Xiaomi's Android TVs or MIUI TVs have become an integral part of modern homes, offering access to dozens of apps, from streaming services to games. But with convenience comes the question of security: how to protect personal data, billing information or adult content from accidental access by children or guests? Unfortunately, unlike smartphones, TVs do not have a universal feature of blocking apps out of the box.
In this article, we will discuss three working methods for passwords on a Xiaomi TV, from built-in parental controls to third-party launcher bypasses. We will focus on the nuances for different models: Mi TV 4/5 Pro, Mi Box S, and TVs on Google TV. You will also learn what limitations exist at the operating system level and how to get around them without risking warranty.
Why is there no standard app lock on Xiaomi TV?
Unlike smartphones, where app locking has become standard (e.g. via Settings → Security → App lock), Xiaomi TVs are devoid of this option for several reasons:
- 📺 Android's Limitations TV: Basic version of Android TV (The Mi Box and many Mi models are used. TV) Google has positioned TVs as family-friendly devices that prioritize parental control over individual privacy.
- 👨👩👧👦 Focus on family use: Manufacturers assume that the TV is a shared device, and the main task is to limit content for children, rather than hide apps from other adults.
- 🔒 Lack of biometrics: There is no fingerprint scanner or facial recognition on TVs, making implementing password protection less convenient compared to smartphones.
However, there are workarounds. for example, some Xiaomi models (e.g., Mi). TV P1 or Mi TV Q2) Support parental control through PIN-code that can be linked to specific applications, and for other cases, you'll have to use third-party solutions.
Method 1: Parental control (built-in function)
The most reliable and official way to restrict access to apps is to activate parental controls, a feature that is available on all Xiaomi TVs with MIUI TV or Android TV 9.0+.
- 🔐 Install PIN-code to run certain applications (e.g. YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video).
- 🎬 Block content by age ratings (e.g. 18 movies)+).
- ⏰ Limiting the time of using the TV.
To set up parental control:
- Open Settings → Accounts and Security → Parental Controls
- Create. PIN-code (often used by default 0000 or 1234, but it must be changed!).
- In the Application Limitations section, select those that require protection.
- Save the settings and restart the TV.
Remember or write down PIN-code in a safe place
Make sure your TV is connected to the Internet (to synchronize restrictions)
Check the version of the software (update if necessary)
Disable guest mode if it is active-->
Important: Parental controls don't block access to the TV settings. If someone knows the Settings → Apps path, they can delete or disable the protected programs. A combination of methods will be required to completely block the TV settings.
What to do if you forgot PIN-parental code?
Method 2: Using a third-party launcher with locking
If the built-in tools are not satisfied, you can install an alternative launcher for Android TV, which supports blocking applications.
| Launcher | Support for blocking | Compatibility | Complexity of installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATV Launcher | ✅ PIN-code | Android TV 9.0+ | Medium (ADB needed) |
| Hal Launcher | ✅ Password/fingerprint (on some models) | MIUI TV, Google TV | Simple (installation via APK) |
| Wolf Launcher | ✅ Hiding and blocking applications | Android TV 8.0+ | Difficult (requires root) |
The easiest option is Hal Launcher, and you can install it like this:
- Download. APK-a launcher file to a flash drive (for example, from the APKMirror website).
- Connect the flash drive to the TV and open the file through the File Manager.
- Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Security.
- After installation, launch Hal Launcher and activate the App Lock option in the settings.
adb install path/to/launcher.apkTo do this, connect the TV to the PC USB (switched on USB developer-setting).-->
Important: Third-party launchers may conflict with Xiaomi’s branded shell, especially on models with MIUI TV.
Method 3: Blocking through Google account (for Android TV)
If your Xiaomi TV runs on Android TV (such as Mi Box S or Mi TV Stick), you can use Google’s family library to restrict access to apps.
- 👨💼 You want to limit your purchases on Google Play.
- 🎮 Block games or streaming services for children.
- 📱 You already have a family group set up in your Google account.
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Accounts → Google and log in.
- Go to your PC or smartphone at Google Family Library.
- Add a TV as a child’s device (if you want to limit content).
- In the Application Management section, select those that require blocking.
Limitation: This only works for apps installed through Google Play. If you use APKs or third-party stores (like Aptoide TV), blocking won't work.
💡
Google’s family library is the only official way to block apps on Android TV without third-party software, but it requires an account to be linked and doesn’t work with all types of content.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When you set up the app lock on your Xiaomi TV, users experience typical errors.
⚠️ Warning: If after installing a third-party launcher, the TV begins to "slow down", return to the standard shell via Settings → Annexes → Some launchers (such as the Wolf Launcher) require a lot of resources and may not be suitable for low-end models like the Mi. TV 4A.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Parental controls are not working. | Outdated firmware | Update the software through Settings → About TV → System Update |
| The launcher is not installed | Prohibited installation from unknown sources | Allow in Settings → Security → Unknown sources |
| PIN-code is reset after rebooting | Failure in the settings of MIUI TV | Reset the Parental Control Settings |
Another common situation is that blocking does not work on all apps, for example, parental controls can ignore Kodi or MX Player if they are not installed through Google Play, in which case only a third-party launcher with the hide-out feature will help.
Alternative methods of protection
If none of the above methods are suitable, consider alternative options:
- 🔌 Physical lock: Use a smart socket (like Xiaomi Mi Smart Plug) with a timer to turn off the TV power in your absence.
- 📱 Remote Control: Configure your TV access via Google Home or Mi Home and turn it off remotely.
- 🛡️ VPN Content filtering: Install on the router VPN (For example, Pi-hole and block access to streaming services sites on a schedule.
For Mi Box owners, there is another trick: you can turn off automatic application launches through Settings → Apps → Auto Run. This does not block access completely, but makes it harder to accidentally open unnecessary programs.