Smartphones Xiaomi Redmi based Android store a lot of personal information - from correspondence in instant messengers to banking applications. If your phone falls into the hands of strangers (even for a couple of minutes), the risk of data leakage increases significantly. Blocking individual applications solves this problem by limiting access to selected apps with a password, fingerprint or pattern.

In this article we will look all available methods of blocking applications on Redmi —from standard functions MIUI to third-party utilities with advanced capabilities. You will learn how to protect instant messengers, social networks, galleries and banking services, as well as what nuances are important to consider when setting up. We will pay special attention to hidden functions of MIUI 14/15, which many users overlook.

1. Built-in application blocking in MIUI: step-by-step guide

The manufacturer Xiaomi integrated into the proprietary shell MIUI a tool for blocking applications - "Application protection". This function works on all modern models Redmi (from Redmi Note 10 to Redmi 13C) and does not require root access or installation of additional software.

To activate the lock:

  1. Open Settings → Applications → Application protection.
  2. Enter the password for Mi Account (if not linked, you will need to create one).
  3. Select applications from the list (for example, WhatsApp, Gallery, SberBank Online).
  4. Click Done and confirm the action.

Now every time you start blocked application, the system will request:

  • 🔑 Password from Mi Account;
  • 👆 Fingerprint (if configured);
  • 🔄 Pattern (if enabled in security settings).

☑️ Check before setting up the lock

Done: 0 / 4
⚠️ Attention: If you forget the password for Mi. Account, you can only unlock applications by resetting the phone to factory settings. This will lead to the loss of all data on the device!

The "Application Protection" function has limitations:

  • ❌ Does not work for system utilities (for example, Settings or Phone);
  • ❌ Does not block notifications from applications;
  • ❌ Can be reset after updating MIUI (it is recommended to check the settings after updates).

2. Blocking via "Second Space": for complete isolation

If you need more than just blocking applications, and completely hide their presence on the phone, use the function Second space in MIUI. This creates an isolated user profile with a separate desktop, settings and applications.

How to set up:

  1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Second space.
  2. Create a new space and set a password for it.
  3. Move the applications you need (for example, Telegram or Tinder) to the second space via Settings → Applications → Clone applications.
  4. In the main space, delete the original versions of applications.

Advantages of the method:

  • 🔒 Complete isolation: in the second space you can use the same applications, but with different accounts;
  • 📱 Different wallpapers, widgets and settings for each space;
  • 🔄 Quick switching through the notification curtain.
Function Application protection Second space
Requires password ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Hide applications ❌ No ✅ Yes
Works for system applications ❌ No ✅ Yes (for example, Gallery)
Supports biometrics ✅ Yes ❌ No (password only)
⚠️ Attention: The second space takes up additional memory (up to 2-3 GB) and can slow down the phone on weaker models Redmi (for example Redmi 9A or Redmi 8). Before setting, check the free space in Settings → Storage.
📊 Which method do you use blocking?
Built-in MIUI protection
Second space
Application side
I do not block applications

3. Third-party applications for blocking: top 3 solutions

If standard functions MIUI are not enough, install specialized utilities from Google Play. They offer advanced features: time blocking, disguise as a calculator, protection from screenshots, and even recording login attempts.

The best applications for Redmi:

  1. AppLock (by DoMobile Lab)

    2. Popular solution with support fingerprint, Face ID i passwordAllows you to block:

    • 📱 Individual applications;
    • 🔧 System settings;
    • 📷 Taking screenshots;
    • 🔄 Installing/uninstalling apps.

Minus: the free version shows ads.

  • Norton App Lock

    • From a well-known antivirus brand. In addition to blocking, it scans applications for viruses. Supports:

    • 🔐 Automatic blocking by timer;
    • 📊 Login attempts;
    • 🔄 Settings backup.
    • Smart AppLock

      • Minimalistic application with the function "Invisible mode" —the blocker icon is hidden from the menu. Suitable for models Redmi with a small amount of RAM.

      How to install and configure:

      1. Download the application from Google Play (for example, AppLock).
      2. Run the utility and set a master password.
      3. Select applications to block in the section "Blocked".
      4. Activate additional options (for example, "Hide notifications" or "Wi-Fi blocking").
      What to do if a blocked application does not open?

      If, after installing AppLock, the application stops launching even after entering the password, try:

      1. Restart the phone.

      2. Delete the locker cache in Settings → Applications → AppLock → Storage.

      3. Reset AppLock settings through the recovery menu (if provided).

      ⚠️ Attention: Some third-party blockers (for example, AppLock) may conflict with the function "Battery optimization" to MIUI. To avoid spontaneous disabling of protection, add the blocker to. exceptions: Settings → Battery → Battery optimization → All applications → Find AppLock → Select "Unlimited".

      4. Blocking a folder using a password: alternative method

      If you need to block access not to one application, but to a group (for example, all instant messengers or games), use password-protected folders on the desktop This method works without installing additional apps and is suitable for models Redmi s MIUI 12 i. newer.

      Instructions:

      1. Create a folder on the main screen and move the necessary applications into it.
      2. Click on the folder and select "Folder settings".
      3. Activate the option "Password protection" and install combination.
      4. Save changes.

    Features of the method:

    • ✅ Works for any applications, including system ones;
    • ✅ Does not require rights administrator;
    • ❌ The password is requested only the first time you open the folder after a reboot;
    • ❌ Does not hide notifications from applications inside the folder.

      • To enhance protection, combine this method with the built-in function "Protection applications":

      1. Place applications in a password-protected folder;
      2. Add them to the block list via Settings → Application protection.
      💡

      If you often hand over the phone to children, create a separate folder with games and block it password. This way, the child will not be able to accidentally open banking applications or social networks.

      5. Blocking through Google Play settings: for parental controls

      If the purpose of blocking is limit access for children to certain applications, use the built-in tools Google Play. This method allows you to:

      • 🔞 Block installation of applications by age rating;
      • 📵 Limit purchases in games;
      • 🕒 Set usage limits.

      How to set up:

      1. Open Google Play and go to Settings → Family → Parental controls.
      2. Enable control and set a PIN code.
      3. Select an application category (for example, "For adults" or "Games 18+") and set restrictions.
      4. Save settings.

      Method limitations:

      • ❌ Does not block already installed applications;
      • ❌ Does not work for system utilities;
      • ❌ Children can bypass restrictions through APK files (if installation from unknown ones is not blocked sources).

      For complete protection, combine this method with:

      • 🔒 Built-in blocking MIUI;
      • 📱 Mode "For children" in Redmi (available on models with MIUI 13+);
      • 🔧 Disabling APK installation in Settings → Security → Unknown sources.

      6. MIUI hidden functions for blocking: what you didn’t know

      There are little-known tools that enhance data protection. They are often overlooked, but they can be more useful than standard methods. MIUI There are little-known tools that enhance data security. They are often overlooked, but can be more useful than standard methods.

      1. Blocking through "Private Mode"

      Function "Private mode" (available on Redmi Note 11/12/13) allows you to hide files and applications with a password. To activate:

      1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Private mode.
      2. Set a password and add applications to the list.
      3. Enable the mode in the notification shade.

      Now blocked applications will be hidden from the menu and search.

      2. Blocking through "Guest Mode"

      If you need to temporarily transfer the phone, but leave personal data safe, use Guest mode:

      1. Expand the notification shade and click on the user icon.
      2. Select "Add guest".
      3. Set up restrictions for the guest profile.

      In this mode, only basic functions (calls, camera) will be available, and personal data will remain hidden.

      3. Blocking through "Privacy Protection"

      On models with MIUI 14+ appeared option "Privacy protection" in the security settings. It allows you to:

      • 🔐 Block access to Call log and Messages;
      • 📷 Prohibit screenshots in selected applications;
      • 🔍 Hide notifications on the lock screen.
      💡

      Hidden MIUI functions (for example, Private Mode) often work more stable than third-party applications and do not consume additional battery.

      7. What to do if the lock does not work: problem solving

      Sometimes application protection may fail. Let's look at typical problems and their solutions:

      Problem Cause Solution
      The lock is reset after reboot Conflict with battery optimization Add the blocker to battery exceptions
      Does not ask for a password Cache error Clear the cache in Settings → Applications → Application protection → Storage
      The "Application protection" option is not visible Outdated MIUI version Update the system in Settings → About phone → MIUI update
      Biometrics does not work Fingerprint not added to the system Add fingerprint in Settings → Passwords and security → Fingerprint

      If none of the methods helped, try:

      1. Reset security settings: Settings → Passwords and security → Reset settings security.
      2. Reinstall the blocker: Uninstall and reinstall the blocking application.
      3. Check conflicts: Some launchers (for example Nova Launcher) may interfere with the work of blockers.
      ⚠️ Attention: On some models Redmi (for example, Redmi 9T or Redmi A1) the "Application Protection" function may not be available due to manufacturer restrictions for budget devices. In this case, use third-party utilities or the method with password-protected folders.

      FAQ: Frequently asked questions about blocking applications on Redmi

      Is it possible to block system applications (for example, Gallery or Phone)?

      Standard function "Application protection" v MIUI does not work for system utilities. However, you can:

      • Use Second space;
      • Install a third-party blocker (for example, AppLock);
      • Hide the application in Private mode (if available).
      How to reset the blocker password if you forgot?

      Methods depend on the blocking method:

      • Built-in MIUI protection: Recover your password via Mi Account on the website Xiaomi;
      • AppLock: Use the recovery question or send a request by email;
      • Second space: Delete space via Settings → Accessibility (data will be lost).

      If all else fails, you will have to reset the phone to factory settings (Settings → About phone → Reset settings).

      Will the lock work after updating MIUI?

      Usually the lock settings are saved, but:

      • After major updates (for example, from MIUI 13 to MIUI 14) you may need to re-configure;
      • Side blockers are sometimes reset - check their operation after updates;
      • It is recommended to make a backup copy of the settings in the blocker itself (if the function is supported).
      Is it possible to block access to notifications from applications?

      Yes, for this:

      1. Open Settings → Notifications → Notification settings;
      2. Select the application and disable the option "Show on lock screen";
      3. To completely block notifications, use AppLock (function "Block notifications").
      How to block access to the phone by time (for example, at night)?

      Use the function "Time of use":

      1. Go to Settings → Time use;
      2. Set up "Time limit" for selected applications;
      3. Set a password to change settings.

      Suitable for flexible schedules Digital Wellbeing from Google or StayFree from Google Play.