Why Block Sites on Xiaomi Smartphone and How It Works
Have you ever encountered a situation where a child accidentally opens unwanted content and ad banners are redirected to questionable resources? Or maybe you are annoyed by news portals that automatically open in new tabs? Blocking sites in the Yandex Browser on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 and other models) solves these problems. But how do you do it right to get around the limitations of the browser and system?
Unlike desktop versions, the mobile Yandex Browser does not have a built-in function of blocking sites through settings. However, there are workarounds, from using a hosts file to third-party applications like BlockSite or Digital Wellbeing. It is important to understand that some methods require root rights (which is not safe for most users), while others work only on certain versions of MIUI. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to block sites on Xiaomi in 2026, including those that do not require technical skills.
Before you go to the instructions, note that blocking at the browser level is easily done through another browser (for example, Chrome or Firefox).
Method 1: Blocking through a hosts file (without root)
The hosts file editing method is one of the most reliable, but it takes care to match domain names (like vk.com) with domain names. IP-If you redirect an unwanted site to a non-existent site IP (For example, 127.0.0.1), the browser will not be able to open it.
On Xiaomi, you can edit hosts without root rights through ADB (Android Debug Bridge).
- Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings β About Phone β MIUI version and tap 7 times on this item to activate Developer Mode. Then go back to Settings β Additional β For Developers and turn on USB Debugging.
- Connect your phone to your PC and install it. ADB-Drivers (you can download from the Xiaomi website or through Mi) PC Suite).
- Open the command line on your PC and type: Adb devices Make sure the device is identified (serial number should appear).
- Download a modified hosts file with locks (for example, from the site winhelp.online) or create your own by adding lines of the form: 127.0.0.1 vk.com 127.0.0.1 www.vk.com
- Upload the file to your phone: adb push C:\path\to file\hosts/sdcard/ Then transfer it to the system folder: adb shell su mount -o rw,remount/system cp/sdcard/hosts /system/etc/hosts chmod 644 /system/etc/hosts mount -o ro,remount /system
Once the phone is restarted, blocked sites will no longer open in any browser, including Yandex Browser.
- π Resets after update MIUI β The hosts file can be replaced with a standard host file.
- π οΈ Requires reconfiguration when changing firmware.
- π± It does not work for some models with MIUI 14+ Due to the enhanced protection of system files.
What if the ADB canβt see the device?
βοΈ Preparation for editing hosts
Method 2: BlockSite application (without root)
If editing system files seems complicated, use BlockSite, which blocks sites at the browser level and works without root permissions, the main advantage is a simple interface and the ability to set a password for changes.
Instructions for setting:
- Download BlockSite from Google Play.
- Open the application and grant permissions to access special features (required for blocking).
- Click + at the bottom of the screen and enter the URL of the site you want to block (such as tiktok.com).
- Activate the option Block in Yandex Browser in the application settings.
BlockSite supports:
- π Blocking by Keywords (for example, all websites with the word βcasino").
- π Schedule setting (for example, block social networks from 9:00 to 18:00).
- π Password protection against disabling the lock.
Limitations of the method:
- π« Does not block sites in other browsers (if the user installs Chrome, the restrictions will not work).
- π± On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 10C) may require additional permissions in the settings β Annexes β Special access.
π‘
If BlockSite does not block sites in Yandex Browser, check if the option "Block in other browsers" is enabled in the application settings. Also clear the Yandex Browser cache after setting up.
Method 3: Parental Control in MIUI
Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI 12+ have a built-in parental control function that allows you to restrict access to sites and applications, this method does not require the installation of third-party programs and works at the system level.
How to set up:
- Open the Settings. β Parental control.
- Create a profile of your child (name and age).
- Select Website Restrictions and blacklist sites (e.g. twitter.com).
- Activate the option to Block in browsers.
Advantages of the method:
- π Works in all browsers, including Yandex Browser and Chrome.
- π Allows you to set time limits for using the device.
- π Keeps statistics of visited sites.
Disadvantages:
- π Children can turn off control if they know the password from their Mi Account.
- π± In some models (for example, POCO F4) The function may be absent or may not work smoothly.
π‘
Parental controls in MIUI are the most reliable way to restrict access to children, as they block sites at the system level, not just in one browser.
Method 4: Configure DNS (to block by category)
Change of change DNS-The system allows you to block entire categories of sites (eg, adult content, gambling), for this, services like OpenDNS or CleanBrowsing will be suitable.
Instructions:
- Go to Settings. β Wi-Fi (or Mobile Network).
- Click on the connected network and select Change Network β Additional β IP settings.
- Set up a static. IP enter DNS-Servers: To block adult content: 185.228.168.168 (CleanBrowsing Family Filter) To block social networks: 185.228.168.10 (CleanBrowsing Adult Filter).
Save the settings and restart the phone.
This method blocks sites at the network level, so it will work:
- π In all browsers (Yandex Browser, Chrome, Firefox).
- πΆ Both via Wi-Fi and mobile internet (if configured) DNS mobile-network).
Limitations:
- π§ Not all. DNS-servers are equally efficient (some sites may slip through).
- π± On Xiaomi MIUI 14 may need to disable the Private DNS network-setting.
| DNS-server | Categories of lockdown | Is it good for kids? |
|---|---|---|
| 185.228.168.168 | Adult content, malicious websites | Yes. |
| 185.228.168.10 | Social media, gambling | Yes. |
| 1.1.1.3 | Phishing, malware | Partially. |
| 94.140.14.14 | Advertising, trackers | No. |
π‘
To check if it works DNS-If you block, try to open a blocked site (for example, pornhub.com when using a family filter). If the page does not load, the setting worked.
Method 5: Using Safe Mode in Yandex Browser
Yandex Browser for Android has a built-in Safe Mode that blocks dangerous and fraudulent sites. Although it does not allow you to add sites to the blacklist manually, it can be used to protect against phishing.
How to turn on:
- Open Yandex Browser and go to Settings β Security.
- Activate the option Safe Mode.
- Choose the level of protection: High (blocks suspicious sites) or Medium (only dangerous).
What blocks Safe Mode:
- π£ Phishing sites (fake pages of banks, social networks).
- π» Malware sites.
- π Adult websites (with high level of protection).
Limitations:
- π« It does not allow you to add sites manually.
- π± Can block legitimate resources (false positives).
How to disable Safe Mode if it blocks the right site?
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When blocking sites on Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:
- π Sites are blocked, but only in Yandex Browser: If you used BlockSite or edited hosts, but sites open in Chrome, then the blocking works only at the browser level. MIUI or change DNS.
- π§ After updating MIUI lock reset: This is a typical problem when editing hosts.Solution: use BlockSite or set up parental controls that don't reset when updating.
- π΅ It's not working. DNS-Servers: Check if the private is enabled DNS in network settings (Settings) β Wi-Fi β Turn it off or point the same ones. DNS-addresses in the field Private DNS.
β οΈ Note: If you use a hosts file to block, never edit it manually through standard text editors (such as Notepad).This can cause file damage and Internet problems. Always use specialized applications like Hosts Editor.
β οΈ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) The parental control function may be hidden. To activate it, update your firmware to the latest version. MIUI Use alternative methods (e.g. Google Family Link).