Modern Xiaomi smartphones running shell MIUI or the new HyperOS provide users with extensive tools for managing their digital space. There is often a need to limit access to certain apps, be it games that distract you from work, or social networks that you want to hide from prying eyes. Application lock This is an effective way to increase privacy and productivity without installing third-party software.
The built-in security mechanisms of Xiaomi allow you not only to hide icons, but also to set passwords or biometric protection to launch selected apps. This is especially true for owners of devices that are used by several people, for example, children or colleagues. Unlike many other manufacturers, Xiaomi has integrated this function deeply into the system, making it available out of the box.
In this article we will examine in detail all the available methods of restricting access, starting from the standard “App Lock” tool and ending with specialized modes like “Second Space”. You will learn how to set up exceptions, change passwords and understand how this mechanism works at the system level.
Standard locking function in MIUI and HyperOS
The main tool for protecting your data is the built-in security utility. It allows you to block access to selected apps with a password, PIN code or fingerprint. To start the process, you need to open the standard application Security, which is preinstalled on every Xiaomi device, and find the corresponding section there.
After entering the menu, you will be asked to create a unique security password (different from the screen unlock password, although they can be synchronized). The system will also prompt you to add a security question in case you forget your access code. This is critical stepas restoring access without a security question or a linked Mi account can be difficult.
When the setup is complete, the system will require authorization before launching any protected application (for example, WhatsApp, Gallery or Banking application). In the background, such apps may continue to work, but you will not be able to open their interface without confirming your identity.
☑️ Setting up a blocker
It is worth noting that the interface may differ slightly depending on the firmware version. In the new HyperOS updates, designers have changed the location of some elements, but the logic of operation remains the same. If you cannot find the item you need, use the search inside the Security application.
Setting up exceptions and smart blocking
The flexibility of the Xiaomi system lies in the ability to fine-tune the rules. You can not only block startup, but also hide notifications from these apps on the lock screen. This allows you to completely hide the fact of using a certain messenger or social network from casual glance.
The “Exceptions” section is available in the blocker settings. Here you can specify apps that will not be blocked, even if they are added to the general list of restrictions. This is useful if you want to temporarily unprotect your work chat without unblocking everything else.
⚠️ Attention: If you block system apps like Phone or Messages, make sure you have an alternative method of communication. Blocking incoming calls through third-party instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) will not work if the messenger application itself is not blocked, but access to it will be blocked with a password.
There is also a “Smart blocking” function, which allows you to automatically block access to applications after a certain time of inactivity or when changing location. However, this feature is currently not available in all regions and firmware versions.
What happens to notifications?
If you have locked an application, notifications from it will no longer appear on the lock screen and in the notification shade until you enter the password. However, if the application is running and active, new messages can arrive in real time after unlocking.
Second Space mode for complete isolation
For those who require a more serious level of privacy, Xiaomi offers a feature Second space. This is not just a blocking, but the creation of a full-fledged second virtual environment inside your smartphone. In this space, separate copies of applications are installed that are in no way connected with the main profile.
Switching between spaces occurs instantly through a special shortcut in the notification shade or through a unique fingerprint. You can configure the system so that one finger opens the main profile, and the other - a hidden second space with data blocked from outsiders.
Data in the Second space is completely isolated. Photos, contacts and files saved there are not visible in the main profile. This is an ideal option for separating work and personal life or for storing particularly important information.
| Option | Application lock | Second space |
|---|---|---|
| Protection level | Startup password | Complete system isolation |
| Data | Common with the main profile | Individual (photos, contacts) |
| Notifications | Hide when blocked | Not visible in the main profile |
| Battery consumption | Minimum | Higher (two profiles work) |
Parental controls and time limit
If your goal is to limit the time your child spends in games or YouTube, standard blocking can being not enough. For these purposes, there is a section Digital well-being (Digital Wellbeing) in the Android and MIUI settings. Here you can set usage time limits for each application separately.
After the limit is exhausted, the application is blocked until the next day or until an adult removes the restriction. To enhance protection, you can use the “Screen Pinning” mode, which does not allow you to exit a running application without a special combination of buttons.
For more advanced control, it is recommended to link the child’s device with the parent’s smartphone via Google Family Link. This allows you to remotely block applications, track location and set a schedule for using the device, which is impossible to do with standard MIUI tools without root access.
Use guest mode to temporarily transfer the phone. It allows you to launch a smartphone with a clean profile, where there will be no your personal applications and photos, and after exiting, all data is deleted.
Hiding applications without blocking the launch
Sometimes the user does not need to prohibit the launch of a app, but only hide its presence in the menu. Xiaomi provides the “Hide Applications” function for this purpose. It allows you to remove icons of selected apps from the desktop and from the menu, making them visible only through a special set of actions.
To use this, go to Settings → Applications → Hide applications. Activate the switch for the desired apps. After this they will disappear from the general list. To access them, you need to open the standard application Themes or Gallery (depending on the version of MIUI) and enter a secret code or swipe in a certain area.
This method is not reliable protection from an experienced user, but effectively hides apps from accidental viewing.
⚠️ Attention: MIUI 13, 14 and HyperOS interfaces may differ. The path to the hide feature is sometimes moved to the Security → Hide Apps menu. If you do not find the function in the settings, check the “Security” application.
Frequently asked questions and problem solving
Despite the simplicity of the interface, users often have questions regarding the operation of the blocker. Below are the answers to the most popular ones, which will help you avoid common mistakes and loss of access to data.
If you have forgotten your application lock password, the system will offer to reset it through your Mi account. To do this, you need to enter the login and password for Mi Account, which was specified when setting up the function. If the account has not been linked, the only way is to completely reset the phone settings, which will lead to data loss.
A forgotten application blocker password can only be recovered through a linked Mi account. Without it, it is impossible to access data inside blocked applications.
Is it possible to bypass application locking on Xiaomi?
It is extremely difficult to bypass the standard lock set by the owner without resetting the device. However, if you have USB debugging enabled on your phone and have access to a computer, tampering with the system is theoretically possible, but this requires in-depth technical knowledge. For the average user, the protection is reliable.
Does blocking applications affect the operation of notifications?
Yes, it does. If an app is locked, its notifications will not appear on the lock screen or in the curtain to avoid revealing the content. To see the message, you must first unlock the application. In the blocker settings, you can disable this rule for individual apps.
Does blocking work in the Second space?
Yes, the application blocking function can be activated independently in each space. You can set different passwords for the main profile and the Second space, which provides a double level of protection for your data.
Why did the password get lost after a firmware update?
In rare cases, after a major update of Android or MIUI, security settings may be reset for compatibility reasons. It is recommended to always remember the security question or keep the data from your Mi account on hand to restore access.