WhatsApp messages often contain personal information, from family photos to bank transfers. If your Xiaomi smartphone (be it Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Mi 11) falls into the wrong hands, access to correspondence can turn into serious problems. Fortunately, owners of devices on MIUI have several ways to block the messenger, from a standard application blocker to integration with fingerprint or facial recognition.
Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to lock the phone itself, saying that without unlocking the screen, no one will read messages. However, this is not true: on Xiaomi, notifications of new messages can be displayed on the locked screen, and in some versions of MIUI even preview text! So protecting WhatsApp itself is a must-have for privacy, especially if you often leave your phone unattended or give it to children.
Why is it standard? PIN-WhatsApp code doesn't save
WhatsApp itself has a two-step verification feature that requires input. PIN-But this code doesn't block access to an app already installed, so if someone takes your unlocked Xiaomi, they can read and send messages on your behalf.
And the two-step WhatsApp check also has a major drawback: it can be reset via email if you've linked it to it, which means that if you leak your account, it can be hacked, so locally locking the application at the MIUI level is more secure.
Another thing is, if you use WhatsApp Web, your browser sessions are still active even after you lock your phone, and you have to combine several methods to protect your communications.
Method 1: Application Blocker in MIUI (most reliable)
MIUI 12/13/14/15 has a built-in tool called App Lock that allows you to set a password, fingerprint or graphical key to any application, including WhatsApp, which works on all modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones.
To activate the lock:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Blocker.
- If you're using it for the first time, the system will suggest setting a master password (PIN or pattern lock) and come up with a reliable combination and remember it!
- In the list of apps, find WhatsApp and move the slider to the right.
- Choose the unlock method: Password, fingerprint, or face recognition (not available on all models).
Now, every time WhatsApp is launched, it will require confirmation. Importantly, if you use a fingerprint, make sure it's registered in your phone's security settings (Settings → Passwords & Security → Fingerprints).
☑️ Preparing for WhatsApp Blocking
Method 2: Protecting via WhatsApp settings (two-step verification)
While this method does not block access to an already installed application, it adds an additional layer of security. PIN-When you try to transfer your account to another phone.
How to turn on:
- Open WhatsApp and tap three dots in the top right corner → Settings → Account → Two-step verification.
- Click Enable and enter 6-digit PIN-code (do not use date of birth or simple combinations!).
- Add an email to restore (required!) without it, PIN resetting will be impossible.
Please note that if you forget your PIN and you lose your email access, your account will be permanently blocked. WhatsApp does not provide any recovery through support.
What to do if you forget the PIN of the two-step check?
Method 3: Hiding WhatsApp notifications on the lock screen
Even if you have passwordd WhatsApp, notifications of new messages can reveal the content of the correspondence. To avoid this, turn off text preview in the MIUI settings:
Instructions:
- Go to Settings → Notifications and Status bar → Notification management.
- Find WhatsApp on the list and tap on it.
- Turn off the option to Show on the locked screen.
- In the Notification Style section, select Hidden or Without Text.
We also recommend that you disable previewing messages in WhatsApp itself:
- Open WhatsApp → Settings → Notifications.
- Uncheck the box to show the text of the messages.
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If you use WhatsApp Web frequently, remember to manually end sessions in the WhatsApp menu → Settings → Linked Devices. This will prevent access to your account from other computers.
Comparison of blocking methods: what to choose?
Each method of protection has its pros and cons. Below is a comparison table that will help you decide on the choice:
| Method | Level of protection | Convenience | Deficiencies | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI blocker | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (quick-opening) | Requires a password at each launch | All Xiaomi users |
| Two-step verification | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (It does not interfere with everyday use) | Does not protect against access to an already installed application | Additional Account Protection |
| Hiding notices | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Does not block access to chat rooms | Minimalists who don’t want to enter passwords |
| Third-party applications (such as AppLock) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ (may slow down the system) | Data breach risk, conflicts with MIUI | Users of older versions of MIUI |
For maximum security, we recommend combining a MIUI blocker and a two-step verification, which will protect against both local access to chat rooms and remote account hacking.
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The MIUI app blocker is the only method that physically prevents WhatsApp from launching without authorization.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many Xiaomi users have problems configuring WhatsApp locking, and here are the most common errors and solutions:
- 🔹 Forgot the locker password. MIUI. If you do not remember the main password, you can reset it only through Mi Account (associated Xiaomi account). → Xiaomi account → Security → Delete the blocker data. Attention: this will delete all saved passwords!
- 🔹 Fingerprint is not working. Make sure the sensor is clean and the finger is registered in the system (Settings) → Passwords and security → Fingerprints on some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) The scanner may not work well at low temperature.
- 🔹 WhatsApp is not blocked after the update MIUI. After major updates, the firmware settings of the blocker can be reset. Check if the feature is enabled in Settings → Annexes → Application locker.
- 🔹 If you've disabled WhatsApp's preview, but you can still see the text, check your settings. MIUI: Sometimes you need to disable notifications separately for the Locked Screen and the Notification Panel.
⚠️ Note: If you use dual applications (Dual Apps function in the app) MIUI), The blocker must be configured separately for each copy of WhatsApp, otherwise the second version will remain unprotected!
Additional security measures for WhatsApp on Xiaomi
In addition to blocking the application itself, it is worth taking other measures to protect correspondence:
- 🔐 Backup encryption. WhatsApp allows you to encrypt backups in Google Drive. Enable this option in Settings → chat → Backup → Backup encryption.
- 📱 Disable autoload media files.This will prevent the photos and videos from being saved to the phone gallery where others can see them. → Warehouse → Autoboot media.
- 👤 Hiding status online. To prevent attackers from tracking your activity, turn off status display in Settings → Account. → Confidentiality → Last activity.
- 🔄 Check active sessions regularly, see which devices your account is open on on the Linked Devices menu, and close unfamiliar sessions immediately.
If you often pass the phone to colleagues or relatives, consider creating a guest mode in MIUI.
- Go to Settings → System and device → Additional → Guest mode.
- Activate the function and add to exceptions only those applications that can be opened without a password (WhatsApp does not need to be included!).
⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO F4) Guest mode may conflict with the app blocker. Check WhatsApp's security before using it!