Xiaomi Parental Controls: Where to Search and How to Set Up on All Devices

Controlling the time spent by children on gadgets has become one of the main headaches of modern parents. Xiaomi offers several built-in tools to limit content, apps and screen time – but they are not always easy to find. Depending on the device model (Redmi, POCO, Mi), the version of MIUI (12/13/14) and even the firmware region, the location of settings may differ. This article will help you understand where parental control is hiding in the Xiaomi ecosystem, how to activate it and what alternative solutions should be considered if standard features are not enough.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi integrates two main types of constraints: embedded features. MIUI (The first is available on most smartphones and the Google Family Link (via Google account), but only the first is available on devices without Google services (such as Chinese firmware), and we will discuss both options in detail, as well as “secret” features like restrictions on the use of the Internet. MAC-address on the routers Xiaomi Mi Router – this will help control access to the network even without access to the gadget of the child.

1. Built-in parental controls in MIUI: where to look on a smartphone

Since MIUI 12, Xiaomi has added a built-in parental control system, but its layout has changed in different versions. In the latest updates (2023-2026), the path looks like this:

Open Settings → Digital Well-Being and Parental Controls. If this is not the case, try an alternative route:

• 📱 Settings → Annexes → Parental control (on some firmware)
• 🔍 Use the search in the settings for “parental»
• 🌐 In Chinese firmware (without Google) → (Security Centre → Parental control)

An important nuance: on devices with POCO Launcher or custom shells, the path may be different. If you don’t find a section, check the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. For versions below 12, you will need to install Google Family Link (more on this below).

2. Step-by-step adjustment of parental control in MIUI

When you found the section, the configuration algorithm is as follows:

1. Create. PIN-Parental control code (which will be requested when you change your settings) use a combination your child can't guess (e.g., not your date of birth).
2. Select a child profile. If the device is used by multiple children, create separate profiles for each.
3. Set up the restrictions: ⏰ Time of use: Set limits by day (e.g. 2 hours on weekdays and 3 hours on weekends). 📵 Sleep: Lock the device at night (e.g. 22:00 to 7:00). 🎮 Application Restriction: Select games/social networks that you want to block or time-limit. 🔞 Content Filtering: Enable Lock 18+ websites in the Mi Browser browser.

Critical detail: in MIUI, parental controls only work for standard applications (browser, gallery, games from the Mi App Store), it does not restrict access to third-party messengers like Telegram or WhatsApp – this will require Google Family Link.

Synchronize time on the device|Update MIUI last-minute|Remember. PIN-parental code|Check that your child does not know the password of your Mi Account-->

3. Google Family Link: an alternative for devices with Google services

If the built-in MIUI features aren’t enough (or not on your firmware), use Google Family Link.

• 🕒 Set strict screen time limits (up to minutes).
• 📱 Lock the device remotely (for example, during lessons).
• 🛡️ Filter content in Google Play, YouTube and Chrome.
• 📊 View activity reports (which apps were used and how long).

To set up Family Link:

1. Download the Google Family Link app to your smartphone (parent device).
2. Create a Google account for your child (if not) through Google Families.
3. On your child’s device, log in to their Google account and confirm the link via Family Link.
4. Set up restrictions in the parent app.

⚠️ Note: If a child is over 13 years old, they can untie their account from Family Link at any time via Google settings. MIUI-control + Family Link or specialty apps like Kaspersky Safe Kids.

4.Parental controls on Xiaomi tablets (Pad 5/6)

On the Xiaomi Pad 5, Pad 6 and Pad 6 Pro tablets, parental control is implemented differently than on smartphones, using the “Children Mode” system, which runs as a separate space with limited features.

How to turn on:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Children’s Mode.
2. Set up. PIN-exit-code.
3. Select the apps that will be available to the child (for example, Mi Kids, YouTube Kids, educational programs).
4. Activate the mode - the tablet will reboot to the "children's" interface.

Differences from smartphones:

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On Xiaomi tablets, you can create multiple profiles for children with different settings, such as one for learning (with access to textbooks), and another for entertainment (with games).

5. Control via Xiaomi router: limitation on MAC-address

If a child uses multiple devices (smartphone, tablet, laptop), setting up parental controls on each is tedious. The solution is to limit network access via router. On Xiaomi Mi Router (including the AX3600, AX6000, Mini models), this is done as follows:

1. Connect to the router’s web interface at 192.168.31.1 (or via the Mi Wi-Fi app).
2. Go to the Supplementary → Access control.
3. Add the child's device to the MAC-address (you can find it in the settings of the phone: About the phone) → General information → MAC-Wi-Fi address).
4. Set up the rules: 🕒 Limit the time of access to the Internet (for example, from 18:00 to 20:00 on weekdays). 🚫 Block access to certain sites (social networks, games).

The advantage of the method: works on any device (not even Xiaomi) connected to your Wi-Fi. The disadvantage: the child can bypass the lock via the mobile Internet (if not disabled 4G/5G on his phone).

6. Hidden functions and life hacks

Few people know, but Xiaomi has additional control tools that are not advertised:

• 🔐 Safe Mode lock: if the child learns PIN-Parental control code, restart the device in Safe Mode (hold the power button) → «Restart Safe Mode. In this mode, all third-party apps are disabled and you can reset your settings.
• 📡 Geozone in Mi Band: if the child has a smart watch Mi Band 7/8 or Xiaomi Watch, set up notifications to leave the safe zone (such as school or home) through the Mi Fitness app.
• 🔄 Automatic resetting of settings: in Settings → Recovery and reset can be scheduled for a weekly guest profile reset (useful for family-friendly tablets).

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The most reliable way to control is a combination MIUI-restraint + Google Family Link + This closes most of the loopholes to get around.

7. Frequent problems and solutions

When setting up parental controls, users encounter typical errors:

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI Parental Controls is missing, reset the Digital Well-Being app settings in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Digital well-being → Warehouse → Clear the data. It'll bring back the standard settings.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions