Xiaomi’s modern smartphones have a powerful MIUI and HyperOS shell that gives the user enormous control over the system. However, a standard interface is often not enough when you need to severely restrict access to certain programs, this may be necessary for parental control to prevent the child from wasting time in games, or to block intrusive system processes that interfere with the operation of the device.
There are several levels of functionality limitation, from simple screen locking to deep freeze system components. Starting bans can be temporary or permanent, depending on the method you choose. It is important to understand that some system processes are critical to the operation of the phone, and their complete stop can lead to instability.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the available ways to isolate applications. We will look at built-in security tools, specialized utilities for freezing and advanced methods through ADB. You will learn how to manage autoload and background processes, turning your smartphone into a perfectly customized tool.
Use of built-in Parental Controls
The easiest and most secure way to restrict access to games or social networks is to use Family Link, a method that doesn't remove an application, but makes it impossible to run it without an administrator password.
You need to log in to your Google account and activate control via Family Link. Once your child's device is linked to your parent's account, you can remotely block any program from running, which is ideal if you want to stop running while you're studying or sleeping.
However, this method has limitations: it requires a Google account and a constant Internet connection to synchronize rules, and an experienced user can find ways to circumvent these restrictions if they have access to account settings.
Blocking through MIUI security settings
The MIUI shell has a built-in Security tool that allows you to hide and block applications. Hide applications works as an additional layer of protection: the program disappears from the desktop and from the menu, and you can only launch it through a special password in the Themes or Security application.
To activate this feature, go to Settings → Applications → Hide applications. Here you can select the programs you want to make invisible. Once activated, you will need to enter a given password to run them, which creates the illusion of deleting, although the application continues to work in the background.
⚠️ Caution: Hiding apps doesn't stop their background activity; they can continue to consume traffic and battery if they don't turn off background activity separately.
The app lock feature is also available on the security menu, which doesn't completely ban startup, but requires you to enter a password, fingerprint or Face ID every time you open it, and it's an effective way to protect your personal data from prying eyes.
Freeze applications via ADB and Shizuku
For advanced users who want to completely stop the application without removing it, there is a method of freezing the application. The frozen application does not appear in the menu, does not consume battery and can not be started or used.--To implement this, Xiaomi uses a bundle of root-free rights. ADB Shizuku or Ice Box apps.
You must initially activate USB debugging mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly tap 7 times on the MIUI build number to unlock the developer menu. Then to Advanced Settings → For developers, turn on USB debugging and Wi-Fi debugging (for Android 11+).
☑️ Preparation for freezing
Once Shizuku is installed and activated, you can use freezer applications (like Hail or Freezer) that use ADB rights to execute the pm disable-user command, which forcibly stops the packet.
Limiting Autoboot and Background Processes
Many users want to prevent programs from automatically turning on, rather than locking manual startups, and Xiaomi’s AutoRun mechanism is responsible for this, and if you prevent an app from starting automatically, it won’t hang in memory after the phone is restarted.
To control this setting, open the Security app (green zipper icon). Go to Permissions → Autorun. Here is a complete list of programs that are allowed to start with the system. Just turn off the slider in front of unnecessary services.
You can also set up a power saving strategy for each application. From the Settings menu → Applications → All applications, select the program you want, go to the Battery and select No Limits (if you want to work) or Limit background activity. The second option actually prevents the application from running when you are not using it.
What happens when system components are frozen?
Comparison of blocking methods
The choice of method depends on your ultimate goal: If you just want to hide the icon from the children, a built-in concealment will do. For deep optimization of the system and removing junk services, you should use ADB. Below is a table to help you choose the best way.
| Method | Difficulty | Efficiency | Risk to the system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parental control | Low. | Medium (time only) | Absent. |
| Hiding applications | Low. | Low (background working) | Absent. |
| Lockdown of auto-start | Medium | High (for background) | Minimum |
| Freeze (ADB) | Tall. | Maximum | Medium (care is needed) |
As you can see from the table, freezing is the best way to free up resources, but it requires technical knowledge. Auto-start locking is the middle ground for everyday use.
Frequent mistakes and problem solving
When trying to prevent system applications from running, users often encounter problems, such as when MIUI Daemon or Analytics is frozen, the phone may behave unpredictably, in which case it is necessary to immediately defrost the component through recovery mode or safe mode.
⚠️ Warning: Never freeze applications related to telephony, contacts or system interface unless you are 100% sure of their purpose.This can cause signal loss or a system brick.
Another common mistake is trying to remove system applications via ADB with pm uninstall instead of disable.The removal command requires Root rights or a complex procedure, and rolling back changes without a backup may not be possible.Use only disable to temporarily shut down.
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Before mass freezing applications, create a full data backup or take a screenshot with a list of packages installed to know what exactly you disabled.
If the application is constantly self-activating despite the prohibitions, check that it has administrator rights of the device. Sometimes malicious software or aggressive launchers prescribe themselves to secure areas of the system.
Removing Advertising and Systemic Garbage
A common reason to stop running apps is intrusive advertising from Xiaomi system services, such as MSA (MIUI System Ads), which makes the interface much faster, and uses the ADB method or disabling through settings if the item is active.
To reduce the amount of advertising, you can turn off ad personalization. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Access to Personal Data and disable msa. Also in the Security menu → Settings should disable “Get recommendations”.
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Disabling system advertising services through ADB is the only way to get rid of pop-up ads in standard Xiaomi applications.
Remember that system updates can return default settings. After a major MIUI or HyperOS update, the procedure for checking autoboots and advertising settings is recommended to be repeated.