Xiaomi may need to block an app on a smartphone for a variety of reasons, from restricting children’s access to games to protecting personal data from outsiders. Unlike iOS, where the functionality of restrictions is strictly standardized, MIUI offers several built-in tools at once, from simply hiding icons to completely blocking startups through Security. But not all users know that in addition to standard methods, there are hidden features, such as using the “Second Space” mode or third-party utilities with extended rights.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to block applications on Xiaomi in 2026, including methods for models with MIUI 14/15 and older. We will pay special attention to the nuances: why some applications are not blocked through the standard menu, how to circumvent restrictions on system utilities (for example, Settings or Phone), and what to do if after blocking the application continues to work in the background.
1. Standard lock via "Security" (MIUI)
The most obvious and safe way is to use the built-in app lock feature in the Security menu.This method works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices with MIUI 12 firmware and later, does not require superuser rights and does not affect performance.
To block the application:
- 📱 Open the Settings menu → Security → Application lockdown.
- 🔒 Enter a password (if not installed, the system will prompt you to create it).
- 📌 Select apps from the list or find them through search.
- 🔄 Activate the switch next to the application name.
Once the lock is activated, the app will ask for a password (or fingerprint) every time it runs. Please note: this method does not delete the app, it only restricts access to it. The app will still be visible on the menu and may receive notifications.
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If the lock list does not contain the desired application, check if it is system-based (e.g. Camera or Contacts).
2. Hiding applications through the "Second Space"
Second Space (or Dual Apps in some versions of MIUI) is originally designed to create a separate work profile with its own settings and applications, but it can also be used to hide applications from prying eyes, a technique that is suitable if you want to not just block access, but completely hide the application from the main menu.
Instructions for setting:
- Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space.
- Create a new space (you will need to specify a password).
- In the main space, remove unnecessary applications (they will remain in the second space).
- Switch between spaces via the notification panel or lock menu.
The advantage of this method is that applications are not only blocked, but also completely disappear from the main interface, but there are also disadvantages: to switch between spaces, you need to enter a password, and some system applications (for example, Settings) can not be moved to the second space.
Blocking through “Parental Control”
If the goal of blocking is to restrict access for a child, the best solution is built-in Parental Control, which allows you not only to block individual apps, but also to set time limits, and filter content by age category.
Algorithm of settings:
- 👶 Go to Settings. → Parental control.
- 🔐 Create a profile of your child (specify age and name).
- 📵 In the Application Limitations section, select the programs you want to block.
- ⏰ Set time limits if necessary (e.g. 1 hour per day for gaming).
Parental controls only work for user profiles, and if your child is using your primary account, this method will not work, and some apps (such as browsers) can bypass restrictions through incognito mode.
Create a separate profile for the child|Set a password for settings|Check the list of blocked applications|Set time limits-->
4. Use of third-party applications
If the built-in MIUI tools are not satisfied (for example, due to lack of flexibility or compatibility with older versions of firmware), you can use third-party utilities.
| Annex | Functions | Need a Root? | Link to Play Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| AppLock | Block apps, photos, videos, fingerprint support. | ❌ No. | Reference |
| Norton App Lock | Password protection, concealment of notifications, blocking of incoming calls. | ❌ No. | Reference |
| Island | Creating an isolated application space (requires Android 8+). | ✅ Yes. | Reference |
When choosing a third-party application, consider:
- 🔐 Data security: Some utilities may collect information about your applications.
- 📱 Compatibility with MIUI: On forums, users complain that AppLock sometimes conflicts with the shell of Xiaomi.
- 💰 Paid Features: Free versions may not block system applications.
How to check if a third-party app is spying on you?
5. Blocking through ADB (for power users)
If you need to block a system application (like Camera, Gallery, or System Update), standard methods won’t work, and ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a tool for debugging Android devices via a computer, will help.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times).
- Activate Debugging by USB in the Developer Menu.
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm hide com.android.camera (replace com.android.camera with the desired application package).
- Reset the device.
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Attention: Blocking system applications via ADB can cause the phone to malfunction. For example, disabling com.android.phone will make calls impossible. Before experimenting, back up through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
To return the application back, use the command:
adb shell pm unhide com.android.camera💡
ADB-commands only work until the first reboot, unless they are fixed through Magisk or other modules.
6.Blocking with root rights
Users with root access get the maximum freedom in managing applications. Using utilities like Titanium Backup or Root App Delete, you can not only block, but also completely remove system applications, as well as “freeze” them (stop work without deleting files).
Examples of Titanium Backup:
- 📲 Install the application and provide root access.
- 🔍 Find the right app in the list.
- ❄️ Click Freeze (the app will stop running but will remain in the system).
- 🗑️ For complete removal, select Remove (caution: this could disrupt the job). MIUI!).
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Note: Removing system applications (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) may result in bootloop (a looped boot) or loss of functionality (e.g., a fingerprint). 4PDA.
The advantage of rooting is that you have complete control of the device, but there are also risks: loss of warranty, security vulnerabilities, and possible MIUI failures. If you're not sure about your skills, you'd better use safer locking methods.
7. Alternative methods: hiding icons and notifications
If the goal is not so much to block access as to hide the application from outsiders, you can use less radical ways:
- 📂 Hiding icons: in MIUI You can remove the apps from the menu by leaving them in the Hidden Applications folder. To do this, click and hold the icon, then select Hide.
- 🔔 Disabling Notifications: Go to Settings → Notifications → Manage notifications and turn off alerts for unnecessary apps.
- 🔄 Restriction of background activity: C Settings → Annexes → Application Management Select Program and Turn Off Auto Start and Background Activity.
These methods do not block access to the application, but make it less visible. For example, a hidden icon will not appear in the main menu, but the application will remain accessible through the search or Hidden folder.