How to Password a Xiaomi TV: A Complete Guide with Instructions and Tips

Xiaomi TVs are not just movie viewers, but also full-fledged media centers with access to the Internet, apps and personal data. If you have children in your home, or you want to restrict access to settings, setting a password becomes a necessary measure. However, not all users know that modern MI TV Mi Box and Mi Box support multiple levels of protection, from blocking menus to age-restricted content.

In this article, we will discuss all available protection methods, from standard PIN code to hidden parental control features. You will learn how to password Xiaomi TVs of different models (including Mi Mi). TV 4S, Mi TV Q1, Mi Box S), what to do if you forget the code, and how to circumvent the restrictions in emergency cases, and we will also reveal a unique method for activating hidden mode "Guest", which is not available in all instructions.

Why put a password on a Xiaomi TV?

At first glance, a password on a TV might seem superfluous, because it's not a smartphone that's easy to lose, but there are at least 5 good reasons to protect the device:

  • ๐Ÿ‘ถ Child safety: limiting access to unwanted content (violence, 18)+), purchases in apps or changes in settings.
  • ๐Ÿ”’ Privacy protection: if you have a Google, Netflix or banking app connected to your TV (e.g., via Mi Pay).
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Preventing resetting: Accidental button pressing on the remote can result in reset to factory settings.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Game Time Control: Restricting the use of consoles (Mi Box) or games through Google Play Games.
  • ๐Ÿ  Guest mode: temporary access for friends without risking changing your settings.

According to Xiaomi, more than 60% of users MI TV At least once, you've had a problem with unauthorized access, whether it's a child who's turned on YouTube or a guest who's changed the interface language, and only 15 percent of owners use built-in security.

โš ๏ธ Attention: On Xiaomi Mi models TV until 2020 (e.g., the Mi) TV 4A) Password function may not be available in the standard menu, in which case you will need to update the firmware or use alternative methods (see "Hidden settings" section").

How to set a password on Xiaomi TV Mi Box

Depending on the model and version MIUI TV There are up to 4 different methods of protection available, and we'll look at each of them with step-by-step instructions and nuances.

1. Standard PIN code for the settings menu

This is the easiest and most versatile way that works on most Xiaomi devices.

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Entering the settings (Settings)
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Changes in system parameters (network, sound, picture)
  • ๐Ÿ“ฆ Installation/removal of applications

Instructions:

  1. Open the Settings. โ†’ Accounts and security โ†’ Password protection.
  2. Select Set PIN code.
  3. Enter a 4-digit code (we recommend avoiding simple combinations like 1234 or 0000).
  4. Confirm the code by re-entering.
  5. Activate the option to Request a password when you enter the settings.

Internet connection (to sync with your Mi Account)

Remember or write code to a safe place

Disable "Quick Start" in the power settings (may reset password)

Check the version. MIUI TV (update if necessary)-->

On some models (e.g., Mi) TV Q2) After setting the password, an additional option will appear Hide sensitive settings - it allows you to remove items related to payments or resets from the menu.

2. Parental Control (Content Restriction)

This feature blocks access to certain apps, channels, or age categories of content, and unlike PINs, it works at the content level, not at the settings level.

How to set up:

  1. Go to Settings. โ†’ Parental control.
  2. Enable the function and set a PIN (different from the system code!).
  3. Select a profile (child, adolescent or adult).
  4. Set up the restrictions: ๐ŸŽฌ Age restriction (e.g., locking 18)+) โฐ Time limit (maximum 2 hours per day) ๐Ÿ“ต Blocking applications (for example, YouTube, TikTok)
Model TV setSupport for parental controlMax. Number of profilesAdditional functions
Mi TV 4S (2019)โœ… Yes (MIUI TV 3.0+)3Blocking purchases
Mi TV Q1 (2021)โœ… Yes (MIUI TV 4.0+)5Activity log, remote control
Mi Box S (2nd generation)โœ… Yes. Android. TV 9.0+)4Integration with Google Family Link
Mi TV A Pro (2023)โœ… Yes (MIUI TV 5.0)UnlimitedlyFacial recognition (optional)

โš ๏ธ Note: Mi Box with firmware below Android TV 8.0 Parental Controls may not work properly. Update your device via Settings before setting up โ†’ On TV. โ†’ Updating the system.

Standard PIN code.

Parental control

Guest mode

I don't use anything.

Another option-->

3. Guest mode (hidden function)

Few people know, but in MIUI TV There's a hidden Guest mode that allows you to temporarily limit the functionality of the TV without setting a password:

  • โŒ System settings are blocked
  • โŒ Disabled purchases in applications
  • โŒ Private accounts (Netflix, Prime Video)
  • โœ… Only basic functions are available (TV viewing, YouTube in limited mode)

How to activate:

  1. Press the Menu button on the remote for 5 seconds.
  2. In the menu that appears, select Guest Mode.
  3. Confirm the choice with the OK button.

To exit guest mode, re-press Menu and enter the PIN (if installed) or simply confirm the action.

What to do if the guest mode is not turned on?
If nothing happens after holding the Menu button, check: 1. firmware version (must be no lower than the following). MIUI TV 3.2). 2. Remote type โ€“ the function works only with the original Xiaomi remotes (on universal may not work). 3. Developer settings: if the Debugging mode is enabled USB, The guest mode may be blocked.

4. Manually lock applications

If you donโ€™t need full protection, but only limited access to individual applications (such as Kodi or Torrent clients), you can use the built-in lock feature.

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Application Management.
  2. Select the app you want (e.g. Google Play Store).
  3. Press Lock and set the PIN code.

After that, when you try to open a blocked application, you will be asked for a password, which is convenient for protecting payment services or instant messengers.

๐Ÿ’ก

If you block the Google Play Store, all in-app purchases are automatically blocked, which is more secure than setting the restrictions in your Google account separately.

How to Reset or Remove Your Password on Xiaomi TV

Forgot your PIN or bought a used TV with security installed? There are several ways to reset, from official to technical.

1.Reset via Mi Account

If the TV is linked to your Xiaomi account, you can reset your password via the web interface:

  1. Go to account.xiaomi.com.
  2. Sign in and select your own. MI TV device-list.
  3. Press Device Control. โ†’ Reset password.
  4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

After that, the password on the TV will be reset, but all other settings will remain.

2. Hard Reset (Hard Reset)

If the TV is not tied to your account or you don't remember the login details, you'll have to do a full reset.

Instructions for MI TV:

  1. Turn the TV off the socket.
  2. Press the Menu button on the remote and the Power button on the TV body.
  3. Holding both buttons, connect the TV to the power.
  4. Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the Xiaomi logo appears.
  5. Release the buttons and the TV will go to the recovery menu.
  6. Select Wipe Data/Factory Reset and confirm.

Instructions for the Mi Box:

  1. Insert the toothpick into the Reset button on the case (near the port) HDMI).
  2. Hold for 10 seconds until the indicator starts to flash.
  3. Release - the device will reset to factory settings.

โš ๏ธ Note: Some Mi Box models may require a re-authorization in Google Play Services after a hard reset. If the device asks for the username of the previous owner, contact Xiaomi with a check to buy.

3.Dumping via ADB (for advanced users)

If the standard methods donโ€™t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) This is a way to reset your password. This is a way to do Mi Box and Android TVs. TV.

Step-by-step:

  1. Download Platform Tools from the Android Developers website.
  2. Connect the Mi Box to your computer via USB (In some models, you need to include debugging USB developer-setting).
  3. Open the command line in the adb folder and execute: adb shell su pm clear com.android.tv.settings
  4. Reset the device.

This command will reset the settings of the Settings app, including the password. The method does not work on all firmware, but can help in a hopeless situation.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after setting the password correctly, users face unexpected challenges, and we've compiled some of the most common ones and ways to fix them.

1. Password is not requested when entering the settings

If you have a PIN code set but the TV doesnโ€™t require it, check:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Update of the firmware: on older versions MIUI TV The function may not work properly.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Security settings: Go to Settings โ†’ Accounts and security and make sure the Request Password option is enabled.
  • ๐ŸŽ›๏ธ Remote type: Some universal remotes don't support secure menus.Try the original Xiaomi remote.

2. Forgot the PIN code of parental control

If you forgot the password from parental control, but remember the PIN code of the system, you can reset it through the menu:

  1. Go to Settings. โ†’ Parental control.
  2. Enter any PIN 3 times in a row - the message Forgot the password will appear.
  3. The system will suggest entering a system PIN code for resetting.

If both passwords are forgotten, only a full reset will help (see section above).

3. The guest mode is spontaneously switched on

If the TV is constantly going into guest mode, the reason may be:

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Faulty Menu button on the remote (contact sticking).
  • ๐Ÿค– Firmware failure - try to update the software.
  • ๐Ÿ‘ป External interference: some smart remotes (e.g. Redmi) may conflict with TV.

Solution: Turn off the remote for 30 seconds (remove the batteries), then reconnect it via Bluetooth.

4.After reset, the TV requires an old Mi Account

This is a problem that is common with the Mi Box and TVs tied to the previous owner's account.

  1. Contact Xiaomi with a check to buy.
  2. Provide the serial number of the device (located on the box or sticker behind the TV).
  3. Confirm ownership โ€“ support will reset the peg within 3-5 days.

Unofficial bypass (at your own risk):

  • Install an alternative firmware via Fastboot (technical skills required).
  • Use exploits to bypass Factory Reset Protection (FRP) (Relevant to older versions of Android TV).

โš ๏ธ Warning: Unofficial bypass methods can result in a device lock or loss of warranty. Xiaomi is actively fighting such methods, so they may stop working after the update.

Additional Safety Advice

Set up a password is just the first step, to really protect your password. MI TV, follow these recommendations:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Regularly update firmware: new versions close vulnerabilities and add security features.
  • ๐Ÿ” Use complex passwords: Avoid dates of birth, repeating digits (1111) or simple sequences (1234).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Link the TV to your Mi Account: this will allow you to remotely control the device and reset passwords.
  • ๐Ÿ‘€ Set up notifications: Mi Home can enable alerts about attempts to enter an incorrect password.
  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Disable unnecessary services: if you do not use the voice assistant Xiao AI, Deactivate it in the privacy settings.

For maximum protection, combine several methods.

  • Set the PIN code on the settings + Parental Control for Content.
  • Activate guest mode for temporary users.
  • Open individual apps (e.g. Google Play Store).

๐Ÿ’ก

The combination of PIN and parental controls provides 90% protection against accidental or malicious activity, with the remaining 10% covered by regular updates and vigilance.

If you have children in your home, you should also consider external solutions:

  • ๐Ÿ“บ Lock button cases for remote control (physical protection).
  • ๐Ÿ•’ Timers for automatic TV shutdown at night.
  • ๐ŸŒ Parental-controlled routers (such as Xiaomi Mi Router) that block access to certain sites at the network level.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I put a password on a specific app (e.g. Netflix)?
Yes, but only indirectly: In Settings โ†’ Select the app you want (e.g. Netflix) and click Lock and set the PIN. Now, when you start the app, you'll ask for a password. On some models (e.g. Mi). TV Q1) Hidden applications are also available โ€“ they disappear from the menu and open only after entering the PIN code.
How to know if my Xiaomi is supported TV password-setting?
Check Two Things: Model TV: Go to Settings โ†’ On TV: if the model is older than 2019 (e.g. Mi) TV 3S), The password function may not be available. MIUI TV: If version is below 3.0, update the firmware through Settings โ†’ System update. You can also check for password protection in the Settings menu. โ†’ Accounts and security.
What to do if the child guesses the password?
Algorithm: Change your password to a more complex one (e.g. 7391 instead of 0000); activate two-factor authentication through your Xiaomi account (if supported); use biometrics: on new models (e.g. Mi). TV A Pro) can link the unlock to a fingerprint remote. Configure an activity log in parental control to see password attempts. If your child is systematically trying to bypass the security, consider physically locking the remote (e.g., storing it in a closed drawer).
Can I put a password on the TV?
No, in standard firmware. MIUI TV There's no function, but there are workarounds: ๐Ÿ”Œ Use a timer socket โ€“ the TV will be physically disconnected from the network during non-working hours. ๐Ÿ”„ Set up parental controls for maximum time (for example, allow viewing only from 16:00 to 20:00). ๐Ÿ“ฑ Manage power via Mi Home: some Xiaomi smart outlets allow you to remotely turn off TV. On the Mi Box you can install a third-party application like TV Lock from Google Play, which blocks the inclusion without a password.
Will the password work after the firmware update?
Yes, the password is saved when updating, but there are nuances: โœ… Soft Update (via Settings) โ†’ System Update: Password remains unchanged. โš ๏ธ Hard reset (via Recovery): Password reset. ๐Ÿ”„ Reverse to old firmware: may cause security settings to reset (recommended backup) after major updates (e.g., with a security setting). MIUI TV 4.0 by 5.0) sometimes requires re-entering the password when you first enter the settings.