How to block the application on Xiaomi Redmi 9: all the ways from system to hidden

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a popular device with extensive privacy settings, but not all users know how to effectively restrict access to individual applications. Whether it is personal messaging, banking programs or games that need to protect children from, blocking applications solves a lot of problems. In this article, we will analyze all available methods, from built-in MIUI functions to third-party solutions with advanced options.

It is important to understand that locking works differently depending on the method chosen. For example, the App Lock system function in MIUI requires you to enter a password or fingerprint every time you run a blocked application, while some third-party utilities can completely hide program icons from the menu. We will also consider hidden features of the MIUI 12/13/14 shell that are not discussed in the standard instructions - for example, how to block access to an application through Second Space Mode or Guest Mode.

1. System lock via App Lock (built-in MIUI function)

The most obvious and reliable way is to use the built-in App Lock, which is available on all Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI 11 and later, which requires no additional software installation and is integrated into the security system.

To activate the lock:

1. Go to Settings → Password and Security → App Lock.
2. If the feature is being used for the first time, the system will prompt you to set a lock password (different from unlocking the screen!).+ symbolism.
3. In the list of applications, tick the ones you want to block (for example, WhatsApp, SberBank Online, Gallery).
4. Activate the switch to Block selected applications.

Now, every time you run a blocked app, the system will require you to enter a password or scan your fingerprint (if the feature is configured).Please note: App Lock works even in incognito mode and does not reset after you restart your phone.

Set a password (not date of birth!)

Add a backup email to restore

Activate unlocking by fingerprint

Check the list of blocked applications for errors-->

⚠️ Note: If you forget your App Lock password, you can only restore it through your linked Mi Account, and without access to your account, you will have to reset your phone to factory settings, which will result in data loss!

2. Lock through Second Space Mode (Double Desktop)

The second space feature in MIUI allows you to create an isolated desktop with separate applications, settings and data, which is ideal if you want to completely hide some programs from prying eyes without blocking them with a password.

How to set up:

1. Open Settings → Special Opportunities → 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 via the notification panel (icon) 👥).
4. Remove or hide unnecessary apps from the main space – they will only be available in the second.

The advantage of this method is that applications are physically absent from the main space, cannot be found through search or accidentally opened, but you need a password to switch between spaces, which adds an extra step.

3. Guest mode: temporary lock without password

If you need to quickly hide apps from someone who is temporarily using your phone (like a child or colleague), Guest Mode is fine. It doesn't require a separate space, but it doesn't provide full protection either.

Activation:

• 📱 Unlock your phone and swipe down the notification panel.
• 👤 Click on the user icon (in the upper right corner) → Guest.
• 🔄 In guest mode, only basic apps (phone, camera, browser) will be available.
• 🔙 To return, click on the user icon again and select your account.

The downside of this method is that guest mode is reset after the phone is restarted, and an experienced user can try to log out through the notification bar.

Built-in App Lock|Second Space|Guest mode|Third-party apps|Do not block-->

4. Third-party applications for blocking: advanced features

If the built-in MIUI features aren’t enough, you can use third-party utilities from Google Play, which offer additional options, such as:

• 🔐 Scheduled blocking (e.g. banning games during school hours).
• 🕵️ Hiding app icons from the menu.
• 📸 Geolocation blocking (for example, banning social networks at work).
• 🔄 Automatic unlocking over a Bluetooth device (for example, when connecting to a car).

Popular applications:

• AppLock (by DoMobile Lab) supports locking by fingerprint, pin code and pattern lock, and there is a hacking feature that takes photos of someone trying to find a password.
• Norton App Lock – integrated with antivirus, blocks phishing applications.
• Smart AppLock – allows you to configure different passwords for different applications.

⚠️ Note: Some third-party blockers require device administrator rights or special features.This may conflict with the operation of banking applications (for example, SberBank Online or Tinkoff refuse to run on phones with such settings).

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Before installing a third-party blocker, check its ratings and reviews. Some apps from Google Play contain ad modules that can show banners on top of blocked programs, negating all protection.

5. Hidden features: blocking through ADB (for power users)

For those who are willing to dive into the technical details, there is a way to block applications through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which does not require root rights, but involves working with the command line.

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times).
2. Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB Tools, and execute the command: adb shell pm hide com.example.app (replace com.example.app with the batch name of the app, for example, com.whatsapp for WhatsApp).
4. To return the application, use: adb shell pm unhide com.example.app

This method completely hides the application from the menu and search, but does not block its launch through direct links (for example, from the browser).

Blocking through parental control (to restrict children)

If the goal is to limit a child's access to certain applications, MIUI has built-in Parental Controls, which allows you not only to block programs, but also to set time limits.

Setting:

1. Go to Settings. → Parental control.
2. Create a profile of your child by indicating their age.
3. In the Application Limitations section, select the programs that you want to block or time limit.
4. Set an administrator password (it will be requested when you try to change the settings).

The peculiarity of this method is that the blocking works only for the selected profile, and an adult user can switch to his profile at any time without restrictions.

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Parental controls in MIUI work even without an internet connection, unlike many third-party apps (like Google Family Link).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When blocking applications, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

• 🔑 Forgot the password from App Lock: Restore it through Settings → Password and security → App Lock → Forgot your password. You'll need to enter your Mi Account. If you're not tied, you'll have to reset your phone.
• 📱 App not blocked: Check if App Lock is disabled in battery settings (some optimizers may stop service). Also make sure the app is not added to Exceptions.
• 🔄 The lock is reset after the update MIUI: Update the version MIUI until the last stable through the settings → Update of the system. New versions fix this problem.
• 🛑 Third-party blocker not working: Disable Battery Optimization for this app in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start.

Another common mistake is using a simple password (like 123456 or date of birth), which can be easily picked up by hackers or even children, using a combination of letters, numbers and symbols at least 8 characters long.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions