How to put a password on the TV Xiaomi Mi TV 4S: 3 proven ways

Why to put a password on a smart TV and what risks it prevents

Xiaomi Mi TV 4S with MIUI TV has become an integral part of modern homes, but with convenience, they also bring new risks. Imagine if a child accidentally buys a paid subscription through Google Play, a guest changes the image settings, or even deletes important apps altogether, or worse, someone accesses your personal data through connected accounts.

Statistics show that 37% of smart TV users experienced unauthorized changes to settings, and 12% experienced financial losses due to accidental purchases. TV 4S It solves these problems, but it's important to understand that protection only works when you set it up properly. PIN-code, but forget to restrict access to Developer Settings, where the password can be reset in a few clicks.

In this article, we’ll break down three official protections (including PatchWall’s hidden features) and how to get around common bugs that cause a password to stop working after a firmware update. If your TV is released before 2020, look at the FAQ section, which has nuances for older versions.

Method 1: Installation PIN-code through standard settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in parental control feature, which is available on all versions of the Mi TV 4S, including the 32" (L32M5-5AIN), 43" (L43M5-5AIN) and 55" (L55M5-5AIN).

To activate:

1. Open Settings (cog in the upper right corner of the main screen).
2. Go to Accounts and Security → Parental control.
3. Select Install. PIN-Enter a 4-digit code (do not use simple combinations like 1234 or 0000).
4. Confirm the code and enable the option to Request PIN when shopping.

Limitations of the method:

• 🔴 Does not block the launch of YouTube, Netflix or Prime Video.
• 🔴 PIN Resets after resetting the TV to factory settings.
• 🟢 It works even without an internet connection.

Make sure the code doesn’t match the Wi-Fi password

Write your PIN in a safe place (not on a sticker on TV!)

Check the work of the lock on a test purchase (for example, a free application)

Disable auto-sign in Google account (Settings → Accounts)

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Method 2: Locking applications through PatchWall (hidden function)

If you need to block access to specific applications (like YouTube or the Browser), use the built-in PatchWall launcher.This feature is only available on TVs with MIUI TV 3.0 firmware and higher (how to check the version - see the section below).

Instructions:

1. Press the Home button on the remote to open the editing mode of the main screen.
2. Find the application you want to block and click Menu (three dots) on the remote.
3. Choose Block the App and set the same PIN as in parental controls.

Important nuances:

• 🔴 If PIN forgotten, you can unlock the application only through the reset of the TV.
• 🟡 The lock only works when you run from PatchWall.If the app is open through Google Play or voice search, the protection may not work.
• 🟢 You can block system applications (e.g. Settings), but this can disrupt the TV.

Note: On TVs with MIUI TV 4.0+ firmware (released after 2021), blocking apps via PatchWall may conflict with Google Play Services. If apps start to crash after blocking, disable the feature in Settings → Applications → Special Rights → Application Blocking.

Method 3: Completely lock your TV through your Mi Account (for advanced)

If you want maximum protection, link the TV to your Xiaomi account and enable remote locking.This method works even after resetting, but requires a stable Internet connection. Suitable for Mi TV 4S models with Mi Cloud support (check Settings → Accounts).

Step-by-step:

1. Sign in to your Xiaomi account on your TV (Settings → Accounts → Add Account).
2. Go to i.mi.com from your computer or phone.
3. In the Devices section, find your Mi TV 4S and select Find the Device.
4. Activate the Device Lock option and set a 6-digit password.

Pros and cons of the method:

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If you use a remote lock, add a backup email to your Xiaomi account, which will speed up the recovery of access if the primary password is lost.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users are faced with the fact that the password on Mi TV 4S It stops working after it's upgraded or rebooted.-5 causes and solutions:

1. Password resets after firmware update Reason: In MIUI TV versions below 3.2, parental control is not retained when you update.Solution: Write down the PIN before you update and activate the lock again after you install the firmware.
2. No PIN is requested when shopping Reason: Google Play has enabled biometric input (like a fingerprint from a phone). Solution: Disable it in Settings → Accounts → Google → Security settings.
3. Forgot PIN and reset doesn't help Reason: On some models (e.g. 2019 Mi TV 4S 55), resetting via Settings → Restore and reset doesn't clear parental controls.Solution: Perform a hard reset via Menu + Volume Up (hold 10 seconds when turned on).

Another common problem is the conflict between PIN-If you have set both passwords, the TV can request them alternately or ignore one of them. To avoid this, use one type of protection (we recommend Xiaomi). PIN, It is more integrated into the system).

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If the TV asks for an old PIN after reset and you don’t remember it, the only way out is to ask Xiaomi for a check to buy. Self-interference in system files (for example, through ADB) can lead to a brick device.

What to do if your password is not working or your TV is blocked

If you forget your PIN or your Mi TV 4S has been locked after a failed entry attempt, there are several ways to restore access. Importantly, the methods vary depending on the firmware version and model.

For models of 2020 and newer (MIUI TV 3.0+):

• 🔄 Perform reset through Settings → Recovery and discharge → Reset all settings. It will delete. PIN, but keep the applications.
• 🔧 If the reset doesn't work, use Recovery Mode: Turn off the TV. Hold Menu + Volume Down on the remote and turn on the TV. In the recovery menu, select Wipe data/factory reset.

For 2018-2019 models (MIUI TV 2.5):

• 🔌 Turn off the TV for 5 minutes, then turn it on. Sometimes it resets the temporary lock.
• 📧 If your TV is tied to your Xiaomi account, try unlocking it via i.mi.com.