How to block the application on Xiaomi Redmi: all ways from MIUI to third-party utilities

Protecting your personal data on Xiaomi Redmi starts with controlling access to apps. Whether it’s private messaging apps, banking apps, or a gallery of personal photos, the ability to lock an app with a password or fingerprint becomes critical. Unlike iOS, where locking is built into the system, MIUI offers several alternative ways, each with its own nuances.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to block an app on Xiaomi Redmi, from standard MIUI tools to third-party solutions with advanced settings. We’ll focus on the differences between shell versions (from MIUI 12 to MIUI 15), as well as potential pitfalls that could lead to loss of access to data. If you’re looking for a way to hide the app from prying eyes or protect it from accidental opening by children, here are the working instructions based on the latest Xiaomi updates.

1.Blocking through the built-in “App Lock” function in MIUI

The most obvious and safe way to do this is to use the App Lock tool (also known as App Lock), which is available on all Xiaomi Redmi smartphones with MIUI 10 and later, but its menu location may vary depending on the firmware version, and the main advantage of the method is that you don’t need to install third-party programs, which reduces the risk of data leakage.

To activate the lock:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Applications Block (or App Lock in English).
2. When you first start up, the system will suggest you set a password or a pattern lock, and choose a reliable option, and security will depend on it.
3. In the list of applications, mark the ones you want to block. Next to each one will be a lock icon.
4. Activate the switch Enable application lock.

Once you have set up a locked application, the system will require you to enter a password, fingerprint (if configured) or face scan. Note: if you use a fingerprint, you can add it to Settings → Password and Security → Fingerprint.

Make sure the version MIUI less than 10|Create a backup copy of your password|Check the fingerprint sensor (if you plan to use it)|Turn off notifications for blocked applications (optional)-->

⚠️ Note: If you forget your App Lock password, you can only restore it by resetting your security settings, which will remove all saved passwords, fingerprints and Mi Account data on your device. Xiaomi does not provide official tools to bypass the lock without resetting.

2.Use of the "Second Space" function

Second Space is a unique solution from Xiaomi that allows you to create a separate user profile with your own apps, settings and data, which is suitable if you want to not just block the application, but completely hide its presence from outsiders, for example, you can transfer messengers or banking programs to a second space and protect it with a password.

How to set up:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Second space.
• 🔑 Set a password, pattern lock or fingerprint to log in.
• 📱 Select the apps you want to hide and move them to the second space through the App Management menu.
• 🔄 Switch between swipe spaces on the lock screen (setting is included in the function parameters).

The advantage of this method is that applications in the second space do not appear in the main profile, even in the list of installed programs. However, there are disadvantages: some notifications can be duplicated, and data synchronization between spaces is absent, and the function is not available on devices with MIUI for POCO or some regional versions of firmware.

Built-in App Lock|Second Space|Third-party apps|I don't block apps-->

3. Blocking through "Parental Control"

If your goal is to restrict access to apps for your child or temporarily block them for yourself (for example, to avoid distractions on social networks), Parental Control is a good option, and unlike App Lock, it allows you not only to block programs, but also to set time limits for use, and filter content.

Instructions for setting:

1. Open Settings → Parental Controls (or Digital Wellbeing in newer versions of MIUI).
2. Create a child profile or select your account (if you block it for yourself).
3. In the Application Limits section, select the programs you want to block and set time limits or a complete ban.
4. Activate the mode through the notification panel or on a schedule.

This method is convenient for family use, but has limitations: the lock is only activated in active Parental Control mode, and some system applications (for example, Settings or Phone) can not be blocked, and the child can try to disable the mode if he knows the password from the main account.

4. Third-party applications for blocking: TOP-3 proven utilities

If you don't like standard MIUI features, you can use third-party software that offers advanced features like geolocation locking, masking as system utilities or remote management. However, there are risks: some applications may collect data or contain advertising. We selected 3 reliable solutions that are tested for compatibility with Xiaomi Redmi:

Before installing the third-party blocker:

• 🛡️ Check the reviews on Google Play for compatibility with your Redmi model.
• 🔋 Disable Battery Optimization for the Application in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start.
• 🔒 Set up a backup unlock method (such as a secret question).

⚠️ Note: Some blockers (e.g. AppLock) may conflict with Google Play Protection if they request permission to access notifications. → Annexes → Special access → Access to notifications.

5. Hiding applications without blocking: alternative methods

If you don't want to lock it completely, but you just need to hide it from prying eyes, there are a few built-in ways in MIUI that don't password-protect the data, but make it less visible on the menu.

Method 1: Hiding through Hidden Applications

1. Press the app icon on the home screen and select Hide (or drag and drop to Hidden folder).
2. To return the app, swipe down on the home screen, type the name of the hidden app in the search, and hold the icon.

Method 2: Disabling the display in the menu

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired application and click Disable (it will disappear from the menu, but will remain in the system).

These techniques are suitable for temporary hiding, but do not provide protection, for example, the hidden application will still be visible in Settings → Applications, and the disabled can be turned on again without a password.

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If you have hidden a system application (for example, Camera or Gallery) and it is missing from the menu, you can restore it through Settings → Applications → Show all applications (turn on the system display).

Frequent problems and their solutions

When blocking applications on Xiaomi Redmi, users face typical errors, and we will analyze the most common and ways to eliminate them:

Problem 1: App Lock does not ask for a password

• 🔹 Check if the function is included in the Settings → Application lockdown.
• 🔹 Restart the device – sometimes the lock service freezes".
• 🔹 Make sure the app is not added to battery optimization exceptions.

Problem 2: Fingerprint unlocking doesn't work

• 🔹 Re-register the fingerprint in Settings → Password and security → Fingerprint.
• 🔹 Update the firmware - in older versions MIUI There were sensor bugs.
• 🔹 Check if the power saving mode is on (it can turn off the sensor).

Problem 3: Forgotten password from App Lock

The only official way is to reset via Mi Account:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account and log in.
2. In the Security section, select Reset the application lock password.
3. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

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If you use third-party blockers, be sure to export their settings before resetting your password (if the function is supported).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions