How to set up parental controls on Xiaomi TV: blocking channels, apps and viewing time

Xiaomi TVs (Mi series) TV, Redmi Smart TV, Mi TV A and others offer built-in parental controls, but many users are unaware of their existence. Meanwhile, these features allow not only to block unwanted content, but also to limit viewing time, set passwords for launching apps (including YouTube, Netflix or other apps). IVI), And you can also filter the broadcasts by age rating, and the key is to know where to look for these settings and how to configure them correctly.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for all current Xiaomi models. TV (including Android-based firmware TV Google TV), It also solves typical problems, such as what to do if you forget. PIN-The code or parental controls are reset after the update, and we will take apart unique Xiaomi chips that competitors do not have, such as linking restrictions to specific user profiles or automatically blocking content by keywords.

Why You Need Parental Controls on Xiaomi TV?

Modern smart TVs are not just screens for watching programs, but full-fledged multimedia centers with access to the Internet, streaming services and games.

  • ๐Ÿ“บ Spotting on 18 content+ YouTube or TikTok (even in the guidelines!).
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Spend hours playing games instead of studying or sleeping (especially for Google Play Games models).
  • ๐Ÿ’ณ Accidentally pay for in-app purchases (e.g., subscriptions to channels or movies).
  • ๐Ÿ” Find dangerous "life hacks" or challenges in social networks through the TV browser.

According to a Kaspersky study (2023), 68 percent of children aged 6-12 regularly watch content on large screens without adult supervision, while 42 percent of parents donโ€™t even try to adjust the restrictions, considering it too difficult. TV Take 5-10 minutes to create a safe environment and weโ€™ll show you how to do it.

๐Ÿ“Š Youโ€™ve tried setting up parental controls on your TV?
Yeah, but it didn't work out.
Yeah, it's working.
No, I didn't know about that function.
I tried it, but I lost the settings.

What are Xiaomi models? TV Supporting parental control?

Content restriction features are available on all Xiaomi TVs released after 2018, but their implementation depends on the operating system and firmware version.

Model/SeriesOSType of parental controlFeatures
Mi TV 4/4A/4C (2018โ€“2020)Android TV 8โ€“9Basic (PIN-setting)Block channels and apps, but no view timer
Mi TV 5/5 Pro, Redmi Smart TV XAndroid TV 10โ€“11Advanced (user profiles)Google Family Link Support, Ranked Filtering
Mi TV Q1/Q2, Xiaomi TV A2 (2022โ€“2026)Google TVFull (including time limit)Integration with YouTube Kids, blocking by keywords

To find out the firmware version of your TV, go to Settings โ†’ On TV. โ†’ Software version: If your model is older than 2018 (e.g. Mi) TV 3S), There may be no built-in parental control, in which case you will have to use external solutions (we will discuss this at the end of the article).

โš ๏ธ Attention: On TVs with Google TV (Like Mi. TV Q1) Some of the parental controls are duplicated in the Google Family Link app. If youโ€™ve already set up restrictions there, they may conflict with Xiaomiโ€™s local settings.

Step-by-step setting up parental controls on Xiaomi TV

Consider a universal algorithm that works for most models: If your TV is powered by Google. TV, skip steps 1-3 and go to the user profile section.

Make sure your TV is connected to the internet (to sync settings)

Write it down. PIN-code to a safe place (do not use simple combinations like 0000 or 1234)

Update your firmware to the latest version (path: Settings) โ†’ On TV. โ†’ Updating the system)

Check that the remote has working batteries (setup can take 10-15 minutes)-->

1. Installation PIN-parental control code

It's the basis of all limitations. PIN-Your child will be able to reset your settings.

  1. Open Settings โ†’ Accounts and Security โ†’ Parental Controls
  2. Select Install. PIN-code and enter a 4-digit code (recommended to avoid dates of birth and repeating digits).
  3. Confirm the code and come up with a check question (you will need it if you forget). PIN).

2. Block channels and applications

You can also restrict access to specific content sources:

  • ๐Ÿ“บ TV Channels: Go to Settings โ†’ Channels โ†’ Parental Controls, select a channel and set a lock.
  • ๐ŸŽฌ Appendices: In the menu Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Check the boxes for prohibited programs (for example, TikTok or Twitch).
  • ๐ŸŒ Browser: In Settings โ†’ browser โ†’ Restrictions can be blocked from accessing websites by category (e.g., "Adult Content" or "Gambling").

๐Ÿ’ก

If you block YouTube, install the YouTube Kids app instead โ€“ it automatically filters content by age and has a built-in viewing timer.

3. Time limit (view timer)

This feature is only available on Google models. TV (Like Mi. TV Q1/Q2) or after updating the firmware to Android TV 11+.

  1. Go to Settings. โ†’ Profiles and limitations โ†’ View timer.
  2. Select a child profile (or create a new one).
  3. Set a time limit (e.g., 2 hours a day) and the intervals when the TV will be automatically blocked (e.g., 21:00 to 7:00).

On older models (e.g. Mi) TV 4A) There is no timer, but you can use a workaround: block the TV on a schedule through Settings โ†’ System system โ†’ Sleep timer.

4.Filtration of content by age rating

This feature works for movies, TV shows and programs with age restrictions (for example, 12).+, 16+, 18+).

  1. From the Parental Controls menu, select Content Limitations.
  2. Set the maximum allowable rating (e.g. 12)+).
  3. Activate the option to Block content without rating (important for streaming services!).

โš ๏ธ Attention: Ratings may vary by country, such as a marked film PG-13 The United States may be 16+ Check the classification manually for critical content.

Setting up user profiles (for Google) TV)

Xiaomi TVs powered by Google TV (Like Mi. TV Q1 Xiaomi TV A2 2023) supports multiplayer with individual limitations, which is convenient if you have multiple children of different ages.

How to create a child profile:

  1. Open the Settings. โ†’ Profiles and limitations โ†’ Add a profile.
  2. Select the Child Profile and specify the age of the child (the system will automatically apply the appropriate restrictions).
  3. Set up additional parameters: ๐Ÿ”’ Banning purchases on Google Play. โฐ Screen time limit (for example, 1 hour on weekdays and 2 hours on weekends). ๐Ÿ“ฑ Sync with Google Family Link (if you use this app on your smartphone).

Once the profile is created, the TV will request user choice when turned on, and the child will only be able to log in under his or her restricted account.

What to do if your child knows yours PIN-code?
If the child has learned or watched PIN-code, don't rush to reset the TV settings. Instead: 1. Change PIN through settings โ†’ Accounts and security โ†’ Parental control โ†’ Change. PIN. 2. Set up two-factor authentication (if your model supports sign-in via Xiaomi account). 3. Enable Hide option PIN when entering (so that the numbers do not appear on the screen). 4. Use biometric lock (on some models, you can attach unlock to the fingerprint from the remote control).

How to Reset or Overtake Parental Controls If You Forgot PIN?

If you lost PIN-code, there are several ways to restore it - but they depend on the TV model and firmware version.

Method 1: Through a control question (if it has been established)

In the creation PIN-The system asks a control question (e.g., "Mother's maiden name?") to restore access:

  1. In the input menu. PIN press Forgot the code?.
  2. Answer the check question.
  3. Enter a new one. PIN-code.

Method 2: Reset via Xiaomi account (for new models)

On Google TVs TV (Like Mi. TV Q2) dropable PIN via an attached account:

  1. On the lock screen, select Sign in through your Xiaomi account.
  2. Log in with a login/password or fingerprint (if the remote supports biometrics).
  3. Go to parental control settings and reset PIN.

Method 3: Hard reset (last option)

If other methods don't work, you'll have to reset the TV to factory settings, and you'll be careful, because this will delete all the data, including the apps you installed and the Wi-Fi passwords you saved.

  1. Turn off the TV.
  2. On the remote, press the Menu buttons simultaneously. + Volume Down (or Home) + Back, depending on the model).
  3. Holding the buttons, connect the TV to the outlet.
  4. Wait for the recovery menu to appear and select Wipe Data/Factory Reset.

โš ๏ธ Note: After a hard reset, the TV may require re-activation through your Xiaomi account. If you don't remember the login details, use the password recovery function at account.xiaomi.com.

Additional Security: What to Do When Built-in Functions Are Not Enough?

If your Xiaomi TV doesnโ€™t support the right options (like you have an older model), or you want enhanced protection, consider these alternatives:

  • ๐Ÿ“ก Parental Control Router: Set network-level restrictions. For example, Xiaomi Mi Router routers allow you to block access to certain sites on a schedule or for specific devices. โ†’ Child control โ†’ Add the device.
  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ External Devices: Connect to an Amazon Fire TV TV Stick or Apple TV โ€” They have more flexible parental controls.
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Smart sockets: Use a timer socket (such as Xiaomi Mi Smart Plug) to physically turn off the TV power at prohibited times.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Companion Apps: Install the Google Family Link app on your childโ€™s smartphone and link it to your TV through a single Google account.

For maximum protection, combine several methods, such as setting up parental controls on your TV and router, and using a smart outlet to automatically shut down at night.

๐Ÿ’ก

The most reliable way is a combination of local restrictions on the TV. + It protects even if the child resets the TV settings.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When setting up parental controls on Xiaomi TV And we've collected some of the most common errors and ways to fix them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Parental controls are reset after the updateFirmware bug or conflict with Google accountUpdate your TV to the latest version of the software or untie your Google account in the settings
YouTube blocking is not workingApp Updated, but Settings Not SyncedDelete YouTube, clear the cache and install it again
TV doesn't ask for PIN when you launch a blocked applicationFailure of the security serviceRestart the TV or reset the parental control settings
You canโ€™t set a time limit on older models.The feature is not available on Android TV 8โ€“9Use a sleep timer or external devices (such as a smart socket)

If your problem is not described in the table, check the error logs in the settings of the TV (Settings). โ†’ Support โ†’ Error logs and send them to Xiaomiโ€™s support team via the official website.

Can you set up parental controls on Xiaomi? TV internetless?
Yes, basic functions (channel and application locking, installation) PIN-However, to synchronize user profiles, update lists of blocked sites and work Google Family Link Internet will be required.
How to block specific videos on YouTube?
There is no such feature on the TV in the YouTube app itself, but you can: Use YouTube Kids (there is manual video blocking) Set up keyword filtering in the parental controls settings (available on Google). TV). Block access to YouTube completely and allow viewing only under your control.
Why does the TV ask for an old one after resetting? PIN-code?
This is a feature of Xiaomi's security system, and even after a reset, some models retain a hash. PIN-Solutions: Try entering the last code you use. If you don't remember, complete the reset via the recovery menu (Menu buttons). + Volume Down when enabled. Contact Xiaomi support with a check to buy - they can reset the account binding remotely.
Can you limit the volume on Xiaomi? TV childish?
Yes, this feature is on most models. Go to Settings. โ†’ Sound. โ†’ Limit volume and set a maximum level (e.g. 50%) and you can also activate the option Automatically Lower Volume at Night.
Does Xiaomiโ€™s parental controls work? TV prefixed (PS5, Xbox)?
No, Xiaomi's built-in restrictions only apply to content played through the TV itself. For game consoles, set up parental controls directly on their systems: PlayStation 5: Settings โ†’ Family and Parental Controls: Xbox Series X/S: Settings โ†’ Account. โ†’ Family settings. Alternatively, plug the console in through HDMI-lock-off switch (e.g, HDMI Lock Box).