Xiaomi’s modern smartphones have powerful processors and bright displays, making them ideal multimedia centers for children. However, uncontrolled access to the Internet and games can lead to unpredictable consequences, such as random purchases or contact with unwanted content. Parents need to take control of the device in their own hands using built-in tools of the Android operating system and the shells of MIUI or HyperOS.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to activate child mode, set time limits and block unwanted applications. You will learn about the intricacies of the Second Space function and specialized launchers that turn a phone into a secure gaming console.
Built-in Screen Time Limits in Android
The first step to security is to use native operating system features. Google has built a powerful parental control tool into Android that doesn't require third-party software installation. To access it, you need to go to Settings → Digital Well-being and Parental Controls, where you can create a separate profile for your child or set restrictions for your current user.
Family Link allows you to remotely control your child's device from a parent's phone, and once you install the app and link your accounts, you can lock your phone at any time, track your location, and prevent new software from being installed, especially for teenagers who may be trying to get around simple restrictions.
It is important to note that for all functions to work correctly, both devices must be connected to the Internet.Settings are synchronized in the background, so the child may not immediately notice the changes if you add a new ban.
- 📱 The ability to remotely lock the screen at any time.
- ⏳ Setting limits on the use of specific apps (e.g. 1 hour of YouTube per day).
- 🌐 Filtering content in Chrome browser and Google search.
- 📍 Tracking the geolocation of the device in real time.
⚠️ Warning: Your child may try to delete the Family Link app or reset settings. To prevent this, set a password to change settings or use the mode PIN-code that is requested when attempting to uninstall system control components.
Google’s built-in tools are a basic layer of protection, but more subtle adjustments, such as completely hiding the system interface, will require additional solutions, which will be discussed below.
Using Second Space on Xiaomi
The MIUI and HyperOS shells offer a unique feature called Second Space, which is not just a child mode, but the creation of a full-fledged second operating system inside your smartphone, and the data, applications and settings in this space are completely isolated from the owner's primary profile.
To activate this feature, go to Settings → Second Space and follow the setting wizard instructions. You can set a separate password or fingerprint to log in. For example, unlocking your right thumb opens your personal profile, and your left thumb opens up your child profile.
In the space, you can install only games and multimedia apps that you deem safe, and the main profile with banking apps, personal emails and photos will be completely hidden from the eyes of the child, ensuring that your data is kept confidential even when children are actively using the phone.
Settings → Passwords and security → Second space → Create a second spaceSwitching between profiles is instantaneous and doesn't require rebooting the device, so you can check at any time what the child is doing just by unlocking the phone with his fingerprint or password, which gives you complete control of the situation without having to pick up the gadget.
☑️ Configuring the Second Space
Third-party launchers for full interface lock
If standard tools are not enough, specialized launchers like Kids Place or ShaKiri come to the rescue, and these apps completely replace the smartphone desktop, leaving access to only selected programs. PIN-code.
Once installed, the launcher must be given extended access rights through the Special Features menu, which will allow the app to block the Home and Back buttons, and prevent games from being folded into the background.
Some launchers offer a whitelist feature, allowing the child to call only parents, and it is also common to limit the time of use, after which the screen is locked and shows a countdown timer until the next session.
| Function | Kids Place | Parental Control (Google) | Second Space (MIUI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blocking the navigation buttons | Yes. | No. | Partially. |
| Remote management | Paid. | Yes (free) | No. |
| Data isolation | No (launcher only) | No. | Yes (full) |
| Impact on the battery | Average. | Low. | Minimum |
Using third-party launchers is a trade-off between convenience and security, and they are great for short-term handing over a phone to a child on the road or in line to ensure that it doesn't delete important texts or change network settings.
What to do if the child forgets the code from the launcher?
Set up secure search and YouTube Kids
Even with a blocked interface, unwanted information may be found inside the permitted applications, YouTube video service requires the installation of YouTube Kids, which has its own database of filtered content.
In a standard Chrome or Mi Browser browser, you need to activate SafeSearch, which will hide results with explicit or violent content from the SERPs. → Search → Safe Search Filter.
It is also recommended to disable the ability to make in-app purchases (In-App Purchases). To do this, go to Settings → Authentication and select “Require for all purchases.” Without your password or biometrics, a child will not be able to buy additional lives in the game or subscription.
- 🔞 Setting age limits on Google Play (all ages only).
- 🚫 Disabling Autoload Videos on Mobile Networks to Save Traffic.
- 👁️ Activation of browsing history for subsequent analysis of the child’s interests.
- 🔒 Blocking access to Wi-Fi settings so that your child doesn’t turn off internet filters.
Checking your browser history and views on YouTube regularly will help you understand what your child is interested in and adjust your filtering settings if necessary.
⚠️ Attention: Incognito mode in browsers allows you to bypass your browsing history. Family Link parental controls can completely disable incognito mode, which is a critical step for security.
Limiting Advertising and Accidental Clicks
One of the biggest problems with free children’s games is aggressive advertising, and casual clicking can lead to a malware site or subscription to paid services, and MIUI and HyperOS have built-in ad blocker features, but they are not always effective inside third-party apps.
A more reliable way to use DNS-By changing the settings. DNS At the Wi-Fi or mobile level, you can cut off the ad servers at the connection level. → Connection and sharing → Private DNS.
dns.adguard.comEntering this address in the private DNS settings field will block most banner ads and trackers in all apps, including games, not only keeping parents nervous, but also saving traffic and battery life.
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Use it. DNS-Family filtered addresses, such as 1.1.1.3 (Cloudflare), which block not only ads, but also access to adult websites and malware at the network level.
It’s worth remembering that some games may stop working or show a message about no connection if they are completely dependent on advertising integration, in which case you have to look for alternative applications or purchase paid versions without advertising.
Frequent questions and troubleshooting
Parents often face technical nuances in the setup process, and the following are answers to the most popular questions that will help solve problems without going to the service center.
Can I set up a child mode on older versions of MIUI?
What if your child has bypassed the lock by restarting the phone?
Does the child’s regime affect the alarm clock?
How to remove the child mode if the password is forgotten?
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An integrated approach combining the Second Space, DNS-Filtering and Family Link, provides maximum protection and control, making the Xiaomi smartphone a safe tool for child development.
Xiaomi’s smart smartphone setup makes it a useful educational tool from a source of potential risks. Don’t neglect to regularly update the rules and discuss digital hygiene with children, as technology is only part of the safety equation.