Children's mode on Xiaomi Redmi 9: how to turn on and configure in 5 minutes

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a popular device among families with children due to the combination of price and functionality. However, without the right settings, the gadget can become a source of risks, from random purchases in games to access to unwanted content. MIUI solves these problems, but many users do not know how to activate and customize it to their needs.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions with pictures, understand the nuances of time and content restrictions, and learn how to circumvent typical configuration errors. MIUI 12, 13 and 14 -- proven in practice. If your child has already "explored" the phone, don't worry: it's never too late to turn on the protection.

What is a child mode on Xiaomi and why it is needed

Children’s mode in Xiaomi is a set of functions that allows:

• 🔒 Block the installation and removal of applications without a password
• ⏰ Limit the time of use of the device on a schedule
• 📵 Filter content (websites, games, videos) by age
• 📊 Monitoring your child’s activity on the phone (which apps were used)

The difference from the standard Guest Mode is that you can flexibly adjust your child’s age limits, for example, for a 7-year-old you can block YouTube and games after 21:00, and a 14-year-old you can allow social networks, but limit time on TikTok.

Important: Redmi 9 only works with children when linked to a Mi Account, and without it, some functions (such as remote management) will not be available.

Preparation of the phone before the inclusion of child mode

Before activating the protection, follow 3 mandatory steps:

1. Update. MIUI In the old firmware (below) MIUI 12) Child mode is unstable. You can check the version in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
2. Attach Mi Account. Without it, you can't synchronize settings between devices and use remote management. Go to Settings. → Xiaomi account and log in.
3. Backup. When you reset your settings (if necessary), all data will remain safe. Use Settings. → Additionally. → Backup.

If your child has already used the phone, clear the history in your browser and apps.

• 🧹 Google Chrome: ⋮ → History → Clear history
• 🎮 On YouTube: Account → History → Clear the whole story.

💡

If your child already knows the password from the phone, change it in advance in Settings. → Screen locking → Password. Use a combination of 6.+ numeral.

Step-by-step: how to turn on the child mode on Redmi 9

Now, to the point, follow the instructions carefully, and skipping steps can cause a malfunction of the regime.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen).

2. Scroll down and select Special Opportunities.

3.Slip on Child Mode (in some versions) MIUI This section may be called Parental Control).

4.Click Enable Child Mode and confirm the action.

The system will propose to create PIN-You need a password for parental control. You need a reliable combination (don't use your child's date of birth!) to change your settings.

Installed PIN-parental control|Synchronization with Mi Account is activated|Only the necessary applications are allowed|Time limit set up-->

Once activated, a notification will appear on the screen to activate the mode, and you can now proceed to fine-tune it.

Configure restrictions: time, applications, content

Basic activation is not enough, you need to personalize it to the age and needs of the child.

1. Limitation of time of use

To prevent the phone from distracting from studying or sleeping:

• 🕒 Go to Settings. → Childhood regime → Time limitation
• 📅 Choose the days of the week (for example, only on weekdays)
• ⏳ Set a limit (for example, 1 hour after school and 30 minutes before bedtime)
• 🚫 Activate the Block option after the time has expired

2. Application lock-up

By default, all applications are allowed. To restrict access,

1. Go to Settings. → Childhood regime → Application management.

2. Select Block selected and tick off unnecessary programs (for example, Play Store, Browser, Social Networks).

3. For games (such as Brawl Stars or Roblox), set individual time limits.

3. Content filtering

To block unwanted websites and videos:

• 🌐 Enable Safe Search in Google and YouTube (Settings) → privacy)
• 🎬 On YouTube, activate Restricted Mode (account icon) → Settings → General)
• 🔍 Install. DNS-filter to block adult content (e.g., 1.1.1.3 from Cloudflare)

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The most effective combination: time limit + social media blocking + This reduces the risk of gadget addiction by 70% (according to 2023 studies).

Typical Problems and How to Solve Them

Even after you set it up properly, you can have failures, and here are the most common mistakes and their solutions:

⚠️ Warning: If after the child mode is turned on, the phone begins to brake, check the number of working background processes. MIUI 13+ There's a bug that causes parental controls to conflict with battery optimization. Solution: Turn off Adaptive Optimization in Settings. → Battery.

Problem 1: The child resets through Recovery and Reset.

Solution: Block access to this menu.

1. Go to Settings. → System system → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge
2. Set a password for this section (Settings Protection option)

Problem 2: Time limits don’t work.

Solution: Check:

• ⏱️ Time on the phone is synchronized with the network (Settings) → Additionally. → Date and time)
• 🔄 Children's mode does not conflict with the mode of energy saving (turn it off)

Problem 3: The child found the block bypass through Developer Mode.

Solution: Turn off Developer Mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. 7 times tap the version MIUI, activate
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and turn off the switch

Additional security measures for Redmi 9

Children's mode is good, but for maximum protection we recommend using other tools:

1. Remote management via Mi Cloud: Connect your child’s phone to your Mi Account via Settings → Xiaomi account → Devices. That'll allow it: 📍 Tracking location 🔄 Remotely lock the device 📵 Erase data in case of loss
2. Third-party Parental Control Applications: If standard features MIUI Not enough, install: 🛡️ Kaspersky Safe Kids (free, there is a filter of sites) 🕵️ Google Family Link (app control) 📱 Qustodio (paid, but with advanced analytics)

Setting up Google Play

Limit purchases and installation of applications:

1. Open the Play Store → Settings → Family settings
2. Enable Parental Control and install PIN
3. Select an age rating for content (e.g., “Under 12 years”)

⚠️ Warning: On Redmi 9 with bootloader unlocked, the child mode is unstable. If you have previously flashed your phone through Fastboot, return the official firmware via Mi Flash Tool.

What to do if the child has turned off the child mode

If you find that the protection is deactivated, follow the algorithm:

Step 1. Check the activity log

Go to Settings. → Childhood regime → The magazine:

• ⏱️ Time of last change of settings
• 🔓 Attempts to enter PIN-code
• 📱 List of running applications

Step 2. Change. PIN-code

If the password is compromised:

1. Go to Settings. → Childhood regime → Change. PIN
2. Think of a new combination (do not use simple sequences like 1234 or 0000)
3. Activate the Reset option PIN via Mi Account (in case you forget)

Step 3: Restore the settings from the backup

If the child has changed the critical parameters:

1. Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Backup
2. Select the last saved copy (before hacking)
3. Recover the data by confirming the action with a password from Mi Account

Critical information: on Redmi 9 with firmware MIUI 12.5 and below, there is a vulnerability that allows you to bypass PIN-code through resetting. Update the system to MIUI 13+ or install a security patch from 2023.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the children’s mode on Xiaomi Redmi 9