Application protection on Xiaomi Redmi: how to install the application as “protected”

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones offer users a wide range of privacy protection features, including the ability to hide and block applications. If you want to restrict access to certain programs – whether messengers, banking applications or personal galleries – the “protected application” feature will be a reliable solution. In this article, we will discuss how to activate this mode, what settings will be required, and what nuances are important to consider to avoid errors.

It is important to understand that the application protection on Redmi is implemented through the built-in tools MIUI - the Xiaomi brand shell. Depending on the firmware version and device model (for example, Redmi Note 12, Redmi 10 or POCO X5) interface may vary slightly, but the overall algorithm of actions remains universal, and we will also consider alternative methods of protection if the standard method for some reason is not available.

Before you start setting up, make sure that your device has the current version of MIUI (at least MIUI 12 or later), as older versions may not have the function of protected applications correctly or at all. If you use Redmi with global firmware (Global ROM), some options may be limited - this will also be discussed below.

What is a “Secure App” on Xiaomi Redmi?

The Secure App (or App Lock in English) allows you to block access to selected programs using a password, fingerprint, or facial recognition, and once activated, the secure application will require authentication at each run, which prevents unauthorized access, which is especially useful in the following cases:

• 🔒 You hand over your phone to your colleagues or friends and don’t want them to see private messages.
• 💳 The device has banking applications (for example, SberBank Online, Tinkoff), access to which should be limited.
• 📷 The gallery stores confidential photos or videos that need to be hidden from outsiders.
• 👶 You give your child a phone and you want to block access to social media or shopping games.

Importantly, application protection in MIUI works at the system level, not on an individual application, which means that locking will work even if an attacker tries to run a program through an ADB or a third-party launcher. However, there are limitations: for example, notifications from blocked applications will still appear on the lock screen unless additional settings are configured.

On some Redmi models (such as Redmi 9A or Redmi 8 with outdated firmware), the App Lock feature may be hidden in the depth of the settings or not at all, in which case you will have to use third-party solutions, which we will discuss in one of the following sections.

Step-by-step: how to install the application as protected

To activate the application protection, follow the following steps: Make sure your Redmi has enabled Application Lock and set up a primary password (PIN, pattern lock, or biometrics). If you haven't already set a password to unlock the screen, the system will prompt you to do so at one stage.

The instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-14 (including HyperOS on new models). If you have an older version, update your firmware via Settings → About Phone → System Update.

Set the main password for the lock screen|Update. MIUI last-minute|Check that the application is not hidden in the launcher settings|Connect your device to the Internet (to synchronize settings)-->

1. Open Settings on your Redmi and go to Passwords and Security (or Privacy in English firmware).
2. Select App Lock. If this section is missing, try searching for it in the settings (the magnifier icon in the upper right corner).
3. On the app lock screen, click Enable and confirm the action with your primary password, fingerprint, or face scan.
4. In the list of installed applications, tick the programs you want to protect. For example, select WhatsApp, Gallery or SberBank Online.
5. Set up additional parameters (optional): 🔄 Auto Unlock – Turn off if you want a password requested every time you open it. 📱 Hide notifications – will prevent the content of notifications from blocked applications from showing on the lock screen. 🔒 Requesting Password After Rebooting – Enable for Enhanced Security.

Save the changes and check the function by trying to open the secure application.

If after setting up the application still opens without asking for a password, try the following steps:

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 🔧 Remove the application from the protected list and add it again.
• 📱 Check if the App Lock feature is disabled in the battery settings (sometimes the system optimizes the background operation of the lock module).

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If you use Redmi with China ROM, App Lock may require you to link to your Mi Account.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Despite the ease of customization, Xiaomi Redmi users often face difficulties when working with secure applications.

Special attention should be paid to situations where the user forgets the password from App Lock. Unlike the main password of the screen, it is almost impossible to reset the lock of applications without the attached Mi Account. If you do not sync the device with the Xiaomi account, the only way out is a complete reset via Recovery Mode, which will lead to the loss of all data.

⚠️ Note: If you plan to use App Lock for banking applications, check first if this feature conflicts with their internal security mechanisms. Some programs (for example, Tinkoff or VTB Online) may block access if a third-party lock is detected.

Another common problem is that the protected app icon disappears from the home screen, because of the Hidden Apps feature in MIUI, which automatically hides blocked programs from the menu. To return the icon, go to Settings → Applications → Hidden Apps and uncheck the desired program.

Alternative ways to protect applications

If the built-in App Lock feature doesn’t suit you for some reason (for example, due to firmware limitations or an inconvenient interface), you can use third-party solutions.

1. Third-party applications for blocking

Google Play has many programs that offer advanced protection features.

• 🔐 AppLock (from DoMobile Lab) – supports password lock, fingerprint and even geolocation.
• 🛡️ Norton App Lock – a solution from a well-known antivirus brand with additional protection against malware.
• 📱 Smart AppLock – allows you to configure different passwords for different applications.

Third-party apps have the advantage of having the flexibility to set up settings, such as a lock schedule (e.g., deny access to games during business hours) or a fake cover, which is displayed when you try to open a blocked application.

However, such solutions have disadvantages:

• 🔋 Increased battery consumption due to background work.
• 📱 The risk of conflict with system services MIUI.
• 💰 Some features are only available in the paid version.

2. Hiding applications without blocking

If you just need to hide the application from prying eyes, but do not block it with a password, use the built-in MIUI function:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Hidden Applications.
2. Select the programs you want to hide and confirm the action.
3. To return a hidden application, type the “hidden applications” request in the search for settings.

This method does not provide data protection, but makes the application inaccessible through a standard launcher.

3. Use of the second space (Dual Apps)

Dual Apps (or Second Space) allows you to create a separate user profile with your own apps and settings, which is useful if you want to completely isolate personal data, for example, you can install WhatsApp in the main workspace and in the second for personal correspondence.

To activate the second space:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
2. Follow the setup instructions (you will need to set a separate password).
3. Install the desired apps in the new space through Google Play.

⚠️ Warning: Second space takes up extra memory and can slow down the device on weak models (e.g. Redmi) 8A or Redmi 9C). Before using, check the free space in the Settings section. → Memory.

How to protect system applications (Gallery, Contacts, Messages)

Unlike third-party software, Xiaomi system applications (such as Gallery, Contacts, or Messages) often contain critical data that needs protection, but the standard App Lock feature doesn’t always work correctly with them.

1. Lockdown of the Gallery

To protect photos and videos in the standard Xiaomi Gallery:

1. Open the Gallery app and go to the album you want to hide.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Hide the album.
3. Set a password (if not set up previously) or use a fingerprint.

Hidden albums will only be available after you enter a password in the Hidden Albums section inside the Gallery.Please note that this method does not encrypt files - they are still stored on the device and can be found through the file manager (for example, /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/.hidden).

2. Protection of Communications and Contacts

To block Messages and Contacts:

1. Use the standard App Lock (as described above).
2. If the feature doesn’t work, install a third-party SMS app (like Google Messages) and block it through AppLock.
3. For contacts, export them to Google Account and set up two-factor authentication.

On Redmi models with MIUI 14 and later, system applications can be protected through the Privacy section of the security settings. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Privacy → Application Protection and select Gallery/Contacts manually.

3. Data encryption

To maximize the protection of sensitive data (such as backups of messages or photos), use encryption:

• 🔐 Enable device encryption in Settings → Passwords and security → Encryption of the telephone.
• 📁 For individual files, use password-enabled archivers (e.g, 7-Zip or RAR).
• ☁️ Upload backups to a secure cloud (e.g. Google Drive with two-factor authentication enabled).

Encrypting your device can slow it down, especially on budget Redmi models with Snapdragon 4xx or Helio Gxx processors. Make sure the phone is at least 80% charged before activating, as the encryption process can take up to an hour.

Security and privacy: additional advice

App protection is just one aspect of security on Xiaomi Redmi. To fully secure your data, follow these guidelines:

• 🔑 Use a complex password for the lock screen (at least 8 characters, with numbers and special signs). Avoid simple combinations like 1234 or date of birth.
• 👤 Set up two-factor authentication for Mi Account, which will protect your data even if your password is compromised.
• 📱 Turn off the debugging. USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Click on version 7 times, then return to Additional Settings → For developers and deactivate the option).
• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI. New firmware versions close vulnerabilities that can be used to bypass the lock.
• 🚫 Don't install it. APK Third-party applications may contain malicious code that can disable App Lock.

Pay particular attention to app permission settings, and many apps (especially Google Play) request access to contacts, messages, or locations without real need to, to limit their ability to:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Permissions Management.
2. Select a category (for example, “Contacts” or “Location”).
3. Restrict access to suspicious applications.

It is also useful to set up a safe mode in MIUI, which will temporarily disable all third-party applications if malicious activity is suspected.

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Even with application lock enabled, an attacker can access data via Recovery Mode or ADB. To fully protect the device, use a combination of App Lock, encryption, and Mi Account binding.

Frequently asked questions