How to put a lock on the application in Xiaomi: all ways with pictures

Xiaomi smartphones offer several built-in tools to restrict access to apps, from a simple password to advanced parental controls, a feature that is especially relevant when children are using the phone or when personal data needs to be protected from prying eyes. Unlike iOS, where blocking apps requires workarounds, MIUI provides flexible settings right out of the box.

In this article, we'll take a look at all the methods available, from standard Protected Space to Google Family Link for parents. PIN-code for individual programs, hide them from the menu, and what third-party applications can help if built-in features are not enough. MIUI 14+ The blocking algorithm has changed – now to activate some functions requires binding Mi Account.

1. Built-in application locking through "Secure Space"

Secure Space (formerly Second Space) allows you to create an isolated area on your phone where you can hide your selected apps with a password, a method that is suitable for users who want to separate their work programs from their personal ones.

To activate it:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Special facilities → Protected space
• 🔑 Set a password (different from the main unlock code)
• 📂 Select applications that you want to hide in a protected space
• 🔄 Restart the device to apply changes

Once configured, switching between the main and protected space is done by swiping down the retention lock screen (on some models, via an icon in the notification panel), and all data in the protected space is encrypted separately.

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If you forget the password from the protected space, it can only be reset through a complete reset of the phone to the factory settings.

2. Password blocking of individual applications (MIUI 12 and later)

Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi smartphones have the ability to password individual apps without creating a second space.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Blocking applications
2. Enter the current phone password to confirm
3. Select apps from the list (you can use search)
4. Activate the switch next to the right programs

Now, every time you run a blocked application, the system will require input. PIN-Note that this method does not hide apps from the menu — they remain visible, but not available without authorization.

Make sure your phone has a primary password | Check the MIUI version (should be 12+) | Backup important data | Remember or write down a new password to lock-->

3. Use of the “Parental Control” function

For families with children, Xiaomi offers built-in parental controls that not only block apps, but also limit the time they are used, a feature tied to a Mi Account and synchronized between devices.

Algorithm of settings:

1. Open the Settings. → Parental control
2. Select Add a Child and Create a Profile
3. Set limits: 🕒 Time limits for application categories 🔒 Complete blocking of selected programs 📵 Prohibition of installation of new applications

Link your child’s profile to his device through QR-code

The feature of this method is the ability to remotely control through the Mi Family web dashboard, so parents can see usage statistics and make changes even without having physical access to their child's phone.

Built-in application lock |Secure space |Parental control |Third-party apps |I don't block-->

4. Hiding applications without password (for MIUI 13+)

If you just need to hide apps from prying eyes without setting a password, MIUI 13 and later has an icon-hiding feature, which doesn't protect data, but makes programs invisible on the main menu.

Instructions:

• 📱 Hold your finger in the free space of the desktop
• 🔧 Select Desktop Settings
• 👁️ Go to Hide the Apps
• 📂 Check the boxes of the programs that you need to hide

Hidden applications will remain available through a search system (Conductor → Search) or through the All apps menu in the settings. To completely remove them from view, you will need to disable impressions in the search:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → [Select App] → Disable Search Impression

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

If the built-in MIUI features are not enough, you can use third-party utilities.

When choosing a third-party blocker, pay attention to:

• 🔋 Battery consumption – some utilities are constantly working in the background
• 🛡️ Permission requests – avoid programs that require access to the SMS or call
• 💰 Subscriptions – Many “free” apps have hidden payments

⚠️ Note: Some banking applications (such as SberBank Online or Tinkoff) may block your phone if third-party blockers are detected.

6.Blocking through Google Family Link (for children under 13 years old)

If your child uses an age-restricted Google account, you can control their device through Google Family Link, which allows them to:

• 🔒 Block the installation of new applications
• ⏰ Set screen time limits
• 📵 Prohibit access to specific programs
• 📍 Tracking the location of the device

To set up:

1. Install Family Link on your phone (parent account)
2. Create a Google account for your child (or link an existing one)
3. On the child's phone confirm the invitation to control
4. In the parent app, select App Management

The advantage of this method is cross-platform (which works on iOS as well), and remote management, but Family Link automatically turns off when a child turns 13, a Google restriction that cannot be circumvented.

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Google Family Link is the only official way to block apps that works on all Android devices, not just Xiaomi.

7. Features of locking on different models Xiaomi

The functionality of the lock may vary depending on the smartphone model and the version of MIUI. Here are the key differences:

On devices with MIUI for POCO (such as the POCO X3 Pro), an option called Block in Games is available, which automatically restricts access to other apps during a game session, which is useful for parents who want to control their child’s time playing games.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi smartphones with global firmware (MIUI Global) some security features may be limited compared to the Chinese version (MIUI For example, in global builds, it is often not possible to block system applications (for example, Settings or Phone).

Frequent problems and their solutions

Problem 1: After the MIUI update, the application lock function disappeared.

Solution: This is due to the change in the structure of the menu in the new versions.

• 🔍 Use search by settings (swipe down in the main settings menu)
• 🔄 Reset the Security app settings in Settings → Annexes → Application management
• 📥 Install the latest update for the Security component through Settings → The phone. → Update MIUI

Problem 2: Forgot the password from the protected space.

Solution: The only official way is to reset the phone to factory settings. Alternative methods (e.g., through ADB) don't work on all models and require an unlocked bootloader:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.secondspace

This command removes the protected space, but does not guarantee the safety of the data inside it.

Problem 3: The third-party blocker is in conflict with banking applications.

Decision:

• Add the banking app to the blocker exceptions
• Use built-in MIUI methods instead of third-party utilities
• Set up Developer Mode and turn off the integrity check for a specific application (not recommended for beginners)

FAQ: Answers to popular questions