Controlling smartphone time has become a pressing issue for many Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO users. Overuse of gadgets affects productivity, sleep and even mental health — especially for children and adolescents. Fortunately, MIUI firmware offers several built-in tools to limit screen time, some of which are hidden from the obvious view.
In this article, we’ll look at 5 working methods to set limits on phone use, from standard parental controls to obscure digital well-being features to even third-party apps with advanced features, how to block access to games after 22:00, restrict social media for 1 hour a day, or completely disable your phone during school hours — all without root rights and complex manipulation.
Important: Features may vary slightly depending on the MIUI version (e.g. MIUI 14 vs MIUI 12.5) and the smartphone model (Xiaomi 13 Pro vs Redmi Note 10).
1.Digital Wellbeing (Digital Wellbeing) – the basic method
The most obvious way to limit time is to use the built-in Digital Wellbeing tool that is on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 10 and up, a method that is suitable for self-restriction or child control (if you have access to their device).
To activate the restrictions:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Digital Well-Being and Parental Control
- ⏱️ Select the Parental Control Tools tab (may be called Time Control")
- 🔒 Click Start and follow the instructions for creating PIN-code (it cannot be reset without factory resetting!)
- 📊 In the Time Limit menu, select apps (e.g. TikTok, YouTube) and set a daily limit.
Features of the method:
- ✅ It works without the Internet (limitations are kept locally)
- ❌ Easily done through developer mode or reset settings
- ⚠️ Does not block system applications (e.g. Calls or Messages)
Make sure the latest version is installed on the phone. MIUI|Remember. PIN-code (cannot be restored!)|Make sure your Mi Account is not linked to another device|Turn it off. VPN — He can knock off timers.-->
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If your child knows your PIN from the phone, change it to Settings → Lock Screen → Password first, otherwise they will be able to disable restrictions.
2. Application usage timer (App Timer)
A lesser-known but more flexible feature is a timer for individual applications, and unlike parental controls, you can set limits not on the entire device, but only on “voracious” programs such as games, social networks or instant messengers.
Instructions:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management
- Select the app you want (such as Instagram)
- Tap on Time Limitation (or "App Timer")
- Set a daily limit (from 5 minutes to 23 hours 55 minutes)
- Activate the option to Block after the time has expired
Advantages of the method:
- 🎯 Point-Blocking Only Problem Applications
- 🔄 You can reset the timer manually (if you know). PIN)
- 📱 It works on all models with MIUI 11+, including POCO F3 redmi 9A
⚠️ Note: If the app is updated via Google Play, the timer may reset!
How to bypass the app timer (for those who forgot the PIN)
3.Do Not Disturb Scheduled Mode
Few people know, but Xiaomi’s Do Not Disturb (DND) mode can be configured to automatically disable all notifications and access to games at specified hours, useful for sleep or school hours.
How to set up:
- 🕒 Go to Settings. → Notifications → Don't disturb.
- 🔄 Turn on Schedule and select days/times (e.g. 22:00–7:00)
- 🚫 In the Exceptions section, uncheck all ticks except Alarms and Call Repeats.
- 🎮 Additional: In Settings → Battery → Performance mode select Balanced – this will limit the background work of games
This method doesn't block the screen completely, but makes the phone virtually useless for entertainment, suitable for self-discipline, but not for controlling children (they can turn off DND manually).
| Method | Locking games down | Blocking social media. | It works without a PIN. | Post-reset reset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parental control | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. |
| Application timer | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. |
| Do not disturb mode. | ❌ No, notice only) | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
| Google Family Link | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. |
Parental Control |App Timer |Do Not Disturb Mode |Third Party Apps |Do not use restrictions-->
4.Google Family Link – Control from another device
If the built-in MIUI tools don’t seem to be enough, use Google’s official Family Link app, which allows you to remotely manage your use time, block apps, and even track your child’s location.
How to connect:
- Download Google Family Link (for parents) and Family Link for children on both devices
- Create a family group in your Google account
- On the child's phone confirm the invitation
- In the parent appendix, install: 🕐 Time limits (for example, 2 hours on weekdays) 🛑 Sleep time (blocking from 22:00 to 7:00) 🔒 Blocking applications (e.g. Brawl Stars)
Advantages over MIUI-methodologies:
- 🌍 Remote control from any device (even iPhone)
- 📊 Detailed statistics on use
- 🔄 Ability to unlock extra time
⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) Family Link may conflict with parental control MIUI. Before setting up, disable the built-in restrictions!
5 Third-party applications: more opportunities
If standard features aren’t enough, consider specialized applications that offer advanced features such as geofences, task bonuses, or schedule locks.
Top.-3 apps:
- 📱 AppBlock – blocks applications on a schedule, supports “strict mode” (you can not turn off without a password)
- 🕒 StayFree – shows detailed statistics and allows you to set limits on categories (games, social networks)
- 👨👩👧👦 Kids Place – creates a sandbox with allowed apps (ideal for children 3-10 years old)
How to choose:
- For self-control – StayFree or ActionDash
- Parental Controls: AppBlock or Kids Place
- For geofences (e.g., locking games at school) – Norton Family
Important: Some applications require Accessibility Service permissions. On Xiaomi, they need to be included in Settings → Special Features → Special Features Services. Without that, they won't be able to block other programs.
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Third-party applications may conflict with MIUI-If you have lags after installation, add the app to Settings. → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Select the application → No restrictions.
6. Hidden MIUI chips: background and performance limitations
If you don’t need a full lock, but only a reduction in the time of work due to performance limitations, MIUI has hidden settings:
Method 1: Limitation of background activity
- Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization
- Select an app (like Facebook) and install Strict Optimization
- This will limit background processes and the app will be less distracted by notifications.
Method 2: Energy saving mode
- Turn on Settings → Battery → Power saving mode
- Select Super Power Saving – This Will Turn off the Background of Most Apps
- ⚠️ In this mode, no notifications from messengers will come!
Method 3: Limit the frequency of screen refresh
- In the models with AMOLED-screen (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) Go to Settings. → Display. → Frequency of update
- Choose 60 Hz instead of 90/120 Hz – this will reduce the desire to constantly flip the tape