Protecting personal data on smartphones Xiaomi is a pressing task for millions of users. Even if you don't store corporate secrets on your phone, access to instant messengers, banking applications or the gallery can lead to leakage of confidential information. Unlike iOSwhere the application blocking function is built into the system, Android on devices Redmi, POCO or Black Shark requires additional settings - or installation of third-party solutions.

In this article we will look into all working methods password protection of applications on Xiaomi with shell MIUI (including versions 12–14). You will learn how to use built-in shell tools, create Second space to isolate apps, and which third-party blockers do not conflict with the system. We will pay special attention hidden MIUI settings, which are not written about in the official documentation —they allow you to bypass restrictions on some models.

Before you start, check version MIUI v Settings → About phone. Some methods (for example, blocking via Security) may not be available on devices for the European market (MIUI Global) or in firmware without services Google (MIUI China).

📊 Which Xiaomi model are you using?
Redmi Note 12/13
POCO X5/F5
Black Shark 5/6
Xiaomi 13/14
Other model

1. Official method: blocking through “Security”

The most reliable and recommended Xiaomi method is using the built-in partition Security. It is available on most devices with MIUI 10 and newer, but may not be available on some global firmwares. Here's how it works:

  1. Open Settings and go to Security (or Privacy on some models).
  2. Select item Application blocking (may be called App Lock in the English version).
  3. If the function is used for the first time, the system will prompt you to install PIN codea pattern or fingerprint finger.
  4. After setting, select the applications you want to block by moving the slider to the right.

⚠️ Attention: If you use a pattern, avoid combinations that are too simple (for example, the letters "L" or "Z"). MIUI 14 Added protection against selection: after 5 unsuccessful attempts, the application will be blocked for 30 seconds.

Make sure that the MIUI version is not lower than 10

Synchronize your Mi account to restore access

Disable battery optimization for the Security application

Check that the fingerprint is added to the system (if you plan to use it)

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The table below compares authentication methods for blocking applications:

Method Level security Unlock speed Is it supported on all models
PIN code (6+ digits) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Average Yes
Graphic key ⭐⭐⭐ Fast Yes
Fingerprint ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Instant Only on models with sensor
Face recognition ⭐⭐ Instant Only on flagships (Xiaomi 12/13/14)

If the section Blocking applications is missing in your firmware, this may be due to:

  • 📱 Regional restrictions (for example, in MIUI EU the function is sometimes removed).
  • 🔄 Outdated version of MIUI (update the system in Settings → Software update).
  • 🛠️ Custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience do not support App Lock).
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If application locking disappeared after updating MIUI, try resetting the partition Security via Settings → All settings → Recovery and reset → Reset application settings. This will return the function without losing data.

2. Hidden method: “Second space” for application isolation

The function Second. space (or Dual Apps) was originally intended to create a separate working profile with its own applications and data, however, it can also be used to block access to apps - by transferring them to an isolated environment.

The advantage of this method is that applications in second space are not displayed in the main interface and require a separate password to enter. This is useful if you want to hide not only access to the app, but also the very fact of its presence on the phone.

Instructions for settings:

  1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Second space.
  2. Click Create a second space and set a password (it may differ from the main PIN code of the phone).
  3. After creating the space, go back to Settings → Applications → Dual Apps.
  4. Select the applications you want to transfer (for example WhatsApp, Telegram, Gallery), and confirm action.

⚠️ Attention: Applications in the second space do not sync with the main profile. For example, if you transfer WhatsApp, the messages in it will be different from those in the main account. Also, some apps (for example, banking) may prohibit working in an isolated environment. for security reasons.

How to completely hide the "Second Space" icon

To remove the second space shortcut from the main screen, go to Settings → Home screen → Hidden applications and check item Second space. Now to access it you will need to enter the password manually through Settings → Accessibility.

Comparison Second space and Application locks:

  • 🔒 Lock applications: quick access, but icons are visible on the main screen.
  • 🌐 Second space: Full isolation, but requires switching between profiles.
  • 📱 General: Both methods support fingerprint unlocking (if configured).

3. blockers: which ones work on Xiaomi without conflicts

If the built-in methods do not suit you (or are missing in your firmware), you can use third-party applications. However, not all blockers are compatible with MIUI - some may cause or conflict with system services. We tested 5 popular solutions and selected those that do. work stably on freezes, overheating or conflict with system services. We tested 5 popular solutions and selected those that work stably on Xiaomi Redmi, POCO and Black Shark.

The best options:

  • 🛡️ AppLock (by DoMobile Lab) - supports fingerprint locking, has a built-in Incognito mode to hide notifications.
  • 🔐 Norton App Lock - a reliable choice from a well-known brand, but requires registration.
  • 📱 Smart AppLock (by SpSoft) - a lightweight application with minimal battery consumption, suitable for weak devices (Redmi 9A, POCO C31).

⚠️ Attention: When using third-party blockers disable battery optimization for them in Settings → Applications → Permissions → Autorun. Otherwise, the protection may be reset after rebooting the phone.

How to set up AppLock:

  1. Download the application from Google Play or APKMirror (if the Play Market is not available).
  2. When you first start, set a master password (we recommend using a combination of 8+ characters).
  3. In the main menu, select Block applications and mark the desired apps.
  4. Activate Deletion Protection in the settings so that an attacker cannot uninstall the blocker.
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Side blockers may conflict with the MIUI system lock. If, after installation, applications begin to slow down, try disabling the built-in one in the security settings. Advantages and disadvantages of third-party solutions: blockers App Lock in the security settings.

Advantages and disadvantages of third-party solutions:

Criterion Built-in MIUI lock Third party blockers
Security High (integration with the system) Medium (depending on the developer)
Battery consumption Minimum Low to high
Additional functions Lock only Hide notifications, fake crash, geo-dependency
Compatibility 100% (on all Xiaomi models) May conflict with MIUI

Blocking third-party apps (for example, VK or TikTok) usually does not cause problems, but with system utilities (Gallery, Contact, Messages) the situation is more complicated. MIUI restricts access to blocking them for several reasons:

  • 📁 Gallery - contains media files that can be accessed by other apps.
  • 📞 Contact —integrated with the phone book and services Google.
  • ⚙️ Settings —blocking may disrupt the system.

However, there are workarounds:

For the Gallery:

  1. Transfer sensitive photos/videos to Private album (available in MIUI 12+): open Gallery → select files → More → Move to private album.
  2. Set a password for the album itself in Gallery Settings → Private Album.

For Contacts:

  • Use Second space (described above) and transfer the application there Contact.
  • Export important contacts to VCF file and store it in an encrypted archive (for example, through 7-Zip or RAR).

For Settings:

Full blocking of system Settings is impossible without root access, but you can:

  • Disable access to them via Guest mode (enabled in Settings → System → Guest mode).
  • Install Xiaomi EU ROM (unofficial firmware), where extended locking is available.
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If you need to hide not the entire application, but only individual files (for example, screenshots of bank cards), use the function Hidden files in MIUI Explorer. To do this, go to My files → Settings → Show hidden files and create a folder with a dot at the beginning of the name (for example, .private).

5. What to do if you forgot the password for locking applications

The situation when a user forgets the password for App Lock or Second spaceis common, unlike unlocking the screen, where you can use. account Mi, restoring access to blocked applications has nuances.

Recovery methods:

  • 🔑 Through the Mi account: if you synchronized the device with your account Xiaomi, go to website account.xiaomi.com, find the section Device management and reset the lock password.
  • 📱 Reset via Recovery: press Volume up + Power, select Wipe & Reset → Erase App Lock Data (application data will be saved, but the lock will be reset).
  • 🔧 ADB command (for advanced): connect the phone to the PC and execute: 
    adb shell pm clear com.miui.securitycenter

    This will reset the settings Security, but will not affect other data.

⚠️ Attention: If you used pattern key and forgot it, and the account Mi not linked, the only way is full reset settings via RecoveryThis will delete all data from the phone!

To avoid losing access:

  • 📝 Write down your password in a password manager (for example, Bitwarden or KeePassDX).
  • 🔄 Check your account linking regularly Mi in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
  • 📧 Set up backup of locks in Settings → Security → Backup passwords (available in MIUI 13+).

6. Additional security measures: what to set up along with blocking

Setting a password for applications is only the first step to protecting your data. To maximize your security, we recommend setting up: Xiaomi, we recommend setting up:

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  • 🔒 Turn on two-factor authentication two-factor authentication Settings → Xiaomi Account → Security.
  • 📱 Link phone number and email for recovery.

2. Permission control:

  • 📊 Check which applications have access to Contacts, Locations and Storage to Settings → Privacy → Permissions.
  • 🚫 Disable permissions for suspicious apps (for example, if the game requests access to SMS).

3. Data encryption:

There is a built-in encryption function, but it is not available on all models: MIUI There is a built-in encryption feature, but it is not available on all models. To enable it:

  1. Go. in Settings → Advanced → Encryption and credentials.
  2. Select Encrypt phone and follow the instructions (the process will take 30-60 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: Encryption may reduce performance on weak devices (Redmi 8A, POCO M2). If after activation the phone starts to slow down, reset to factory settings.

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The combination of application blocking, two-factor authentication and data encryption makes your Xiaomi virtually invulnerable to most attacks. However, remember: physical access to an unlocked phone negates any protection.

7. Common problems and their solutions

When setting up application blocking on Xiaomi users encounter common errors. We have collected the most common ones and ways to resolve them.

Problem 1: App locking disappears after a reboot.

  • 🔄 Solution: Disable battery optimization for the application Security in Settings → Applications → Battery management → Select applications.

Problem 2: Fingerprint unlocking does not work.

  • 👆 Solution: Remove and add the fingerprint again to Settings → Lock screen → Fingerprint. If the sensor is damaged, use the PIN code.

Problem 3: The application Security crashes when trying to set a password.

  • 🛠️ Solution: Clear the application cache in Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Security → Storage → Clear cache.

Problem 4: The third-party blocker does not see some applications.

  • 🔍 Solution: Enable the display of system applications in the blocker settings (usually in the section Additional or Filter).

Problem 5: After updating MIUI, the lock stopped working.

  • 📥 Solution: Check whether the settings have been reset in Security → Application blocking. If yes, configure again.

If none of the methods helped, your firmware may contain a bug. In this case:

  • 📡 Check for updates in Settings → Software update.
  • 💬 Contact support Xiaomi via Settings → Review (send the log errors).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to set a password for individual chats in WhatsApp or Telegram?

No, blocking only works at the level of the entire application. However, Telegram has a built-in function Secret chats (with end-to-end encryption), and WhatsApp you can archive and hide dialogs.

Will locking work if the phone runs out of power and turns off?

Yes, after turning on the phone, locked applications will remain protected. However, if you used biometrics (fingerprint or face), you may be required to enter a PIN after rebooting.

Is it possible to block access to application notifications?

Yes, for this:

  1. Hold the notification and select Notification settings.
  2. Disable the option Show on lock screen.
  3. Some blockers (for example, AppLock) have function Hide notifications.
How to block access to the Play Market or Mi Store?

With standard means MIUI this cannot be done, but you can:

  • Use Second space and move the store there.
  • Install a third-party blocker (for example, Norton App Lock).
  • Disable the store via Settings → Applications → Play Market → Disable (but this will remove updates for all apps).
Does application blocking work on Xiaomi with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS)?

No, the function App Lock is part of the shell MIUI. On custom firmware (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience), you will have to use third-party blockers or tools like Island (to create an isolated profile).