Modern smartphones, including the popular Redmi 9, store a colossal amount of personal information, access to which should not be open to prying eyes. Device owners are often looking for a way to restrict access to specific apps, such as instant messengers, banking clients or the gallery, without blocking the phone itself. Fortunately, the shell MIUIinstalled on Redmi provides powerful built-in tools for solving this task without the need to download third-party software.
Setting a separate lock for each application creates an additional level of security, which is especially relevant if you give the phone to children or colleagues. This process only takes a few minutes, but significantly increases the privacy of your data. In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions, consider possible problems and answer frequently asked questions from users Xiaomi.
Preparing to install data protection
Before you start setting up the blocking, you need to make sure that your account Mi Account is activated and linked to the device. Although the basic function works without it, having an account will allow you to restore access to data in case you forget your password or change your device. It is also worth checking whether the latest available firmware version is installed, since the security menu interface may differ slightly in different assemblies MIUI.
It is important to come up with a reliable pattern or digital code in advance, which will differ from the screen unlock code. Using the same combinations reduces the overall level of system security. If you plan to use biometrics, make sure that fingerprints are already added to your smartphone settings.
Keep in mind that the app lock feature consumes a minimal amount of CPU resources, but is still a background process. On Redmi 9 with its optimized battery, this will not be a problem, but understanding the principle of operation will help to avoid false alarms when the device is low.
⚠️ Attention: If you forget the set password for locking applications and do not link your Mi account, it will be almost impossible to restore access to protected data without a full reset.
Activation of the "Application Protection" function
The main tool for implementing our task is in the "Security" system application, which is preinstalled on all smartphones Xiaomi. To get started, you need to open this application, which usually has a green icon with a shield. In the main menu you need to find an item called “Application Protection” or “Application Lock.”
When you first start, the system will prompt you to create a password. You can choose between a pattern, a digital code, or a mixed option. Pattern key is often more convenient for frequent use, since it is easier for muscle memory to reproduce. After entering and confirming the password, the system may offer to link your account Mi to restore access - it is recommended to go through this procedure.
Next you will be asked to configure additional settings, such as fingerprint unlocking. On Redmi 9 the scanner is located on the rear panel, which makes this method very convenient. Activating this option will allow you to open protected applications instantly, simply by placing your finger, without entering the password manually each time.
☑️ Check before setting
Selecting apps to block
After setting a password, you will be taken to the list of all apps installed on your smartphone. The interface is divided into two tabs: “Protected” and “Unprotected”. By default, all applications are in the second tab. To install protection, just click on the switch next to the desired name.
The system allows you to select any apps, from system components to games downloaded from Google Play . Most often, users protect social networks and financial applications. The lock works even if the application is running in the background - when you try to open it, you will be prompted for a password again.
You can use the search in the list if you have a large number of apps installed. This is especially useful when you need to quickly add or remove protection from specific software. After activating the switch, the application icon will move to the top of the list, signaling that it is now locked.
- 🔒 WhatsApp - a messenger containing personal correspondence, most often requires protection.
- 📸 Gallery - access to personal photos and videos should be limited from strangers.
- 🏦 Banking applications - critical to the owner's financial security Redmi.
- 📱 Notes - often contain confidential notes, passwords and important reminders.
Customizing security and notification settings
At the top of the Application Protection menu screen there is a gear icon that opens additional settings. Here you can activate the “Hide Contents” feature, which will mask notifications from protected applications on the locked screen. This will prevent information leakage through pop-up messages.
Also in this section you can configure the blocking timeout. You can choose when to request a password: immediately after closing the application, after 1 minute, 10 minutes or an hour of inactivity. For maximum security, Redmi 9 it is recommended to select the “Immediately” or “After exiting the application” option.
Setting the visibility of notifications deserves special attention. If you enable content hiding, a standard blank will be displayed in the notification shade instead of the message text. This is a useful feature if you often leave your phone face up on your desktop.
⚠️ Attention: The MIUI settings interface may be updated. The location of the switches may vary depending on the Android version and regional firmware.
Using biometrics for quick access
Entering a password every time can be tedious, so Xiaomi introduced support for biometric unlocking for protected applications. The Redmi 9 uses a fingerprint scanner that works quickly and accurately. To activate this feature, you need to go to the security settings and enable the “Fingerprint unlock” item.
After activation, when you try to open a protected application, the phone will vibrate, reading the fingerprint. If the finger does not match or too much time has passed since the last successful unlock, the system will require you to enter a pattern. This provides a balance between convenience and security.
It is worth noting that biometric data is stored in a secure processor module and is not transmitted to the company’s servers. However, if you added other people's fingerprints to unlock the phone itself, they will also be able to access your protected applications.
What to do if the scanner does not work?
If the fingerprint sensor stops responding, try wiping the back panel of the smartphone with a dry cloth. Also check the settings in the Passwords and security section, you may need to recalibrate or re-create your fingerprint.
Comparison of security methods on Redmi 9
There are several levels of protection available to users, and it is important to understand their differences. The built-in MIUI function is the most optimal, since it does not require the installation of additional software and is deeply integrated into the system. However, there are alternative methods that can be useful in certain situations.
The table below compares the main method of blocking through security settings with other possible options for restricting access on devices Android.
| Protection method | Security level | Impact on the battery | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in MIUI protection | High | Minimal | Very high |
| Third-party AppLock | Average | Average | Average |
| Guest mode | High | Low | Low |
| Second space | Maximum | Medium | High |
As can be seen from the comparison, the standard solution from the manufacturer is “golden” the middle." It does not load RAM and works stably. Third-party applications often require special permissions and can be closed by the system to save power, which makes them less reliable.
Alternative: Second Space
If you need to hide not just access to an application, but completely isolate certain data, in MIUI there is a “Second Space” function. This is actually the creation of a second user profile with its own set of applications, passwords and gallery. Switching between spaces occurs through a special shortcut or fingerprint.
This method is suitable for those who want to completely separate work and personal information. Applications in the second space will appear as newly installed, and access to data in the first space from it will be blocked. This is a more radical, but also more reliable method of protection.
To create a second space, go to Settings → Second space and follow the instructions in the setup wizard. Remember that switching between profiles takes a couple of seconds, which may be less convenient than simply locking one application.
Use different fingerprints to enter the main and second space - this will allow you to instantly switch between profiles simply by placing your finger on the scanner.
Possible problems and their solution
In rare cases, users may encounter a situation where a blocked application does not ask for a password or, conversely, is blocked too often. This is often due to energy saving settings. The system can “kill” the blocker process to save battery, which is why the protection stops working correctly.
To fix this, you need to go to the battery settings and for the “Security” (or “Application Protection”) application, set the background activity limit to “No restrictions” mode. This ensures that the security module is always active and ready to block access if necessary.
Another common problem is forgetting your password. If you have not linked your account Mi, the only way out may be to completely reset your smartphone, which will delete all data. Therefore linking your Mi account is a critical step when setting up protection for the first time..
Stable operation of the lock depends on the correct power saving settings - be sure to allow the application to run in the background without restrictions.
Is it possible to set a password for system applications?
Yes, the application protection feature in MIUI allows you to block even system components such as “Settings”, “Contacts” or “Phone”. However, blocking some system processes can lead to unstable operation of the smartphone, so it is recommended to protect only user content.
What happens if I reset my phone?
When performing a hard reset, all set passwords, including application protection, will be deleted. However, the applications themselves will remain blocked until you reconfigure the protection function and enter a new password if the system requires confirmation of account ownership.
Does protection work if the application is updated?
Yes, the blocking settings are saved even after updating the application via Google Play or Mi GetApps. The system automatically applies previously installed security rules to the new version of the app, and the additional password login will remain active.
How to disable protection for all applications at once?
To quickly disable protection, go to the “Security” application, select “Application protection”, click on the settings icon and select “Disable application protection”. You will need to enter a password or fingerprint to confirm the action, after which all restrictions will be removed.