How to turn on the child mode on the Xiaomi phone: a complete guide with settings

Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and POCO models) offer built-in tools to create a safe digital environment for children, from filtering content to limiting usage time. However, many users face problems: where to find settings, how to block specific applications or why the mode is reset after a reboot. In this article, we will discuss all ways to activate child mode on Xiaomi Android devices, including hidden MIUI features and bypass typical errors.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi’s “child mode” is not one universal solution, but a combination of several tools: parental control (via Settings → Digital Wellbeing), a user profile with limitations, and even third-party apps for advanced features. We tested all methods on the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 and identified key differences for different models – from the budget Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Pro.

If you're looking for ways to not just restrict access to games, but also track your child's location or block in-app purchases, here are step-by-step instructions with screenshots and an explanation of each setting. And for those who have tried to turn on the mode but have encountered the error "Failed to activate parental controls," we have a unique cache reset solution for Google Play services that works 90% of the time.

1. What is the difference between child mode and parental control on Xiaomi

Many people confuse these concepts, but on Xiaomi they are implemented in different ways:

• 🔒 Children's mode - a simplified interface with large icons and pre-selected applications (available not on all models, requires a simplified interface with large icons and pre-selected applications). MIUI 12+).
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parental Controls is a flexible system of restrictions in the Digital Well-being section, where you can block applications, set time limits and track activity.
• 📱 User profile – creating a separate account with limited rights (suitable for Xiaomi Pad tablets or smartphones with multiple users).

For example, Redmi 10 does not have child mode per se, but instead uses parental controls via Google Family Link. And Xiaomi 13T has all three options available. To avoid wasting time looking for non-existent features, use our compatibility table:

If your model doesn't support built-in child mode, don't worry: parental controls through MIUI or Family Link cover 90 percent of tasks. For example, you can block TikTok and YouTube for a child, but leave access to learning apps. The key is to set up exceptions correctly, as we'll talk about later.

2. Step-by-step instructions: how to enable parental controls on Xiaomi

This is the most versatile method, working on all devices with MIUI 11 and later.

1. Open Settings → Digital Well-Being and Parental Controls.
2. Slip on Parental Control and select Start.
3. Create. PIN-code (remember it! If you lose it, you will have to reset your smartphone settings).
4. Select your child’s profile (if multiple users) or set limits for your current account.
5. Activate the switches next to the desired options: 🕒 Time limit (set a limit of, for example, 2 hours per day). 📵 Block applications (select from the list which programs will not be available). 🌐 Content filtering (restriction by age categories in the browser).

Once activated, a parental control icon will appear on the lock screen, and you will need to enter a PIN to change the settings.

Update. MIUI last-minute|Create a backup copy of important data|Remember. PIN-code (or keep it in a safe place)|Check that the child does not have administrator rights.-->

An important nuance: if your child is trying to bypass restrictions through Developer Mode or reset settings, turn on additional protection:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shoot 7 times to activate Developer Mode).
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the option to Disable debugging over USB and activate it.
4. Turn off OEM Unlock (this will prevent resetting via Fastboot).

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If your child is 10 years old and tech-savvy, combine MIUI parental controls with Google Family Link, which allows you to remotely lock your device and track your location.

3. How to set up child mode on Xiaomi (simplified interface)

This feature is only available on devices with MIUI 14+ (mainly flagship models Xiaomi 12/13/14 and tablets Xiaomi Pad).

1. Open Settings → Special Opportunities → Children’s Mode.
2. Click Enable and confirm the action.
3. Select apps that will be available in the child mode (for example, YouTube Kids, Duolingo, Camera).
4. Set an automatic shutdown timer (15 minutes to 4 hours).
5. Create an unlock gesture (such as holding the power button + increasing the volume) to exit the mode.

To exit the mode, use a given gesture or enter PIN-If the gesture doesn't work, try the Power Button combination. + Reduce volume (hold 5 seconds).

4. customization of the user profile for the child (multi-user mode)

If you have multiple accounts on your smartphone (like yours and your child), you can create a separate profile with restrictions, which is useful for Xiaomi Pad tablets or smartphones that use multiple family members.

1. Open Settings → System → Multiplayer mode.
2. Tap Add the user → Profile with limitations.
3. Create a new profile, follow parameters: 👤 Profile name (e.g., "Child"). 🔐 PIN-code. 📱 List of permitted annexes.

Limit the installation of applications

Now, when you unlock the device, you can select the child's profile, and only the programs you have authorized will be available, and the system settings and the app store will be hidden.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models have their multiplayer mode turned off by default. To activate it, run the command to ADB: adb shell pm enable com.miui.multiuser After that, the section will appear in the settings. Be careful - misuse ADB It can cause system failures.

5 Additional Security Measures: What else can be blocked

Parental control and child care are only part of the protection, and to keep the child safe, we recommend:

• 💳 Blocking purchases in games: Open Google Play → Settings → Authentication. Select Authentication Required for Purchases. Set All Purchases and Password Verification.

Location tracking:

Google Family Library

Xiaomi Cloud

Blocking of dangerous sites:

Settings → Connections → Private DNS

Google

dns.google

Cloudflare

1.1.1.3

Camera limitation:

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Camera

For extended control, install third-party applications:

⚠️ Note: Part of the parental control app may conflict with built-in features MIUI. If after installing Kaspersky Safe Kids, the child mode stops working, clear the cache of the Digital Well-being application (Settings) → Annexes → Management → Digital well-being → Warehouse → Clear the cache).

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after you set it up correctly, users are faced with errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🔄 "Parental controls reset after reboot": Reason: Google Play services fail.Solution: Open Settings → Annexes → App management. Find Google Play Services and clear the cache. Reboot the device and reset control.
• 🔑 "Forgot. PIN-Parental Control Code": The only way to reset is to reset completely (Settings → The phone. → Resetting. On models with unlocked bootloader, you can delete the file /data/system/parental_control.xml through TWRP, But it requires technical skills.
• 📱 "Child Mode is not enabled on Redmi Note 11": This feature is not available on budget models. Use Google Family Link or create a restricted profile (see Section 4).
• 🌐 "The child bypasses the lock through VPN": Lock the installation. VPN-Apps in Parental Control settings (Digital Well-Being) → Parental control → Blocking application installation).