How to Secure Applications with a Password on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to MIUI

Protecting personal data on a Xiaomi smartphone is a key challenge for users who store sensitive information in their phone. Even if you have installed a screen lock, individual applications (messengers, banking services, gallery) can remain vulnerable when temporarily accessing a device. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to protect applications with a password on Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI 12-15, including built-in functions and third-party solutions.

The feature of MIUI is that it has its own App Lock tool that is integrated into security, but not all users know how to set it up correctly or what to do if the feature is not available on their models, and we'll also look at alternative methods: hidden folders, Second Space encryption, and reliable third-party applications for those who need enhanced security.

Importantly, protection methods may vary depending on the MIUI version and regional firmware, and this article presents current data for global and European versions of MIUI 14/15 for 2026.

1. Built-in application lock (App Lock) in MIUI

The easiest and most reliable way to use the built-in App Lock tool, which is available on all modern Xiaomi smartphones (starting with the Redmi Note 8 and later), this feature allows you to set a password, fingerprint or pattern lock for individual applications.

To activate App Lock, follow the following steps:

1. Open the Settings. → Passwords and security.
2. Select the option “App Lock” (App Lock).
3. When you first start, the system will offer to set the main password (it will be used for all blocked applications).
4. After setting your password, select the apps from the list you want to protect.

Note: If you use Face Unlock, you will need to enter your password manually for App Lock – biometrics does not work as the main method.

Set the main password of the lock screen|Update MIUI last-minute|Check for fingerprints in the system|Disable energy saving for security applications-->

⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from App Lock, you can only reset it through a full reset (Wipe Data in Recovery Mode). Xiaomi does not provide official ways to restore it.

2. Hiding applications in the "Private Folder" folder

If you need to not only block, but also completely hide the applications from prying eyes, use the Private Folder feature, which is available on Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 13 and later.

How to set up:

• 📁 Open the files. → Closed folder (or Settings) → Passwords and security → Closed folder).
• 🔒 Set a password (it may be different from the lock screen password).
• 📱 Drag the desired applications to the Private Folder folder on the home screen.
• 🔄 To hide the folder itself, hold the icon and choose Hide.

The advantage of this method is that apps are not only blocked, but also disappear from the menu and search, but they continue to work in the background (for example, messengers will receive notifications).

3.Using Second Space for Total Insulation

Second Space is a separate work profile on Xiaomi’s smartphone that allows you to create an isolated environment with your own apps, settings and password, a method that is suitable for those who want to not just block, but completely separate personal data.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Second Space.
2. Create a new profile and set a separate password for it.
3. Install the required applications in Second Space (they will be duplicated from the main profile).
4. Switch between profiles via the notification panel or screen lock.

Advantages:

• 🔐 Complete data isolation (Second Space applications are not visible in the main profile).
• 📱 The ability to use different accounts (for example, two WhatsApp or Telegram).
• 🛡️ Additional protection: Even if someone unlocks the main profile, access to Second Space will remain closed.

⚠️ Note: When you delete Second Space, all the data inside it will be permanently erased.

4. Third-party applications for blocking (alternative to App Lock)

If the built-in MIUI features don't suit you, you can use third-party apps from Google Play, which offer advanced features: time lock, disguise as system utilities, protection from screenshots.

Top.-3 tested applications:

Before installing, check the permissions of the application: it should only request access to Usage Access (Usage Statistics) and Accessibility Service (Special Features). SMS Contacts without a reason are a reason to be wary.

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Before installing a third-party App Lock, check reviews from the past 2-3 months. Some apps start showing hidden ads or collecting data after updates.

5. Block system applications (Gallery, Contacts, Settings)

MIUI protects not only third-party apps, but also system utilities like Gallery, Contacts, Settings, and even File Manager, which is true if you give your phone to children or colleagues and want to restrict access to certain features.

Instructions:

• 🔧 Open the Settings. → Passwords and security → Application lockdown.
• 📌 In the list, find system applications (they are marked with an icon). MIUI).
• 🔒 Choose the right ones and set a password for them.
• 🔄 For the Gallery, you can additionally include Hidden Albums in the application settings.

Features:

• 📸 In the blocked Gallery, the photos will be hidden, but will remain accessible through the Files. → DCIM.
• 📞 In Contacts, you can block only viewing, but not editing (calls will be available).
• ⚙️ Blocking settings will not prevent you from changing some parameters through ADB or Fastboot.

Built-in App Lock|Private Folder|Second Space|Third-Party Apps|Do not block-->

6. Additional security measures

Even after you set up the application lock, there are still vulnerabilities that can be closed:

• 🔄 Turn off notifications on the locked screen: go to Settings → Notifications → Notifications on the lock screen and select Do not show content.
• 📱 Set up automatic lock: in Settings → Lock screen → Autolock set the minimum time (15-30 seconds).
• 🔐 Use a complex password: avoid simple combinations (e.g. 1234 or date of birth).+ letter-and-numeral.
• 🛡️ Enable device encryption: Settings → Additionally. → Encryption and credentials (slows down but increases security).

For maximum protection, combine several methods.

1. Install App Lock on messengers.
2. Hide the photos in a private folder.
3. Create Second Space for banking applications.

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App Lock + Private Folder + Second Space offers almost 100% protection against unauthorized access, but requires careful password management.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

When using the application lock on Xiaomi, users encounter typical errors. Here's how to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📱 Version MIUI: Some features (such as Private Folder) may not be available in older firmware.
• 🌍 Regional firmware: in Chinese versions (China) ROM) The names of the menu items may differ.
• 🔧 Root rights: If you get root access, it could disrupt your system security features.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions