized access if your master password has been compromised somewhere.
In case the Security app doesn’t work properly or saves settings, try clearing its cache. To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All Apps, look for Security, and select Clear → Clear Cache. This won’t delete your passwords, but will fix software errors.
Sometimes users are faced with the situation that after updating the firmware settings are reset. To avoid this, always back up the settings to the Mi Cloud before major system updates, which will allow you to quickly restore the security configuration.
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The main principle of security in MIUI is to link all security mechanisms to the Mi Account, without which you risk losing access to your data forever.