Owning a Xiaomi or Redmi smartphone opens up access to a wealth of functionality, but it can sometimes be necessary to restrict access to certain programs, such as a desire to protect personal data from prying eyes, limit children’s time in games, or simply hide rarely used utilities from accidentally running. In the Android operating system, which runs the MIUI shell or HyperOS, there is no one universal button to lock everything at once, but there are several effective ways to solve this problem.
The choice of method depends on your goals and device model. Standard system tools allow you to hide icons or put passwords on launch, while third-party solutions give you deeper control. Application blocking is an important aspect of digital hygiene, which helps to maintain privacy and control screen time. In this article, we will examine all the options available, from built-in security features to the use of specialized software.
Before you start setting up, you should decide what exactly you want to get: complete invisibility of the program, banning startup without a password or limiting the time of use. Each of these scenarios requires a different approach. Below are detailed instructions that will help you secure your gadget.
Use of the built-in "Security" application
The easiest and most reliable way to protect access to programs on Xiaomi devices is to use the standard Security tool. This system utility is already pre-installed on all smartphones of the brand and does not require the installation of additional files from the Internet, which minimizes the risk of data leakage. Application Protection allows you to set a separate password, pattern lock or fingerprint to run selected programs.
To activate the protection, you need to open the Security app, scroll down the tool list and find Application Protection. When you first start, the system will prompt you to create a special password other than the unlock password, and link your Mi Account to restore access in case you forget the code. After setting up, you will be asked to select from the list all installed programs that you need to block.
⚠️ Warning: Don’t forget your application protection password! Unsetting it without a tied Mi Account or backup question is almost impossible, and data inside blocked programs may become unavailable.
Once you add apps to the lock list, every time you run them, the system will ask for authorization, which creates an extra layer of security even if the phone is already unlocked, and a pattern lock or biometrics provides quick but reliable access for the owner.
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Use fingerprint unlock to protect applications – it’s faster and safer than typing a digital code or drawing a key every time.
It is important to note that this feature works consistently on most versions of MIUI. However, in some regions or on global firmware, the interface may differ slightly. If you do not find the right option, make sure that the region in the settings is set correctly, or try to update the Security app through the GetApps store.
Hiding applications through the second space
If your goal is not to simply block the launch, but to completely hide the presence of certain programs, MIUI offers a unique solution called Second Space, which is essentially creating a separate user profile inside a single smartphone, with its own settings, photos and, most importantly, its own set of applications.
To use this feature, go to Settings, select Additional Features, and find Second Space. By clicking "Create Second Space," you get a clean desktop. That's where you can install or move the apps you want to hide from prying eyes. Switching between spaces is by short code, fingerprint, or a special shortcut on the lock screen.
How to hide the icon of switching spaces?
Using the second space is the ultimate stealth, and the person who picks up your phone won't even know there's hidden software unless they know how to switch, and it's the perfect option to store sensitive information or work applications that don't have to be a horn in their personal time.
- 🔒 Complete data isolation: files and cache of applications from the second space are not visible in the main profile.
- 👤 Different accounts: You can use different Google or Mi accounts for different spaces.
- ⚙️ Flexible settings: for each space you can set your own wallpaper, melodies and display parameters.
Keep in mind that creating a second profile takes up additional memory, as some system resources are duplicated, but for modern Redmi models with a large storage capacity, this is not a critical problem.
Blocking through third-party launchers
The standard MIUI shell doesn’t always meet the customization needs of advanced users. In such cases, third-party launchers come to the rescue, programs that completely replace the desktop and application menus. Popular options such as Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher often have built-in icon hiding or access blocking features.
The way it works is simple: you install the launcher, make it the default and adjust visibility settings. Most launchers have a Hidden Apps or App Lock section in their settings. Once activated, the selected icons disappear from the general list or require you to enter a password to run, which is especially true for those who want to change the visual style of the Xiaomi interface and at the same time strengthen protection.
| Launcher | Hiding function | Password availability | Compatibility with MIUI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Launcher | Aye (via settings) | Only with a plugin. | Tall. |
| Microsoft Launcher | There is. | Built-in. | Medium |
| Smart Launcher 6 | There is. | Built-in. | Tall. |
| Apex Launcher | There is. | Built-in. | Low (old versions) |
When using third-party launchers on Android, it is important to consider the aggressive MIUI energy saving policy. The system may try to kill the launcher process, which will result in a reset or return of the standard interface. To avoid this, you need to fix the launcher in memory and allow auto-start in the battery settings.
Parental Control and Digital Well-Being
For parents who want to limit their child’s time on games or social media on Redmi, digital well-being services are the best option. In modern Android versions, this feature is built into the system, called Digital Wellbeing, which allows you to set time limits for using specific applications.
You can find this tool in Settings → Digital Well-Being and Parental Controls. Here you can set time limits: for example, allow YouTube to run for only 30 minutes a day. Once the limit is exhausted, the app icon will turn grey and you can’t run it until the next day. For more rigorous control, you can use the Google Family Link app, which allows you to control your child’s device remotely from your phone.
Family Link not only allows you to limit your time, but also completely block new apps from being installed, require permission to run programs, and track device location, a powerful tool that requires you to set up on both devices, parent and child.
- ⏱️ Use timers: Automatic locking after the set time has expired.
- 🛑 Remote lock: the ability to block a device or application remotely at any time.
- 📊 Statistics: Detailed reports on how much time and what programs are spent the most.
These techniques are especially effective when it comes to discipline or limiting your child’s dependence on gadgets, but it’s worth remembering that tech-savvy teens can find ways to get around these limitations, so it’s more important to build trusting relationships.
Specialized locator applications
If built-in tools are not enough, Google Play has a variety of specialized blocking apps, such as AppLock, Norton App Lock or Lock My Apps, which offer advanced functionality: locking on a schedule, hiding the fact of the locker installation, deletion protection and even a “panic” feature.
When installing such software on Xiaomi, you need to be prepared to carefully configure permissions. MIUI strictly monitors applications that try to access over other windows or manage other programs. You will need to manually allow display on top of other applications, access to use and auto-run, otherwise the lock will fly off after restarting or cleaning the memory.
☑️ Setting up rights for AppLock on Xiaomi
One of the advantages of third-party lockers is the ability to block not only applications, but also system functions such as settings, an app store or task manager, which prevents attempts to remove the blocker itself or change security settings.
⚠️ Note: When installing third-party blockers, read permissions carefully. Some free versions may collect data about which apps you use and how often.
Some advanced lockers can take a picture of someone who has entered the password incorrectly on the front camera, a useful feature for detecting unauthorized access attempts to your device.
Restriction of access through the “guest” mode
In situations where you need to temporarily give the phone to a friend or colleague but you don't want it digging into your personal data, Guest mode is ideal. Unlike the second space, which is permanently on the device, guest mode is created temporarily and can be easily deleted after use.
You can activate guest mode through the notification curtain (quick settings) or in the Settings menu → System applications → Users. In this mode, the smartphone works as a clean device: the guest does not see your contacts, photos, browser history and applications you installed unless they are system. You can set limits on making calls or using the mobile Internet.
A key feature of the guest mode on MIUI is that it does not allow the guest to install new apps or change the global settings of the system, which ensures a high level of security for your data. After the session is over, all data created by the guest is deleted, returning the phone to its original state.
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Guest mode is the best temporary solution for handing over the phone to outsiders, as it isolates the session and removes all traces of activity after exiting.
Guest mode is also useful when testing new apps or settings that may not work smoothly, and you can check the program in a clean environment without touching the main profile.