Guest mode on Xiaomi: how to turn on and configure in 3 steps

Do you often give your Xiaomi to friends or colleagues, but worry about the privacy of photos, messages and apps? MIUI, It creates a limited profile that only allows you to access basic functions of your phone, and in this mode, you won't be able to see your personal data, you won't be able to read your messaging messages, or you won't be able to change your system settings.

Unlike a full reset or a second user creation (not available on all models), guest mode is activated in a few taps and does not require a device reboot. It's perfect for short-term phone transfers -- like showing a route on maps, making a call, or taking a picture of a document -- but there's a nuance: some firmware. MIUI The function is hidden in the depths of the menu, and on older models (before the Redmi Note 7) it may not be at all.

In this article, the current instructions for MIUI 12-14, comparing guest mode with other data protection methods, and answering frequent questions. If your smartphone runs on HyperOS (the new shell of Xiaomi), note the separate section with the features of the settings.

What is a guest mode and why it is needed

Guest mode is a temporary profile with stripped rights, which is automatically reset after exit.

• 🔒 Blocks access to the gallery, file manager and most installed applications.
• 📱 Only basic functions are allowed: calls, SMS, camera (without access to old photos), browser (without history), navigation.
• 🔄 All changes (such as added bookmarks or downloaded files) are deleted after the session is over.
• 🛡️ No password required to log in – the guest will not be able to unlock the main profile.

Compared to alternatives, the guest mode has pros and cons:

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with HyperOS (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) The guest mode can be called Private Session or Limited Profile. The functionality remains similar, but the path to settings is different - see the section below.

What Xiaomi models have guest mode

The function is available on most devices with MIUI 10 and newer, but there are exceptions:

• ✅ Support: All flagships (Xiaomi) 12/13/14, Mi 11), Redmi Note series 8–12, POCO F3–F5, Redmi K40–K70.
• ❌ No or works with errors: Redmi 7A/8A, POCO M2/M3, old-model MIUI 9 below.
• ⚠️ Restrictions: Some Firmware for Redmi 9/10 Guest mode is hidden – activation is required through the developer settings.

Check the presence of the function can be in two ways:

1. Open the Settings. → System system → Additionally. → Guest mode.
2. Enter the search for settings the request "guest" or "guest".

If the function is not available, alternatives:

• 🔐 Use Safe Folder (in Settings) → Privacy) for concealing files.
• 👤 Create a second user (if supported) in Settings → Accounts. → Users.
• 🔒 Install third-party apps like AppLock or Parallel Space.

Step-by-step: how to turn on guest mode

The activation algorithm is the same for most models, but may vary slightly depending on the version. MIUI. Follow these steps:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
2. Scroll down and select the System section (on some firmware - About the phone).
3. Slip on the item Additional (or Advanced settings).
4. Find the Guest Mode option (could be called Limited Profile or Guest Mode).
5. Activate the switch and confirm the action by clicking On.

After activation:

• 📱 On the lock screen will appear the button Guest (or the icon of the user with a plus-plus).
• 🔄 To exit the mode, swipe down the notification panel and tap on the notification You are in guest mode.
• ⚙️ All changes made in guest mode will be deleted after the release.

Update. MIUI last-minute|Check the presence of the function in the settings|Make a backup copy of important data|Remember the path to settings (may be different)-->

⚠️ Warning: HyperOS has changed the guest mode path! To find it, go to Settings → Accounts and synchronization → Private session. This mode also has the option to limit access to contacts that is not in the classic MIUI.

How to set up a guest mode: permissions and restrictions

By default, guest mode blocks almost everything, but you can flexibly configure access to individual features.

1. Enable guest mode (as described above).
2. Back to Settings → System system → Additionally. → Guest mode.
3. Slip on Guest Mode Settings (or Access Management).

Here you will see a list of permissions that can be enabled or disabled:

• 📞 Calls and SMS: By default, allowed, but you can limit outgoing calls (for example, only to numbers from contacts).
• 🌐 Browser: Available, but history and cookies are deleted after the login.
• 📷 Camera: Only allowed to take photos, gallery access blocked, some models can turn off video recording.
• 📍 Geolocation: Default disabled. If you turn it on, the guest will be able to use maps, but their routes will not be saved in history.
• 🔊 Notifications: Hidden notifications from messengers and social networks, you can allow to show notifications from system applications (for example, about low battery power).

💡

If guest mode does not save settings after rebooting, check if the option Save Guest Settings is enabled in the Additional section. On some firmware, it is disabled by default.

⚠️ Attention: On models with NFC (For example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or POCO F5 Pro: Guest mode automatically blocks access to payment services (Google Pay, Mi Pay) and to unlock, you need to exit guest mode and confirm the password.

Frequent Problems and How to Solve Them

Despite the simplicity of the function, users are faced with common errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If the guest mode is unstable, try:

1. Reboot the phone.
2. Clear the Settings app data (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Settings → Storage → Clear data).
3. Reset security settings to factory (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting settings → Reset the security settings).

Guest mode vs HyperOS: what has changed in the new smartphones

In 2026, Xiaomi began the transition from MIUI The new HyperOS shell, which brought changes to the guest mode:

• 🆕 New name: Instead of "guest mode" the term "private session" is used).
• 🔧 Advanced Settings: It is possible to restrict access to specific contacts (e.g., hide work numbers).
• 🕒 Session timer: You can set automatic shutdown via 15/30/60 minute.
• 📱 Mi Account Integration: Xiaomi Account Linking Allows You to Sync Guest Mode Settings Between Devices.

To enable a private session on HyperOS:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts and Synchronization.
2. Select a Private Session.
3. Configure access options (by default everything is blocked).
4. Activate the mode through the notification panel or lock screen.

⚠️ Note: In a private session, HyperOS has defaulted to disabling access to Google Play and third-party app stores. To allow installation, turn on the option to Allow Application Installation in session settings.

💡

On HyperOS, guest mode has become more flexible, but it has lost compatibility with some older applications (such as banking clients).

Alternatives to the Guest Mode: What to Choose

If your Xiaomi model doesn’t support guest mode or its functionality isn’t enough, consider these options:

For maximum protection, we recommend combining methods.

• 🔐 Use guest mode for short-term phone transfer.
• 📁 Transfer confidential files to Safe Folder.
• 🔒 Install AppLock on instant messengers and banking applications.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions