Xiaomi’s Smart TVs and pre-installed YouTube app have become an integral part of home entertainment. However, without proper restrictions, children can encounter content not designed for their age — from aggressive commercials to advertising questionable products. Unlike smartphones, where parental controls are customized through Google Family Link, on Mi TVs, Redmi Smart TVs or Xiaomi TV A Pro, the process has its own nuances.
In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to restrict YouTube on a Xiaomi TV, from built-in app features to router settings and alternative methods. Particular attention will be paid to models on Android TV (for example, Mi TV 4S or Xiaomi TV Q2) and Google TV (Xiaomi TV A2 2026), where the interface and features are different, and you will learn how to avoid common errors that do not apply, and what to do if a child knows the password from the account.
1. Built-in parental controls in the YouTube app on Xiaomi TV
The most obvious way is to use the official YouTube tools: Xiaomi TVs with Android TV 9.0 and later (most models after 2020) have a Restricted Access mode that filters content by age category. However, there are pitfalls: the feature works only for unauthorized users or through a Google Account with Family Access enabled.
To activate the restrictions:
- 📺 Open the YouTube app on your Xiaomi TV.
- 👤 Go to profile (account icon in upper right corner) → Settings.
- 🔒 Select Restricted Mode and Enable It.
- 🔄 Install an age filter: For children under 13 or for teenagers.
Importantly, if your child is already logged in to their Google Account on TV, the limited mode will not work — it filters content only for guest viewing, and to fix this, you either need to log out or set up a Family Group via family.google.com on your computer.
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If your child has a Google account, create a Google Family Link profile for them and link them to a family group, and then the restrictions will apply even after you log in to the TV.
2. Set up a family profile through Google Account
If your Xiaomi TV runs Android TV 10/11 (like Mi TV Q1E or Redmi Smart TV X2022), you can create a child profile right on the system, which will not only restrict YouTube, but also block access to other applications (such as browser or games).
Instructions for creating a profile:
- Open Settings → Accounts and Login → Add a user.
- Select Add Child Profile (if you don’t have an option, update your TV software).
- Follow the system’s prompts by linking your child’s profile to your Google Family Link account.
- In the profile settings, activate Content Restrictions and select an age category.
After that, content filters will automatically apply when you sign in to YouTube via your child profile, but note that some Xiaomi models (such as the budget Redmi Smart TV A) do not support multi-profile, in which case you will have to use other methods.
What to do if there is no option "Children profile"?
3. Block YouTube through router settings
If the software methods are not suitable (for example, the child knows the password from the account or the TV does not support parental control), you can restrict access to YouTube at the network level. 4A, Redmi Router AX6 or TP-Link/ASUS.
Algorithm of action:
- 🌐 Connect to the router’s web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
- 👨👩👧👦 Find the Parental Controls section (in Xiaomi routers it is called Mi WiFi). → Device management).
- 📱 Add in. MAC-TV address in the list of controlled devices (you can find it in Settings) → On TV. → Status).
- ⏰ Set a lock schedule or completely ban access to the domains youtube.com, googlevideo.com.
The advantage of this method is that YouTube will be blocked on all devices connected to this router (including smartphones and tablets), the disadvantage is that the child will be able to bypass the lock via the mobile Internet or the Internet. VPN. To avoid this, combine this method with others (for example, with settings). DNS-filtering).
4.Use of third-party apps for parental control
If standard methods don’t work, you can install specialized software on your Xiaomi TV, for example, Kaspersky Safe Kids or Norton Family offer advanced content filtering features, including blocking individual channels on YouTube and limiting viewing time.
How to set up Kaspersky Safe Kids on Xiaomi TV
- Download the app to your smartphone (available for Android and iOS).
- Create an account and add your child to the list of controlled users.
- On Xiaomi TV, install Kaspersky Safe Kids via Google Play (if the TV is on Android TV).
- Log in to the app and select the child's profile.
- In the settings, specify which categories of content on YouTube you should block (for example, “Violence”, “Obscene language”).
Warning: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi) TV Stick or Redmi Smart TV X on Android 9 may not support third-party parental control apps. DNS-Filtered servers (e.g. CleanBrowsing or OpenDNS FamilyShield).
☑️ Preparation for installation of third-party software
5. Alternative methods: YouTube Kids and hardware restrictions
If none of the above methods are suitable, consider the following options:
| Method | Advantages | Deficiencies | Suitable for models |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube Kids | Specially designed for children, simple interface, strict moderation of content | Limited video directory, no features (e.g. playlists) | All Xiaomi models with Google Play |
| Blocking through Smart DNS | Filters content at the DNS level, works without installing software | It can slow down the internet speed, it doesn’t block it. HTTPS-traffic | Any models with access to network settings |
| Physical lockdown of the remote | 100% reliable – a child will not be able to turn on YouTube without a remote | Inconvenient for other family members, does not protect against control via a smartphone | All models. |
The most reliable option is to install YouTube Kids instead of the main app.
- Remove the standard YouTube via Settings → Apps.
- Download YouTube Kids from Google Play (if the TV is on Android TV) or install via APK.
- Set up age limits when you first start.
Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi TV 4X), the standard YouTube app cannot be removed – it can only be disabled (Settings → Apps → YouTube → Disable), in which case, you can start YouTube Kids manually from the menu to hide it.
6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Many users find that YouTube restrictions don't work even after setting up, and consider the most common problems and solutions:
- 🔄 Restricted mode resets after TV reboot → Update the YouTube app to the latest version or reset its data (Settings) → Annexes → YouTube → Warehouse → Clear the data).
- 👤 Child circumvents restrictions through Google account → Remove your account from the TV (Settings) → Accounts. → Delete your account and create a family group.
- 📶 Blocking through the router does not work → Check that MAC-Add the TV address correctly and turn it off. IPv6 router-network settings.
- 🔒 You can not set a password for settings of the TV → Use third-party apps like AppLock (if your TV is on Android) TV).
Critical error: On Xiaomi TVs with PatchWall firmware (such as Mi TV 4A for India), parental controls on YouTube may not work due to regional restrictions, in which case only blocking through a router or installing YouTube Kids will help.
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The most reliable combination is a children's profile on the TV + blocking YouTube through the router + installing YouTube Kids, so you close all possible loopholes.
7. Additional security measures
In addition to limiting YouTube, it is recommended that:
- 🔐 Set the PIN code on the remote (in some Xiaomi models this is done through Settings) → Security).
- 📵 Disable voice search (children can search for banned content through the remote’s microphone).
- 🔄 Regularly check your child’s Google browsing history.
- 📱 Set up Google Family Link on all devices where your child is watching YouTube (smartphone, tablet).
If your Xiaomi TV supports Google Assistant, turn it off in settings (Settings → Device → Voice Assistant).Children can use voice commands to bypass restrictions (e.g., say, "OK, Google, open YouTube").
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Create a separate guest Wi-Fi network on your router specifically for children's devices, set maximum limits and protect the main network with a complex password.