Protecting personal data on Xiaomi starts with restricting access to apps. Even if someone picks up your phone, an app password won’t let you read your Telegram correspondence, see your browser history, or open a banking app. In this article, 5 proven ways to set a password for any app, including hidden MIUI features and bypassing restrictions on older models.
Unlike the iPhone, where app blocking requires workarounds, Xiaomi offers a built-in solution called App Lock. But not everyone knows that it can be configured to fit specific scenarios, such as blocking apps only at certain times or hiding notifications from blocked programs. We will analyze not only basic settings, but also hidden MIUI options that Xiaomi does not advertise in official instructions.
Method 1: Built-in App Lock in MIUI
The most reliable and simple method is to use the standard App Lock, available on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 10 and later, which requires no third-party apps and is integrated into the security system.
To activate the lock:
- Open the Settings. → Passwords and security.
- Select the option “App Lock” (App Lock).
- When you first start up, the system will ask you to create a pattern lock or enter a password. Use a combination that you will not forget, but which is difficult to find (for example, 7+ characters with numbers and special characters).
- Once set up, select the apps from the list you want to block, and the slider next to the name will put it into protection mode.
Important detail: App Lock in MIUI supports dual authentication. For example, you can set unlock not only with a password, but also with a fingerprint (if the sensor supports this feature).
Make sure that the phone has a primary password (PIN or pattern lock) installed.
Update MIUI to the latest version (older versions of App Lock are unstable)
Check what in Settings → Accounts → Mi Account is linked to a valid email
Backup important data (in case of resetting settings)-->
Restriction: Some system applications (such as Settings or Phone) cannot be blocked through App Lock. These will require alternative methods, which we will discuss later.
Method 2: The hidden function of the "Second Apps"
If you want to not just block the app, but completely hide it on your phone, use the Dual Apps feature, a separate user profile with its own apps, settings and password.
How to set up:
- 🔒 Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Second space.
- 📱 Choose Create a second space and follow the instructions. The system will prompt you to copy applications from your main profile.
- 🔑 Set a separate password to enter the second space (it may differ from the main one).
- 🎭 In this space, install the desired applications (such as WhatsApp or Bank) and block them through App Lock.
The advantage of this method is that even if someone unlocks your phone, they won't see the apps in the second space without an additional password, and the disadvantage is that you have to maintain two profiles, which is inconvenient for daily use.
What happens if you remove the second space?
Method 3: Blocking through Parent Control
Parent Control is originally designed to restrict children’s access to content, but it can be adapted to block apps, which is suitable if you want to temporarily restrict access to certain programs (for example, while working or sleeping).
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Special Opportunities → Mode for Children.
- Activate the function and set a password (it will differ from the main password of the phone).
- In the Application Limitations section, select the programs you want to block.
- Set up a mode activation schedule (for example, from 22:00 to 7:00).
The feature is that it blocks all applications except those that are allowed, so the reverse logic of App Lock is that you're telling you what to open, not what to block, and that's convenient for strict restrictions, but inflexible for everyday use.
Built-in App Lock|Second Space|Mode for children |ApplicationsSite |I Do not block apps-->
Method 4: Third-party applications for blocking
If the built-in MIUI features aren't enough, you can use third-party software, which offers advanced features: geolocation lock, masking as system utilities, screenshot protection.
Top.-3 Proven applications for Xiaomi:
| Annex | Features | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| AppLock (from DoMobile Lab) | Fingerprint lock, calculator masking, removal protection | Advertising in the free version requires a lot of rights |
| Norton App Lock | Integration with antivirus, blocking incoming calls | Battery costs, paid functions |
| Smart AppLock | Flexible rules (time, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), no advertising | A complex interface for beginners |
Warning: When installing third-party blockers, disable battery optimization for them in Settings → Apps → Permissions → Battery Optimization. Otherwise, the system may force them to close and the lock will stop working.
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Before installing a third-party blocker, check its reputation on Google Play. Some apps under the guise of "App Lock" steal data. Pay attention to the number of downloads (from 10 million+) and the rating (4.5+).
Method 5: Blocking through ADB (for power users)
If you need to block system applications (such as Settings or Contacts) that are not supported in App Lock, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting the phone to your computer and knowing the command line.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
- Connect the phone to your PC, install ADB drivers and open the command line.
- Enter the command to block the application (for example, Settings): adb shell pm hide com.android.settings Replace com.android.settings with the desired application package (you can find it through the App Inspector).
- To unlock, use: adb shell pm unhide com.android.settings
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Blocking through ADB does not set a password, but hides the application from the menu completely. To return it, you will need to reconnect to the PC. This method is only suitable for advanced users!
⚠️ Attention: misuse ADB Do not block critical system processes (e.g. com.android.systemui) or the phone may stop loading.
Frequent problems and solutions
Even after you set up the lock, users are faced with typical errors, and here's how to fix them:
- 🔄 App Lock resets after reboot: check if AutoRun for Security option is enabled in Settings → Annexes → Autostart control.
- 📵 No notifications from blocked apps: in the App Lock settings, turn off the option to Hide notifications.
- 🔑 Forgot the password from App Lock: you can reset it through Mi Account if the phone is linked to an account. Go to account.xiaomi.com, select Find the device → Unlock App Lock.
If none of these methods worked, check if the security features in Settings → Special Options → Simplified Mode are disabled. In this mode, many MIUI limitations do not work.