Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the need to restrict access to certain programs, which may be due to the desire to protect children from unwanted content, hide personal data from prying eyes, or simply improve their own productivity by blocking distractions. The built-in tools of the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS provide ample opportunities for these tasks without installing third-party software.
The process of restricting access depends on whether you want to completely hide the icon, lock the launch password or temporarily limit use. System settings allow you to flexibly manage these parameters. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods available on modern firmware versions and answer questions about the security of your data.
Use of the built-in "Security" application
The main tool for access control is the system application Security, and this is where the "Application Lock" function is concentrated, which requires you to enter a password, PIN-It's the most reliable way to protect messengers, gallery or banking applications from unauthorized access.
To activate the protection, you need to run the Security application and scroll down to the Application Lock section. When you first start, the system will ask you to set a password for protection and link it to your Mi Account for recovery. Once you set up, you can select specific programs from the list and activate the lock switch for them.
It's important to note that this function works at the system level. Even if the user tries to remove the shortcut from the desktop, when re-installed or attempted to open through a search engine, the system will still request authorization. Biometric protection significantly speeds up the unlocking process for the owner, but remains an insurmountable barrier for others.
⚠️ Warning: Remember the password set to block applications. Reset it without access to the associated Mi Account or without performing a complete reset of the device data will not be possible.
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Use different passwords to lock the screen and to protect apps to improve the security of your personal information.
Set up a hidden space for complete privacy
If your goal is not just to block the launch, but to completely hide the presence of the application on the device, you will need Hidden Space, which creates an isolated environment, similar to the second user profile, where you can move any programs, and they will not appear on the main interface.
To activate, go to Settings, select the App, and find the Hidden Space section. The system will suggest creating a separate input that can be activated with a special fingerprint or pattern lock, which allows you to instantly switch between normal mode and hidden mode.
Inside the hidden space, you can download applications again or move them from the main system. MIUI and HyperOS process data in these spaces independently, which means separating cache, cookies and action history.
- 🔒 Complete isolation of data from the main system profile.
- 👁️ Inability to detect hidden applications without entering mode.
- 🔄 Ability to quickly switch through settings or fingerprint.
- 📱 Support for app cloning inside hidden space.
Can a remote hidden space be restored?
Parental Control and Digital Well-Being
For parents who want to limit their child’s phone time or block access to games and social media at certain times, the best solution is Digital Wellbeing, which is built into Android and is available through the settings menu of any Xiaomi smartphone.
In Digital Well-Being and Parental Control, you can set time limits for each app separately, and when the time is out, the app icon will turn grey, and you can't start it until the next day or until the adult restriction is lifted, and you can also have Sleep Mode, which locks the screen at night.
For deeper control, it is recommended to use a bundle with the Google Family Link app, which allows you to remotely lock the device, prohibit the installation of new programs and track geolocation. Parental control at the level of Google account works more stable and does not depend on the features of the manufacturer’s shell.
Limiting background activity and auto-start
Often users want to lock the application not from access, but from resource consumption. In the background, programs can consume battery power and traffic. Xiaomi system allows you to tightly adjust the behavior of the software through battery and auto-start settings.
Go to Settings → Applications → All applications, select the desired program and find AutoStart. By disabling it, you will prevent the program from running with the system. In addition, in the Battery section, you can select No Limits (for important notifications) or Restrict Activity.
For advanced users, a hidden menu is available through code ##6485## or a developer setting where you can forcibly stop processes. However, standard methods are usually enough. Stopping services helps to extend the battery life, but can delay incoming notifications from the messenger.
☑️ Optimization of background work
Comparison of blocking methods
The choice of method depends on your specific tasks, and in order not to get confused with the functions of MIUI and HyperOS, we have prepared a comparison table that will help determine the best way to protect yourself.
| Method | Purpose of use | Level of protection | Difficulty bypassing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application lockdown | Protection against quick access | Medium (password/finger) | Low (password needed) |
| Hidden space | Complete concealment of availability | High (separate entrance) | High (requires entry into mode) |
| Digital well-being | Time control | Low (timer) | Medium (parent code needed) |
| Shutting down autostart | Savings in resources | Technical | High (systemic constraint) |
As you can see from the table, the best way to protect against curious colleagues or children is to combine methods, such as putting an application in Hidden Space and putting a complex password on the entrance to it, which creates a double layer of protection.
Frequent problems and their solution
When setting restrictions, users sometimes encounter unexpected behaviors, such as locking settings may get lost after updating the firmware, or the application will stop receiving notifications due to aggressive energy savings.
If the lock is not working, check to see if the Guest or Second Space mode is enabled, as the settings are independent. Also make sure that the system application Security has all the necessary permissions and has not been removed or disabled through ADB.
In some cases, cleaning the app's cache through the app management menu helps.Resetting the app lock settings through the password recovery menu can also solve the problem if you forget the old code, but remember the account details.
⚠️ Note: Using third-party apps from the Play Market to block other apps (App Lock) is often less effective because the system is not as effective. MIUI It can force them to close to save energy, leaving your data unprotected.
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Xiaomi’s built-in tools provide more stable locks compared to third-party counterparts, as they have deep access rights to the system.