How to lock apps in Xiaomi phones: all ways to protect

Xiaomi smartphones based on the shell MIUI offer several built-in mechanisms to restrict access to applications - from simple PIN-This is especially important if you're handing over your phone to your kids, your coworkers, or just want to protect your personal data from prying eyes, unlike iOS, where app locking is done through Screen time, MIUI It provides more flexible settings, but they are hidden in different parts of the system.

In this article, we’ll look at all the available ways, from standard MIUI 12/13/14 tools to advanced third-party apps, learn how to password individual programs, hide them from menus, limit usage time, and even block new apps from being installed.

1. Built-in application locking through "Privacy Protection"

The most reliable and easy way to do this is to use the built-in MIUI feature called Privacy Protection, which is available on all devices with MIUI 10 and up (including Redmi Note 10/11, POCO X3/X4, Xiaomi 12T, etc.), which requires no additional software installation and works even without an Internet connection.

To activate the lock:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Privacy protection (on some models, the path may be Settings) → Passwords and security → Protection of confidentiality).
• 🔒 Enter the password from your Mi Account or create a new one. PIN-code if it's not there yet.
• 🔄 Turn on the switch Application Locking.
• ✅ Select from the list of programs you want to protect (e.g. Gallery, WhatsApp, Banking Apps).

After setting up the locked application every time it opens, the system will require you to enter a password or fingerprint (if biometrics are configured).

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If you don’t have the right app on the list, try updating MIUI to the latest version. In older firmware (e.g. MIUI 9), Privacy Protection may not be available or may not work properly.

Parental Controls: Time and Content Limitation

If you need to control the time of use of apps (for example, for a child), use built-in parental control.

• ⏰ Set limits on the use of individual programs (for example, 1 hour per day for TikTok).
• 🚫 Completely block access to certain categories (games, social networks).
• 📊 View activity statistics.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings. → Parental control.
2. Create a profile for your child (you will need to link your Mi Account).
3. Select the applications you want to set the restrictions for.
4. Set up a schedule and time limits.

This method is convenient for family use, but has a limitation: parental controls work only when you are actively connected to the Internet (data synced with Xiaomi servers).

3. Hiding apps from the menu (without full lock)

If you don’t need a hard password lock, but simply hide the application from prying eyes, use the Hidden Apps feature. This will not protect data from the experienced user (the application will remain in the system settings), but will make it less visible.

Instructions:

1. Hold your finger on the free space of the desktop.
2. Select Screen Settings (or Launcher Settings).
3. Go to the Hidden Applications section.
4. Check the boxes of the programs you want to hide.

To return a hidden application, repeat the same steps and uncheck the box. Note: this method does not work for system applications (for example, Settings or Phone).

4. Block the installation of new applications

To prevent the installation of potentially dangerous programs (for example, on a child’s phone), you can prohibit the installation of a computer. APK-files from unknown sources and enable confirmation for downloads from Google Play.

Setting:

• 🛡️ Open the Settings. → Passwords and security → Protection of confidentiality.
• 🔧 Activate the option Block the installation of applications.
• 📱 Now, when you try to install any application (even from the Play Market), the system will require you to enter a password.

This method is useful for protection against accidental downloads, but it will not replace a full-fledged antivirus. For additional security, we recommend disabling the ability to install APK from external sources (Settings → Applications → Special Rights → Install Unknown Applications).

5 Third-party applications for blocking: AppLock, Norton App Lock and others

If the built-in MIUI features are not enough, you can use third-party programs, which offer advanced features:

• 🔐 Fingerprint or facial recognition blocking.
• 📸 Hiding notifications from blocked applications.
• 🕒 Automatic locking at certain times.
• 📍 Geodependent blocking (for example, disabling social networks at work).

Popular applications:

Before installing, check the reviews on Google Play – some apps may conflict with MIUI or contain hidden ads. Also remember that third-party programs require device administrator rights, which can affect security.

6. Block system applications (calls, messages, settings)

Unlike custom programs, system applications (e.g. Phone, Messages, Settings) cannot be blocked through standard MIUI tools.

• 🔧 Use the second space mode (duplicates the system with separate settings).
• 🛠️ Install Xposed Framework (requires root rights).
• 📱 Apply ADB-Access Restriction Commands (suitable for experienced users).

The safest way is the second space:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
2. Create a second profile with a separate password.
3. In the main space, remove or hide unnecessary system applications.

This solution is suitable for separating work and personal data, but does not protect against power users who can switch between spaces.

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Blocking system applications without root rights is possible only through the creation of a second space or the use of third-party launchers (for example, Nova Launcher with plugins).

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

When setting up a lock, Xiaomi users often encounter the following errors:

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI Privacy Protection is missing, try resetting security settings (Settings) → Passwords and security → Resetting security settings. This won't delete your data, but it will return the standard lock settings.

Problem 1: The fingerprint lock is not working.

Solution: Remove saved prints in Settings → Passwords and security → Fingerprint and add them back. If the sensor is damaged, use it. PIN-code.

Problem 2: AppLock is constantly crashing.

Solution: Turn off battery optimization for this application (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All Apps → Find AppLock → Turn off optimization).

Problem 3: After the phone is reset, the app lock has disappeared.

Solution: Privacy Protection is linked to Mi Account. After reset, log in to the same account and the settings will be restored automatically.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions