How to completely block the game app on Xiaomi Redmi: from parental control to hidden mode

Smartphone games can be a source of constant distractions - especially when it comes to children, teenagers or their own productivity. - Xiaomi Redmi owners (from budget Redmi) 9A up to the flagship Redmi K70 Pros are often faced with the problem of how to securely block access to games so that they do not run either through the shortcut, through the menu of recent applications, or through search? MIUI It is enough, but everyone has nuances.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, from built-in parental controls to hidden shell functions and third-party utilities, focusing on bypassing locks through Game Turbo and cloning applications that are often missed even by experienced users. All instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-14 and adapted to the 2018-2026 Redmi models.

1. MIUI Parental Controls: Time and Content Limitation

The most obvious, but not always effective, way to do this is to use built-in parental controls, which not only block games, but also set limits on screen time, and filter content by age, but also have a critical drawback: it's easy to get around it by knowing the password from your Mi Account.

To set up the lock:

1. Open the Settings. → Parental control.
2. Create a profile for the user (e.g., “Child”).
3. In the Application Limitations section, select the games you want to block.
4. Set the time limit for 0 minutes or select the option to block completely.

If Parental Control is not available on the menu, upgrade to the latest version of MIUI or check the firmware region (in some global builds, the feature is hidden).

• ✅ Pros: does not require third-party applications, works at the system level.
• ❌ Cons: Bypassing resetting settings or deleting your Mi Account profile.
• ⚠️ Note: If your child knows the password from your Xiaomi account, they can disable control via Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account.

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Create a separate Mi Account specifically for parental control with a unique password that is not used on other services.

2. Blocking through Game Turbo: Hidden MIUI functionality

Few people know, but Game Turbo — Xiaomi’s proprietary game accelerator — not only optimizes performance, but also completely blocks the launch of games, which works even if the game is not removed from the device.

Instructions:

1. Start any game (such as the one you want to block).
2. Swipe down to call the notification bar and tap the Game Turbo icon (gamepad icon).
3. In the menu that opens, select Settings → Block games.
4. Add the app to the blacklist and activate the option to Disable Start.

After that, the game will disappear from the menu of recent applications and will not appear in the MIUI search. However, its shortcut will remain on the desktop – it can be hidden manually (press the icon → Remove from the screen).

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Locking through Game Turbo is the only method that does not require a password and works even after the device is rebooted.

3. AppLock: Password or fingerprint lock

MIUI has an embedded AppLock app (in some regions called Application Lock) that allows you to put a password, a pattern lock, or a fingerprint on running any program, including games, which is more reliable than parental controls, but can be bypassed through Safe Mode or reset settings.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Blocking applications.
2. Create a password or choose biometric authentication.
3. In the list of applications, mark the games that you need to block.
4. Activate Hide notifications so that the game does not remind you of yourself.

If AppLock is not on the menu, install it from the Mi App Store (it is free and pre-installed on all Redmis).

• 🔒 Important: Password for AppLock should be different from unlocking the screen!
• 📱 Nuances: on models with MIUI for POCO (For example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G) The path to settings may be different: Settings → Finger and safety → Application lockdown.
• ⚠️ Note: if you forget the password from AppLock, you can restore it only through resetting the phone to factory settings.

4.Second Space Hidden Mode: Complete Game Isolation

The MIUI’s Second Space feature allows you to create an isolated environment with separate apps, settings, and even a password, which is ideal if you don’t just block the game, but completely hide its existence.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Second Space.
2. Create a second desktop with a unique password.
3. In the main space, delete all games (they will remain in the second).
4. In the second space settings, disable notifications from games.

Now games will only be available after entering the second space password, a method that is necessary if you want to hide games from prying eyes (for example, on your work phone).

5. Third-party blockers: when embedded tools are not enough

If standard methods are not suitable (for example, you need remote control or geolocation lock), it is worth considering third-party applications.

• 🛡️ Norton Family – Scheduled lockdown + monitoring.
• 🔐 AppBlock – flexible lock rules (by time, location, Wi-Fi network).
• 👁️ Kids Place – a sandbox for children with a white list of apps.
• 📵 StayFocusd – Time limit for games (similar to Google’s Digital Well-Being).

Check compatibility with your Redmi model before installing it – some applications may conflict with MIUI (e.g., stop working after an update).

1. Check the reviews on compatibility with MIUI

2. download APK only from official sources

3. Disable battery optimization for the blocker

4. Set up Auto-Run Application-->

⚠️ Note: Some blockers (e.g. AppBlock) require permission Special access (c Settings) → Annexes → Special access → Battery optimization. Without that, they'll automatically close.

6. Radical methods: removal, rollback of updates and ADB-team

If the game is installed as a system application (for example, Mi Game Center on older Redmi models), it can not be removed in the standard ways.

• 🔧 Reverse updates: in Settings → Annexes → Application management → [play-name] → Remove updates.
• 🗑️ Removal through ADB: Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.gamecenter (replace com.xiaomi.gamecenter with the game package).
• 🔄 Factory reset: extreme method if the game was pre-installed by the manufacturer.

Working with ADB will require:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times according to version).
2. Install Minimal ADB and Fastboot on PC.
3. Confirm the debugging permission on the phone.

⚠️ Note: Removing system applications through ADB It can lead to unstable work MIUI. Before executing commands, make a backup copy through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking games on Xiaomi Redmi