Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the need to protect personal data in instant messengers, banking applications or a gallery from prying eyes. The application protection feature in MIUI firmware allows you to set a password, pattern lock or biometric (print / face) to access selected programs. However, finding this setting is not always easy – its location has changed in different versions of the shell, and in some regional firmware, the option can be hidden or renamed.
In this article, we will discuss exactly where application protection on Xiaomi is in current versions of MIUI 14 and MIUI 15 (including global and Chinese builds), how to enable it for individual applications, and why the feature may not be available on your device.
Where to look for application protection in MIUI: the main ways
In most modern Xiaomi smartphones (e.g. Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13), the application protection feature is hidden in the security menu. However, the path to it may differ depending on the firmware version and regional build.
- 📱 Standard path (MIUI Global/EU): Settings → Annexes → Application protection
- 🔒 Through the security menu (MIUI China: Settings → Password and security → Application protection
- 🔍 Search by Settings: Use the search bar at the top of the Settings menu and enter the request “app protection” (in English – “app lock»).
On some devices (such as the POCO F5 or Redmi K60), the option may be called Application Lock or Application Privacy. If you don't find it in the sections listed, check for MIUI updates - older versions (below MIUI 12) may not have the feature or may have worked differently.
Important: on devices for the European market (EEA), the application protection function is sometimes disabled by default due to local regulations, in which case it can be activated through a hidden developer menu or an alternative firmware installation (for example, Xiaomi.EU).
Step-by-step: how to turn on protection for applications
When you find the Application Protection section, you just have to set up the lock. Here's the detailed instructions:
- Open the Application Protection menu and click Enable (or Start).The system will prompt you to set a master password — this can be: 🔢 PIN-code (4-8) 🔄 pattern lock 🔐 Password (letters) + figure)
After creating a password, select the applications you want to block.
- 💬 WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber
- 🏦 SberBank Online, Tinkoff, Alpha Click
- 📷 Gallery, Files, Notes
- Activate the switch next to the desired application, and now when it is opened, you will be asked for a password or biometrics.
⚠️ Attention: Use ADB This method may violate the warranty and cause system failures. On devices with a locked bootloader (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra), this method may not work without unlocking the bootloader.
Alternative ways to block applications
If standard MIUI protection is not available, consider the following options:
- 🔐 Third-party applications: AppLock (from DoMobile Lab) - supports password, fingerprint and masking as an error. Norton App Lock - integration with antivirus for additional security. Smart AppLock - flexible settings for different profiles (work / home).
- 👤 Second Space: Creates an isolated profile with separate applications and data. → Special facilities → Second space.
- 📂 Hidden folders: You can use the Blacklist in Gallery or Files for photos and files (path: Settings) → Confidentiality → Hidden albums).
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If you use AppLock, disable battery optimization for it in Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization, otherwise the lock may be reset.
Important: Third-party blocking apps may conflict with MIUI and cause freezes or memory leaks. Before installing, check user reviews of your model (for example, on 4PDA or XDA Developers).
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after setting up the application protection, users are faced with common errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
- 🔄 Locking fails: Check if the app is added to Exceptions (in the security settings).Reboot the device - sometimes security MIUI «Update an app that is not blocked (for example, WhatsApp can ignore the lock in older versions).
- 👤 Failure of the fingerprint/face: Remove and add the fingerprint again to Settings → Password and security → Fingerprint. Check if the power saving mode is on, it can turn off the sensors.
- 🔑 Forgot the password from the protection: Reset it through Settings → Password and security → Application protection → Forgot the password (required) PIN-Lock screen code. If it doesn't work, reset (app data will be saved, but the lock will reset).
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If application protection is lost after the MIUI update, try resetting security settings to Settings → Password & Security → Resetting security settings. This will return standard settings without losing data.