Xiaomi’s modern smartphone has become a universal tool that stores banking data, personal correspondence and access to work accounts. Device owners often face the need to hide certain features from prying eyes or limit the time children spend behind the screen. Basic security settings such as a simple unlock password are no longer enough to protect sensitive information in a multiplayer environment.
Operating system MIUI And the new HyperOS gives users powerful built-in tools to manage access. IT-And if you configure these parameters properly, you can make the phone a safe space that's protected from accidental deletions or unwanted use.
In this article, we will look at all the available blocking methods, from the standard “Application Lock” to advanced system restrictions through the computer, you will learn how to effectively use parental controls, hide icons and prevent the installation of new programs without your knowledge.
Use of the built-in "Security" application
The first and most accessible tool for most users is the pre-installed system application Security, which is where the App Lock feature is located, which allows you to set an additional password or biometric confirmation to run selected programs, which is ideal if you need to protect messengers, gallery or banking applications from curious colleagues or friends.
To activate the function, you need to open the application, find the "Application Lock" section and set a unique one. PIN-It's a code or a pattern lock, and then it's going to tell you to choose a list of restricted programs, and it's important to note that when you try to open a secure application, you're going to need to log in, even if the phone is already unlocked.
The lock functionality allows you to configure security settings flexibly. You can enable the concealment of notification content on a locked screen so that the text of messages is not visible without entering a password. You can also unlock through a fingerprint or Face ID, which greatly speeds up access to secure data.
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Use different passwords to unlock the screen and to lock the apps, which will create an additional layer of protection in case someone knows your primary access code.
It is worth considering that deleting or clearing the data of the Security application can reset the lock settings if you do not have a Mi Account installed. Therefore, linking to Mi Account is a critical step to restore access in the event of a password loss.
Parental control settings and time limits
If your goal is to monitor the time your child spends on games or social media, a standard app lock will not be enough, and this is where Parental Control, integrated into Xiaomi’s ecosystem, comes in to help, allowing you to not only block access, but also set limits on use.
You have to go to the device settings and find the appropriate partition, and you can create a profile of your child and link it to your device, and you can set the time intervals when you can use the phone and the periods when it is locked completely, such as when you sleep or study.
- 🕒 Set a daily screen time limit for all applications or specific categories.
- 🚫 Blocking Internet access at a given time of day.
- 📱 Banning new apps from the store without parental confirmation.
- 📍 Tracking the location of the child’s device in real time.
⚠️ Note: Some parental controls require a stable Internet connection and Mi Account authorization on both devices.
Special attention should be paid to content filtering, which allows you to block adult sites and restrict browser searches, creates a secure digital environment, minimizing the risk of encountering unwanted information, settings can be changed remotely from your phone, which gives you complete control over the situation.
Hiding applications and creating a second space
In situations where you need to not just block, but completely hide the presence of certain applications, Xiaomi offers the function “Hide applications” It removes icons of selected programs from the desktop and menu, making them visible only after entering special code in the application “Themes” or through a special gesture.
A more radical and effective solution is to create a Second Space, which actually creates a second isolated phone inside your smartphone with its own set of apps, photos and accounts1unts, switching between the main and second spaces instantly through a fingerprint or a special password.
In Space Two, you can set your limits without worrying about someone getting your data by picking up your phone, which is the perfect solution for separating work and personal life or storing sensitive information.
How do you enter the hidden space?
When resetting to factory settings, Second Space data will also be deleted, so regular backups are important.
Blocking the installation of unknown applications
A common problem is that children or inattentive users install unnecessary or dangerous software, and to prevent this, you must prohibit the installation of applications from unknown sources, and in modern versions of MIUI and HyperOS, this process is strictly controlled.
Go to the security settings and find the external installation option, where you can selectively allow or prevent browsers and file managers from installing. APK-It is recommended to leave this option only for official stores such as Google Play or GetApps.
Additionally, you can activate Apps Only Permitted mode if this option is available in your firmware version through advanced security settings, which will create a whitelist, and any attempt to run a program outside this list will be blocked by the system.
☑️ Checking installation settings
Advanced Restrictions via ADB and Fastboot
For experienced users who are not comfortable with standard methods, there is the option of using USB debugging and ADB (Android Debug Bridge) commands, which allows you to remove system applications or impose strict restrictions on their launch that cannot be removed by conventional methods.
You will need a computer to work, USB-cable and installed drivers ADB. After the debugging is activated, USB In the Developer menu on your phone, you can send commands from your computer, like pm disable-user. --user 0 com.package.name allows you to “freeze” the application, making it inoperable without removing it.
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browserUsing ADB requires caution. Incorrectly disabling system components can cause the device to malfunction or "bootloop" (cyclic reboot).Always check the name of the package before sending a command.
⚠️ Note: Disconnecting system services through ADB It may disrupt the operation of the phone.A complete backup of the data is strongly recommended before making changes.
This method is often used to remove pre-installed adware that cannot be removed by standard means.Frozen applications do not consume battery or appear in the interface, but can be reactivated by pm enable if desired.
Comparison of locking methods on Xiaomi
The right method depends on your specific goals: protecting yourself from children, hiding data from colleagues, or cleaning up your system. Below is a table to help you decide on the best solution for your situation.
| Method | Level of protection | Difficulty setting up | Impact on the system |
|---|---|---|---|
| App Lock | Medium. | Low. | Minimum |
| Parental control | High (time/content) | Medium | Demands the Internet. |
| Second space | Maximum | Medium | It takes up memory. |
| ADB team | Systemic | Tall. | Risk of failure |
Each of these methods has its own strengths, and combining these tools allows you to create layered protection, such as App Lock for instant messengers, Parental Control for games, and Second Space for personal photos.
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The combination of App Lock for quick access and Second Space for complete data isolation ensures maximum security for your Xiaomi device.