How to block applications on Xiaomi: all the ways from standard to hidden

Why to block applications on Xiaomi and when it is necessary

Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI or HyperOS offer flexible tools to restrict access to applications – from basic locking to full parental control. But not everyone knows that in addition to the standard Application Lock, there are 4 alternative methods in the system, including hidden features for advanced users.

The main scenarios when you need to block: 1. Protection of personal data (messengers, banking applications, gallery) from prying eyes. 2. Limiting the time of using social networks or games for children (or for yourself). 3. Prevention of accidental purchases in games or running resource-intensive programs. 4. Concealing confidential utilities (for example, ADB-tools or applications for testing).

On Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi, all these tasks are solved without root rights – the main thing is to know where to look for the right settings.

It is important to understand the difference between blocking startup (an application does not open without a password) and hiding (an application disappears from the menu, but remains in the system). MIUI 14 and HyperOS.

Method 1: Standard Application Lock in MIUI/HyperOS

The most obvious and reliable method is the built-in Application Lock, which works on all Xiaomi devices since MIUI 8. Its main advantage: it does not require installing third-party programs and supports password unlock, fingerprint or face.

How to turn on:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application lock.
2. Click Enable and set a password (it may differ from the screen unlock password).
3. Select apps from the list or use the search.
4. Activate the switch next to the desired application.

Features of the method:

✅ It works even after the phone restarts.

✅ You can block Settings, Gallery and Contacts.

❌ Does not hide the application from the menu – it remains visible, but when you start it requires a password.

❌ On some firmware (MIUI 12.5 and below) the lock is reset after the system update.

Set a strong password (at least 6 characters)

Check the work of Face ID/fingerprint

Add system utilities (e.g. Phone) to the exceptions

Save your password backup in the Xiaomi cloud-->

⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from the Application Lock, it can only be reset through a full reset phone (Wipe Data in Recovery!

Method 2: Parental control (to limit the time of use)

If the goal is not to simply block access, but to limit the time you use certain apps (for example, for a child), use the built-in Parental Controls.

• 🕒 Set time limits (e.g. 1 hour per day for TikTok).
• 📵 Block applications at certain hours (night mode).
• 📊 View usage statistics.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Parental Controls.
2. Create a profile for your child (or choose your own if you limit yourself).
3. In the Application Restrictions section, select programs and set limits.
4. Activate the Schedule Lock if you want to deny access at night.

Advantages of the method:

✔️ Flexible settings for different age groups.

✔️ Remote control via Mi Account (if the phone is linked to the account).

✔️ It works even on devices without Google Play Services (for example, on Chinese firmware).

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If parental controls do not save settings after rebooting, check if Autorun option for the com.miui.guardprovider system application is disabled in the battery settings.

Method 3: Hiding applications through the “Second Space” (Dual Applications)

Few people know, but MIUI and HyperOS have a Second Space (or Dual Apps) feature that allows you to create an isolated profile with a separate set of applications, which is suitable if you want to not just block, but completely hide applications from outsiders.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Second Space
2. Create a second profile and set a password for it.
3. Move the necessary applications to the main space, and leave the unnecessary ones in the second.
4. In the second space settings, turn off notifications so that it does not give itself away.

Advantages:

✔️ Apps disappear completely from the main menu.

✔️ You can create a “clean” profile without unnecessary programs.

✔️ It works even on blocked bootloaders (Bootloader).

Disadvantages:

❌ Requires switching between spaces.

❌ Some system applications (such as the phone) are automatically duplicated.

Method 4: Blocking through ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods are not suitable (for example, you need to block a system application that does not appear in the Application Lock), you can use the application. ADB-This is a way of connecting to a PC, but it gives you maximum control.

Step-by-step:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm hide com.package.name (replace com.package.name with an app ID, such as com.facebook.katana for Facebook).
3. To return the application, use: adb shell pm unhide com.package.name

Where to get package name:

• 🔍 App Inspector (app from Google Play).
• 📱 B Settings → Annexes → Application Management (click on the application) → will be his ID).
• 💻 Adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword".

⚠️ Attention: Pm commands hide/unhide work only MIUI with an unlocked bootloader or on some Chinese firmware. HyperOS may require root rights.

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ADB-commands allow you to block even system applications (for example, Mi Video or Mi Browser) that cannot be removed or disabled in standard ways.

Method 5: Third-party applications for blocking (AppLock, Norton, etc.)

If the built-in features of Xiaomi do not suit you, you can install third-party utilities. MIUI/HyperOS:

• 🔒 AppLock (from DoMobile Lab) – supports locking by geolocation and schedule.
• 🛡️ Norton App Lock – integrates with antivirus, protects against hacking.
• 👁️ Smart AppLock – can take a photo of someone who is trying to break the lock.
• 📱 Secure Folder (from Samsung, works for Xiaomi via Samsung) APK) — Creates an encrypted folder with applications.

How to choose:

✔️ For maximum security - Norton App Lock (there is a scan for viruses).

✔️ For flexible settings – AppLock (you can block Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and even USB-debugging).

✔️ To hide applications – Secure Folder (applications disappear from the main menu).

Warnings:

❌ Some apps (like AppLock) may conflict with Xiaomi’s App Lock – choose one.

❌ Third-party utilities consume an additional battery (up to the 5-10% day-to-day).

Google Play Services

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after the lock is set up correctly, users encounter bugs, and consider typical situations and ways to fix them:

1. App lock resets after update. Cause: On some versions MIUI (particularly 12.0-12.5) The reset is due to an error in com.miui.securitycenter.Solution: Update to MIUI 13+ or HyperOS, where the bug is fixed. The alternative is to use ADB-lockdown.

2. Application is not blocked (password is not requested) Reasons:

• The application is added to the Battery Optimization Exclusions.
• No restrictions are enabled for this application in the memory settings.
• Conflict with a third-party launcher (for example, Nova Launcher).

Decision:

3. Parental controls do not apply. Reason: Most often this is due to a disabled Special Features or a reset Mi Account. Solution: Go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Account and sync data.

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If the app continues to send notifications after blocking, open Settings → Notifications → Notification settings for apps and manually disable them.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions