How to put a password on a Xiaomi Mi TV: 3 ways to protect

Xiaomi Mi TVs have become an integral part of modern homes, combining smart TV, streaming and even game consoles. But with the enhanced features comes the need for protection, from random changes to settings by children to restricting access to content for outsiders. Set a password on a Xiaomi TV solves these tasks, but not all users know that the system offers several layers of protection, from blocking menus to restricting the launch of applications.

In this article, we will discuss three official ways to set a password on Mi TV (including models on MIUI TV and Android TV), consider the nuances of resetting forgotten code, and give recommendations for choosing the most reliable method. Particular attention will be paid to Mi TV 4A/4S/4X/5/5X/6 models and firmware after 2022, where the interface and location of options may differ. If you want to not just lock the TV, but create multi-layer protection, read on.

Why you should set a password for Xiaomi Mi TV

At first glance, a password on a TV might seem superfluous, because it’s not a smartphone that’s easy to lose. However, statistics from Xiaomi service centers show that up to 30% of calls are related to the consequences of unauthorized access, from resets to in-app purchases.

• 👶 Child protection: blocking changes in brightness, volume or accidental removal of apps, especially for models with Google Play, where a child can download unwanted content.
• 🔒 Privacy: Restricting access to personal accounts (Netflix, YouTube, Mi Account) or browsing history.
• 🛡️ Payment security: Preventing accidental purchases on Google Play Movies or Mi Video via linked cards.
• 🎮 Game time control: Password to launch games or streaming services (e.g. Twitch).

Important: On Xiaomi TVs with MIUI TV 3.0 and later (released after 2021), the password can be set not only to system settings, but also to individual applications, allowing you to flexibly configure access, for example, to block only YouTube, leaving the rest of the functions open.

Method 1: Set passwords for system settings

This is a basic method that blocks access to all sections of the Settings menu, suitable for protection against accidental changes in image, sound or network settings, the instructions are relevant for all Mi TV models on MIUI TV (including Mi TV 4A/4S/5) and most Android TV devices (for example, Mi TV Stick).

Steps for installation:

1. Open the main menu of the TV by pressing the button Settings (cogs) on the remote.
2. Go to System → Security and Restrictions (on some models, the path may look like Settings → Device → Password).
3. Select Set password (or Settings Protection).
4. Enter a 4-digit code (numbers only) and confirm it. On models with MIUI TV 4.0+, you can use an alphanumeric password up to 8 characters long.
5. Think of a check question (required!) – it will be required to reset the password if you forget it.

Once you activate your password, you will be asked to enter the code every time you log in to Settings. Please note that this password does not block app launches or content viewing, only changes in the configuration of your TV.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with firmware until 2020 (e.g. Mi) TV 3S) Password resets after software update. Write down the code or disable the protection before upgrade.

Method 2: Password for individual applications

If you want to restrict access to certain programs (such as Netflix or Prime Video), use App Block, a feature that works on all Mi TV models with Android TV 9.0+ and MIUI TV 3.0+.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Blocking applications.
2. Turn on the function by setting the switch to the position "On"...
3. Enter your password (if it is not already available) or use your existing system code.
4. Select from the list the applications you want to block: 🎬 Netflix, Disney+ — limiting movie viewing. 🎮 Google Play Games – to prevent children from running games. 🛒 Google Play Movies to block purchases.

Save the changes. Now, when you run a blocked application, you'll need a password.

The advantage of this method is flexibility: you can allow access to basic TV features (like YouTube Kids) but block adult services. However, some streaming apps (like IVI) have their own parental controls settings – they need to be set up separately.

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If you block the Google Play Store, you can install new apps only through the Mi App Store or manually (via APK).

Method 3: Parental Control (for children)

For families with children, the most effective way to do this is to activate parental control, which, unlike a normal password, allows you to:

• 🕒 Limit TV viewing time.
• 📺 Blocking channels or content by age rating.
• 🔍 Keep an activity log (which applications were launched).

Adjust parental controls on Xiaomi Mi TV:

1. Go to Settings → Parental Controls (or Settings → Device → Family on New Models).
2. Set a password (if not) – it will be used for all restrictions.
3. Adjust settings: Age restrictions: select the maximum content rating (e.g., "12+" or "18+"). Use timer: set a time limit (e.g., 2 hours a day). Blocked applications: add to the list of programs that can not be run without a password.

Save.

On Mi TV 6 and later, parental controls are integrated with Mi Account, which means that settings can be synced with other Xiaomi devices (such as a smartphone) via the Mi Home app. However, this requires linking the TV to your account – if you haven’t already done so, follow the instructions in Settings → Account.

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For maximum protection, it is recommended to combine all three methods: password for settings + application lock + parental control.

How to Reset Your Password If You Forgot It

Forgotten password is one of the most common problems users Xiaomi Mi TV. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several ways to restore, but their effectiveness depends on the model and version of the firmware.

Method 1: Through the Control Question

If you specified a control question when setting your password, do the following:

1. When requesting a password, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password? in English firmware).
2. Answer the control question. The answers are case-sensitive, so if you've typed a word with a capital letter, you should repeat it.
3. Reset the password and set a new one.

Method 2: Mi Account (for new models)

On Mi TV 5/6 with a tied Xiaomi account, you can reset your password through the website:

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com from your smartphone or PC.
2. Sign in with the same account as you do on TV.
3. In the Devices section, find your Mi TV and select Delete Password.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

Method 3: Resetting to factory settings

If the first two methods fail, then you have a hard reset, which will delete all the data, including the installed applications and settings:

1. Turn off the TV.
2. On the remote, press the Menu + Volume Down button (or Menu + Back on some models).
3. Holding the buttons, turn on the TV with the Power button.
4. Wait for the recovery menu to appear and select Wipe data/factory reset.
5. Confirm the reset and restart the device.

Another common mistake is using too simple passwords like 0000 or 1234, on Xiaomi TVs with MIUI TV 4.0+, such codes are blocked by the system as unreliable, and the best option is a combination of 6-8 characters with letters and numbers (for example, TvXiaomi24).

If you encounter an error that is not on the list, check the error log in Settings → About TV → System log. There may be clues about the cause of the failure (for example, an application conflict or a lack of memory).

Additional security measures

Passwords on TV are just the first step to protecting your security.

1. Attach Mi Account: This will allow you to remotely control the device, block it in case of theft and restore the password. You can do this in Settings → Account → Add an account.
2. Disable installation from unknown sources: Go to Settings → Security → Unknown sources and deactivate the option. APK.
3. Set up two-factor authentication for Mi Account: Go to your account settings on Xiaomi and activate the confirmation via SMS or email.
4. Regularly update firmware: New versions of software close password-bypass vulnerabilities. Check for updates in Settings → About TV → System Update.

For owners of Xiaomi TVs with Google TV (Like Mi. TV Q2 2023) An additional feature is available, Guest Mode, which allows you to create a temporary profile with limited rights (without access to settings and payments). → System system → Users.

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If you sell or transfer the TV to another person, make sure to perform a factory reset and untie the Mi Account, otherwise the new owner can access your data.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions