A modern smartphone, Xiaomi or Redmi, is a powerful computer in a child’s pocket that opens up access to endless knowledge, but also carries the risk of encountering unwanted content. Parents often face the dilemma of how to ensure the safety of a child online without turning a gadget into a useless piece of plastic. Owners of devices based on the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS have several effective tools in their arsenal to solve this problem, ranging from built-in system functions to third-party applications.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods of restricting access so that you can choose the most suitable one for your situation. It is important to understand that there is no single magic button, and a comprehensive approach will give the best result. Digital well-being is not just about limiting time, but creating healthy habits of using technology.
The first step is always to assess the current situation: what exactly is the child using and what risks are most relevant. For some, blocking paid purchases is critical, and for others, controlling location. Below we will look at the main tools that are already in your Xiaomi.
Using the built-in application Digital Well-being
Starting with certain versions of the MIUI shell, Google’s native solution called Digital Well-Being and Parental Control is built into smartphones, a basic tool that doesn’t require additional software and works at the system level. To activate it, you need to go to Settings → Digital Well-Being and Parental Control.
Here you can set time limits for specific apps or games, for example, if a child plays PUBG Mobile or watches YouTube for more than two hours a day, the phone will simply block access to those programs after the limit has expired, which helps prevent digital addiction and gives time to rest.
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Use the Sleep Mode feature in the same menu to automatically lock the screen and notifications at night, ensuring your child sleeps healthy without distractions.
But the standard solution has its limitations: It only works on a child's device, and requires that settings not be reset or changed by the user himself if he knows the screen unlock password, and the effectiveness of this method depends on how well the main account is protected.
To fine-tune it, you can use Focusing, which allows you to temporarily turn off all distracting apps, leaving only educational programs or communication tools available, which is ideal for homework time.
Google Family Link for Remote Management
The most powerful and flexible tool for the Android ecosystem is the Google Family Link app. To work properly, you’ll need to create a separate Google account for your child (if you don’t already have one) and link it to your parent account.
Once you install the app on both devices and pair accounts, you have full control over what's happening on your child's phone, and you can see in real time which apps are used most often, and lock the device with a single touch if it's time for lunch or sleep.
- 📱 App management: You can allow or block the installation of new games and programs from Google Play. Any download attempt will require your confirmation.
- ⏰ Time limits: Set a daily limit on device usage (e.g. 2 hours a day) and a “switch off” time after which the phone is locked completely.
- 📍 Geolocation: Tracking the location of the device in real time and receiving notifications when the child arrives at school or leaves from there.
☑️ Preparation for Family Link installation
Importantly, Family Link is deeply integrated into the system, and it will be extremely difficult for a child to get around its restrictions without resetting to the factory settings, which you will immediately receive a notification about, which creates a reliable barrier for young hackers.
⚠️ Attention: For the correct operation of remote control on the child's phone must be constantly turned on the Internet and activated geolocation.
Restricting access through MIUI security settings
Xiaomi’s MIUI and HyperOS shell is famous for its advanced security tools that often go underrated.The built-in Security app (lightning and shield icon) contains an “App Lock” feature that allows you to set a password to run any selected programs.
This method is suitable for situations where you simply need to hide access to a gallery, messages or social networks, without limiting the total time of use of the phone. You can activate the function by going along the path Security → Blocking applications and setting a unique pattern lock or password.
In addition, there is a "Second Space" feature in the privacy settings, which creates an isolated environment on the phone that looks like a new profile, so you can set up a full-access primary profile, and in the "Second Space" you can leave only the allowed apps and give that profile to the child.
| Function | Where to find out. | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| Application lockdown | Security → Blocking | Average (a knowledgeable child may be reset) |
| Second space | Settings → Second Space | High (complete data isolation) |
| Guest mode | Settings → Passwords and security | Low (temporary solution) |
Using Second Space is a unique feature of Xiaomi that allows you to turn one phone into two independent devices, switching between them through a special password or fingerprint, which makes the method very convenient for parents.
How to hide the icon of the Second Space?
Blocking Unwanted Content in the Browser
Even with set time limits, a child may encounter inappropriate content while searching for information.The standard Mi Browser and Google Chrome browser have built-in filters, but they are often not enough. DNS-services or extensions.
The easiest way is to prescribe secure DNS in your connection settings. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Private DNS. In the input field, you need to specify the address of the service that filters adult content, for example, family.adguard-dns.com.
Once these settings are applied, an attempt to navigate to a site with banned content will be blocked at the network level, which works in all browsers and most applications using the standard Android network stack.
- 🛡️ Secure Search: Enable the “Search-free” function in the settings of Google and Yandex browsers to hide explicit thumbnails and links.
- 🚫 Ad Blocking: Use of Ads DNS It also reduces the amount of aggressive advertising that often leads to fraudulent websites.
- 📉 Traffic savings: Blocking trackers and heavy advertising speeds up page loading and saves mobile internet.
Remember, a tech-savvy teenager might try to disable this setting, so it's best to use this method in conjunction with Family Link, so that the child can't change the configuration of the network on his or her own.
Controlling purchases and expenses in the Play Market
One of the most painful topics for parents is random or intentional in-game purchases, which may lead to a child not realizing the value of virtual currency, leading to real financial losses.
In the Google Play Market settings, you must set a mandatory authorization for each purchase. Go to Settings → Authentication and select “For all purchases through Google Play on this device.” Now no transaction will pass without entering your password or fingerprint.
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Be sure to link a virtual zero balance card to your child’s account or set up notifications for any charges to monitor spending in real time.
Family Link also has a Google Play Purchase feature where you can request approval for each transaction, and you will receive a notification on your phone with the amount and name of the product, and only after your consent, the money will be debited.
Remember to check your order history periodically at Play Market.Sometimes kids find ways to get around restrictions using gift cards or carrier balances, so monitoring your transaction history remains an important part of security.
Third-party applications for enhanced control
If Xiaomi’s built-in tools and Google’s tools aren’t enough, specialized third-party solutions come to the rescue, often offering more detailed statistics and features like listening to the environment or hidden installation.
Popular options include Kaspersky Safe Kids, Norton Family or Qustodio, which provide in-depth behavior analysis, category filtering, and even battery monitoring of a child’s device.
⚠️ Warning: Installing hidden spyware without a child’s knowledge can violate a child’s personal boundaries and privacy laws. Open discussion of phone use is often more effective than covert surveillance.
When choosing third-party software, pay attention to the number of permissions it requests. Some apps require access to a microphone and camera, which may be excessive for basic parental control. Always download programs only from official sources such as Google Play or GetApps.
Many of these services are subscription-based, providing advanced functionality. Be sure to use a trial period before buying to make sure the interface is user-friendly and the features work correctly on your version of MIUI.