How to block the application on Xiaomi Redmi 5: all ways with pictures

Xiaomi Redmi 5 is still a popular device due to its balance of price and functionality, but its owners often face the need to restrict access to certain applications. The reasons can be different: personal data protection from prying eyes, parental controls for children or simply a desire to avoid accidental clicks. Fortunately, MIUI offers several built-in locking mechanisms, and also supports third-party solutions.

In this article, we will look at 5 proven ways to block an application on Redmi 5, from standard features like Application Protection to hiding icons and using a second space. We will focus on the nuances of working on different versions of MIUI (from 10 to 14), since the interface and location of settings may differ. If you are looking for a way to securely hide messengers, banking applications or games, here you will find working solutions with step-by-step screenshots and tips to avoid typical errors.

1. Built-in "Application Protection" function in MIUI

The easiest and most reliable way to do this is to use the application protection feature built into MIUI, which allows you to set a password, a pattern lock or a fingerprint to access selected programs, and works on all firmware versions, including Redmi 5 with MIUI 10/11/12.

To activate the protection:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Protection.
2. Click Enable and set a password (minimum 4 digits) or a pattern lock.
3. In the list of applications, tick the ones you want to block.
4. Activate Hide Notifications so that the contents of blocked apps don’t appear in the curtain.

Important: on MIUI 14, the path to settings has changed — now go to Settings → Password & Security → Application Protection. If the feature is missing, update the firmware or use alternative methods from this article.

Remember your password or save it in your password manager.|

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

Turn off auto-update blocked apps in Play Market|

Make a backup of the data (in case of resetting settings)-->

Advantages of the method:

• 🔒 Does not require root or third-party software rights.
• 📱 It works on all Redmi 5 versions (including global and Chinese firmware).
• 👆 Supports unlocking with fingerprint.

⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from Application Protection, you can only reset it through a full reset of the phone to the factory settings. MIUI It does not provide alternative recovery methods – it is done to improve safety.

2. Blocking through the "Second Space" (Dual Apps)

Second Space (or Dual Apps) allows you to create an isolated user profile with a separate set of applications, which is useful if you want to completely hide some programs from the main interface, for example, you can install the messenger only in the second space and not show it in the main menu.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
2. Click Create Space and follow the instructions (you will need to set a password).
3. After creation, switch to the second space through the notification panel.
4. Install the desired applications only in the second space (they will not be visible in the main).

Cons of the method:

• 🔄 You need to constantly switch between spaces.
• 📦 Apps take up space twice (installed in both profiles).
• 🔧 Not all programs support Dual Apps (e.g., some banking applications).

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If the second space is missing memory, clear the cache through Settings → Memory → Cleanup. This will not delete the data, but will make room for new applications.

3. Hiding application icons without blocking

If you don’t need a full lock, but simply hide the application from prying eyes, you can use the Hiding icons feature in MIUI. This does not protect data with a password, but makes the program invisible on the menu.

Instructions:

1. Hold your finger in the free seat of the main screen.
2. Select Screen Settings (or Launcher Settings).
3. Go to App Hide.
4. Check the boxes for the programs you want to hide.
5. Confirm the action – the icons will disappear from the main screen and menu.

To return the hidden app:

• 🔍 Enter its name in the search bar (swipe down on the main screen).
• 📱 Or re-enter Hide Apps and uncheck the box.

⚠️ Note: Hidden icons are still searchable and can be displayed in Recent Apps. Use this method together with Application Protection for strong protection.

Built-in Application Protection |

Second space |

Hiding icons |

Third-party applications|

Don't block it.-->

4. Third-party applications for blocking (AppLock)

If standard MIUI features aren't enough, you can install a third-party AppLock. Popular options are AppLock by DoMobile Lab, Norton App Lock or Smart AppLock. They offer advanced features such as:

• 🔐 Time-bound blocking (for example, only during working hours).
• 📸 Hiding notifications and previews in multitasking.
• 🤳 Unlocking Selfie (Face Recognition).
• 📍 Geodependent lock (by location).

How to set up AppLock by DoMobile Lab:

1. Download the app from Google Play and open it.
2. Set a password or pattern lock.
3. In the list, select the programs to block.
4. Activate additional options in Settings → Protection:

Warnings when using third-party blockers:

• 🛡️ Some applications require administrator rights, which may conflict with other services.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI The blocker can reset - check the settings.
• 📱 On the Redmi. 5 low-radar (2/3 HB) third-party blockers may brake the system.

5. Parental controls to restrict access

If you need to block apps for your child, use the built-in parental controls in MIUI.

• 🕒 Limit the time of using specific programs.
• 🔞 Block access to applications by age rating.
• 📊 View activity statistics.

Setting:

1. Open Settings → Password and Security → Parental Controls
2. Create a profile of your child and install it. PIN-code.
3. Select Application Limitations and add programs to the blacklist.
4. Set time limits for games or social networks.

Features on Redmi 5:

• 📵 Parental controls only work for children’s profiles (does not block apps in the main account).
• 🔄 After resetting the child’s profile is deleted – make a backup copy through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.

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Parental controls in MIUI are not a substitute for full-blown locking; they are designed to limit the time of use, not to protect sensitive data.

6. Block through Google Settings (for some applications)

Some apps (like YouTube or Google Play Store) support blocking through a Google account, which is useful if you want to restrict purchases or viewing content.

How to turn on:

1. Open Settings → Google Accounts → Manage your Google Account.
2. Go to the Family section. → Parental control.
3. Select an app (like YouTube) and set age limits.
4. For Play Store, set up a Password for purchases in Settings → Authentication.

Limitations of the method:

• 🎯 It only works with Google apps.
• 🔓 It does not block the program from running, but only limits functionality (for example, buying or watching videos 18).+).
• 📱 Redmi 5 with Chinese firmware may not have a Family section – a global version is required MIUI.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When blocking applications on Xiaomi Redmi 5, users often face typical problems.

If none of the methods worked:

• 📱 Check the version. MIUI — Some features are missing from old firmware (update via Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🔧 Make sure there are no viruses on your phone (scan through Google Play Protection or Malwarebytes).
• 🛠️ If you use custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), the functions MIUI It may not work properly – go back to the official firmware.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions