How to limit your child’s Internet access on a Xiaomi phone

Xiaomi’s current Android smartphones, which use MIUI or HyperOS, provide powerful digital hygiene tools. Parents often have to control their child’s time online and block unwanted content. The built-in features allow for flexible access settings without installing third-party software, which is especially important for keeping the device running fast.

Restricting access is not just about banning, it is about creating a secure digital environment. Parental control helps protect a child’s psyche from malicious information and prevents accidental purchases from app stores. In this article, we will take a look at all the blocking methods available, from simple settings to advanced system constraints.

It's important to understand that security needs to be comprehensive, that just setting a password on a phone is not enough, that you need to set up profiles, limit the time you use specific applications, and filter out search queries. Next, we'll look at step-by-step instructions for implementing these measures.

Use of built-in MIUI and HyperOS functions

Xiaomi shells offer native functionality that is often underestimated, and in the Security section, there is a utility called Parental Control, which allows you to remotely control a child's device. To get started, you need to link two devices through a Mi Account or a special one. QR-code.

Once paired, the parent can see the statistics of app usage and block the launch of games or social networks at a certain time, which works even without an Internet connection via mobile data, since the restrictions apply at the system level.

• 🔒 Ability to remotely lock the screen at a given time.
• 📊 Detailed statistics for each running application.
• 🚫 Blocking the installation of new programs without permission.

⚠️ Note: For proper remote control, both smartphones must have an active Internet connection at the time of setting up and receiving commands.

Set up Google Family Link as a primary tool

The most efficient and versatile solution for Android is Google Family Link, which is installed on a parent's phone, and a special version is installed on the child's device or configured through system settings. Integration with Xiaomi is at a deep level.

With this tool, you can set screen time limits, like 1 hour a day for games, when time runs out, the phone is locked, and the child cannot start the app until the next day or until the parent has removed the restriction, and there is also a feature called Sleep Time, which completely locks the device at night.

Special attention should be paid to filtering content in Google Chrome and search engine, and Family Link settings can enable Safe Search, which automatically hides results with inappropriate content, a critical step in setting up digital security.

Restriction of access through the Guest mode and the Second Space

Xiaomi has a unique feature called Second Space, which allows you to create a completely isolated environment with your apps, photos and settings, and you can create that space for a child by installing only the games and learning programs that are allowed.

Switching between the main and second spaces is done by fingerprint or password, and a child who gets into their profile will not be able to physically access the Internet through a browser unless you install it there, or access your personal data, which is one of the most secure ways to isolate them.

The alternative is Guest mode, which temporarily restricts access to most features of the phone, but this mode is less flexible for a child to use on a regular basis, as it does not save progress in games and settings after exit.

• 📱 Complete isolation of data and applications in different spaces.
• 🔐 Entrance by biometrics or PIN-code.
• ⚙️ Possibility to configure a separate list of Wi-Fi networks.

Blocking Sites and Filtering DNS

For deeper blocking of unwanted content that may leak through browsers, use the setting effectively DNS. Android 9 and higher, including current versions MIUI, You can write down a private address. DNS-server that automatically filters requests.

For example, use of services such as AdGuard DNS or specialized family DNS You can block adult sites, gambling and known resources with malware. → Connection and sharing → Private DNS.

dns-family.adguard.com

By entering this address in the settings field, you redirect all device traffic through the filter server, and this solution works globally for all applications that use the standard network stack, making it a very effective network security tool.

⚠️ Attention: When changing DNS-Some sites or applications may be slower or stop opening. If you notice connection problems, return the setting to "Auto" or "Disabled".

Control of purchases and installation of applications

One of the biggest threats to parents’ budgets is the occasional or intentional purchases within games and subscriptions. Google Play Market requires you to set a password to make purchases. → Authentication.

It is also worth limiting the ability to install applications from unknown sources. → Application protection → Install unknown applications, deny all browsers and messengers the right to install APK-file.

💡

Use the fingerprint authentication feature for purchases, which is not only convenient, but also ensures that your child can not buy the app, even if he knows your password from your Google account, as physical contact with the sensor is required.

You can also hide the store and browser apps in Hidden Space mode, or simply not install them on your child's device, leaving only educational content. Digital literacy starts with no temptations.

Comparison of Access Restriction Methods

The choice of the method depends on the age of the child and your goals. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and often the best option is a combination of several ways: using Family Link for time, DNS for filtering sites, and Second Space for isolation.

Consider a comparative table of basic methods available to Xiaomi owners, which will help you quickly determine priorities when setting up a smartphone.

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Family Link + DNS creates layered protection that is almost impossible for a child to get around without completely resetting the device.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)