A modern smartphone stores more personal information than home safe: from correspondence in instant messengers to banking applications and photos. Xiaomi ecosystem users often wonder how to restrict access to specific apps without locking the entire phone. Fortunately, the proprietary shell MIUI and the new one HyperOS offer a built-in powerful tool for these purposes that does not require the installation of third-party software.
The application blocking function works at the system level, which ensures high reliability of protection. Unlike simple launchers, the system lock cannot be bypassed by simply restarting the device or uninstalling the app. You don't need to be an expert in cybersecurity to activate this mechanism - just a few touches of the screen are enough to set up a personal access profile.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of activating protection, setting up biometric authentication and hiding notifications from prying eyes. We will also look at the nuances of how the function works in different firmware versions and answer frequently asked questions among smartphone owners. The interface may differ slightly depending on the version Redmi And Poco.
Activating built-in application protection
The first step is to enable the locking mechanism itself in the device settings. Interface may vary slightly depending on version Android and shell, but the logic of actions remains the same for all models. You need to go to the main settings menu and find the section responsible for data security and confidentiality.
Find the item Application protection (or App Lock in the English version). The system will prompt you to create a special password, which will be different from the screen unlock password. This is done so that even knowing the phone's login code, an unauthorized person will not be able to access hidden apps.
When creating a password, you will be asked to select the type of protection: pattern key, digital PIN code or mixed password. A pattern key is often more convenient for quick login, as it is easier to enter with one hand. However, a digital code is considered more reliable in terms of complexity of selection.
After entering and confirming the password, the system will ask you to link Mi Account. This is a critically important step, since it is through your account that you will be able to restore access to blocked applications if you lose your password. Without linking an account, resetting the protection is only possible through a complete reset of the phone settings.
⚠️ Attention: If you forget the application protection password and do not remember the security question, the only way to remove the lock is to completely reset the device data. Make sure you remember the answer to the security question or have access to the linked Mi Account.
☑️ Setting up protection
Selecting applications and fine-tuning access
After creating a password, a list of all installed apps will open in front of you. Here you can choose which applications require additional protection. Typically, users block banking clients, galleries, notes and instant messengers like WhatsApp or Telegram.
Just click on the switch next to the desired application. It will instantly be protected by the password or fingerprint you set, so you can even lock system applications such as “Settings” or “Contacts”, which will prevent unauthorized persons from changing your phone settings.
Particular attention should be paid to the notification settings. In the application protection menu there is an option “Hide notification contents”. If you activate it, the text of incoming messages from blocked applications will not be displayed on the lock screen or in the notification shade.
Instead of the message text, you will see the message “Content hidden” or a lock icon. To read the message, you will have to unlock the application itself. This prevents confidential information from leaking when the phone is lying face up on the table.
For maximum privacy, activate the “Lock on exit” option. Then the application will ask for a password every time you minimize it or turn off the screen, and not just the first time you launch it.
The “Settings Protection” function is also available in this section. It requires you to enter a password when trying to change the settings of the application lock itself. This protects your settings from being reset or changed by other device users.
Using biometrics for quick login
Entering your password every time you open an app can be a tedious task. Modern Xiaomi smartphones allow you to use a fingerprint scanner or facial recognition to instantly unlock protected apps. This combines a high level of security and ease of use.
To activate this feature, go to the application protection settings and find the item Fingerprint unlocking (or Face ID). The system will ask you to confirm your main password, after which biometric authentication will be enabled for all locked applications.
It is worth noting that the operation of the fingerprint scanner depends on the quality of your finger registration. If you have not previously set up unlocking your phone with your finger, the system will prompt you to do this first. For better accuracy, it is recommended to register the same finger twice at different angles.
| Authentication method | Login speed | Reliability | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pattern key | Medium | High | Average |
| Fingerprint | Instant | Very high | Excellent |
| Face recognition | Fast | Medium (2D) | Excellent |
| PIN code | Slow | High | Low |
Using biometrics does not replace the need to remember the main password. If the scanner does not work several times in a row (for example, due to wet hands), the system will automatically require you to enter a pattern key or digital code.
Features of working in HyperOS and new versions of MIUI
With the release of the new operating system HyperOS Xiaomi has made a number of changes to the operating logic of system utilities, including application protection. The interface has become more minimalistic, and some functions have been moved to other sections of the menu for better grouping.
In some regions and on newer models, the function may be called “App Lock” and located directly in the “Security” section of the “Security” application, rather than in the general system settings. This may confuse users who are used to the old menu layout.
In addition, new firmware versions have improved integration with the second space. You can configure certain apps to be accessible only in a second space, which itself is protected by a separate password or fingerprint. This creates a double level of protection for your most important data.
If you have updated your phone to the latest version and cannot find your usual settings, use the settings search. Enter the word “protection” or “lock” into the search bar, and the system will redirect you to the desired menu section.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and names of menu items may change with software updates. If you do not find the described items, check for system updates or use the search inside the settings.
What to do if the function disappeared after an update?
Sometimes after major updates, settings are reset or moved. Go to the Security app (green icon with a lightning bolt), scroll down to the Tools section and find the lock icon there. If it is not there, click “Add” and select it from the list of available tools.
Solving common problems and errors
Despite the stability of the system, users may encounter various problems. One common problem is when an application takes forever to ask for a password or does not accept correct input. In most cases, this is due to a security cache error.
To resolve the issue, try clearing the Security app data. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications, find the application Security and click “Clear” → “Clear all data”. This will not delete your files, but it will reset system utilities, including application lock, so be prepared to enter your password again.
Another situation is that the lock does not work when switching between applications. Make sure that the “Block when exiting application” option is enabled in your security settings. If this checkbox is unchecked, the phone will only ask for a password during a cold start of the app after a reboot.
Users also complain that notifications are still visible on the lock screen. Check your notification settings in the Notifications and Status Bar section. Perhaps a specific application has permission to display content on the lock screen, which takes precedence over protection settings.
If application protection does not work correctly, clearing the cache of the system Security application or rebooting the device most often helps.
Alternative methods of hiding data
In addition to the standard lock, in There are other ways to protect privacy on Xiaomi smartphones. The “Second Space” function allows you to create a completely isolated environment on your phone with your applications, photos and contacts.
Switching between the main and second space occurs using a fingerprint or a special password. To an outsider, the phone will look like a regular device with a minimal set of apps, while all important data will be hidden in another profile.
Another method is to use “Hidden Albums” in the Gallery. You can place photos and videos in a special folder, access to which is password protected. These files are not displayed in the general feed and are not visible when the phone is connected to a computer in file transfer mode without authorization.
- 🔒 The second space is ideal for separating work and personal data on one device.
- 📁 Hidden albums in the Gallery encrypt media files and hide them from prying eyes.
- 👤 Guest mode allows you to temporarily give your phone to a friend, limiting access to your personal data.
Combining these methods allows you to build layered defense. For example, you can use application lock for instant messengers, and store especially important documents in Second Space. This approach makes it as difficult as possible for attackers to access information.
What should I do if I forgot my application protection password?
If you linked your Mi Account during setup, click “Forgot your password” on the input screen. You will be asked to answer a security question or enter your Mi Account password. After successful authentication, you can set a new lock password.
Is it possible to bypass application protection through safe mode?
No, Xiaomi's built-in application protection works at the system level and is active even in safe mode. Third-party blocker applications can be disabled, but the system lock will continue to function.
Does blocking applications affect the operation of notifications?
Blocking itself does not disable notifications, you will receive them in the curtain. However, if the content hiding feature is enabled, the message text will be replaced with a standard stub until the application is unlocked.
Do you need to pay for the application protection feature?
No, this is a built-in feature of MIUI and HyperOS skin, provided free of charge on all Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones. No subscriptions or additional payments are required.
Will the fingerprint work if the phone is rebooted?
After the device is completely rebooted, the first opening of any protected application will require entering the master password (pattern or PIN code). Biometrics will work only after successfully manually entering the password once.