Xiaomi Mi A3 is a popular smartphone with pure Android One, which lacks many of the proprietary features of MIUI. Because of this, users often face the problem: how to block access to applications if the system does not have a standard tool for this? Unlike devices on MIUI (where there is a built-in function Block applications), Mi A3 will have to use workarounds.
In this article, we will discuss three working methods for setting a password for an application: through Google account settings, using third-party apps and using hidden Android features. Each method is tested on the Xiaomi Mi A3 with the latest updates (2026) and is suitable for protecting instant messengers, banking applications, gallery and social networks.
Why is the Xiaomi Mi A3 not having an app lock built in?
It's about the firmware. The Mi A3 runs on Android One, Google's "clean" version of Android, which doesn't have Xiaomi's signature chips. Regular Redmi or POCO smartphones have App Blocking in Settings → Privacy, but it's not here. It's not a flaw, it's a feature of the firmware: Google believes that protection should be at the account level, not at the individual application level.
But this creates problems:
- 🔓 It is easy for children or outsiders to open private messages on WhatsApp or Telegram.
- 💳 Banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff) remain without additional protection.
- 📷 Photo and video gallery is available to anyone who picks up the phone.
Fortunately, there are workarounds, and we'll go into detail below, starting with the most reliable one.
Method 1: Locking through the “Secure folder” in Google Play Games
This is the official method from Google that works on all Android 7.0 devices.+, including Xiaomi Mi A3. The point is that you hide applications in a special secure folder, access to which requires you to PIN-finger-print.
How to do this:
- Open the Google Play Games app (if not, install it from the Play Market).
- Go to profile (icon in the upper right corner) → Settings → Secure folder.
- Click Settings and follow the instructions: come up with PIN-code or use biometrics.
- After setting up, go back to the Google Play Games home screen and swipe to the right to open the Safe folder.
- Click Add Apps and select the ones you want to block (like Instagram or VKontakte).
Now, blocked apps will only be accessible through a password-protected Safe Folder, and importantly, this method hides apps from the menu, but doesn't delete them, because they continue to run in the background and receive notifications.
Is the Google Play Game App Installed?|Is the firmware updated to the latest version?|Is there any space on the phone (minimum 500 MB)|Is the phone connected to the Internet (need for first synchronization)-->
⚠️ Attention: If you forget PIN-The code from the Safe Folder can only be restored through a Google account. When you reset your phone to factory settings, all hidden apps will be removed from the folder!
Method 2: Use of third-party applications (AppLock)
If you need to block individual apps without hiding them, the best option is to install a dedicated utility. A3 well-worked:
- 🔒 AppLock (from DoMobile Lab) - supports PIN, graphical key and fingerprint.
- 🛡️ Norton App Lock is a reliable version of the well-known antivirus.
- 📱 Smart AppLock – a lightweight application with minimalist design.
Let’s look at the example of AppLock:
- Download the app from the Play Market and open it.
- Make a master password (remember it!).
- In the main menu, click + and select the applications to block (for example, Gallery, SberBank Online).
- In the settings (⚙️) turn on the options: 🔄 Autolock after closing (so that password is requested each time). 📸 Hide notifications (so that the contents of messages do not appear on the lock screen).
| Annex | Pluses | Cons | Rankings in Play Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| AppLock | Fingerprint support, concealing notifications | Advertising in the free version | 4.6 ⭐ |
| Norton App Lock | High level of security, no advertising | Registration is required | 4.5 ⭐ |
| Smart AppLock | Minimalist interface, low battery consumption | Limited functionality | 4.4 ⭐ |
An important caveat: some apps (like WhatsApp) may conflict with AppLock and ask permission to access notifications.
- Go to Settings → Applications → Special Access → Access to Notifications.
- Find AppLock and disable notification access for problem apps.
💡
If after installing the AppLock, the phone started to slow down, add the application to the battery optimization exceptions: Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All applications → AppLock → Do not optimize.
Method 3: Android’s Hidden Function – Application Protection (For Experienced Only)
This is a method that's suitable for those who are willing to dig into the developer's settings, and it allows you to block access to applications through the system system. PIN-Lock screen code, but requires activation of hidden functions.
Instructions:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on the Build Number (you will be notified "You've become a developer").
Settings → System → For Developers
Screen lock-in launch
Lock screen app pinning
Review
Secure
The next time you open this application, you will need to unlock the screen.
⚠️ Attention: This method only blocks one application at a time. To block another, you must first unplug the first one (hold Back). + Also, after restarting the phone, the fixing is reset!
The advantage of this method is that you don't need to install third-party programs, the disadvantage is that you have to use it frequently, and it's suitable for applications that are rarely used (e.g., 1C:Enterprise or Cryptopro).
What to do if the "Blocked Start" does not work?
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many users of Xiaomi Mi A3 They're having trouble setting up lockdowns.-5 mistakes and their solutions:
- Forgot the password from AppLock If you haven’t tied your mail for recovery, the only way out is to delete the application through Settings → Annexes → AppLock → Delete the lock data will reset.
- Blocking does not work after updating Update the AppLock app itself or reinstall it. Sometimes reset your screen lock settings (Settings → Security → Screen Lock).
- Disable battery optimization for AppLock (see tip above) and check if it conflicts with antivirus (such as Avast or Dr.Web).
- Make sure that your fingerprint is not working, make sure that you have at least one fingerprint added to your Settings → Security → Fingerprint. If the sensor is dirty, wipe it with an alcohol wipe.
- Check your Internet connection and log into your Google account at Settings → Accounts. If the folder is empty, try adding apps again.
- 📡 Turn off automatic connection to open Wi-Fi: Go to Settings → The Internet and the Internet → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi settings → Additional settings → Autoconnect to open networks and disable the option.
- 🔄 Enable two-factor authentication for a Google account: Open myaccount.google.com. Go to Security → Two-step authentication.
If you often transfer your phone to other people (such as children), set up guest mode:
- Swipe down the screen to open the notification bar.
- Click on the user icon (in the upper right corner) → Add a guest.
- In guest mode, only basic applications will be available.