Protecting personal data on a smartphone is a key challenge for the modern user. Xiaomi Redmi smartphones based on the proprietary shell MIUI offer several built-in mechanisms to restrict access to applications, but not all of them are obvious to the average owner. If you want to hide correspondence in instant messengers, block access to banking applications or simply restrict the use of certain programs by children, this article will help you understand all the nuances.
Unlike iOS, where app blocking is system-level, Android (and especially MIUI) can vary depending on the firmware version and phone model. We’ll look at all the current ways, from standard Security and Second Space tools to third-party applications with advanced capabilities, and you’ll learn how to get around typical setup errors and what to do if you forget your password.
1. Built-in "Application Lock" function in MIUI
The easiest and most reliable way to protect applications on Xiaomi Redmi is to use the built-in application blocking feature via the Security menu, which is available on all devices with MIUI 12 and later, including the latest versions of HyperOS. The main advantage of this method is that there is no need to install third-party programs, which reduces the risk of data leaks.
To activate the lock:
- Open Settings → Security (or Privacy in some versions).
- Select Application Lock (may be called Application Protection).
- Enter the password from your Mi Account or set a new one PIN-code-key.
- In the list of applications, mark the ones you want to block.
Important: If you use a pattern lock, make sure it is different from unlocking the screen, otherwise an attacker will be able to access all blocked apps by simply unlocking the phone.
Make sure that MIUI is updated to the latest version
Remember the password from Mi Account
Disable autocomplete passwords in the browser
Backup of important data-->
2.Use of the "Second Space" to isolate applications
Second Space (or Dual Apps in global firmware) allows you to create a separate user profile with your own apps, settings, and data. It’s not exactly locking, but rather isolation: you can install the same app (like WhatsApp or Telegram) in both spaces, but with different accounts and access settings.
How to set up:
- 📱 Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Second space.
- 🔑 Set a password to enter the second space (it may differ from the main one).
- 📥 Select the apps you want to duplicate (such as messengers or social networks).
- 🔄 Switch between swipe spaces via the notification panel or through the lock menu.
This method is convenient if you want to separate personal and work accounts, but is not suitable for full blocking – a second profile will still be available after entering a password.
Built-in lock in MIUI
Second space
Third-party annexes
Don't block apps-->
3. Third-party applications for blocking: pros and cons
If the built-in MIUI features are not enough, you can use third-party utilities from Google Play.
- 🔒 AppLock (from DoMobile Lab) – supports fingerprint locking, PIN-code and pattern.
- 🛡️ Norton App Lock – integrated with antivirus, has the function of masking the application icon.
- 📱 Smart AppLock – allows you to block not only applications, but also individual functions (for example, mobile data for a particular program).
Advantages: advanced settings (e.g., time lock or geolocation), support for biometrics, the ability to hide the fact of blocking. Disadvantages: some applications require accessibility service rights, which can affect performance, as well as the risk of data leakage when using little-known utilities.
💡
Before installing a third-party app to block, check reviews and rankings on Google Play. Avoid programs that request access to SMS, contacts, or call history for no good reason.
Important: Third-party applications (APKs) may contain malicious code. Install only proven utilities from the official store.
4.Blocking through Child Mode
If your goal is to restrict your child's access to certain apps, MIUI has a special Mode for Kids that allows you to:
- 🧒 Block the launch of any applications other than those permitted.
- ⏰ Set a time limit for use.
- 📵 Disable mobile and Wi-Fi during active mode.
How to turn on:
- Open Settings → Special Opportunities → Mode for Children.
- Set a password (it will be requested when you leave the mode).
- Select the apps that remain available.
- Activate the mode through the notification panel or on a schedule.
This method is suitable for parental control, but does not replace a full lock - the child will be able to leave the mode if he learns the password.
5. Hiding applications without blocking: alternative methods
If you don’t need a lock, but only hide applications from prying eyes, MIUI has several options:
| Method | How it works | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Hiding on the menu | Long click on the icon → Hide (available in some launchers). | The application remains in the list of all programs and can be found through search. |
| Shutdown | Settings → Applications → Disable. | The app stops working, but it is not removed. |
| The "Secret Files" folder | You can hide media files in the Gallery or Files. | It does not hide the applications themselves, only their data. |
To completely hide, you will need to use third-party launchers (for example, Nova Launcher with Hide Apps plugin) or create a separate user in Android settings.
What to do if I forget the password from the lock?
6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them
When setting up application locking, users often face the following problems:
⚠️ Warning: If you use a third-party app to block, do not disable it in the Special Options settings → Special Options Services, which can cause a lock failure, leaving applications unprotected.
- 🔄 Settings reset – after resetting your phone to factory settings, the app lock is turned off even if you restore data from the backup.
- 📱 Conflict with other protections – some antiviruses (e.g. Avast) can block the built-in lock MIUI.
- 🔑 Losing your Mi Account password - without it, you can't reset your application lock. Always link your account to a valid email.
To avoid problems:
- Regularly update MIUI – new versions fix the bugs with the lock.
- Do not use the same passwords to lock the screen and apps.
- Before resetting your phone, manually disable the lock.
💡
Built-in MIUI locking is more reliable than third-party applications, but requires binding to Mi Account, without which access recovery may not be possible.