How to put a lock on the application in Xiaomi Mi A3: all ways

The Xiaomi Mi A3 is one of the few smartphones of the brand that runs on pure Android One without the branded MIUI shell. This means that standard methods of blocking applications (as in MIUI) are not available here, but you can still restrict access to programs in at least five ways.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current methods, from built-in Android features to third-party password-protected apps, focusing on blocking for children, protecting system utilities and circumventing restrictions if you forget your password, and explaining why some methods may not work on the Mi A3 due to the features of the firmware.

Why the standard lock doesn't work on the Mi A3

Unlike smartphones with MIUI, which has a built-in function Block apps (in Settings → Privacy), Mi A3 runs on Android One — "naked" Android from Google. There are no Xiaomi branded utilities, which means:

• ❌ No built-in locking of applications by password / fingerprint.
• ❌ You can’t hide programs through Second Space (Second Space) MIUI).
• ❌ No Private Mode for Temporary Data Hiding.

But that doesn’t mean protection isn’t impossible. Android One offers alternative tools, and third-party apps (like AppLock or Norton App Lock) fill in the gaps. The main thing is to take into account the features of the Mi A3 firmware: some utilities may conflict with the system due to the lack of superuser rights (root).

Method 1: Locking through "Screen Time" (for children and usage restrictions)

If you need to restrict access to apps for children or control the time of use, use the built-in Screen Time feature.

• ⏰ Setting limits on the use of specific programs.
• 🔒 Block the launch of applications on a schedule (for example, overnight).
• 📊 View activity statistics.

How to set up:

1. Open Settings → Digital Well-Being and Parental Control → Screen time.
2. Select a profile (your own or your child's) if you don't have a profile, create it by adding a user to your system settings.
3. Click on the hourglass icon next to the desired app.
4. Set a daily limit or block the program completely.

⚠️ Warning: This method does not protect applications with a password, it only limits the time of use.

Create a separate profile for the child|Check the Android version (should be 9.0 and higher)|Disable Auto-Update of Blocked Applications|Install PIN-code-->

Method 2: Use of third-party applications (AppLock, Norton App Lock)

The most reliable way to block applications on the Mi A3 is to install a specialized utility.

Instructions for setting up (for example, AppLock):

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. At the first launch, install PIN-code.
3. In the main menu, select the applications to block (check boxes).
4. Activate Hide Notifications so that the content does not appear in the curtain.
5. In the security settings, enable Deletion Protection (device administrator will be required).

⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as AppLock) may conflict with Mi A3 To keep the locking stable, add a utility to the battery exceptions:

Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All Apps → AppLock → Not Optimizing

💡

If the blocker stopped working after the Android update, try resetting it to factory settings (in the app menu) and reconfiguring it, often solving compatibility issues.

Method 3: Blocking through a second user (for complete isolation)

If you want to not just block apps, but create a completely isolated environment (for example, for a guest or a child), use the Multiplayer feature. On the Mi A3, it works like this:

• 👤 The main user (you) has full access to all data.
• 👶 The secondary user only sees the apps you install for them.
• 🔒 User data do not overlap (photos, messages, accounts separated).

How to set up:

1. Open Settings → System → Additional → Multiplayer mode.
2. Click Add User → OK (the system will suggest setting up a new profile).
3. After creation, switch to a new user via the notification panel (user icon).
4. In the new profile, install only those applications that are allowed to be used.

🔹 Pros of the method: complete isolation, no risk of accidental access to personal data.

🔹 Cons: you will have to configure each profile separately, some applications may not work without a main Google account.

Method 4: Disable applications through settings (for system utilities)

If you need to block system applications (such as Google Play Movies, Duo or Wellbeing) that cannot be removed, use the Disable feature. This will not delete the program, but will make it unavailable:

1. Go to Settings → Apps and Notifications → View all applications.
2. Select the app you want (like Google Play Books).
3. Click Disconnect → Confirm the action.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling system applications can cause a smartphone to malfunction:

• 🚫 Google Play Services (Account will be affected).
• 🚫 Android System WebView (Problems with Web Page Display).
• 🚫 Mi Account (if you use a Xiaomi account).

To return the application, repeat the steps and click Enable.

💡

Disabling system applications does not free up disk space; it only hides them from the user. Root rights will be required to completely remove them.

Method 5: Locking through Safe Folder (for files and mini-applications)

If you want to hide the app, rather than the app itself, your data (like gallery photos or documents), use Google’s Safe Folder feature, which creates a password-protected section in Google Files:

1. Install the Google Files app from the Play Market.
2. Open it and go to the collection tab.
3. Press Safe Folder → Setup and install PIN-code.
4. Move files to the folder that you want to hide (for example, screenshots from messengers).

🔹 Limitations:

• ❌ It does not block the launch of applications – only hides their data.
• ❌ Works only with files supported by Google Files (not all formats are displayed).

To block the applications themselves, combine this method with third-party blockers (see Method 2).

Frequent problems and solutions

When you block apps on Mi A3, you're going to see some common mistakes.

If you have forgotten the password from the blocker:

1. Try resetting the app settings through Settings → Apps → [Blocker Name] → Storage → Clear the data.
2. If it doesn’t help, remove the blocker through Safe Mode (click the power button → “Safe Mode”).
3. For AppLock, you can restore access via the email specified during setting.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions