How to block the application Xiaomi Redmi 9 from a child

Owning a Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphone is a huge opportunity, but when a child uses it, parents face the question of digital well-being. The standard shell of MIUI provides powerful tools for access control, but not all parental control features are obvious at first glance. Blocking unwanted apps, games with aggressive monetization or social networks is a necessary step to ensure the safety and concentration of your child.

There are several effective ways to restrict access to specific programs, from built-in security features to installing third-party specialized software. The choice of method depends on how tightly you plan to control the device and whether you are willing to sacrifice some functionality for complete isolation. In this article, we will detail the algorithms of actions that will help you set digital boundaries without losing smartphone performance.

Some methods require prior preparation, such as creating a separate user profile or activating special modes in the system settings. It is important to understand that Android is a flexible system, and circumvention of restrictions is possible if you do not take preventive measures.

Use of the built-in Security application

The first and most accessible tool to restrict access is the standard Security app, which is preinstalled on every Xiaomi device, which hides the “Application Lock” feature inside this system component, which allows you to set a password to run selected programs, which is ideal for situations where you need to temporarily restrict access to specific games or messengers without removing them from the device.

To activate this feature, you need to run the Security app and scroll down to the Application Lock section. The system will suggest creating a special password or using a graphical key that will differ from the screen unlock password. Remember this code, because without it, even the owner of the Mi Account will not be able to unlock access to the applications. After setting the password, you will be asked to select a list of programs that should be protected.

Importantly, this method doesn't hide app icons, it only requires authorization when they run, and it creates a psychological barrier and prevents random or impulsive game launches, but a tech-savvy child may try to find a way around this limitation if the password is too simple or known to them.

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Use a complex pattern lock that your child didn't see when you typed it in. Avoid simple geometric shapes or sequences, such as a "corner" or straight line.

The lock function in MIUI works at the system level, which means high stability of operation. Even if the application was launched before the lock was turned on, the next transition to it or after logging on to the desktop will require a password, which provides reliable control over the use of digital content throughout the day.

Parental Controls for Google Family Link

The most effective and comprehensive solution for managing a child’s device is the use of the official Google Family Link app, which allows you not only to block individual applications, but also to fully manage their installation, removal and use time.

The setup process starts with installing the Family Link app on your smartphone and logging in under your account account. Then on the Xiaomi Redmi 9 to be used by your child, you need to log in to the linked child account. The system automatically prompts you to set up parental controls, after which you will have full access to usage statistics and be able to set limits.

The advantage of Family Link is that it can be remotely controlled, locking your device at any time, setting a “sleep” time when your phone stops working, or disallowing new apps from downloading without your approval, and locking it at the level of your Google Play account, making it highly resistant to bypass attempts.

⚠️ Note: For the correct operation of Family Link on Xiaomi, you need to disable aggressive battery saving for Google Play services. MIUI may force the background control processes to close and the statistics will cease to be updated.

It also allows you to filter content in the app store by age, hiding inappropriate games and programs, creating a safe environment where your child can’t physically download banned content even if they search for it themselves.

The Guest and Second (Second Space)

The MIUI shell on Xiaomi Redmi 9 offers a unique feature called Second Space, which is not just a guest mode, but a complete, isolated environment with its own apps, files and settings. You can create a primary space for yourself with full access to all functions, and a second one for a child with only the programs you allow.

Switching between spaces is through a password, a fingerprint, or a special shortcut in the notification curtain. For a child, the second space will look like a regular smartphone, but they just won't see your personal data, banking apps, or open tab browser. This is the most radical and reliable way to share access.

To activate this feature, go to Settings → Second Space and follow the instructions of the Settings Wizard. You can migrate some apps from the main profile or download new ones exclusively for children’s space. All data in the two spaces is stored separately, which guarantees privacy.

Using Second Space also hides the fact that certain applications are available, so that the child will only see a clean desktop with content that is allowed, which eliminates the temptation to try to run something that is forbidden, which is ideal for transferring the device for a long time.

Blocking through third-party launchers

If standard MIUI tools aren't enough, you can use an alternative shell or launcher, and apps like Kids Place or Secure Kids completely replace your desktop, turning it into a secure sandbox, and in this mode, your child only sees the icons you allow, and the access to your system settings or other applications will be blocked by a password.

Installing the launcher requires special access rights, such as “Use on top of other windows” and device administrator rights, so that the child can’t just close the application or delete it. Once set up, the launcher blocks navigation buttons (Home, Back) and notification bar, creating a closed loop.

The advantage of this approach is that it's completely customized, so you can set up bright wallpapers, big icons, and leave only educational apps or cartoons, but it changes the way Android looks, and you'll have to switch back every time you want to use it.

It is important to choose launchers with high ratings and good reviews, as they get deep access to the system.Proven solutions usually have a “reset protection” feature that prevents the child from leaving lock mode even by restarting the device.

Restrictions on purchases and installations on Google Play

Often the problem is not so much to launch apps as to download them, so that a child can not install a game or make a purchase on the app, you need to set up authentication in the Google Play Store, which will prevent accidental spending of money and installing unwanted software.

Open the Play Store app, click on your profile avatar, and go to Settings → Authentication. Here, select “Require a Password for Purchases” and set “For all purchases through Google Play on this device.” Now, downloading any application, even free, will require you to enter your password or confirm via fingerprint.

You can also turn on a content filter. In the same settings, find Parental Controls, activate it, and set a PIN, and then you can set age limits for games, apps, movies, and books, and apps that are above the established rating will be hidden or marked as inaccessible.

⚠️ Warning: Don’t give your child the PIN from parental control on Google Play. If they learn the code, they can change their filtering settings and remove all restrictions.

This is a critical addition to other locking methods: Even if a child finds a way around the launch lock, they won’t be able to download a new key or game unless they know the password from the app store.

Hiding applications and protecting settings

In some cases, it’s enough to simply hide the app icon from your desktop so your child doesn’t show interest.The Xiaomi Redmi 9 with MIUI has a built-in app hide feature. Click the empty space on your desktop to open the edit menu, and select Hide the apps option.

In the list that opens, activate the switch next to the programs you want to hide, and then their icons disappear from the desktop and from the menu of all applications, and you will need to enter a special code in the Topic app or use a predefined gesture that only an adult knows about.

But hiding is not protection. An experienced user can find a hidden app through search or settings. So it's important to further protect the system settings themselves. Use the "App Lock" feature, which was mentioned at the beginning of this article, to put a password on the phone's settings menu, which will prevent profiles being deleted, passwords being reset, or the Internet from being turned off.

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A comprehensive approach, combining the hiding of icons, blocking settings and the use of Family Link, gives the maximum result in controlling the use of a smartphone.

Remember to check your usage history and installed apps regularly. Children often find non-standard ways to bypass restrictions, such as through a browser or temporary files. Constant monitoring and updating passwords is key to keeping parents calm in the digital age.

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