Set up a children’s mode on Xiaomi Redmi: a step-by-step guide

Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones have powerful features that attract the attention of adults as well as children. Parents often face a dilemma: how to let a child play educational games or watch cartoons without worrying about the integrity of the system and data security. Children's mode on the Android shell MIUI (or HyperOS) solves this problem by creating an isolated environment.

In this article, we will take a look at the nuances of restricted access settings, how to block random purchases, limit usage times, and hide important applications. A competent system configuration will allow you to safely transfer your gadget to your child, knowing that it will not delete system files or stumble upon unwanted content.

The setup process does not require a deep technical knowledge, but it is important to follow the steps carefully. MIUI interface may vary slightly on different versions, but the logic of the work remains the same for the entire line of Redmi and Poco. We will consider both built-in tools and additional protection methods.

Preparation of the device before launching the child profile

Before you create an isolated space, you need to do basic training for your primary account, which is critical, because data security depends on the correct initial setup, and make sure that your device has an up-to-date password or graphical key that your child can't easily guess.

It is recommended to remove or hide applications that should not fall into the hands of the child in advance, such as bank clients, email services with work correspondence or messengers with confidential chats, and cleaning the desktop will make it easier to further set up restrictions.

Also worth checking for system updates. Manufacturers often release patches that improve parental controls. Go to Settings → About phone and check the MIUI version. If updates are available, install them before configuration begins.

• 📱 Set a strong screen lock password that is different from simple combinations like 1234.
• 🔒 Untie payment systems (Google Pay, Mi Pay) or set a mandatory confirmation of purchases.
• 🗑️ Remove unnecessary shortcuts from the main screen, leaving only the necessary ones.

⚠️ Note: Do not use your child's fingerprint to unlock the device if it is already logged in. Children may accidentally unlock the phone and exit the secure mode.

Use of the built-in "Second Space" application

One of the most effective features in Xiaomi’s ecosystem is Second Space, which is not just a child mode, but a full-fledged copy of the operating system inside your smartphone, and you get a clean desktop, a separate gallery, and your own suites of apps.

To activate, go to Settings → Second Space. The system will suggest creating a new profile that will work in parallel with the main one. The main advantage here is complete isolation: the child will not see your photos, contacts or browser history.

Once you have created the space, you can set a separate password or use a special fingerprint to instantly switch between profiles, making it easy for both users to use the smartphone without having to constantly reconfigure.

This mode splits data at the file system level, and even if a child installs a virus on their profile, your primary account will remain safe, but it's worth remembering that some apps may not work properly in a cloned environment.

Setting up the Security app and parental controls

Xiaomi’s built-in Security app contains powerful tools to restrict access. Unlike the Second Space, here we set the restrictions inside your current profile, which is handy if you don’t want to duplicate the system.

Open the Security app and find the Parental Control or Child Mode section (the name may vary depending on the version of MIUI), where you can select the specific apps that your child will have access to and block access to the rest.

An important aspect is setting time limits, so you can set time limits for each application separately, for example, games will only be available for 30 minutes a day, and training programs will be available without restrictions.

Remember to activate the block of purchases. In the Google Play Store settings, it is also recommended to enable authorization for each purchase, even if there is protection inside the child mode.

Screen fastening for temporary access

If you need to give your child a phone number, literally 15-20 It can take a long time to create a separate space, so it's perfect for the App Pinning feature).

This feature locks the device on one particular app, and the child will not be able to physically log out of YouTube or the player until you unlock the screen with a combination of buttons, which is the most restrictive and does not require complicated profile settings.

To activate this feature, go to Settings → Device Protection → Screen Attachment and turn on the switchboard. You also need to configure the way to exit the mode (usually this is the simultaneous pressing of the power and volume buttons).

• 📌 Open the app you want to launch (for example, YouTube Kids).
• 📌 Open the menu of recent apps and click "Secure».
• 📌 Now the interface is locked, and the exit is impossible without your intervention.

⚠️ Note: When the screen is secured, notifications from other applications may block the content».

Installation and configuration of Google Family Link

For those who want to have full control of a child’s device, even remotely, the best solution is the Xiaomi + Google Family Link, an official solution from Google that runs on top of any Android shell, including MIUI.

You’ll need to create a separate Google account for your child and link it to your parent account through an app, and then you’ll be able to see usage statistics, lock the device remotely, and track location.

Family Link allows you to filter content on Google Play, preventing you from installing apps with a certain age rating, which automates the security process and eliminates the need to manually check each game.

Importantly, when using third-party monitoring services, battery consumption can increase slightly due to constant data synchronization with the server, but the functionality completely compensates for this nuance.

Comparison of protection methods and their effectiveness

The right method depends on your specific goals and the age of the child, and each of the options we've looked at has its advantages and disadvantages, and to help you decide, we've compiled a comparative table.

For children under 5 years old, the best solution is a combination of Screen Attachment and specially selected applications. For school-age children who use the phone more actively, the Second Space or Family Link is better suited.

No software method offers 100% protection against malicious content without parental involvement, check your browsing history periodically and discuss online safety practices with your child.

💡

Use bright wallpaper in the Second Space so that your child visually understands that he is in “children’s” mode and does not try to search for your personal photos.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

💡

Combine technical limitations with educational beasts – this is the most effective way to ensure the digital safety of the child.