How to block apps on Xiaomi phone: Effective methods

Xiaomi’s current smartphones, which run on MIUI and HyperOS shells, offer users a wide range of tools for digital self-control and protection of personal information. App blocking is becoming more than just a convenient feature, but a necessity for those who want to limit children’s access to games or prevent accidental removal of system components. Device owners often look for ways to effectively hide or restrict the launch of programs without resorting to complex manipulation of root rights.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods to restrict access to software on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones. You will learn about the built-in system tools that often go unnoticed, and also consider third-party solutions for more fine-tuning the security of your device.

Use of the built-in functionality “Digital well-being”

The first and most secure tool that is already integrated into the Android operating system is the Digital Wellbeing service. This feature allows you not only to track the time spent in applications, but also to set strict time limits, after which the program is blocked. → Digital Well-Being and Parental Control.

After you log in, select Toolbar or App Timers, which will display the full list of installed software. By clicking on a particular application, you can set a time limit, for example, 30 minutes a day. After the set time, the application icon will turn gray, and it will not be possible to run it until the next day without changing the timer settings.

⚠️ Attention: Digital Well-being does not hide the app icon from the desktop, it only limits the time it runs.

It's important to note that this is a system-level approach, so it's not going to work around it by simply restarting the device. It's a great way to combat procrastination when social media or games distract from important tasks. However, it's less effective to protect against prying eyes, because it doesn't require a password to remove the restriction if the user knows where to look for the timer settings.

Hiding applications through “Hide of applications” and “Second space”

The MIUI shell has a unique feature that allows you to completely hide selected programs from the general list and from the desktop. To activate this mode, open the standard Security app (green icon with lightning), scroll down to the Hiding Applications section, where you can select programs that you want to make invisible to outsiders.

Once activated, the hidden apps are accessed through a gesture in the Phone app or through the search bar, you enter a predefined code (e.g. #1234#), and a separate window with hidden content opens, which creates a complete isolation effect, since the standard launcher menu will simply not have them.

An alternative and more powerful method is to create a Second Space, which actually creates a second user profile on the same device with its own set of applications, passwords and files, switching between spaces instantly through a special password or fingerprint, which is ideal for separating work and personal content.

Using Second Space allows you not only to block an application, but to move it to an isolated environment, and even if someone accesses your primary profile, they won't see the apps installed in the second space, which is a level of security comparable to having two different phones.

Blocking launches through third-party launchers and applications

If the built-in tools are not enough, specialized applications from the Google Play Market, such as AppLock, Norton App Lock or solutions, come to the rescue. These programs intercept the attempt to launch any application of your choice and require input. PIN-code, pattern lock or fingerprint scanning.

Installing a third-party blocker gives you flexibility in settings, you can set different passwords for different applications, or you can turn on the False Password feature, which opens up a fake set of apps when you type in special code in an emergency, and many of them are able to take stealthy photos of those who have entered the password incorrectly.

When using third-party solutions, it is important to carefully monitor the refillable permissions. The blocker needs access to "Above Other Windows" and "Use of the Device" to function correctly. Without these permissions, Android will not allow the application to intercept the launch of other programs.

Parental Control (Family Link)

For parents who want to control their children’s digital leisure, Google is offering a formal solution, Family Link, which is installed on a parent’s phone and allows them to remotely control their child’s device, and you can block any apps from running in real time, set screen time limits, and filter content.

The main advantage of this method is that it is impossible for a child to bypass the lock without the parent's master password, and even if you try to delete the application or reset the settings, the system will require confirmation from the parent's device, which is the most reliable way to ensure the digital security of minors.

Family Link not only blocks apps, but also tracks the device’s geolocation, which adds an extra layer of security, and a parent can remotely lock a child’s phone at any time, such as during class or family dinner.

⚠️ Note: Family Link requires a family-managed Google account on your child’s device, and on pure Android devices without Google services, this method will not work.

Limiting access to settings and system functions

In addition to blocking user applications, it is important to protect system settings from accidental or intentional change. MIUI has a Guest Mode feature or the ability to create a limited profile (depending on the Android version), which does not allow you to change critical system settings.

You can also use Do Not Disturb mode in conjunction with blocking notifications so that certain applications do not distract you and do not display sensitive information on a locked screen. → Notifications and status bar → Management of notifications.

For maximum protection, it is recommended to enable device encryption and set a complex password to unlock the screen. Simple graphic keys (for example, the letter "G" or "L") are easy to peek, so use complex combinations or biometrics. Biometric protection makes it much more difficult to unauthorized access to locked areas.

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Use the "In-App Lock" feature in Xiaomi's security settings, which allows you to lock the screen onto one app without turning it off or leaving the menu, ideal for showing videos to children or presentations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Combining methods (e.g. Hiding apps + Time Limit) gives the maximum result and protects against both curious glances and excessive smartphone use.