Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the need to restrict access to certain features of the device, which may be due to the desire to protect personal data from prying eyes, limit the time spent by children behind the screen, or simply exclude the accidental launch of important programs. MIUI and the new HyperOS offer flexible tools for access control that do not require the installation of additional software.
Blocking applications creates an additional security barrier, even if the device is already unlocked in the main way. The functionality of the shell allows you to hide icons, require you to enter a password when you start or completely disable programs, Understanding these mechanisms is necessary to properly adjust the gadget for individual security needs.
In this article, we will take a look at the standard methods of restricting access, using the built-in Security app and the possibilities of hiding programs. You will learn how to set up parental control and what alternative solutions exist for advanced users.
Use of the built-in Security application
The main tool for access control in the Xiaomi ecosystem is the system application Security, which is pre-installed on all devices and does not require an Internet connection for basic work, and this is where the application lock feature is located, which creates an independent layer of protection.
To activate the protection, you need to run the utility and go to the appropriate partition, the system will suggest creating a separate password or using biometric data such as a fingerprint or face unlock. It is important to note that this password may differ from the screen unlock code, which adds an additional layer of security.
Once you set the password, you'll see a list of all the programs you've installed, you'll just need to switch sliders against the apps you're supposed to be restricted from, and now if you try to open something like WhatsApp or a gallery, you'll need to re-authorize.
☑️ Blocker setup
The feature allows you to flexibly configure display settings, so you can hide the content of notifications or completely mask the icon of a blocked application in the list of recent tasks, which is especially true if you want to hide the fact that you use certain services from others.
Setting Restrictions Through Digital Well-Being
For those looking to control their time on social media or gaming, Android has a built-in Digital Wellbeing module, which is integrated into Xiaomi’s overall settings and allows users to set limits.
This tool doesn't lock the application with a password in the classical sense, but it limits its time, and once the limit is exhausted, the icon will turn grey, and it won't be able to run until the next day, and it's an effective way to fight digital addiction.
To set the restrictions, go to the phone's settings menu and find the Digital Well-Being and Parental Controls section, where you'll see your device usage schedule and a list of the most commonly used apps, and click on the timer next to the program name, and you can set a daily limit.
- 📱 Allows you to set time limits for any installed applications.
- 🌙 Enables “Sleep Time” mode, blocking notifications and limiting functionality during night hours.
- 📊 Provides detailed statistics of time spent in each program category.
A feature of this method is the ability to remotely control through the service Family Link from Google, parents can set limits on children’s devices from their smartphone, blocking unwanted content or games in real time.
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Use Sleep Time in your Digital Well-being settings to automatically switch to black and white and block entertainment apps from 23:00 to 07:00.
Guest mode and Second Space
If your goal is to transfer your phone to another person, but you don't want them to see your personal files or correspondence, the best solution is to use Second Space mode, which creates an isolated environment, almost a separate smartphone inside your device.
In Space Two, you install your apps, create your accounts, store your photos, and you switch between your main and guest profiles through a label in the notification curtain or your fingerprint, which is the perfect way to separate data.
To activate the function, go to Settings → Second Space and click Enable. The system will create a new workspace where you can only transfer programs that are safe for an outsider to use.
| Function | Main space | Second space |
|---|---|---|
| Access to the gallery | Complete. | Only selected photos |
| Installed annexes | All right. | Only selected |
| Accounts. | Personal. | Individual/Guest |
| Browser history | It's still there. | Not visible mostly |
The alternative is the Guest mode, which temporarily hides all personal data and apps, and is convenient for one-time transfer of the device, for example, to make a call or show a photo, without creating a separate permanent profile.
What is the difference between the guest and the second space?
Hiding applications from the desktop
Another way to restrict access is to simply hide the app icons from the desktop and menu, which is a pretty handy feature in the MIUI and HyperOS shell, and the hidden apps don't show up in the shared list, which makes it seem like they're not on the device.
To access hidden programs, you need to use a special gesture or code, usually a set of characters in the search bar or a swipe at a specific location on the desktop, which does not require a password to run the application itself, but hides its presence from the casual user.
To hide the app, open the menu of all the programs, pull the screen down (or sideways, depending on the topic) to enter the concealment mode. Here, select the programs that you want to get out of sight. Now they are only accessible through a special input.
This is often combined with password blocking, so you hide the icon first, and then if the user finds a way to open the hidden folder, they will be required to enter a password when they start the application.
- 🙈 The icon disappears from the app menu and desktops.
- 🔍 To start, you need to know a special code or gesture.
- 🔒 Notifications from hidden apps can also be hidden.
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Hiding apps is a visual measure, not a reliable protection. For sensitive data, be sure to use password lock or biometrics.
Blocking through Parental Controls Family Link
For parents who want to have full control of their child’s device, the best solution is to pair a Xiaomi smartphone with Google Family Link, a powerful tool that allows them to control their child’s device remotely from their parent’s phone.
With this service, you can completely block the launch of any application, set time limits, and even block the screen of the device remotely, and the child will not be able to get around these restrictions without an access code known only to parents.
The setup process starts with installing the Family Link app on the parent’s phone and creating a Google child account, and after pairing the devices, the control menu will show lists of installed programs with the ability to instantly block them.
The advantage of the method is that it allows you to approve or prohibit the installation of new applications, and if a child wants to download the game, the request will come to the parent's phone, which can make a decision or block the entire category of applications.
⚠️ Attention: Parental controls require a constant internet connection on both devices, and if the network is not available, the last set restrictions may not apply instantly.
Third-party solutions and AppLock
Staff funds are often enough, but sometimes a more flexible approach is required. There are many locker apps in the Google Play store, such as AppLock, Norton App Lock or CM Locker, that offer features that aren't in the standard shell.
For example, some of them can take photos of an attacker who has mistyped a password several times; others allow you to change application icons to others to confuse an outsider; and the False Password feature, which opens a fake desktop, is also available.
When using third-party solutions, it is important to be careful about the permissions requested. The locker program requires access to use over other windows and the device administrator rights, which gives it a high level of control over the system.
When choosing third-party software, pay attention to the number of installations and user reviews. It is better to choose products from well-known vendors in the security sector, so as not to expose your data to the risk of leakage through a questionable application.
- 📸 The function of “Intruder’s Selfie” when incorrectly entering a password.
- 🎭 Ability to change protected application icons to calculator or tools.
- 🕵️ Hiding the locker application from the list of installed programs.
⚠️ Warning: Installing third-party blockers may conflict with system optimization of battery MIUI. It is necessary to manually prohibit the system to close such an application in the background.