How to set a password for applications on the Honor 9A: all working methods

Protecting personal data on a smartphone Honor 9A is a task that becomes increasingly relevant with the growing amount of confidential information in instant messengers, banking applications and social networks. The model runs on the base EMUI (Huawei shell) with version Android 10 or 11 (depending on the region and updates), and it has both built-in tools for blocking applications and restrictions that many are not aware of. For example, the standard “App Lock” feature in EMUI allows you to set a password only for individual system utilities, and third-party apps will require workarounds.

In this article we will look 5 proven methodshow to set a password for any application in Honor 9A —from standard settings to third-party applications with advanced capabilities. We will pay special attention to the nuances of working with Google Play Protect, which can block some utilities for protection, and we will also look at how to bypass restrictions if the smartphone is not rooted. All methods have been tested on firmware EMUI 10.1 i EMUI 11, but some functions may differ depending on the software version.

If you are looking for a way to protect not only applications, but also individual files (photos, documents), there is one at the end of the article FAQ block with answers to popular security questions Honor 9A. And for those who prefer visual instructions, we have prepared step-by-step screenshots (descriptions of actions are given in as much detail as possible so that you can do without them).

1. Built-in application blocking in EMUI (limited functionality)

The easiest way is to use the standard function "Application blocking"which is included Honor 9A by default. However, it has a serious limitation: it only works for system utilities (for example, "Gallery", "Contacts", "Notes") and some pre-installed applications (for example, Huawei Browser). For WhatsApp, Telegram or banking apps, this method is not suitable.

To activate blocking:

1. Open Settings → Security → Application blocking.
2. Enter PIN code or password (if not installed, the system will prompt you to create it).
3. Select applications from the list of available ones (usually 5-7 system ones utilities).
4. Activate the switch next to the desired application.

After this, each time you launch a blocked application, you will be asked for a password. Important: if you reset your smartphone, application locking will turn off automatically.

⚠️ Attention: In some regional versions Honor 9A (for example, with firmware for Europe), the "Application Lock" function may not be available in the "Security" menu. In this case, use the alternative methods from the following sections.

2. Using the "PrivateSpace" function

PrivateSpace is a feature built into EMUI that creates an isolated zone on your smartphone with a separate desktop, applications and data. All apps installed in PrivateSpace are automatically password protected. This method is suitable if you want to hide not only access to applications, but also their presence in the main profile.

How to set up PrivateSpace on Honor 9A:

• 🔒 Go to Settings → Security → Private space.
• 📱 Click “Create” and follow the instructions (you will need to set a password or pattern).
• 🔄 After creating PrivateSpace, restart your smartphone.
• 📲 Go to PrivateSpace through the notification panel (swipe down → PrivateSpace icon).
• 📥 Install the necessary applications (they will available only in PrivateSpace).

Disadvantage of the method: applications in PrivateSpace are not synchronized with the main profile. For example, if you set WhatsApp to PrivateSpace, it will work as a separate account. Also some banking applications they can block work in PrivateSpace due to security policy.

Advantages of PrivateSpace	Disadvantages of PrivateSpace
Complete isolation of applications and data	You need to duplicate the installation of applications
Password protection at the system level	Some applications may not work
Hide notifications from applications in the main profile	Takes up additional memory space

3. Third-party locking applications (AppLock)

If the built-in functions of EMUI are not suitable, you can use third-party utilities from Google Play or AppGallery. The most popular: AppLock (from DoMobile Lab), Norton App Lock and Smart AppLock. They allow you to set a password for any application, including Instagram, VK, SberBank Online and others.

Setup instructions AppLock:

After installation, AppLock will prompt you for a password every time you launch protected applications. Some versions of the utility also support:

• 🔐 Fingerprint locking (if the sensor works correctly).
• 📵 Automatic blocking when connected to a specific Wi-Fi network.
• 🕒 Blocking timer (for example, block applications after 23:00).

⚠️ Attention: Applications for blocking from Google Play may conflict with Google Play Protectwhich regards them as “potentially dangerous”. If AppLock suddenly stops working, check the notifications in Play Protect and add the utility to the exceptions.

4. Blocking via “Digital Well-Being” (to limit time)

The "Digital Wellbeing" function Honor 9A is designed to control the time you use applications, but it can be adapted for blocking. For example, you can set a limit of 1 minute for an application, after which it will be blocked until the timer is reset. This is not full password protection, but is suitable for temporary blocking.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Digital Wellbeing and Parental Controls.
2. Select "Control Panel" and click on the hourglass icon next to the desired application.
3. Set a time limit (for example, 1 minute).
4. Activate the "Block after time expires" option.

After the limit is reached, the application will locked until manual reset in Digital Wellbeing settings. This method does not replace the password, but can be useful for limiting children's access to certain apps.

How to bypass the Digital Wellbeing lock

If you have forgotten the Digital Wellbeing password, reset it through your Huawei account: Settings → Accounts → Huawei ID → Account management → Security → Password reset.

5. Rooting and specialized modules (for advanced users)

If you are ready for radical measures, you can get root access on Honor 9A and install modules like XPrivacyLua or AppOps for flexible blocking settings. This method gives maximum control, but has risks:

• 🚨 Loss of warranty (if the smartphone is under warranty).
• 🔄 Possible malfunctions in EMUI after rooting.
• 🛡️ Banking applications will stop working (due to the SafetyNet trigger).

If you still decide to root the device, follow the instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Huawei website (an unlock code will be required).
2. Install custom recovery (for example, TWRP).
3. Flash Magisk to get root access.
4. Install the module AppLock or XPrivacyLua via Magisk Manager.

⚠️ Attention: Rooting Honor 9A with firmware EMUI 11 can lead to bootloop blocking if you use incompatible versions of Magisk Before the procedure, check compatibility on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums.

Comparison of blocking methods: which one to choose?

To choose the optimal protection method, evaluate your needs using the table. below:

Method	Protection level	Setting complexity	Suitable for	Restrictions
Built-in blocking EMUI	Low	Simple	System applications	Does not work for third-party apps
PrivateSpace	High	Medium	Hiding applications and data	You need to duplicate the installation of applications
AppLock (third-party)	Average	Simple	Any applications	Conflicts with Google Play Protect
Digital well-being	Low	Simple	Use time limit	Does not block password
Rooting + modules	Maximum	Complicated	Advanced users	Risk of loss of warranty, inoperability of banking applications

For most users Honor 9A the optimal solution would be a combination of PrivateSpace (to hide critical applications) and AppLock (to block others). If you need minimal protection, the built-in EMUI blocking for system utilities will suffice.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about blocking applications on Honor 9A

Is it possible to put a password on a folder with photos in the Gallery?

Yes, for this:

1. Open the standard one Gallery on Honor 9A.
2. Select the photos you want to hide and click "More → Move to private storage."
3. Set a password to access the private storage in the Gallery settings.

Alternative: use PrivateSpace and install Gallery inside it - then all photos will be protected by the PrivateSpace password.

Why doesn’t AppLock block some applications (for example, SberBank)?

Banking applications often use Android Work Profile or have protection against screen interception, which interferes with AppLock block them correctly. Solutions:

• Try Norton App Lock —it works better with financial applications.
• Use PrivateSpace to install a banking application in an isolated area.
• Disable battery optimization for AppLock in settings (Settings → Applications → AppLock → Battery → Unlimited).

How to reset your password if you forgot it in AppLock?

Recovery methods depend on the version of AppLock:

• If your email is linked: click "Forgot your password?" on the lock screen and follow the instructions.
• If your email is not linked: delete and reinstall AppLock (the data will be reset).
• For rooted devices: delete the file /data/data/com.domobile.applock/shared_prefs/AppLock.xml.

⚠️ Attention: after reset All lock settings will be lost!

Will application lock work after resetting?

No, all lock settings (including PrivateSpace, AppLock and the built-in EMUI lock) are reset when you return to factory settings. To restore protection:

1. Again. set up a lock after the reset.
2. If you used PrivateSpace, the data from it will be deleted without the possibility of recovery.

We recommend that before resetting you make a backup copy of your important data via Settings → System → Backup.

Is it possible to block access to your smartphone's settings?

No using standard EMUI tools. But you can:

• Use AppLock to block the "Settings" application (not all versions support this).
• Install launcher with blocking function (for example, Nova Launcher + plugin AppLock).
• Activate Emergency calls only mode via Settings → Biometrics and password → Lock mode (will restrict access to all functions except calls).