Xiaomi’s modern Smart TVs provide access to a wealth of content, including streaming services, games and personal data. However, the openness of the Android TV operating system is often a vulnerability, especially if children or strangers have access to the TV.
Unlike smartphones, where locking the screen is the standard, Xiaomi’s security approach is somewhat different. PIN-The code is used every time you turn on the device, as it creates inconveniences when watching TV, and instead, the protection system focuses on restricting access to system settings, software installation, and parental control within applications. This allows you to flexibly adjust the level of access for different users without losing the comfort of operation.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at all the available methods for restricting access, from built-in MIUI for TV features to third-party solutions, how to block settings so kids can’t knock down image settings, and how to install filters for YouTube or Netflix.
Features of security of the Android TV operating system
The operating system on which Xiaomi TVs are based has a specific security architecture. Unlike mobile versions of Android, it prioritizes the ease of navigation from the remote control. So the classic screen lock here is replaced by profile protection, which means that instead of blocking the TV interface itself, the user can block access to critical menu sections.
The main protection mechanism is based on the creation of limited profiles or use of the PIN-For example, you can allow video viewing but not logging into the Google Play browser or app store, which avoids a child accidentally uninstalling important apps or making purchases linked to your account.
It is important to understand that factory security settings are often turned off by default for maximum user convenience on first start-up, requiring the device owner to take the initiative and set the necessary barriers on their own, and ignoring this step can lead to undesirable changes in the configuration of the TV.
⚠️ Note: The standard full screen lock feature on Xiaomi TVs is often missing. Don't look for the "Lock Screen" option as usual, as the system is sharpened for constant availability of content.
And Android TV security is closely linked to a Google account, and having access to your main account on your TV actually gives you complete control of your device, so the first step in security is to protect your account and, if necessary, log out in guest modes.
Use of Google Family Link’s built-in parental controls
The most effective and official way to restrict access on Xiaomi TVs is to use the Google Family Link ecosystem, which allows you to control your child’s device remotely from your smartphone. To get started, you need to install the Family Link app on your parent’s phone and create or link a children’s Google account.
Once you have set up the connection between the devices, you can control which apps can be installed on the Smart TV. If a child tries to download a game or app from the store, a request for permission will come to your phone, which excludes the installation of malware or programs with unwanted content.
Family Link also allows you to set time limits, so you can set the TV to lock after a certain amount of time you use it per day, and it helps you control the time you spend in front of the screen without having to pick up the remote.
- 📱 Full management of installed apps from a parent's phone.
- ⏳ Setting limits on screen time and bedtime.
- 🔒 Blocking purchases on Google Play without confirmation.
- 📍 Tracking the history of using apps on the TV.
To work, the Xiaomi TV and the parent’s smartphone must be connected to the Internet, synchronization occurs in the background, and changes take effect almost instantly, making the method extremely convenient for dynamic access control.
Blocking system settings and TV menu
One of the common problems is accidentally changing the settings of the image or sound, and resetting the network configuration. To prevent this, you can set a password on Xiaomi TVs to log into the settings menu, especially in public places or hotel rooms where different people have access to TV.
The process of installing protection may vary depending on the version of the MIUI for TV firmware. Some models have this feature built into the "Security" section, others require the use of special codes or third-party utilities. If your menu does not have a direct item "Lock Settings", you should pay attention to the "About TV" section.
Often, the hidden lock function is activated by repeatedly tapping the build version or by entering special code on the remote, but the most reliable way is to use specialized locker applications that block access to the system menu.
Hidden codes of engineers
When setting up a setting lock, it is important to remember the password you created, and it will not be possible to reset it without access to the administrator account or without performing a full system reset. So write the combinations to a safe place.
⚠️ Note: When blocking system settings, make sure you have physical access to the control buttons on the TV case (if any), in case of loss of the remote or failure of the locker program.
Set passwords for specific applications
Often, it is not necessary to hide access to the entire TV, but only to specific applications, such as YouTube, Netflix or online cinemas. To solve this problem, there are special blocking applications on the Android TV platform, available on the Google Play store.
One of the popular solutions is the App Locker app, or its analogues, adapted for remote control. Once you install the software, you select a list of programs that you want to protect. When you try to run the selected application, you will see a request on the screen. PIN-code.
☑️ Setting up an application blocker
The advantage of this is flexibility: You can leave access to TV and basic features, but close access to a browser where you can access unwanted sites, and it effectively protects your personal accounts on streaming services from outsiders.
It should be noted that third-party blockers can consume the resources of RAM Smart TV. on models with a small amount of RAM, this can lead to slowing down the interface, so after installation, it is recommended to check the response rate of the system.
- 🛡️ Ability to set different passwords for different applications.
- 🙈 The function of hiding the application icon from the general list.
- ⌨️ Support for control via remote control (adapted interface).
- 📸 False Entry to Distract the Attention of Curious People.
Set up a safe browsing in the browser
If you’re using a built-in browser or installing third-party browsers on Xiaomi TV, it’s important to set up content filters. Unlike a PC, it’s harder to quickly close a tab or clear a history if someone has managed to open an inappropriate site.
First of all, you need to activate SafeSearch in the default search engines. In the settings of the browser itself (for example, TV Bro or Puffin TV), there are often built-in ad blockers and adult filters, their activation significantly reduces the risk of accidental transition to dangerous resources.
It is also an effective method of using DNS-By changing the network settings in your TV, you can redirect all traffic through a server that automatically blocks access to adult sites, casinos and other unwanted categories.
| Type DNS | Server address 1 | Server address 2 | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Public DNS | 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4 | Basic protection, no filtering |
| Cloudflare Family | 1.1.1.3 | 1.0.0.3 | Blocking malicious sites |
| OpenDNS Family | 208.67.222.123 | 208.67.220.123 | Strictly filtering content |
| AdGuard DNS | 94.140.14.14 | 94.140.15.15 | Blocking Advertising and Tracking |
To change DNS, go to Settings → Network and Internet, select your Wi-Fi network, and change your IP settings from Automatic to Manual. In the DNS field, enter the addresses of the selected provider. This action does not require additional software installation and works at the network level.
💡
Use AdGuard’s DNS or OpenDNS Family to automatically filter out unwanted content on all devices connected to your Wi-Fi, including your TV.
Guest mode and user profiles
Android TV supports multiple user profiles, which is ideal for situations where different people with different access rights use the TV, and you can create a Guest or Children profile that doesn't store your personal data, logins and passwords.
Switching between profiles occurs through the account menu at the top of the screen or in the settings. The guest profile by default restricts access to system settings and the application store. The user of this profile will not be able to install new programs or change network settings.
Creating a separate profile also allows for personalized content recommendations: YouTube and Netflix's algorithms won't mix the preferences of children and adults, which improves the Smart TV experience for all family members.
However, it is worth remembering that switching profiles on Xiaomi TVs can sometimes not be password protected unless you set up a two-factor Google account, so it is important to set up an account exit when you switch to guest mode.
⚠️ Note: When you delete a user profile, all data stored inside the user profile (downloads, application settings) will be permanently deleted.
💡
Using separate profiles is the most civilized way to delimit access without resorting to complex blockers and without spoiling constant password requests.
What to do if you forget the password from the settings
It's quite common to forget your password, and if you've blocked access to settings or apps and you don't remember the code, there are few options, and first of all, try standard combinations like 0000, 1234, or the date you installed the device.
If the password is set through a locker app, try removing that app through Safe Mode or App Management if access is not blocked. Sometimes cleaning the cache and data of the locker app itself through the Android App Management menu helps.
In the event that access to the system is completely lost, the only option is a full reset to factory settings (Factory Reset), which will remove all installed applications, accounts and settings, returning the TV to the state of “store-like”.
To perform a reset without access to the menu, many Xiaomi models can use a combination of buttons on the TV body (usually the power button and the volume button) when turned on, or find a hidden Reset button on the back.