The smartphone stores a huge amount of personal information, from instant messaging to banking apps that shouldn’t be open to the public. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices often wonder how to restrict access to specific programs without having to lock the entire screen of the phone. Fortunately, the branded MIUI shell and the new HyperOS provide built-in tools to solve this problem without requiring the installation of third-party software.
The implementation of protection is at the system level, which ensures high reliability and avoid unnecessary battery costs. Application locking is not just an additional barrier, but a necessary element of digital hygiene in an environment where children or colleagues can use the gadget. Below we will discuss in detail all available methods, including standard settings, hiding icons and creating special profiles.
However, it is worth considering that menu item names may vary slightly depending on the version of the Android operating system and regional firmware. In some cases, features may be renamed or moved by developers to improve the user experience.
Standard Application Protection Function in MIUI
The easiest and most common way to block access to instant messengers, gallery or banking services is to use the standard App Lock tool, which requires you to enter a password or use biometrics every time you run a selected program, providing a strong barrier. To activate the function, go to the Settings menu → Applications → Applications → Application Lock.
When you first start up, the system will ask you to set a special password, which may be different from the screen unlock password. This is done for security: even if an attacker knows your pin code from the phone, he will not be able to log into the secure programs. You can choose a pattern lock, a digital code or a long password, and also attach a fingerprint or face scan for quick access.
Once you set up your password, you'll see a list of all the programs you've installed, and you'll just need to switch the switch in front of the app you want to use to be active, and now every time you run something like WhatsApp or Telegram, the system will ask for proof of identity.
☑️ Setup of protection
It is important to note that after the system update, the list of blocked applications can be reset, and the procedure will have to be repeated, and it is also worth remembering that notifications from blocked programs by default are hidden on the lock screen, which adds another layer of privacy.
⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from blocking applications, you can reset it only through the Mi Account account associated with the device, or by completely resetting the phone settings, which will lead to the deletion of all data.
Set up a hidden space for maximum privacy
For users who want to hide not only the content, but also the fact that certain applications are on the desktop, the MIUI shell features a “Second Space” feature, which creates a virtual second profile inside a smartphone, with its own apps, photos and contacts.
To activate this mode, go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Second Space, where the system will suggest creating a separate input that can be activated by a fingerprint or password. Once in this space, you will see a clean desktop where you can install any applications and configure them regardless of your main profile.
Switching between the main and hidden spaces is instantaneous, ideal for separating work and personal life, or for storing sensitive data that no one should know exists, all data in the two spaces is isolated from each other.
How is the second space different from the guest mode?
It is worth considering that having two spaces takes up additional space in the device’s memory, as some system files are duplicated, and notifications from hidden space will not arrive while you are in the main profile unless exceptions are configured.
Using the Invisible Mode to Hide Icons
If you think it’s redundant to create a full second space, but you need to hide your application icons, use Hide Apps, which makes the icons of your selected programs invisible on the desktop and menu, leaving them accessible only through a special gesture or search.
To set up, go to Settings → Home (or Desktop) and select Hide Apps. In the list that opens, mark the programs you want to hide, and then they disappear from the screen, but they will remain in the phone’s memory.
To open a hidden application, you need to make a special gesture on the desktop: spread two fingers in different directions (as with zooming in the picture), and a folder with hidden programs will open, access to which can also be password protected in the settings of this feature.
- 📱 Hiding icons is an effective way to remove excess from view without removing the program.
- 🔐 Additional protection – access to the folder of hidden applications can be closed with a separate password.
- 🕵️ Anonymity – a stranger who took the phone in his hands will not see the icon of the protected software.
This method is especially useful when you need to quickly remove access to games or social networks so that they do not horn up, but still have the ability to quickly access them for yourself, but for banking applications, it is better to use a full lock described in the first section.
Restrictions for children: Parental control regime
In situations where children use the phone, it is often necessary not just to set a password, but to completely limit the time of use or access to certain categories of applications. For this purpose, the Xiaomi ecosystem uses a bundle of system settings and the Google Family Link application or built-in Parental Control.
Built-in tools allow you to block or limit the time spent on apps, such as allowing educational programs to be used during the day, but blocking YouTube and games after 20:00. → Digital Well-Being and Parental Control.
The Fix in App feature (Access Mode) allows you to lock the screen within one open app, which is useful if you let your child watch a cartoon or play a game without fear that he will accidentally (or intentionally) delete important files or make a purchase.
| Function | Appointment | Level of protection |
|---|---|---|
| Application lockdown | Requesting a password at each launch | High-pitched |
| Hidden space | Complete isolation of data and programs | Maximum |
| Hiding icons | Visual removal from the desktop | Low (only hides visibility) |
| Screen fixation | Blocking within one application | Medium (for temporary transmission) |
Using these tools allows for flexible customization of smartphone use scenarios by different family members, and it is important to update the restrictions lists regularly as children grow rapidly and their digital space needs change.
Working with a “Secure Folder” and Files
Often, it is not the entire application that needs to be hidden, but the specific files inside it, such as photos, videos or documents, which is used in the standard MIUI Explorer and Gallery to create a Hidden Folder feature, and the files placed there disappear from public access and are only visible after authorization.
To move a file, open Explorer, select the desired items, click the menu (three dots) and select Hide. The system will suggest setting a password or using biometrics to access this repository. Hidden files are encrypted and not displayed in other file managers without entering a key.
This feature is closely integrated with the phone’s security system, and if you choose to unlock the bootloader or gain root rights, the hidden folder may be lost because it is tied to the current system security configuration.
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Before selling or transferring your phone, be sure to delete all data from the hidden folder and untie your Mi Cloud account, otherwise the new owner will not be able to use them, and you will lose access to backup copies.
Using a secure folder is a great way to store scans of documents, personal photos or sensitive worksheets, but don’t rely on it as the only store of important data; always have a backup in the cloud or on your computer.
Typical Problems and Frequently Asked Questions
Despite the system’s cleverness, users may be faced with various security features, such as locking settings that may be lost or fingerprints no longer recognize in blocked applications after a firmware update, in which case re-association of biometrics in password settings usually helps.
Sometimes users complain that apps are running in the background and notifications come in despite being blocked.This is normal behavior for messengers to keep in touch.If you need to stop the app completely, use the Stop feature in the app settings or force them to close through the recent task menu.
In the new HyperOS shell, the security interface has become more minimalistic, but the functionality has remained the same. If you can not find the right item, search for the settings by entering the keywords “protection”, “lock” or “password”.
What to do if I forgot the password from blocking applications?
Can I bypass the application lock through Safe Mode?
Does blocking apps affect the alarm clock?
Using security tools to make your Xiaomi a safe haven for digital life, don’t neglect the ability to set passwords for apps, especially if your phone often ends up in other people’s hands or contains critical information.
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The comprehensive use of application locking, icon hiding and secure folder ensures the maximum level of data privacy on your device.