Xiaomi Redmi 9C smartphones have a wide range of functionality, but sometimes the standard MIUI interface is not enough for specific tasks, such as strict parental controls or organizing a kiosk mode in commerce. Users often wonder how to fix a particular software so that it does not close or switch accidentally. In the Android operating system, which runs the MIUI shell, there is no one universal button “Stick Forever”, but there are a number of proven methods to solve this problem.
Depending on your goals — whether it’s limiting children’s access to games or preventing them from accidentally leaving the navigator while driving — different approaches will be required. We’ll look at the system’s regular features, the developer’s hidden menu capabilities, and third-party utilities. The In-App Lock feature in MIUI only works in the background and is not a complete analogue of Pinning in pure Android, requiring additional settings. Understanding these nuances will allow you to effectively manage the device.
In this article, we will discuss each method in detail, focusing on the features of the Xiaomi Redmi 9C model. You will learn how to activate hidden features that are not visible to the average user, and how to configure the system for maximum stability of the selected programs.
The standard function “Blocking in the application” in MIUI
The first and most obvious way the manufacturer offers is called “In-App Lock,” which was originally designed to keep important processes, such as downloading files or navigating, from being interrupted by the power saving system, but many users have adapted it to lock the screen, although this method has its own features on the Redmi 9C.
To activate this option, you need to go to the security settings. Find the Application section and select Lock in the application. Here you will see a list of all installed programs. Switch the switchboard opposite the desired application to the active position. After that, the system will try to keep the process running even if you turn the window.
It is important to understand the difference between background work and visual fixation. Staff locking does not prevent a window from being folded by the Home button, but prevents it from being completely closed by the system. Aggressive battery optimization in MIUI often closes the background processes, and it is this feature that combats this behavior. For scenarios where you want a child to stay away from YouTube Kids, this method may not be enough without additional restrictions.
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For maximum in-app lock efficiency, also disable auto-clean memory in the recent apps menu by pulling the list down and locking the desired window.
Using embedded tools is the safest way to go without additional software, but if your goal is to create a so-called kiosk mode where the device only works in one window, you will have to resort to deeper system settings or third-party solutions.
Screen fastening mode via the developer menu
The most accurate analogue of the Pinning feature known from other Android smartphones, Xiaomi Redmi 9C is the screen fastener mode. By default, this option is hidden from the eyes of the average user and requires activation of the developer menu. It is a powerful tool that literally glues the current application to the display.
First, you need to unlock access to advanced settings. Go to Settings, select About Phone, and find the MIUI Version line. You need to quickly click on this line 7-10 times in a row until you notice that you have become a developer, and then a new section Additional will appear in the settings menu, and inside it - For developers.
In the settings that open, you'll need to find the "Screen pinning" option in the window. Activate this switch. It's also recommended that you turn on the "Request PIN when unplugged" option to make it necessary to log in to the exit mode, which is critical for parental control.
☑️ Activation of the developer mode
Once activated, the fixing process is as follows: open the desired application, go to the recent task menu (swipe from the bottom up or menu button) and click on the application icon at the top of the window. In the menu that appears, select the lock icon or the "Secure" option.
Use of third-party launchers for fixation
If Xiaomi’s system constraints seem too complex or too flexible, a third-party launcher is a great solution. Launcher is a program that completely replaces the desktop and smartphone management menu, some of which have built-in parental controls and app fixing.
One popular solution is Kids Place, or the specialized Kids Launcher, which creates a secure environment where a child or user sees only the icons they allow, and exits only after you enter a password, which is more effective than a standard lock, because it changes the very logic of interaction with the device.
Installing a third-party launcher requires wide permissions. MIUI can warn of potential dangers because these applications gain access to screen control. However, trusted developers ensure data security. Once installed, you will need to choose the new launcher as the default in the system settings.
- 📱 Kids Place – allows you to create profiles with a limited set of applications and blocks purchases in games.
- 🛡️ Secure Kids – Offers the “Freeze Screen” feature, completely blocking the navigation buttons.
- 🎨 Niagara Launcher is a minimalist interface that can be configured so that the user cannot physically find the exit button.
- 🔒 Fully Kiosk Browser - a specialized solution for turning a tablet or phone into an information board.
The use of launchers is especially important if you want to change the visual style of the Redmi 9C interface while adjusting the constraints, which has the dual benefits of customization and functional control.
Adjusting parental controls to Google Family Link
For situations where app attachment is necessary to restrict children’s access, Google’s official Family Link solution is the most reliable, and unlike temporary locks, it links the child’s device to the parent’s account and allows remote access control.
Install the Google Family Link app (for parents) on your phone and the children’s version on Xiaomi 9C. Follow the device pairing instructions. Once set up, you can lock your child’s device at any time or allow only certain apps to run. This works at the system level and does not require you to be constantly in a particular window.
The advantage of this is that it's flexible, you can set time limits, like allowing games to play for 1 hour a day, or locking the browser completely, and digital well-being becomes a process-driven, not a battle with the phone's interface.
⚠️ Note: To operate Family Link on your child’s device, you must either sign in to a Google account under 13 years of age (or the applicable age limit in your country) or have a managed account. A typical adult Google account cannot be fully controlled through Family Link without a family group.
This is ideal for a long-term smartphone strategy for children: It doesn’t require constant physical access to a Xiaomi phone to set the restrictions, everything changes remotely from your device.
Comparison of application fixation methods
To make it easier for you to choose the right option for your Xiaomi Redmi 9C model, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you assess the pros and cons of each approach depending on your specific situation.
| Method | Difficulty setting up | Reliability of fixation | We need the Internet. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blocking in the annex (MIUI) | Low. | Medium (background) | No. |
| Screen fastening (Dev Mode) | Medium | High (full) | No. |
| Third-party launcher | Medium | Tall. | Only for download. |
| Google Family Link | Tall. | Maximum | Yes (periodically) |
As you can see from the table, for a one-off task, such as showing a presentation or a video, the best way to do this is to use a developer mode, and for a child to be monitored at all times, Family Link or a dedicated launcher is the best option.
Why are settings being reset?
The choice of method depends on how deeply you are willing to penetrate the system settings. All of the described methods are safe for the hardware part of your device and do not lead to loss of warranty unless root modification is made.
Frequent problems and their solution
When setting up app fixations on Xiaomi 9C, users may encounter a number of typical problems, most often associated with the aggressive operation of MIUI’s energy saving system, which seeks to “kill” any process that consumes resources.
If the application still crashes or the lock doesn't work, check the battery settings. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance, find the desired application in the list and set the "No Limits" mode, which will give the system a signal not to interrupt the program.
- 🔋 Problem: The screen goes out while the attached app is running.Solution: Increase screen timeout in the display settings.
- 🚫 Problem: Does not leave the anchoring mode. Solution: Press the back and menu buttons at the same time (or swipe from the bottom up and hold) to unlock.
- 📉 Problem: App slows down.Solution: Close other background processes through memory cleaner menu.
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The main reason for the malfunction of fixed applications on Xiaomi is automatic memory cleaning, which must be disabled for each important application manually.
Also, some applications, especially banking ones, may not work properly in screen locking mode or require additional identity verification when logged in, a security mechanism for the software developers themselves.