How to put a child mode on the phone Android Xiaomi

A modern smartphone in the hands of a child is not only access to educational games, but also the risk of encountering unwanted content or accidentally buying apps. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices often wonder how to protect the gadget from the careless actions of a young user. Fortunately, the shell of MIUI and the new HyperOS provides powerful built-in functionality that does not require the installation of third-party software.

Unlike many other manufacturers, the Chinese brand has implemented a system of restrictions at the firmware core level, calling this tool “Children’s Space” or “Second Space,” which allows you to create an isolated environment where a child can not delete system files, go online without permission or make a payment.

In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods of setting up parental controls, consider the intricacies of working with profiles and answer questions that arise when blocking unwanted functions, learn how to correctly set time limits and what security settings are critical to protecting the budget and psyche of the child.

Use of the built-in application "Children's space"

The most effective way to restrict access to a phone is to activate the regular Child Space app, which is pre-installed on most current models and creates a separate desktop with limited rights, and to run you need to open the standard Security app, which has a shield icon, and scroll down the tool list to the appropriate point.

After the first run, the system will suggest creating a unique PIN code or using a pattern lock to exit the child's mode. It is important to remember this code, because without it, it will be impossible even for the owner to unlock full access to the phone, then you will choose applications that will be available on an isolated desktop, such as YouTube Kids, coloring books or educational programs.

⚠️ Attention: When activating the Child Space, all notifications from the main system (calls, messages) are blocked by default so as not to distract the child.

The interface is simplified: large icons, no access to system settings and browser (unless you add it manually), a parent can return to their profile at any time by entering a previously set password, which creates a strong barrier between the personal data of an adult and the activity of the child.

• 📱 Complete isolation of the main system and personal files of the owner.
• ⏱️ Flexible time limits for each application.
• 🛡️ Blocking random purchases on Google Play and Mi Store.
• 👁️ Remote monitoring of activity (on some versions) MIUI).

Set up a second space for splitting profiles

If the Child Space functionality isn't enough, or you want to create a full-fledged second account with your own settings, use the Second Space function. Unlike the simple restriction mode, it creates an essentially new phone inside the phone with its own gallery, contacts and installed programs. You can find this option by Settings → Second Space.

When you create a profile, the system will suggest you choose how to switch between spaces, and the most convenient option for parents is to install a separate fingerprint, for example, the thumb of the right hand opens your personal profile, and the thumb of the left hand of the child opens his play profile, which eliminates random entry into the wrong system.

The second space allows you to install apps regardless of your primary profile, so you can download the free version of the game in the second space while you're mostly paying for it, or use different Google accounts, which is the perfect solution for families with multiple users with different preferences.

It’s worth noting that creating a second profile takes up extra space in the device’s memory. If your smartphone has a 32 or 64 GB drive, keep an eye out for free space, and some heavy games may run less stable with active background process of the main profile.

• 🔐 Complete data separation: photos, contacts and browser history do not overlap.
• 👆 Quickly switching profiles through different fingerprints.
• 📲 Ability to install different versions of the same application.
• 🔋 Small increase in battery consumption due to background processes.

Limiting Screen Time through Digital Wellbeing

Modern versions of HyperOS and MIUI 12-14 have a Digital Wellbeing tool, which, while it doesn't create an isolated environment like Child Space, it allows you to tightly control screen time, which is especially useful for school-age children who need a phone to communicate, but it's important to avoid addiction.

To set up, go to Settings → Digital Well-Being and Parental Controls. Here you can set time limits for specific apps. For example, allow 1 hour a day for TikTok and Instagram, but leave the messengers or phone book without restrictions. When the limit is exhausted, the app icon will turn gray and you won’t be able to launch it until the next day.

Sleep Mode on the same menu allows you to block your phone at night, which ensures that your child doesn't use social media after a day out, and you can set up a schedule from 22:00 to 7:00, when access to entertainment content is completely blocked by system restrictions.

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Use Rest to block notifications and turn the screen into black and white an hour before bedtime, which helps your child’s brain switch to rest faster.

It's important to understand that Digital Wellbeing is a self-monitoring and soft-limiting tool, not a hard-locking one. A child who knows the password from a primary Google account can try to bypass the limits by adding extra time, so it's best to combine it with setting a password to change settings.

Blocking purchases and access to content

One of the most critical aspects of parental control is financial security, where accidentally clicking the Buy button inside a game can result in a debit from a linked card, and in the Xiaomi ecosystem, protection is implemented at the level of the Google Play and Mi Store app store.

To activate protection in Google Play, you need to open the application, click on the profile avatar and select Settings → Authentication. Here you should select “Require a password for purchases” and set the option “For all purchases through Google Play on this device.” Now any transaction, even within the free application, will require a password or fingerprint.

Similar actions should be taken at GetApps (Mi Store) store, go to profile, find payment settings and enable transaction confirmation, which will prevent accidental subscriptions to paid services or purchase of in-game currency, passwords should be known only to adult family members.

⚠️ Note: Do not link major bank cards directly to your child's Google account, use limited-limit virtual cards, or refill your balance with gift codes if purchases are needed.

In addition to financial constraints, it is important to set up content filtering, and Google Play also has a Parental Control section that allows you to set age ratings for apps and games, and devices with a MIUI shell also allow you to restrict access to certain websites through an embedded browser or third-party solutions if a child uses a phone to log in.

• 💳 Biologically validated biometrics for all purchases.
• 🚫 Filtering apps by age in stores.
• 🔒 Disabling the function “Payment in one click».
• 📉 Control of subscriptions to services and in-game currencies.

Remote management via Family Link

If Xiaomi’s built-in tools aren’t enough, the best addition is Google’s official Family Link app, which allows you to control your child’s device remotely from a parent’s phone, and you need to create a separate Google account for your child (or link an existing one to a family group) and install the app on both devices.

Family Link allows you to see how much time your child has spent in each app, and lock the device remotely with a single button. You can track the location of the phone in real time, which improves safety while walking, and the app allows approving or blocking the installation of new programs from the Play Market in real time.

It takes about 10-15 minutes to set up. Once you connect, your child's phone will be taken over by your account, you can set the time off when the phone is locked, and usage limits throughout the day. It's a powerful tool that works beyond Xiaomi's system constraints.

Keep in mind that Family Link requires a constant Internet connection to work effectively, that if a child is in an area without a network, the last restrictions that are set will remain, but you can't track the location or lock the phone instantly, and that tech-savvy teens sometimes find ways to get around the restrictions, so trust and dialogue are more important than blind control.

Problem Solving and Security Advice

During the setup process, parents may encounter a number of technical nuances, such as when the firmware updates, the child mode settings may get lost, or the Security app will stop displaying statistics correctly, in which case it is recommended to clear the Security app cache through the application management menu.

A common problem is that your child finds a way to go online or download a game without having to limit it, which often happens if you don't block access to your browser or app store in the Child's Space itself. Always check the list of permitted programs before handing over your gadget.

It is also important to update the system regularly. Xiaomi engineers are constantly improving security algorithms and adding new controls. An outdated version of MIUI may contain vulnerabilities that allow you to bypass parental controls.

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Change passwords and graphic keys regularly, especially if your child is growing up and becoming interested in technology.

Remember, no technical protection is 100% guaranteed. The most effective method is a combination of technical constraints and trust, and explain to your child why these rules are needed, and they are less likely to try to break them.