Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones offer users enormous personalization opportunities, but the standard MIUI or HyperOS interface doesn’t always contain an obvious button to completely block access to specific software. Many device owners face the need to limit the use of certain programs, whether they are children’s games, social networks or confidential banking customers. The question of how to block the Android app in the Xiomi settings becomes especially relevant for parents who want to control their children’s screen time, or for those struggling with digital addiction.
It is worth noting at once an important technical nuance: in the “pure” form, the Android operating system, even with a shell from Xiaomi, does not have a built-in “freeze” function or a complete launch lock. APK-The access restriction is most often implemented through the creation of guest mode, using the "Second Space" function or installing third-party blocker utilities. Understanding this architecture is essential to choosing the right method to protect your data or time.
In this article, we will take a look at all the ways to limit functionality, from built-in system tools to advanced methods through ADB. You will learn how to create an isolated environment for children, how to hide app icons, and what alternatives exist for completely blocking startup. The key is to understand the difference between hiding an icon and actually stopping service processes. Let's dive into the technical details of setting up your smartphone.
Use of the "Second Space" function for isolation
One of the most effective built-in tools of the Xiaomi ecosystem is the Second Space feature, which creates a completely isolated environment inside your device that works as a separate smartphone with its own set of applications, passwords and settings. Data isolation is implemented at the highest level: programs installed in the second space are not visible or accessible from the main profile. This is the ideal way to block access to certain software for other users, simply not installing it in the main profile or, conversely, leaving only children’s games in the second profile.
To activate this feature, you need to go to the settings menu and find the appropriate section. The process of creating a new space takes only a few minutes and requires a separate password or fingerprint to enter. MIUI allows you to quickly switch between profiles, which makes using the device convenient even with strict delimitation of access rights.
Can data be transferred between spaces?
Using a second profile is especially effective in situations where you need to hand over the phone to a child or colleague, but you don’t want them to have access to your personal emails or banking apps. You just don't install these programs in the second profile, thereby blocking their use. APK-file, but effectively restrict access to it by sharing the execution environment.
Guest mode setting for temporary access
If you think it's unnecessary to create a full second space, you can use the easier option of guest mode. Unlike the Second Space, which requires a separate setup and password, guest mode is designed for temporary use by unauthorized persons. The guest profile by default does not contain your personal apps, photos and contacts, which automatically blocks access to them. The guest can install their temporary applications, but after leaving the mode all data will be irrevocably deleted.
Guest mode is activated via a quick action panel or account menu. Redmi Note and Poco owners can find this option in the Users section. This solution is great for situations where you urgently need to unlock your phone to call or view a card, but do not want to give full access to the system.
- 🔒 Complete isolation of personal files from temporary users.
- 🗑️ Automatically clear history and cache after leaving profile.
- 📱 The ability to run only a standard set of applications or those allowed by the guest policy.
- ⚡ Quick switch without the need to restart the device.
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Before transferring your phone in guest mode, make sure that this profile does not store Wi-Fi passwords or accounts if you have previously used this mode and have not cleared it.
Note that guest mode does not allow you to set up subtle restrictions, such as blocking only YouTube, leaving access to the Calculator. This is an all-or-nothing mode for your main content. However, as a tool for quickly blocking access to personal information, it is unmatched among the standard HyperOS tools.
Screen time limitation and digital balance
Modern versions of Xiaomi’s shells are actively implementing digital well-being tools that allow users to limit their time to use, rather than lock an app forever. Digital Wellbeing allows them to set time limits for specific programs. When the limit is exhausted, the app icon turns grey, and the launch is blocked until the next day.
You can set up through the Digital Balance menu in your settings, and you can see detailed usage statistics and set timers for each category of software. Android is very strict about meeting these limits, and you can't get around them by simply switching the date without resetting the service itself, which makes it a reliable method for self-monitoring or monitoring school-age children.
| Function | Description of action | Effectiveness of blocking |
|---|---|---|
| Time limit | Blocks the launch after the time has expired | High (reset only in a day) |
| Sleep regimen | Disable notifications and limit functions | Medium (only at night) |
| Parental control | Full lock-up on schedule | Maximum (Google account required) |
| Focusing | Temporarily hides distracting applications | Medium (can be manually disabled) |
It’s important to note that some features require an active Google account and an enabled action history. If you’re using simplified firmware or devices without Google services, the functionality may be limited to just the basic screen timer.
Application of third-party application blockers
Because the built-in tools of Xiaomi do not always provide the function of setting a password to launch a specific application (this feature was eliminated in new versions). MIUI In favor of more comprehensive security solutions, specialized programs from the Play Market come to the rescue. PIN-code, pattern lock or fingerprint when trying to open the selected software. Third-party software takes on the role of an add-on above the system, intercepting the launch request.
When you install a blocker, you need to give it extended access rights, including permission to display on top of other windows and access usage statistics. Without these permissions, Android will not allow the program to block other applications. Once set up, you can choose a list of programs that will be password protected. This can be a Gallery, WhatsApp, Settings or even a Play Market store.
- 🔐 Set an individual password for each application.
- 📸 Selfie Capture: A photo of someone who entered the password incorrectly.
- 🎭 Hiding the icon of the blocker from the application menu.
- ⏰ Set up a lock schedule (for example, only at night).
⚠️ Note: Using third-party blockers can increase battery consumption as they are constantly hanging in memory.In addition, some Xiaomi antivirus systems may mark them as potentially dangerous, requiring manual security confirmation.
When choosing a blocker, give preference to trusted developers with a lot of positive reviews. Avoid dubious programs that require suspicious permissions, as they can access your personal data.
Hiding applications through system settings
If your goal is not so much to block the launch as to hide the presence of the application from prying eyes, in the shell. MIUI There's a built-in hiding feature that allows you to remove the icons of selected programs from the desktop and from the menu of all applications. To access hidden content, you need to enter a special code in the Topics application or type a certain type of code. PIN-Hiding applications is the first layer of protection that makes software invisible to the average user.
To activate this feature, you need to go to the Topics app, go to the profile, and find the Hide Apps section, where you can select the programs you want to make invisible, when activated in the standard menu, they will disappear, you need to know the secret code you specify to access them, and it's a convenient way to get games or social networks out of sight so that they don't horn your eyes or attract the attention of children.
☑️ Set up app hiding settings
It should be understood that the hidden application continues to run in the background, receive notifications (unless they are separately disabled) and consume resources. This is not locking in the strict sense of the word, but only visual deletion. If someone knows how to search the system or has access to battery consumption settings, they can detect the activity of the hidden program.
Advanced blocking through ADB and developer rights
For users with advanced technical skills, there is an opportunity to block system and user applications through debugging. USB (ADB). This method allows you not just to hide or close the program, but actually freeze it, making it invisible to the system and inaccessible to run until you manually return it back. ADB It gives you access to the Android package manager, allowing you to manage your state. APK-file-level.
To use this method, you need to turn on the developer mode on your phone, activate debugging over USB, and then connect the smartphone to the computer. Using the adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 name.packet command, you can turn off any application. For example, to block the built-in browser or game store, you need to know the exact name of its package. This method is often used to remove undeletable system debris (bloatware).
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.vendingHowever, this method requires extreme caution: blocking critical system components can lead to unstable device operation or even a “boot loop” (cyclical reboot). Xiaomi is not responsible for software errors caused by interfering with system packages through ADB. Before performing such operations, it is strongly recommended to make a full backup of data.
⚠️ Warning: Never disable system packages associated with the Android framework, Google Play services or display drivers unless you are 100% sure of their purpose.This can turn the phone into a brick».
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The ADB method is the only way to completely freeze a system application without root rights, but it requires a connection to a PC and knowing the exact packet names.