How to block the application on Xiaomi: all the ways from standard to hidden

You may need to block an app on a Xiaomi smartphone for many reasons, from protecting your personal data to limiting your social media usage time. Unlike the iPhone, where locking is built into Screen time, there are several alternative methods on MIUI, from standard tools to hidden shell capabilities. But not all of them work the same way: some simply hide the icon, others completely block access, and still others require additional software installation.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to block applications on Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO and Black Shark (relevant to MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS), learn how to restrict access through Security, set a password to start, use a second space or even block the application for a particular user, and also what pitfalls each method has and how to get around them.

1. Blocking through “Security” (built-in MIUI functionality)

The most obvious and quick way is to use the built-in App Lock feature in the Security menu. It is available on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 10 and later, including HyperOS. The main advantage is that you do not need to install third-party programs, and the lock works at the system level.

To activate it:

1. Open Settings → Security → Blocking applications.
2. Enter the password from your Mi Account (if not, you will need to create).
3. Select apps from the list and turn on the switch next to them.

After that, every time you run a blocked application, you will be asked for a password, and the important thing is that if you forget the password from Mi Account, you can only unlock the applications through a reset.

Make sure that the password from Mi Account is remembered|Verify that the function does not conflict with other limitations (e.g. parental controls)|Synchronize these applications (if it is important)-->

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5 with HyperOS, Application Lock may not be in the Security menu, in which case use the second space method (Section 3).

Advantages of the method:

• 🔒 No need for root rights or additional programs.
• 📱 It works on all Xiaomi devices (except the oldest models on the market). MIUI 9 and below).
• 🔄 The lock is maintained after rebooting.

Disadvantages:

• 🚫 Do not block notifications from the application.
• 🔓 Password from Mi Account can be reset via email (if attached).
• 📵 Does not work for system applications (such as Settings or Phone).

2.Use of Parental Control (to limit time)

If your goal is not so much to block the app forever as to limit the time it is used (for example, for a child or yourself), then Parental Control will do the job, which allows you to set daily limits, block apps on a schedule, and even track activity.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Apps → Parental Controls.
2. Create a user profile (e.g., “Child” or “Worker”).
3. Select the apps you want to limit and set time limits or lock them completely.
4. Activate the control mode (required) PIN-code).

This method is convenient for family use, but has limitations:

• 👶 Works only for individual profiles (does not block applications in the main space).
• 🕒 You can get around by switching to another profile or disabling control through Settings.
• 📊 Requires regular monitoring (e.g. if the child knows) PIN).

Limiting time on social media|Protecting personal data|Controlling the use of the child|Hide the application from outsiders|Another option-->

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14 and HyperOS Parental Controls may conflict with Digital Well-being (from Google).If the limits do not apply, disable one of the features in Settings → Google → Digital well-being.

3. Hiding applications in the "Second Space"

If you want to not just block, but completely hide the application from prying eyes, use the Second Space function. This is a separate desktop with its own applications, settings and data. Applications installed in the second space will not be visible mainly - and vice versa.

How to create a second space:

1. Open Settings → Special Opportunities → Second Space
2. Click Create a Second Space and follow the instructions.
3. After you create, move to the second space and install the desired applications.
4. Return to the main space – hidden applications will become unavailable.

To switch between spaces, use a gesture: swipe down with two fingers from the top edge of the screen and select the space in the menu.

Pros of the method:

• 🔍 Apps are completely hidden (not visible in menus and search).
• 🔄 You can use different accounts. Google/Mi in every space.
• 📱 Doesn't require root rights.

Cons:

• 🔓 It is easy to detect if you know about the function of the second space.
• 📵 Applications take up space in memory (removed only with space).
• 🔄 Not blocking notifications (they will come to the main space).

4. Blocking through third-party applications (AppLock)

If you don't like the built-in MIUI methods, you can use third-party blocking software, the most popular ones being AppLock (from DoMobile Lab), Norton App Lock, and Smart AppLock, which offer additional features such as:

• 🔒 Blocking by fingerprint or face.
• 📵 Hiding notifications from blocked applications.
• 🕒 Automatic locking by time or location.

How to set up AppLock:

1. Download the app from Google Play (like AppLock).
2. Set a master password (you can use a pattern lock or PIN).
3. Select the applications to block in the list.
4. Activate additional settings (e.g. Hide the AppLock icon).

Important: Some locking apps (like AppLock) may conflict with battery optimization in MIUI. To keep the lock running, add AppLock to the exceptions: Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All apps → AppLock → Not Optimizing.

⚠️ Note: Some blocking apps (such as AppLock) may collect data about your activity. Before installing, check Google Play permissions and user reviews).

5. Blocking through ADB (for power users)

If you’re ready to dive into the technical details, you can block the application through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that is suitable for system applications that cannot be blocked by standard methods (for example, Settings or Play Store).

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm hide com.example.app (replace com.example.app with the batch name of the application, for example, com.android.settings for Settings).
4. To unlock, use: adb shell pm unhide com.example.app

List of packet names of popular applications:

• 📱 Settings: com.android.settings
• 📷 Camera: com.android.camera
• 📧 Gmail: com.google.android.gm
• 🎵 Music: com.miui.player

💡

To find the batch name of any application, use the command adb shell pm list packages | grep "name" (for example, adb shell pm list packages | grep "chrome").

Advantages of the method:

• 🔧 Works for system applications.
• 🔒 System-level locking (cannot be avoided without ADB).
• 📵 Doesn't require root rights.

Disadvantages:

• 💻 You need skills to work with ADB PC.
• 🔄 After resetting the settings, the lock is removed.
• 🚫 Does not work on some firmware (for example, HyperOS may restrict access to pm hide).

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To determine the best way to block, assess your needs:

Recommendations:

• 🔐 To protect personal data (banks, instant messengers) use Security or AppLock.
• 👶 For parental control set up Parental control + Digital well-being.
• 🔍 To hide apps from outsiders, create a Second Space.
• 🛠️ Use the system applications to block ADB.

💡

The most reliable way is a combination of methods, like locking through Security + hiding an icon through Second Space.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When blocking applications on Xiaomi, users encounter common errors. Here's how to fix them:

Problem 1: Application Locking is not in the Security menu.

Solution: Update MIUI to the latest version or use Second Space. On some firmware (e.g. HyperOS for the global version), the feature can be renamed Privacy → Application Lock.

Problem 2: Once blocked through AppLock, the app still opens.

Solution: Check if AppLock is added to the battery optimization exceptions (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization).

Problem 3: Forgot the password for the Second Space.

Solution: The only way is to reset (Settings → About Phone → Reset) All data in the second space will be deleted!

Problem 4: ADB commands are not working (pm hide not found).

Solution: Some MIUI firmware has the pm hide command disabled. Alternatively, use adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.example.app (replace com.example.app with a batch name).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions