Xiaomi smartphones are a popular choice among families with children due to the combination of affordable prices and advanced parental controls. However, many owners do not know that MIUI already has a full-fledged child mode (Kids Mode) built in, which allows you to limit access to content, set a timer for use and even track the activity of the child. This feature works on most models – from the budget Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra, but its activation and settings are often hidden in the depth of the menu.
Unlike third-party apps like Google Family Link, Xiaomi’s built-in child mode doesn’t require additional downloads, doesn’t slow down the system, and is integrated with branded services (such as Mi Cloud). But there are nuances: some firmwares call the feature differently (Parent Control, Digital Wellbeing), and older versions of MIUI (below 12) may not have it at all. In this article, we will discuss how to turn on and configure the child mode on any Xiaomi phone, including hidden chips and bypass typical errors.
1. Compatibility check: Does the child mode work on your model
Before looking for settings, make sure your smartphone supports built-in child mode.The feature is available on all devices with MIUI 12 and newer, but there are exceptions:
- ✅ It works: Xiaomi 11/12/13/14 series, Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F4/F5/X5, Mi 10T/11 Lite and newer.
- ⚠️ Partially: Redmi 9/9A/9C — Basic restrictions without a timer.
- ❌ Not working: devices on MIUI 11 and older (e.g. Redmi 8, Mi) A3), Phones for the Chinese market without global firmware.
To check the MIUI version, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If you have version below 12, update your system through Settings → Software Update or use alternative methods (discussed in Section 5).
Step-by-step instructions: how to turn on the child mode
Activation of the mode takes no more than a minute, but the path to settings depends on the firmware version.
For MIUI 14/13/12.5 (Global version)
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to the App → Parental Controls section (on some models – Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls).
- Slip on the Children's Mode (or Kids Mode on English firmware).
- Click Start and follow the setup wizard.
For POCO Launcher or custom firmware
If there is no standard path, try an alternative method:
- Launch the Security app (shield icon).
- Choose Parental Controls → Childhood regime.
- If you don’t, install the official Mi Kids Mode app from Google Play (link at the end of the article).
Make sure the version MIUI (12+)|Check for the section "Parental Controls"|Remember the password from the Mi Account (required for resetting)|Shut down. VPN (It can block Xiaomi services)-->
Once activated, a notification will appear on the screen to activate the mode, and you can now start setting the restrictions.
3. Configuring the restrictions: what can be blocked
Xiaomi’s built-in child mode allows you to flexibly control your child’s access to a smartphone.
| Function | Description | How to set up |
|---|---|---|
| Time limit | Set a daily use limit (e.g. 2 hours). | In the Use Timer section, select the days of the week and specify the time. |
| Application lockdown | Prohibits the launch of selected programs (games, social networks). | In the list of allowed applications, tick only the necessary ones (calls, camera, training programs). |
| Content filtering | Blocks adult websites in the Mi Browser browser. | Activate the Safe Search option in the mode settings. |
| Activity tracking | It shows what apps and how long the child has been using. | It is automatically enabled, the data is available in the Activity Log. |
Important: If a child tries to leave the child's regime, the system will require the introduction of the child's child. PIN-Parent's code or fingerprint. Set a strong password in the Security Settings section!
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Create a separate profile of the child in the Mi Account – this will synchronize the settings of the child mode on several devices (for example, on the phone and tablet Xiaomi).
4. Typical problems and how to solve them
Even when set up properly, the child mode can malfunction, and here are the most common errors and solutions:
- 🔄 The mode itself shuts down: check if the battery is under 15% discharged - the system automatically leaves the mode to save energy. Solution: connect the charging or turn off the option Energy Saving in the mode settings.
- 🔒 Passwords not accepted: If you forget PIN, Reset it through Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account → Family Access Management (confirmation of access required) SMS).
- 📱 Some applications are not blocked: this is typical for system utilities (for example, Settings or Phone).Solution: Use third-party launchers like Nova Launcher with icon hiding feature.
⚠️ Note: If notifications stop coming after activation of the child mode (for example, from WhatsApp or Viber), check the Notifications section. → Some firmware automatically disables child profile alerts.
5. Alternative ways of parental control
If the built-in child mode doesn’t fit (e.g., on older models), consider these options:
- 📱 Google Family Link: A free app from Google that allows you to manage your time of use, block programs and track your location.
- 🛡️ Third-party launchers: Kids Place or Norton Family offer advanced features including geofences and shopping locks. MIUI 11.
- 🔧 Setup with Mi Cloud: If you have multiple Xiaomi devices, create a family group in Mi Account → Family and Manage Restrictions Remotely.
For maximum security, combine the built-in child mode with one of these methods, such as using Family Link to block YouTube, and MIUI mode to limit time.
How to get around the child mode without a password?
6. Additional chips: hidden possibilities of the child regime
Few people know, but in the children’s mode Xiaomi has useful “Easter eggs”:
- 🎨 Learning Mode: You can enable Educational Content that automatically offers children’s apps from the Mi App Store (e.g., Xiaomi Kids Space with educational games) in your settings).
- 📊 Weekly reports: if you link mail to Settings → Notifications, the system will send usage statistics by email.
- 🔇 Quiet hour: In the Schedule section, you can set the automatic shutdown of the sound at night (for example, from 21:00 to 7:00).
Another useful option is guest mode, which works in parallel with the child's mode, and allows you to give the phone to the child without the risk that he will accidentally delete important files or change the settings. To enable it, go to Settings → System → Additional → Guest mode.
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Synchronize the settings of the child mode with the Mi Account – this will quickly transfer the restrictions to the new Xiaomi phone when you replace the device.
7.How to completely disable the child mode
If the need for restrictions has disappeared, you can deactivate the mode in two ways:
Method 1: Through settings
- Open the settings → Parental control → Child mode.
- Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Out of Mode.
- Enter. PIN-code or use a fingerprint.
Method 2: Through the notification panel
Swipe down from top to bottom to open the notification curtain, and tap the Child Mode Active icon. In the window that opens, click Complete.
⚠️ Attention: If you have forgotten PIN-code and can not leave mode, do not reset through Recovery - this will delete all data on the phone. Instead, use the function Restore access in your Mi Account (requires confirmation on the phone). SMS email).