Why do you need a password on a Xiaomi TV?
Xiaomi TVs are not just screens to watch movies, but full-fledged smart devices with access to the Internet, apps and even payment systems, which is why security becomes critical. Without a password, any family member (or guest) can change settings, buy content through Google Play or Mi Store, and children can access unwanted broadcasts.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to protect Mi TV, Redmi Smart TV and other models of the brand, from standard menu locking to hidden parental controls. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances that the manufacturer does not always voice in official instructions, such as how to circumvent restrictions if you forgot your password, or how to prohibit the installation of applications without completely blocking the interface.
Important: The methods vary depending on the MIUI TV firmware version and TV model. We cover the current versions of 2022-2026, but if your TV is older, check compatibility in the FAQ section.
Method 1: Standard password for settings TV
The easiest way to restrict access is to install PIN-This will not block the TV itself, but will prevent you from changing the settings without your knowledge.
Instructions:
- Open Settings (cog in the upper right corner of the main screen).
- Go to the System. β Security and limitations.
- Select Install. PIN-code.
- Enter the 4-digit code twice (e.g., 1234 β but better come up with a harder one!).
- Confirm the retention.
Now, when you try to change settings (e.g. brightness, sound, network), the system will request a PIN. Limit: This method does not block the launch of applications or viewing content - only editing parameters.
Changes in image and sound settings
Connecting to new Wi-Fi networks
Firmware update
Installation/removal of applications-->
β οΈ Note: If you use a voice-controlled remote (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) TV Voice Remote, then voice commands to change settings (e.g., "Revenge volume to 50") bypass PIN-To close this loophole, turn off the voice assistant in Settings. β Voice control.
Method 2: Parental Controls to Limit Content
If your goal is to protect children from unwanted transmissions or limit viewing time, use built-in parental control.This feature works on all Xiaomi TVs with MIUI TV 3.0 and later.
How to set up:
- πΊ Go to Settings. β Accounts and security β Parental control.
- π Turn on the function and install it. PIN-code (other than the main code!).
- π Select user profiles (e.g., βChildβ or βGuest").
- β° Set time limits (e.g. 20:00 to 8:00 β childrenβs channels only).
- π« Block specific apps (YouTube, Netflix) or content rankings (18)+).
An important nuance: parental controls on Xiaomi are tied to your Mi Account. If you reset the TV to factory settings, all restrictions will be reset. To avoid this, link the TV to your Settings account β Accounts β Add an account.
Time limit
Application lockdown
Filtering content by age
I don't use it.-->
| Function | Mi TV 4S | Mi TV Q2 | Redmi Smart TV X |
|---|---|---|---|
| P.IN-setting | β | β | β |
| Parental control | β (s MIUI TV 3.0) | β | β |
| Blocking purchases | β | β (via Google Play) | β |
| Voice lock. | β | β (shutdown) | β |
Method 3: Block purchases on Google Play and Mi Store
Xiaomi Android TVs allow you to install apps through Google Play or the branded Mi Store. To prevent accidental purchases (such as renting a movie or subscribing to a channel), set up authorization:
For Google Play:
- Open Google Play on your TV.
- Go to Settings β Require authentication for purchases.
- Select For all purchases and confirm with a password from your Google account.
For the Mi Store:
- Go to the Mi Store β Profile β Settings.
- Activate the Password option for purchases.
- Link the payment method (card or Mi Pay) and set a PIN.
π‘
If you use your TV as a media center with a Google Account connected, check your purchase history once a month. Some apps (like Megogo or IVI) can charge money for trial periods automatically.
β οΈ Note: If the TV is connected to your childβs account through Google Family Library, all purchases will be blocked by default, but some apps (such as games) may bypass this restriction through in-app purchases. To close the loophole, disable Unknown Sources in Settings β Security.
Method 4: Hidden Locking Functions (for Advanced)
MIUI TV has undocumented features for enhanced security, requiring access to ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and suitable for power users.
Method 1: Blocking application launches
You can turn off the launch of specific apps using ADB without deleting them, such as blocking YouTube for children:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.youtube.tvTo unlock:
adb shell pm enable com.google.android.youtube.tvMethod 2: Set system password
On some models (for example, Mi TV Q1E) you can activate the hidden lock mode:
adb shell settings put global lock_screen_show 1
adb shell settings put global lock_screen_password 1234After that, when you turn on the TV, you will ask for a password. This method does not work on all firmware and can cause crashes - use it at your own risk!
How to enable USB debugging on Xiaomi TV?
Method 5: Alternative protection methods
If built-in features arenβt enough, consider third-party solutions:
- π Smart sockets with timer: Turn off the power of the TV on a schedule (for example, at night.
- π± Parental Control Apps: Install Google Family Link on your smartphone and link it to your TV through one account.
- π Physical lock: Use a lock for a closet or a case with a code lock (such as SafeTV).
The advantages of alternative methods are that they work even if someone resets the TV settings, and the downsides are that they require additional costs or they don't block the screen itself.
π‘
The most reliable method is a combination of standard PIN-code + parental control + This covers 90% of the potential risks.
What to do if you forget your password?
If you lost PIN-password or code, there are several ways to recover:
For standard PIN-setting-code:
- Reset the TV to factory settings via Settings β System β Reset. Minus: delete all data, including installed applications.
- If the TV is tied to Mi Account, use the Find the device feature on i.mi.com and remotely reset the PIN.
For parental control:
- Enter the wrong PIN 5 times in a row β the system will suggest resetting it through the email associated with the account.
- If email is not available, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase of the TV (check or warranty card).
β οΈ Attention: On TVs with MIUI TV 4.0 and later after 3 failed entry attempts PIN It blocks the settings menu for 30 minutes. If you don't remember the code, don't try to guess it, you better reset it right away.