How to completely ban the installation of applications on Xiaomi: from children to viruses

Banning apps from installing on Xiaomi smartphones is a pressing task for parents who want to protect their children from unwanted content, or for users who want to protect their device from malware. Unlike the iPhone, where restrictions are imposed through Screen time, the MIUI shell offers several alternative methods, from built-in features to third-party solutions. The problem is that standard settings are often hidden in the depths of the menu, and some methods (for example, through ADB) require technical skills.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to block the installation of applications on Xiaomi – from simple (via Security Settings) to advanced (using Google Play Console for corporate devices). MIUI (12-14 and models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T You will also learn how to circumvent restrictions if you forget your password and what to do if system applications stop updating after blocking.

Method: Parental Control in MIUI (for children)

The most obvious and safe method is to use built-in parental controls, which not only prevents new apps from being installed, but also limits the time of use, blocks purchases on Google Play, and filters content by age. The feature is available on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 10 and newer.

To activate it:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Special facilities → Parental control.
• 🔒 Create. PIN-code (remember it! If you lose it, you'll have to reset your settings).
• 👶 Select a child profile (or create a new one).
• 🚫 In the Application Restrictions section, enable the option to Disable the Installation of New Applications.

Important: This method only works for affiliate accounts, so if you want to limit yourself or another adult user, go to the following ways.

2. Method: Blocking through MIUI security settings

V MIUI There is a hidden feature that allows you to prevent the installation of applications from unknown sources (including: APK-Files) and even restrict access to Google Play, a method that is suitable for protecting your device from accidental malware installation.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Application settings.
2. Select Special Access → Install Unknown Applications.
3. For each browser (Chrome, Mi Browser) and file manager, disable APK installation permission.
4. Return to Settings → Google → Security and enable Scanning of the device for malware.

Restriction: This method does not block installation via Google Play. For a complete ban, read the following section.

3. Method: Google Play Restrictions (for all users)

If you want to prevent the installation of any applications (including from Google Play), you can use Profile Limitations (for Android 5.0-9.0) or Google Play Console (for corporate devices).

Steps for a family account:

• 🌐 Open families.google.com on PC.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Create a family group and add a member (like a child).
• 📱 On Xiaomi smartphone, log in to your child’s account.
• 🔧 In Google Play, go to Settings → Family control → Set limits and select Disable Application Installation.

For enterprise devices:

1. Register with Google Play Console as administrator.


2. Create a policy for devices that do not install applications.




3. Link the device via the EMM- solution (e.g., Mi Workplace).

Method 4: Use of ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can block the installation of applications via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your smartphone to your PC and knowing the command line, but gives you a 100% guarantee of blocking, including system updates.

Step-by-step:

1. Enable Developer Mode on Xiaomi: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times).
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect the phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.packageinstaller This will disable the standard APK installer.
4. To block Google Play, use: adb shell pm hide com.android.vending (root rights required).

💡

Before using ADB, back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup. Incorrect commands can cause the system to crash.

Warning: Once you disable packageinstaller, you will not be able to install any applications, including system updates.

adb shell pm enable com.android.packageinstaller

5. Method: Third-party applications (AppLock, Norton Family)

If the built-in MIUI tools don't suit you, you can use third-party software, for example:

• 🔐 AppLock (from DoMobile Lab) – blocks access to Google Play and installer APK password-wise.
• 🛡️ Norton Family – allows you to remotely control the installation of applications on children’s devices.
• 📱 Kids Place – creates a “sandbox” with a limited set of applications.

The downside of this method is reliance on third-party software, which may itself contain vulnerabilities, and some applications (such as AppLock) can easily get by through Safe Mode.

💡

Third-party blockers are convenient, but they don't offer 100% protection, and combine them with built-in MIUI or ADB tools for reliability.

Frequent problems and solutions

When setting up the application ban, Xiaomi users often encounter typical errors.

Important: Some models (POCO F3, Redmi K50) may stop running system application updates after the installation is blocked. To avoid this, add an exception for com.miui.systemAdSolution via ADB:

adb shell pm enable com.miui.systemAdSolution

How to unlock the installation if you forget the password

If you have blocked the installation of applications but forgot PIN-Password or code, there are several ways to return access:

1. Reset via Mi Account: Go to account.xiaomi.com. Restore access to the Mi Account linked to your phone. Enter your account details on your smartphone, which will relieve some restrictions.

Hard Reset (full reset):

If other methods do not help, reset through Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up.
3. Choose Wipe Data → Factory Reset.

⚠️ Warning: This method will delete all data on the device, including photos and messages. Try backing up your device using Mi Cloud.

For devices with unlocked bootloader can be used TWRP and edit the file /data/system/package_install_blocked, But it requires technical skills.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions