Protecting personal data and controlling access to applications on smartphones Xiaomi Redmi is a pressing task for most users. Be it instant messengers with confidential correspondence, banking applications or games from which you need to protect children, blocking access solves many problems. In this article, we will analyze all available methods: from built-in functions MIUI to third-party solutions, including password, fingerprint and even hiding applications from the menu.

A feature of the firmware MIUI (versions 14, 15 and later) is the presence of its own tool "Application protection", which integrated into the security system. However, not all users know that in addition to it there are alternative methods: through Google Settings, special launchers or utilities like AppLock. We tested each method on models and other popular devices of the brand - the results are below. firmware. For example, in the global version Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi 10/11 and other popular devices of the brand - the results are below.

It is important to note that some features may vary depending on the version MIUI and regional firmware. For example, in the global version MIUI 15 the security menu has changed compared to MIUI 12. If your interface looks different, check the relevance of the instructions in the section About phone → MIUI version.

📊 Why do you block applications on Xiaomi?
To hide personal data
Protect children from games/social networks
Protect banking applications
Limit use time
Other

1. Built-in locking via “Application Protection” (MIUI)

The most reliable and easiest way is to use the standard tool "Application protection"which is included in any firmware MIUI starting from version 8. The function allows you to set a password, pattern or fingerprint to access selected apps. It works even after rebooting the phone and does not require installation of additional software.

To activate protection:

  1. Open Settings → Passwords and security.
  2. Select item Protection of applications (in some versions - Blocking applications).
  3. Click Enable and set the unlock method (we recommend fingerprint + PIN code for reliability).
  4. In the list of applications, mark those that you want to block (for example, WhatsApp, SberBank Online or Gallery).

After setup, when you try to open a locked application, the system will require you to enter a password or scan your fingerprint. Please note: if you use pattern key, you can see it by following the traces on the screen - it is better to combine it with other methods.

Make sure that the fingerprint is added to the screen. system

Remember the PIN code or pattern key

Check that the application does not have admin rights (for example, antiviruses)

Synchronize the data (in case messengers are blocked)-->

⚠️ Attention: If you forget your password "Application protection", you can reset it only through a complete reset of the phone (Wipe Data in Recovery Mode). Data backups will not help - the function is tied to the account Mi Account, but does not synchronize passwords.

2. Blocking through "Digital Well-Being" (Google)

If the built-in function MIUI seems insufficiently flexible, you can use the tool from Google — "Digital Wellbeing"This method is suitable for limiting the time you use applications or completely blocking them for a certain period. For example, you can prohibit access to games after 22:00 or limit social networks to 1 hour a day.

How to set up:

  1. Go to Settings → Digital Wellbeing and Parental control.
  2. Select Control panel and click on the hourglass icon next to the desired application.
  3. Set a time limit or activate the option Suspend the application (complete blocking).
  4. To protect against bypass, set supervisor password in the profile settings.

The advantage of this method is flexibility: you can set up a blocking schedule by day of the week or issue “bonus” time according to request. However, there is a minus: The application is not blocked with a password, but is only temporarily suspended.. An experienced user can bypass the restriction through settings or rebooting the phone.

Blocking method Protection level Is a password required Works after reboot
Application protection (MIUI) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Yes Yes
Digital well-being (Google) ⭐⭐⭐ Only for supervisor No
Third-party utilities (AppLock) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Yes Yes
Hide via “Second Space” ⭐⭐⭐ No Yes

3. Third-party locking applications (AppLock, Norton)

If standard tools MIUI are not enough, specialized utilities come to the rescue from Google Play. The most popular:

  • 🔒 AppLock (from DoMobile Lab) - supports password, fingerprint, face locking, as well as hiding notifications.
  • 🛡️ Norton App Lock - integrated with antivirus, has a “panic button” function for emergency blocking.
  • 👁️ Smart AppLock — allows you to block phone settings, incoming calls and even mobile data.

Before installing third-party software, check:

  • 📌 Compatibility with your version Android (on Redmi s MIUI 15 there may be restrictions).
  • 🔍 User reviews - some utilities show annoying advertisements.
  • 🔑 Availability of an access recovery function (for example, via email).

Setting example AppLock:

  1. Download and install the application from Google Play.
  2. When you first start, set a master password (save it in the password manager!).
  3. In the main menu, select applications to block (you can even add system ones, for example Settings or Contact).
  4. Activate the option Hide notificationsso that the contents of instant messengers are not displayed on the lock screen.
⚠️ Attention: Some antiviruses (for example, Avast) conflict with third-party blockers If after. installation AppLock the phone started to slow down - add the utility to the antivirus exceptions or disable real-time scanning.
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If the blocker suddenly stopped working, check whether you have disabled permission for it Overlaying on top of other applications in the Android settings Without this right. the utility will not be able to intercept the launch of blocked apps.

4. Hiding applications through the “Second Space” (MIUI)

Function "Second space" in MIUI allows you to create a separate worker profile with your own applications, settings and data. This is not a lock in the usual sense, but an effective way to hide apps from prying eyes. For example, you can move instant messengers or games to a second space and protect it with a password.

How to set it up:

  1. Open Settings → Accessibility → Second space.
  2. Click Create space and follow the instructions (you will need to set a password).
  3. Once created, go to the new space through the notification panel (icon 👤).
  4. Install or transfer the required applications (they will only be available in this profile).

Advantages of the method:

  • 🔐 Complete data isolation - applications from the main space do not see files in the second.
  • 📱 Ability to use two accounts in one application (for example, two WhatsApp).
  • 🔄 Quick switching between spaces via the notification curtain.

Disadvantages:

  • 📵 Applications are not locked with a password when opened - only changing the space is protected.
  • 📦 Takes up additional space on the device (system files are cloned).
What happens if you delete the second space?

When deleting the second space, all applications installed in it and their data will be permanently erased. However, files (photos, documents) saved in the general memory of the phone will remain intact. We recommend that you transfer important data to the main space or cloud before deleting.

5. Blocking through parental controls (for children)

If the goal is - restrict your child’s access to certain applications, optimally use parental control. IN MIUI this function is integrated with Mi Account and allows you to remotely control the device via the web panel. For example, you can block games or the browser while studying. YouTube, games or browser while studying.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. On your child’s phone, open Settings → Mi Account → Family.
  2. Create a child profile and link it to yours account Mi.
  3. On your device, go to the website i.mi.com (section Family) and select the child’s profile.
  4. In the menu Application management set time limits or completely block unnecessary apps.

Additional features:

  • 🕒 Setting the time for using the device (for example, only from 17:00 to 20:00).
  • 📍 Location tracking phone.
  • 📵 Blocking the installation of new applications without your confirmation.
⚠️ Attention: Parental control via Mi Account requires a constant connection to the Internet on the child’s device. If the phone is offline, restrictions will not be applied. Also, the child can bypass the blocking by deleting the account. Mi (if a password is not set for the settings).

6. Alternative methods: launchers and hiding icons

If you do not need a hard lock, but just hide the application from strangers, you can use one of these methods:

Hide icons through the launcher:

  • 📱 Install an alternative launcher (for example, Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher).
  • 🔍 In the launcher settings, find the option Hide applications and select the ones you need hide.
  • 🔒 To access hidden apps, use device search or gesture (for example, swipe down on the desktop).

Renaming and masking:

  • 📝 Rename the application with a discreet name (for example, Calculator instead of Tinder).
  • 🎨 Set a neutral icon through the launcher (many support changing icons).
  • 📂 Move the shortcut to a folder with a neutral name (for example, Utilities).

Disable via ADB (for advanced):

If you are ready to work with the command line, you can disable the application for all users (except the superuser) via ADB:

adb shell pm hide com.example.app

To return the application, use:

adb shell pm unhide com.example.app

This method requires the mode to be enabled USB debugging and knowledge of the package name (com.example.app).

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Launchers and hiding icons do not provide real protection - an experienced user can easily find a hidden application through settings or a file manager. Use these methods only for disguise, and not for serious blocking.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

When blocking applications on Xiaomi Redmi users encounter typical errors:

Problem 1: After updating MIUI The “Application Protection” function has disappeared.

Solution: In new firmware versions, the option may move to Settings → Privacy → Application protection. If it is not there, check the firmware region (in the global version MIUI the function is always available, and may not be available in Chinese).

Problem 2: A third-party blocker (for example, AppLock) does not work after a reboot.

Solution: Add the utility to startup (Settings → Autostart) and allow it to run in the background (Settings → Battery → Battery optimization).

Problem 3: Forgot the password for “Application Protection.”

Solution: The only way is to reset the phone to factory settings via Recovery Mode (combination Power + Volume Up). The data on the phone will be erased, so first make a backup via Settings → About phone → Backup.

Problem 4: Child bypasses parental controls through airplane mode.

Solution: Set a password to enable/disable Airplane mode in the security settings You can also block access to notification panels through AppLock.

Is it possible to block system applications (for example, Settings or Calls)?

Yes, but with reservations. Through the built-in one. "Application protection" V MIUI you can block even system utilities, except Security settings i Emergency call. Third-party blockers (for example, AppLock) allow you to protect even Notification panel or Developer mode.

However, blocking critical system applications (for example, Phone or Messages) may lead to failures - the phone will not be able to receive calls. Before setting up, check the functionality.

Will the lock work if you remove the SIM card or turn off the Internet?

Built-in "Application protection" and third-party utilities like AppLock work offline - they do not depend on the SIM card or network connection. However parental control via Mi Account Requires internet to synchronize restrictions. If the phone is offline, the child will be able to bypass the blocking.

Also keep in mind that some functions (for example, geolocation in parental controls) will be disconnected without a network.

How to block access to an application only at a certain time?

Suitable for this:

  1. Digital well-being (setting up limits on schedule).
  2. Third-party utilities like StayFocusd or BlockSitethat allow you to set time blocking windows.
  3. Parental control in Mi Account (if you need to limit the child).

For example, in AppLock there is a function Schedulewhere you can specify the days of the week and hours when the application will blocked.

Is it possible to block an application so that it does not appear in the “Recently Open” menu?

Yes, but not in all ways. "Application protection" in MIUI not. hides applications from the recent list - they will be visible, but when you try to open they will require a password.

To completely hide the trace of use:

  • Use "Second Space" - applications from it are not displayed in the main profile.
  • Install a third-party blocker with the option Hide from recent (for example, Smart AppLock).
  • Disable the display of recent applications in the launcher settings (if used Nova or analogues).
How to unlock an application if you blocked it yourself and forgot the password?

Methods depend on the blocking method:

  • Built-in “Protection” applications": Full phone reset only (Hard Reset).
  • Third-party utilities (AppLock): Use the recovery function via email (if configured).
  • Parental control (Mi Account): Reset the supervisor password via the web panel i.mi.com.
  • Digital well-being: Remove the supervisor password in the profile settings.

If none of the methods help, contact support Xiaomi with proof of device ownership (by check or linked Mi Account).