Blocking applications on Xiaomi: how to protect data from outsiders

Protecting personal data on a smartphone is a key challenge for the modern user. Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer several ways to restrict access to apps, from the built-in App Protection feature to third-party utilities. But how do you set up the lock so that it works consistently and doesn’t interfere with everyday use?

In this article, we will look at all the current methods of blocking applications on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, from basic settings to advanced solutions for root-right users. We will focus on the nuances of the function on different versions of MIUI (12, 13, 14) and common errors that can occur when setting up. If you want to protect messengers, banking applications or a gallery from prying eyes, this guide is for you.

Why you should block applications on Xiaomi

Smartphones often contain sensitive information, such as correspondence, photos, bank card details, and even if you trust others, random access to the device can lead to personal data leakage.

• 📱 Social media and instant messengers – someone can read your messages or send a message on your behalf.
• 💳 Banking applications – risk of unauthorized transfers or access to transaction history.
• 📷 Gallery and cloud storage – personal photos and videos can be copied or shared.
• 🔑 Password Managers – Access to accounts on other services.

The built-in lock feature in MIUI solves these problems, but has limitations: for example, it does not work for system applications (for example, Settings or Phone) and requires you to enter a password every time you open a blocked application. Alternative methods (for example, through Safe Folder or third-party applications) can offer more flexible settings.

⚠️ Note: App locking does not replace full device protection. If an attacker gains physical access to an unlocked smartphone, they will be able to bypass some types of lock through Restore Mode or Reset settings. PIN-code, fingerprint and data encryption.

Method 1: Built-in Application Protection in MIUI

The easiest and most reliable method is to use the built-in Application Protection feature, available on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 10 and later, which allows you to block any user application (except system) using a password, pattern lock or biometrics.

To activate it:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Protection.
2. Click Enable Application Protection and set the unlock method (it is recommended to use the same as for the lock screen).
3. In the list of applications, select the ones you want to block by moving the slider to the right.
4. Confirm the action by entering a password.

When you set up a locked application, you'll see a window that asks for a password or fingerprint, and the important thing is that if you're using a pattern lock, it's got to be as complex as average -- simple patterns are easy to brute-force.

Make sure that the device is installed PIN-code|Check if your fingerprint is added to the system (if you plan to use biometrics)|Update. MIUI Up to the latest version for stable operation of the function|Backup important data in case of a failure-->

⚠️ Note: If you are using a second space (double desktop function in the MIUI), The application lock will only work in the current space, and to protect the applications in the second space, you have to reconfigure the setting separately.

Method 2: Using Safe Folder to Hide Applications

Safe Folder is a secure storage in MIUI, where you can transfer not only files, but also application shortcuts, and the advantage of this method is that blocked applications disappear completely from the main menu and do not appear in the list of recent ones.

How to set up:

1. Open Files → Safe Folder (if there is no feature, update the Files App via Google Play).
2. Set a password for the folder (it may differ from the lock screen password).
3. Return to the home screen, press the app icon you want to hide, and select Move to Safe Folder.
4. Confirm the action with a password.

Now the app will only be available through Safe Folder, which opens with a separate password.This method is convenient for hiding messengers or gallery, but has a drawback: applications in Safe Folder do not receive real-time notifications (they accumulate and show only when you open the folder).

Method 3: Third-party applications for blocking (AppLock)

If the built-in MIUI features aren’t enough, you can use third-party utilities like AppLock, Norton App Lock or Smart AppLock, which offer advanced features:

• 🔒 Blocking system applications (such as Settings or Phone).
• 🕒 Temporary blocking (for example, only at night).
• 📍 Geo-blocking (automatic activation of protection in certain locations).
• 📸 Hiding notifications from blocked applications.

Example of settings via AppLock:

1. Download and install AppLock from Google Play.
2. When you first start, set a master password (don’t use the same password as the lock screen!).
3. In the main menu, select the applications to block, ticking them.
4. Configure additional settings (for example, Hide the AppLock icon or Block over Wi-Fi).

Important: Some antiviruses (such as Avast or Kaspersky) may conflict with third-party blockers, causing crashes or spontaneous unlocking.

Built-in "Application Protection" |Safe Folder| Third-party applications (AppLock et al.) | I won't block | Another way-->

Method 4: Locking through Second Space (Second Space)

The MIUI’s Second Space feature allows you to create a separate desktop with your own apps, settings, and data, not exactly lockdown, but rather isolation: you can move sensitive applications to a second space and protect it with a separate password.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Second Space.
2. Click Create a second space and follow the instructions (you will need to set a separate password).
3. After creation, switch to the second space through the notification panel.
4. Install or transfer the desired applications (they will not be visible in the main space).

Advantages of this method:

• 🔐 Complete data isolation – applications in the second space do not have access to the main files.
• 📱 The ability to use different accounts (e.g. a separate Google profile).
• 🔄 Quickly switch between spaces through the notification curtain.

Disadvantages: The second space takes up additional memory, and some applications (such as banking) may require re-authorization when switching.

💡

If you switch between spaces often, add a Second Space shortcut to the home screen. To do this, press the free space on the screen → Widgets → find Second Space and drag it to a convenient place.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

When setting up app locks, Xiaomi users often encounter common errors, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, try resetting the security settings:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → All the parameters.
2. Find Reset Security Settings (may be called Lock Reset).
3. Confirm the action with a password and restart the device.

⚠️ Warning: Resetting security settings will remove all saved passwords, fingerprints and lock settings, and after the procedure you will have to reset the protections, including Application Protection and Safe Folder.

Additional security measures

Application blocking is just one layer of protection, and for comprehensive security, Xiaomi recommends:

• 🔐 Use device encryption (included in Settings) → Additionally. → Encryption. This will protect data even when you physically access your smartphone.
• 📱 Activate remote locking via Mi Account (allows you to block or delete data from your device remotely).
• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI — In new versions, vulnerabilities related to the circumvention of the lock are closed.
• 🛡️ Install antivirus with phishing protection (for example, Bitdefender or Malwarebytes).

You should also look at the settings of Google Play Protect, which scans apps for malware that could bypass the lockdown to check if it works:

1. Open Google Play → Profile → Play Protect.
2. Make sure that the option to scan the device for threats is enabled.
3. Run manual check by clicking Scan.

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The combination of built-in app locking, Safe Folder and second space provides the maximum protection of sensitive data on Xiaomi.However, no method guarantees 100% security - always watch out for physical access to the device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking apps on Xiaomi