How to activate Family Link Manager on Xiaomi Redmi: the complete guide

Controlling the use of a smartphone by a child is one of the key tasks for modern parents. Xiaomi Redmi, like other Android devices, supports Google’s official solution, the Family Link app, which allows you to limit screen time, block unwanted apps and track location. However, many users face difficulties in setting up it: the application does not install, the synchronization breaks, then the restrictions do not apply. In this article, we will analyze the unique nuances of Family Link activation on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones, including shell models. MIUI and global/Chinese firmware.

It is important to understand that the process differs from a standard Android device due to the features of the firmware. MIUI. For example, some versions of Redmi Note 10 or Redmi 9 may require presetting your Mi Account, and Chinese firmware may require additional manipulation of regional settings. From the base installation to solving common errors such as “Device not supported” or “Can’t connect to Google servers".

Family Link is a service from Google that allows parents to:

  • 🕒 Set time limits for device use (including "sleep time").
  • 🔒 Block access to games and apps by age rating.
  • 📍 Tracking the location of the child (with his consent).
  • 🛒 Control purchases on Google Play.
  • 📊 View activity reports (which apps were used and how long).

On Xiaomi Redmi, this functionality is especially relevant, since the brand is popular among young people, and the shell is very popular. MIUI It contains many pre-installed games and services (such as Mi Video or GetApps) that can distract from learning, but the caveat is that Family Link only works on devices with Google services. GMS) or on models for the Chinese market (e.g. Redmi) K50 In the version for China, you will first have to install Google Play Services manually.

Family Link does not replace the built-in parental control features in the MIUI. Xiaomi has a separate section called “Parental Control” (Settings) → Special facilities → Parental controls, but they're less flexible and they don't sync with other devices, so you'd better use both tools to get the controls right.

📊 What Xiaomi Redmi model is your child using?
Redmi Note 12
Redmi 10/10A
Redmi 9/9C
Redmi A1/A2
Another model

Before setting up, make sure that the following conditions are met:

RequirementDetails.How to check
Android versionAndroid 7.0 (Nougat) or newerSettings → About the phone → Android version
Google servicesGoogle Play Services and Google Play Store installedTry to open the Play Store. If it gives you an error, you need to install it. GMS.
Google accountYou should add a Google account (not a Mi Account!) to your child’s device.Settings → Accounts → Add an account → Google
Age of the childUp to 13 years old (or other age requirement in your country)When you create a Google account for your child, the system will ask for a date of birth.

Pay special attention to the firmware of the device. on Xiaomi Redmi with global firmware (Global) ROM) There are no problems, but in Chinese versions (China). ROM) may be required:

  • 🔧 Install Google Installer (for example, via APKMirror).
  • 🌍 Replacement of a region with a supported one (for example, India or Singapore).
  • 🔄 Reflashing to the global version MIUI (Risky, may cancel the guarantee!).

⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi Redmi has custom firmware installed (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), Family Link may not work smoothly, in which case it is recommended to use alternative parental control apps such as Kids Place or Norton Family.

The process involves two steps: setting up on the parent's device and on the child's device, starting with the parent's smartphone (it can be any brand, not necessarily Xiaomi).

  1. Download Family Link for Parents from Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.kids.familylink
  2. Open the app and log in to your Google account (it should be basic, not working!).
  3. Click "Add Child or Charity" and follow the instructions, and the system will prompt you to create a Google account for your child or link an existing one.

Step 2: Set up Xiaomi Redmi (children's device)

Two scenarios are possible here:

Delete all Mi Accounts (if any)|Install Google Play Services (if not available)|Add a Google account for your child|Deactivate "Optimization" MIUI" Family Link (in battery settings)-->

  1. If the device is new or after reset: When you first turn on, select "Setting up as a new device." When you add an account, select "Google" and create an account for your child (specify your real age: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.kids.familylinkchild

If the device is already in use:

  • Delete all Mi Accounts in Settings → Accounts (they may conflict with Google).
  • Add a Google account for your child (if you don’t have one).
  • Set up a Family Link for children and log in to your child’s account.
  • On the parent device in the Family Link app, select “Affiliate an existing account” and follow the instructions.

Once tied to Xiaomi Redmi, a notification will appear that the device is controlled via Family Link.

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If at the binding stage there is an error "Device is not supported", try temporarily disabling. VPN or change the region in your Google account to a supported one (e.g., the United States).

After successfully linking the Xiaomi Redmi device to the parent’s account, you can configure the following settings:

1. Time limits for use

Go to the Family Link app on your phone and select your child's profile.

  • 🕘 Daily limit – for example, 2 hours on weekdays and 3 hours on weekends.
  • 🌙 Sleep time – locking the device overnight (e.g. 22:00 to 7:00).
  • ⏳ App timer – time limit for individual games (e.g. 30 minutes per day for Brawl Stars).

2. Block applications and content

Under the "Application Management" section, you can:

  • 🚫 Block the installation of new applications without permission.
  • 🔞 Restrict access to content by age rating (e.g. 18 movies)+).
  • 📱 Hide specific apps (such as TikTok or YouTube).

Xiaomi Redmi has a caveat: some system applications (such as Mi Video or Music) may not be blocked through Family Link. → Annexes → Application management → [name] → Shut down.

3. Purchase and location control

In the settings of the child's account you can:

  • 💳 Stop buying on Google Play without confirmation.
  • 📍 Enable location tracking (requires permission on the child’s device).
  • 🔔 Set up notifications about attempts to download blocked applications.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) A1 or Redmi 9A) Family Link location tracking function is unstable due to weak GPS-In this case, it is better to use specialized applications, such as: Life360.

Common Mistakes and Solutions on Xiaomi Redmi

When setting up Family Link on Xiaomi Redmi, users often face the following problems:

Mistake.Reason.Decision
"Device not supported"Chinese firmware without GMS region is not supported.Install Google Play Services manually or change your Google account region.
“I couldn’t connect to Google’s servers.”Blocking traffic MIUI or Internet problems.Turn off "Traffic Optimization" in Settings → The Internet and the Internet → Data Saver.
Restrictions do not applyFamily Link added to "sleep mode" MIUI.Add the app to battery exceptions: Settings → Battery → Choice of applications → Family Link → No restrictions.
"The account is not a family account."The age of the child in the Google account is listed as 13.+.Create a new account with the correct date of birth or contact Google for support.

If none of the solutions worked, try:

  • 🔄 Reboot both devices (parent and child).
  • 📱 Remove and reinstall Family Link on Xiaomi Redmi.
  • 🔧 Reset network settings on your child's device: Settings → The Internet and the Internet → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth.
What to do if your child resets the phone?
If your child has reset on Xiaomi Redmi, all Family Link restrictions will be removed. To regain control: 1. Re-add your child's Google account to the device. 2. In the Family Link app on your phone, select "Reset" for that device. 3. If your child has changed his or her date of birth on Google, contact Google to restore your family account (document confirmation will be required).

If Family Link is not suitable (for example, due to Chinese firmware or other restrictions), consider alternative solutions:

  • 🛡️ Kids Place -- creates a sandbox with allowed apps, suitable for children under 10 years old.
  • 🔍 Norton Family – Extended Control with Search and Social Media Monitoring.
  • 📱 Qustodio – a cross-platform solution with filtering web content.
  • 🔒 Built-in Parental Control MIUI — limited functionality but does not require Google: → Special facilities → Parental control

The advantage of alternative apps is that they often run on Xiaomi Redmi with any firmware, including Chinese versions, but they may have limitations, such as:

  • Subscription: Norton Family or Qustodio
  • No synchronization with your Google account.
  • Less opportunities for remote management.

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If your goal is only to limit screen time, built-in tools are enough. MIUI (For complete control, it is better to combine Family Link with alternative applications.

If you need to turn off parental control (for example, when the child has reached the age of majority), do the following:

  1. Open Family Link on your device.
  2. Select a child profile → "Managing settings" → "Deletion of account".
  3. Confirm the action. Then the child can use the device without restrictions.

Method 2: Through Xiaomi Redmi settings (for a child)

If there is no access to the parent device:

  1. On Xiaomi Redmi go to Settings → Accounts. → Google.
  2. Select an account managed through Family Link.
  3. Click "Delete account" (you will need to enter a password from the device).
  4. After deleting the account, the restrictions are removed, but all data (contacts, applications) will be deleted!

⚠️ Note: If your child deletes a Google account with Xiaomi Redmi, all purchases from Google Play (including paid apps) will be lost.To avoid this, transfer data to another account before deleting or back up through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Can I use Family Link on Xiaomi Redmi with Chinese firmware?
Yes, but you'll need to pre-install Google Play Services. To do this: Download Google Installer (for example, with APKMirror). GMS You can set up a Google account for your child and set up a Family Link, and note that some Chinese firmware MIUI Family Link may not work well (e.g., not updating location).
Why is there no time limit on Xiaomi Redmi?
This is most often due to the optimization of the battery in the MIUI. Solution: Go to Settings → Battery → Select apps. Find Family Link and select "No Limits." Also add the app to auto-run: Settings → Permits → Autorun. If the problem persists, check if the device is installed. VPN or an ad blocker (such as AdGuard) that may interfere with Google services.
How to limit access to games on Xiaomi Redmi if they are not blocked through Family Link?
Some games (especially those from Mi Game Center) are not recognized by Family Link: 🔧 Use the built-in "Parental Control" MIUI" (Settings → Special facilities). 📱 Install a third-party app, such as AppBlock, to lock on schedule. 🗑️ Remove or disable games through Settings → Applications (device password required).
Can I set up Family Link on Xiaomi Redmi without a Google account?
No, Family Link only works with Google accounts. If you don't want to create an account for a child, use it: 🔒 Built-in “Parental control” MIUI" (Googleless). 🛡️ Apps like Kids Place or Screen Time that don’t require GMS. Note that without Google, you will lose the ability to sync restrictions between devices.
How to transfer control of Family Link to another parent’s phone?
To change your parent device: Open Family Link on your old phone and delete your child's profile ("Delete Account"). On your new phone, install Family Link and log in to the same Google account. Add the child again via "Add Child or ward." All previous settings (limits, locks) will be saved, as they are tied to your account, not your device.