How to block applications on Android Xiaomi: methods and tips

Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphone owners often face the need to restrict access to certain features or programs, which may be due to the desire to protect children from unwanted content or protect confidential information from prying eyes. MIUI offers built-in tools that allow you to effectively manage access without installing unnecessary software.

The lock process depends on your ultimate goal: complete concealment of the icon, banning launch without a password or limiting the time of use. In this article, we will examine all available methods, from standard security features to specialized modes. You will learn to configure App Lock and Parental Controls for the maximum level of protection.

It's worth noting that the menu interface may vary slightly depending on the version of the MIUI shell or HyperOS. However, the logic of the system components has remained unchanged over the past few years.

Use of built-in Parental Controls

The most flexible access control tool is Family Link, which allows you to not only set a password for a launch, but also limit the time spent on specific programs, which requires the linking of parent and child Google accounts to work.

Once you set up a bundle of devices, you get full control of what's going on on your child's phone, you can remotely block the launch of games or social media at any time, and the system automatically sends permission requests if the child tries to open a blocked app.

⚠️ Attention: For Parental Control to work properly, both devices must have a stable Internet connection. Without a network, remote locking may not work instantly.

It is important to set the age limit on Google Play correctly, which will prevent the installation of new games or programs that do not meet the specified parameters, and content filters work at the store level, preventing you from downloading prohibited files.

Blocking through App Lock (Application Protection)

The built-in App Lock utility is the most popular way to protect your privacy, allowing you to set a separate password, pattern lock or fingerprint to run selected programs, and you can find this tool in the Security menu or through settings.

When you first activate it, it will suggest you create a security code that matches the unlocking stake or is unique, and it's recommended that you use biometrics for quick access so you don't have to enter your password every time you manually.

It supports the background, and even if the user tries to bypass the security through Task Manager, the system will require authorization, ensuring that no message or photo is viewed without your knowledge.

Special attention should be paid to the Hide Content setting, which masks notifications from blocked programs, and the lock screen will only show the name of the application, but not the text of the message or the name of the sender.

Mode of the second space for data separation

The Second Space feature creates a completely isolated environment on your smartphone, and in fact, you get two phones in one: the main profile and the guest, and the apps installed in the second space are not visible in the first space, and vice versa.

Switching between profiles is done through a special label on the lock screen or in the notification curtain, a separate password or fingerprint is set to enter the second space, which is the perfect way to hide the presence of certain programs.

Using a second space allows you to keep your work chats or personal photos in complete isolation, and even if someone accesses your main screen, they won't know there's a hidden profile, a level of security comparable to corporate standards.

Limiting Access Through Digital Well-being

Google’s Digital Wellbeing service is integrated into most Android devices, designed for self-monitoring, but can be used as a soft locking tool, and you can set time limits for specific applications.

When the time limit expires, the app icon turns gray and cannot be launched until the next day, an effective method of combating addiction to social media or games, and the system gently but persistently restricts access.

You can set a schedule for Do Not Disturb or Sleep mode, at which time all notifications will be muted and the screen will become monochrome, which reduces interest in using the gadget, which helps to form healthy digital habits.

⚠️ Attention: Anyone who knows the password from a Google account can reset their time limits on Digital Wellbeing.

Third-party applications for blocking

If MIUI's built-in features aren't enough, it's worth looking at third-party solutions. App stores offer hundreds of lock-in utilities. They often have more flexible scripting settings.

One of the popular features of third-party software is to lock on a schedule or location, for example, games can be blocked automatically when you come to school or work, this is implemented through access to GPS and system clocks.

• 🔒 AppLock – a classic solution with support for the theme “Hacker” (takes a photo of someone who enters the wrong password).
• ⏳ StayFree – a powerful time tracker with the ability to hard block applications.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Qustodio – Professional Parental Control Tool with Detailed Reports.

When installing such programs, you need to be careful with permissions. Often they require permissions to "Use other applications" or "Device Administrator". granting these permissions allows the blocker to function correctly but requires trust in the developer.

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When using third-party blockers on Xiaomi, be sure to add the app to the battery exception list (No restrictions), otherwise the system will close it in the background.

Frequent questions and troubleshooting

Users often experience security nuances, such as resets after a firmware update, and fingerprint unlocking may not work well in some applications.

If the blocked application is still running, check if it is already open in the background. App Lock has an option to "Block immediately" or "After exit." Select "Immediately" for maximum protection.

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The combination of methods (App Lock + Parental Control) gives maximum protection, but requires the correct initial configuration of all security parameters.

In conclusion, the choice of method depends on your specific tasks: Parental control is optimal for protection from children, App Lock or Second Space is optimal for hiding personal data.