Application protection feature in Xiaomi smartphones is a built-in security mechanism that blocks access to installed programs without fingerprint confirmation, PIN-a code or pattern lock on Redmi 10 (and other devices with a pattern lock) MIUI 12-14) This feature may interfere with fast access to instant messengers, banking apps or games, especially if you often pass the phone to relatives or colleagues.
However, a complete disabling of protection is not always obvious: in the settings MIUI There's no direct "Switch off everything" button, you'll have to dig deeper, through the security menu, hidden developer settings, or even through the security menu. ADB-In this article, we will discuss all working methods (including circumventing restrictions on system applications), as well as what risks this entails and how to minimize them.
If youโre in a situation where your phone asks for a password every time you open WhatsApp, SberBank Online or Telegram โ this is the guide for you. Weโve tested the methods on Redmi 10 with MIUI 13.0.8 and 14.0.2 firmware, but they should work on other models of the series (for example, Redmi 10A, 10C or Note 10).
Why Xiaomi is blocking apps and can it be turned off?
Application protection in MIUI is part of the Mi Security ecosystem, which is designed to prevent unauthorized access to personal data.
- ๐ฑ Messengers (Viber, Telegram, WhatsApp)
- ๐ณ Banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff, VTB)
- ๐ Payment apps (Google Pay, Apple Pay for Android)
- ๐ฎ Shopping games (Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile)
On the technical side, the protection is implemented through the service com.miui.guardprovider, which is integrated into the system software, which means that you can not simply remove it, only turn it off, Xiaomi does not advertise this process: there is no mention of full deactivation in the official documentation, and in the security menu you can only remove individual applications from the list of protected, but not the function itself.
Can we turn off the protection completely? Yes, but with reservations:
- โ Through security settings โ partially (only for user applications).
- โ Through ADB โ Including system limitations).
- โ Without root rights โ you can not turn off protection for pre-installed services (for example, Mi Pay or Mi Home).
Before you start, consider that disabling the protection reduces the security level of the device. If the phone is used by several people (for example, in the family), it is better to configure exceptions for specific applications, rather than deactivating the function entirely.
Method 1: Disable protection through MIUI settings (without ADB)
It's the simplest method that most users can use, which is to remove protection for the selected applications, but not to deactivate the function completely, but for many tasks, it's enough.
Step-by-step:
- Open Settings โ Applications โ Permissions โ Application Protection.
- Enter the screen lock password (PIN, pattern lock or fingerprint).
- Click on the icon. โ๏ธ (Settings) in upper right corner.
- Switch the application protection slider to the off-site position.
- Confirm the action by clicking Disable in the dialog box.
If this item is missing or inactive, then your device has a modified firmware installed (for example, the global version of MIUI for the European market), where the application protection function is implemented differently.
Settings โ Memory โ Application ProtectionLimitations of the method:
- ๐ After updating MIUI settings may reset.
- ๐ System applications (Settings, Contacts) will remain secure.
- ๐ฑ On some firmware (MIUI 14 for Redmi 10) the item may be called "Application Blocking".
โ๏ธ Preparation for disabling protection
Method 2: Complete disabling via ADB (for power users)
If you need to completely deactivate application protection, including system restrictions, you will need to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that works on any MIUI firmware, but requires connecting the phone to your computer.
What you need:
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
- ๐ USB-cable (preferably original).
- ๐ฑ Included debugging by USB phone-on.
- ๐ ๏ธ Installed Xiaomi drivers and package ADB Tools.
Instructions:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings โ About Phone. Press 7 times on MIUI Version. Return to Settings โ Additional โ Developer. Enable USB Debugging and confirm permission.
Redmi 10
File transfer
cmd
Terminal
adb devicesMake sure the device is identified (serial number should appear).
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.guardproviderReboot the phone.
What to do if the team does not work?
- ๐ Try the alternative command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.guardprovider
- ๐ฑ Make sure the debugging is done USB Allowed for your computer (a request will appear on your phone).
- ๐ง If there is a device unauthorized error, reconnect the cable and confirm trust in the PC on the phone screen.
โ ๏ธ Note: Disabling com.miui.guardprovider may cause some system functions to function unstable, such as a fingerprint scanner or face unlock!
How to Recover Application Protection After ADB-team?
Method 3: Bypassing protection through third-party launchers
If the first two methods don't work (e.g., no access to a computer), you can go around using an alternative launcher that ignores the limitations of MIUI. This method does not disable the protection completely, but bypasses it for selected applications.
How it works:
- Install a launcher with app hide-out support (like Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher, or Microsoft Launcher).
- In the launcher settings, find the "Hidden Applications" or "Protection" section.
- Add the required programs to the list of exceptions.
- Run them through the launcher โ the MIUI system will not require a password.
Pros and cons of the method:
| Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|
| โ No, he doesn't. ADB ortho. | โ It does not work with all applications (banking services can block the launch through the launcher). |
| โ Maintains system protection for other programs. | โ You need to set up each launcher separately. |
| โ You can quickly return the standard launcher. | โ Certain functions MIUI (For example, gestures may not work properly. |
For banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff), this method may not work due to additional security checks, in which case you will have to use ADB or put up with password entry.
๐ก
If after installing the alternative launcher, the icons of system applications (for example, Camera or Phone) disappear, return them through the launcher settings in the Hidden Applications section โ Show Everything.
What to do if application protection itself is turned on
Some Redmi 10 users are faced with the fact that after a reboot or update to MIUI, application protection automatically activates again, this is due to the operation of the system service com.miui.securitycenter, which resets security settings to factory.
Reasons for spontaneous inclusion:
- ๐ Update of firmware (even minor).
- ๐ฑ Resetting settings through Settings โ System system โ Resetting settings.
- ๐ง Antivirus conflict (e.g., Avast or Dr.Web).
- ๐ Activation of the โData Protectionโ function in the Mi Account.
How to prevent automatic activation:
- Turn off automatic updates MIUI: Settings โ The phone. โ Updating the system โ โ๏ธ โ Auto-update โ Off.
- Freeze the Security system app (root required): Use Titanium Backup or Lucky Patcher. search com.miui.securitycenter and select Freeze.
Mi Account
Settings โ Accounts โ Mi Account โ Delete the accountโ ๏ธ Note: This will disable data synchronization (contacts, notes, backups) and access to Xiaomi services (e.g. Mi Cloud or Mi Home).
If the problem persists, check your phone for viruses or suspicious apps that may change your security settings.
Settings โ Applications โ Scanning for virusesThe Risks of Disabling Application Protection: What You Lose
Deactivating application protection completely on Redmi 10 gives you freedom, but it deprives you of several important security features.
What's gonna stop working:
| Function | Effects of disconnection |
|---|---|
| Imprint locking | Applications will not request a fingerprint scan when opened, even if it is configured in the system. |
| Screenshot protection | Any application will be able to take screenshots of the screen (the risk of data leakage from banking programs). |
| Launch control | The outsiders will not see a notification about the attempt to access the protected application. |
| Cache encryption | Application data (e.g. chat history) will be stored in the open. |
Who should not turn off the protection:
- ๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ Parents who give their children a phone.
- ๐ผ Business owners who keep confidential information.
- ๐ฑ Users who frequently lose or transfer their phone to others.
If you decide to turn off the protection, follow the safe use rules:
- ๐ Set a strong password for locking the screen (at least 8 characters).
- ๐ฑ Regularly check the list of installed applications for suspicious ones.
- ๐ Enable two-factor authentication for critical services (banks, mail).
๐ก
Disabling application protection does not affect the encryption of data at the Android level (File-Based Encryption), however, this makes the device more vulnerable to physical access (for example, if the phone is stolen).
Alternatives: How to live with app protection without discomfort
If a complete shutdown seems risky, but constantly entering a password is annoying, try optimizing your security settings to reduce inconvenience:
5 Ways to Make Protection Less Intrusive:
- Use a fingerprint instead of a fingerprint. PIN-Code settings: โ Password and security โ Fingerprint This Will Speed Up Unlocking Apps.
- Set up "Secure Apps": Add instant messengers and games to the exceptions, leaving protection for banking programs. โ Annexes โ Application protection โ โ๏ธ โ Secure applications.
- Activate "Face Unlock": Settings โ Password and security โ Unlocking the face is faster than entering PIN-code, but less reliable.
- Set lock timeout: Settings โ Lock screen โ Autolock โ 30 seconds Applications will not be blocked immediately after folding.
- Use Secure Folder (for select applications): Create a secure folder through Settings โ Password and Security โ Secure Folder. Move only the most critical applications (such as banking).
For users who often pass the phone to colleagues or relatives, the best solution is to create a second user in Android:
Settings โ System โ Multiple users โ Add a userThe guest profile will not protect the applications, and your personal data will remain secure.