Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the need to hide personal correspondence or financial data from prying eyes. MIUI It offers powerful privacy protection tools that do not require third-party software installation, and the application lock feature allows you to restrict access to selected programs using the help of a software application. PIN-code, pattern lock or fingerprint.
Activating this option creates an additional security barrier even if the smartphone itself is unlocked. Application protection works independently of the main lock screen, which adds another level of control over your device. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to configure protection, what are the nuances of the function and what to do if you forget your password.
It is worth noting that the menu interface may vary slightly depending on the version of the Android operating system and the modification of the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS. However, the basic algorithm of actions remains the same for most modern models, whether it is a budget Redmi or flagship Xiaomi.
Preparation for data protection settings
Before you start blocking programs directly, you need to make sure that the device has the basic unlock method set up.Security of the smartphone begins with a strong login password.If you only use face unlock or a simple swipe, the system may suggest that you strengthen protection before activating the lock for applications.
It is also recommended to update system components, in particular the Security app, which is the central control node for access rights. In the GetApps store or Google Play store, you can find the latest versions of system utilities that fix vulnerabilities, this is especially true for users who store banking applications on their phone.
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Before setting up, make sure that your Mi Account has a phone number restored or your mail tied to avoid problems with restoring access.
It is important to understand that the lock function is closely integrated with the manufacturer’s cloud services, so having an active Internet connection at the time of the first setup may be required to synchronize the protection data, which will allow you to restore access to programs in the event of a device loss or reset.
Activation of the function through the security center
The main access control tool is in the standard system application, and to find it, open the menu of all programs and look for an icon called Security (green shield), which is where all the important privacy settings, including memory cleanup and antivirus, are concentrated.
Inside the app, scroll down to Application Protection. If you see this, click on it. In some versions of the firmware, it may be called App Lock or have a lock icon. When you first start, the system will ask you to come up with a password that will be different from the unlock password.
☑️ Checking before blocking
Once you have entered the password, the system will suggest you link the Mi Account. Account binding is a critical step to reset the forgotten password of the application lock. Without this step, restoring access to blocked programs will be almost impossible without completely resetting the phone. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the binding.
Choosing applications to block
Once you set the password, you're going to be listed as all the programs you've installed, and you're going to see all the apps you can protect, and the switch next to the program name activates or deactivates the protection, and you just tap the slider to lock the software you want.
Usually, users are primarily protecting messengers and the gallery, but remember file managers and notes where information can be stored. You can choose multiple programs at once, creating a robust security perimeter around personal data.
- 📱 Messengers: WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber – to protect correspondence from curious glances.
- 📸 Media: Gallery, Camera, Recorder - to hide personal photos and audio recordings.
- 💳 Finance: Banking applications, crypto wallets – additional protection of financial means.
- 📝 Office: Notes, Documents, Post – Preserving the confidentiality of working information.
The list interface allows you to quickly navigate. If there are many programs, use search or sorting. Note that the system applications required for Android to work may not appear in the list or be unavailable for blocking to avoid errors in the system.
Configuring authentication methods
Entering a password every time you launch an app can be tedious. Fortunately, modern Xiaomi smartphones support biometric authentication. In the application lock settings, you can activate fingerprint or facial recognition unlock.
To set up, go to the Settings menu inside the application protection section (usually the gear in the corner of the list screen) and there is the Unlock by fingerprint item. Activate it so that when you touch the scanner or screen, you can access the protected programs instantly.
It's worth considering that biometrics doesn't work in all scenarios, like after a device is rebooted, or if it's been a long time since the last unlock, it still requires you to enter a master password. It's a standard Android security measure that you can't get around.
Additional settings and content hiding
The security function is not limited to a simple lock, you can activate the concealment of content in the settings, when the option is turned on in the notification curtain, the text of messages from blocked applications will be replaced with asterisks or dots, and the sender's name is hidden.
Also available is the Hide Content feature, which makes icons of blocked apps invisible on the menu until you enter a password. To access them, you will need to enter a special code in the Phone or Explorer app, which creates a level of “secret storage”.
| Parameter | Description of function | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| The sound of lockdown | Audible signal when trying to enter | Enable access control |
| Hiding contents | Masking of notification text | It's a must for messengers. |
| Time out | Time before re-request of password | Put "Straight away" for max. protection |
| Access to USB | Blocking the connection to the PC | Turn on in public places |
Setting up a timeout allows you to choose when to request a password: immediately after leaving the application or after a certain time. For maximum security, you should choose the option “Immediately” so that whenever you switch between windows, access is blocked.
Solving and restoring access
Users often forget the password, especially if they use complex combinations. If you have attached a Mi Account, you can restore access through the password entry screen by clicking on the words "Forgot the password." The system will send the confirmation code to the attached number or mail.
⚠️ Warning: If the account was not tied, the only way to unlock the device is to completely reset the device to factory settings.
What to do if the print doesn’t work?
Sometimes the function may not work properly after updating the firmware. In such cases, cleaning the cache of the Security application helps. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Security → Memory and click Clear. This will not delete your passwords, but update the system files of the protection module.
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Regularly checking the relevance of backups and linking Mi Account is a guarantee that you will not lose access to your data.
If you have errors such as "Can't download data", check the Internet connection and correct setting of date and time. DRM-If you have a problem with persists, try switching from Wi-Fi to mobile Internet.
Use of the Second Space Mode
For those who don't have a simple lock, Xiaomi offers a "Second Space" feature, which is creating a completely isolated environment inside a smartphone, as if you had two different phones, and you can switch between them through a password or fingerprint.
In the second space, you can install separate copies of apps, set up your Google and Mi accounts. This is ideal for separating work and personal life, or for transferring your phone to children without fear for your data.
- 🔒 Complete isolation: Files and photos in one space are not visible in another.
- 📲 Cloning: The ability to use two WhatsApp accounts or banking apps independently.
- 🚀 Quick access: Switching is done in a second through a special label or fingerprint.
You can find this feature by Settings → Second Space. When activated, the system will create a separate desktop. App icons in the second space can be made identical or hidden by adding another layer of privacy.
⚠️ Note: Deleting the Second Space will permanently delete all the data stored inside it.
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Use different wallpapers for the main and second spaces to visually distinguish what mode you are in, and do not accidentally open an extra application.