A modern smartphone stores a huge amount of confidential information: from correspondence in instant messengers to banking applications and personal photos. Device owners Huawei and Honor often look for ways to limit third parties’ access to this data. The issue of protection is especially relevant for the model Honor 9, which, despite its age, remains popular thanks to its high-quality camera and performance.
The process of installing a block on individual apps does not require superuser rights or installing third-party utilities. Built-in shell tools EMUI provide ample opportunities for privacy settings. You can hide specific icons, protect them with a password or fingerprint, and create a completely isolated environment.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods of content protection. We will look at the standard App Lock, hidden space function and parental control settings. Understanding these mechanisms will allow you to configure the device to suit your security needs without unnecessary complications.
Standard application blocking function
The easiest and most reliable way to protect data is to use the built-in tool Blocking applications. This function is integrated directly into the security system Honor 9 and does not load the RAM with additional processes. To get started, you need to go to the settings menu of your device.
Find the section Security in the main list of parameters. Inside this menu you will find the item Blocking applications. When you first log in, the system will prompt you to set a security method. This could be a separate PIN code, a pattern, or the use of biometric data, such as a fingerprint scanner located on the front panel.
After setting the access code, a list of all installed apps will open in front of you. Just activate the switch next to those applications that you want to hide from prying eyes. Now, when you try to launch a protected app, the system will ask for identity confirmation.
- 🔒 Access to the blocking settings is carried out through the "Security" menu.
- 👆 You can use a fingerprint for instant unlocking.
- 📱 Protection of any applications installed by the user is supported.
- ⚙️ Ability to change the type of password at any time.
⚠️ Attention: If you forget the set application lock password, you can reset it only by completely resetting the device, which will delete all data. Write the code in a safe place.
Setting up hidden space (PrivateSpace)
For users who require the maximum level of privacy, the shell EMUI provides a function Hidden space. This is not just a password for an application, but the creation of a second, completely isolated operating environment inside your smartphone. In this space you can install separate copies of applications, store files and conduct correspondence visible from the main profile.
This function is activated through the security settings. Follow the path Settings → Security → Hidden space and press the power button. The system will ask you to set a separate password or fingerprint to enter this mode. The uniqueness of the function is that you can configure the entrance to the main space using one fingerprint, and to the hidden space using another.
The hidden space interface looks like a clean smartphone. There is no your main contacts, gallery or call history here. You can download instant messengers and log in to them under a different account. Switching between profiles occurs instantly by entering the appropriate password on the lock screen or placing the desired finger on the scanner.
Use different fingerprints to quickly switch between the main and hidden profiles without entering passwords. For example, the right thumb is for the main menu, and the left index finger is for the secret one.
It is important to understand that applications in the hidden space take up additional space on the drive, since these are actually two different installations. However, for Honor 9 with its memory capacity, this rarely becomes a critical problem when used wisely.
| Parameter | Main space | Hidden space |
|---|---|---|
| File access | Full access | Isolated |
| Notifications | Always displayed | Only when logging in |
| Accounts | Basic | Separate (second) |
| Icon visibility | Visible in the menu | Hidden from the main menu |
Using a safe for files
Often users need to protect something other than themselves application, and specific files inside it: photos, videos or documents. For these purposes, there is a built-in Honor 9 there is a built-in Safe. This tool allows you to move media files to an encrypted folder that can only be accessed after authentication.
To use this feature, open the application File manager. At the bottom of the screen or in the menu, select Safe. When starting for the first time, you will need to set a password. After setting up, you can move any files from the general gallery or download folders there.
Files placed in the safe disappear from standard photo and video viewing applications. They become visible only inside the safe interface after entering the code. This is an effective way to hide personal photos from prying eyes, even if the phone is unlocked.
How to recover files from a safe?
To return files to public access, go to the Safe, select the desired items and select the “Remove from safe” or “Recover” option. The files will be returned to the original folder.
The encryption system in Huawei is reliable enough for home use. However, it is worth remembering that resetting the device to factory settings without first removing files from the safe will result in their irreversible loss.
Parental controls and content restrictions
If the purpose of setting a password is to restrict children's access to certain functions or purchases, it is advisable to use tools Parental controls. Unlike simply blocking applications, this mode allows you to flexibly configure the time of use and age restrictions.
In the device settings, find the section responsible for the safety of children. Here you can create a child profile and set limits on the use of specific applications. For example, you can allow the use of educational apps, but block access to YouTube or game stores at certain times of the day.
The function also allows you to block in-app purchases without entering a special code. This is especially true for preventing accidental spending in games. A parent can remotely track device usage statistics through a linked account.
- 👶 Setting time limits for each application separately.
- 🚫 Blocking access to the application store and purchases.
- 📊 Viewing reports on the child’s activity.
- 🔐 Protect parental control settings with a separate password.
⚠️ Attention: For time limiting functions to work correctly, the device screen should not be completely turned off by the child. Some children try to bypass the restriction by rebooting the phone.
☑️ Setting up data protection
Third-party solutions for blocking
Despite the rich functionality of the built-in tools EMUI, some users prefer third-party solutions. The store Google Play presents many applications like AppLockthat offer additional features, such as taking a photo of an attacker if the password is entered incorrectly or disguising the icon of the locker itself.
When installing such apps, you must provide them with advanced access rights, including the right to overlay on top of other windows and access to use the device. This allows the application to intercept the launch of the target app and show the password entry screen in front of it.
However, using third-party software has its own risks. Such applications can consume more battery and RAM resources, which is critical for Honor 9 during its long-term operation. In addition, there is a potential risk of data leakage if the application developer turns out to be unscrupulous.
It is recommended to use third-party blockers only if the standard functions are absolutely insufficient. In most cases, the built-in tools Huawei are sufficient to fully protect privacy.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and menu layout may vary slightly depending on the installed firmware version. EMUI. If you do not find the specified item, use the search in the settings.
The built-in security measures of Honor 9 are preferable to third-party analogues, since they work at the system level and do not consume excess battery.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When setting up protection, users may encounter a number of typical situations. For example, after a system update, your lock settings may be reset, or your fingerprint may no longer be recognized in application lock mode. In such cases, the first thing you should do is check that the software version is up to date.
If the application is not blocked, make sure that the switch in the protection menu is active for this particular app. Sometimes, after updating an application, its internal ID changes, and the system needs to be notified again about the need for protection.
Also a common problem is a conflict between the Smart Unlock function and application locking. If your phone is set to automatically unlock when you are near a trusted device (watch or bracelet), application protection may not work. In the security settings, you can disable this feature to increase the level of protection.
What to do if you forgot your application lock password?
If you forgot your password, try answering the security question if you set it the first time you set it up. If the question is not asked or the answer is forgotten, the only way is to reset your phone to factory settings. This will delete all data, including photos and contacts, so make backups regularly.
Is it possible to bypass application locking on Honor 9?
No using standard user tools. Protection is integrated into the system. Bypass is possible only by qualified specialists using complex software for opening Android, which requires physical access to the device and often leads to data loss.
Does blocking applications affect the operation of notifications?
No, notifications from blocked applications continue to arrive and are displayed on the lock screen and in the curtain. The locking only works when you try to open the application itself to view the content.
Does the fingerprint work for all applications at once?
Yes, if you have configured biometric unlocking in the application protection section, you can open any locked apps with one touch of the scanner, without entering the PIN code each time.
How many Applications can be added to the hidden space?
There is no technical limit on the number of applications. The limit is determined only by the free space on your internal storage Honor 9, since each application in the hidden space takes up space twice (in the main and in the hidden profile).