Not only is YouTube on Xiaomi TV a potential threat to children, but it's also a potential threat. Without the right settings, a child can stumble upon 18+ content, aggressive advertising, or dangerous challenges. Parental controls on Mi TV and Redmi Smart TV work differently than on smartphones, there's no single control center like Google Family Link, but there are built-in tools and workarounds.
In this article, weโll look at 5 proven ways to block individual channels, restrict searches, or completely disable YouTube for children. All methods have been tested on models from 2020 to 2026 (Mi TV 5 Pro, Redmi Smart TV X Series, Mi TV Q2, etc.). If your TV is older, updating your firmware to the latest version can add missing parental controls.
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1. Built-in parental controls in YouTube on Xiaomi TV
The most obvious way is to use YouTubeโs limited mode, which filters content by age, but on Xiaomi TVs, this feature is hidden deeper than in the mobile app.
To activate it:
- Open the YouTube app on your TV.
- Go to Profile โ Settings โ Limited mode.
- Turn on the switch and set it up. PIN-code (remember it!).
- Select the filtering level: Strict (blocks most non-children's videos) or Moderate (allows some neutral videos).
โ ๏ธ Warning: This method doesn't block specific channels - it filters all content using YouTube's algorithms.Some dangerous videos can slip, especially if the channel isn't labeled as "18+".
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If the child knows PIN-reset the code through your Google account on your computer: myaccount.google.com โ"Security" โ"Content Access Management".
Another nuance: some Xiaomi TV models (e.g. 2019 Mi TV 4A) may not have limited mode, so move on to the following.
2. Block channels through a Google account (the most reliable method)
If you logged into YouTube on your TV through your Google account, you can block unwanted channels remotely from your phone or computer, and this works even if your child resets the TV settings.
Instructions:
- Open YouTube on your computer or smartphone and log in under the same account as you do on your TV.
- Find the channel you want to block (for example, through search).
- Press three points (โฎ) Next to the subscription button and select Do Not Recommend Channel.
- To block completely, go to My Google Account โ Application History and Web Search, find the channel in the history and delete it marked No More Show.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Google account blocking is only for recommendations. Your child can still find the channel through direct search or link. To close this loophole, combine this method with limited mode. โ1).
Your TV uses your Google account, not your guest account.|
The channel is blocked on YouTube and in Google | history.
The TV is limited-mode on |
PIN-code for changes is not known to the child
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If your child is using guest mode on the TV, it won't work, so go to the Mi settings. TV (method โ3).
3. set up parental controls in the firmware Xiaomi TV
Modern Xiaomi TVs (starting with the Mi TV 5 and Redmi Smart TV X) have built-in parental control at the system level.
- ๐ Block the launch of specific applications (including YouTube).
- โฐ Limiting the time of using the TV.
- ๐บ Prohibit access to certain signal sources (HDMI, USB).
How to set up:
- Go to Settings โ Account and Security โ Parental Controls.
- Create. PIN-code (default: 0000 or 1234, but you need to change it!).
- In the Block Apps section, select YouTube and set a restriction.
- Optionally: Enable Time Limit (e.g., from 20:00 to 8:00 the TV will require a PIN to turn on).
โ ๏ธ Note: On Xiaomi TVs until 2020 (e.g. Mi) TV 4S) Parental controls may be absent or unstable, in which case the firmware update or alternative methods (method) will help. โ4 and โ5).
How to Update Your Xiaomi TV Firmware If Parental Controls Are Not Working
The main advantage of this method is that the lock is system-level, and the child will not be able to bypass it through resetting YouTube settings, minus โ if the PIN becomes known, access to all restrictions will be opened.
4.Use of third-party applications to block content
If the built-in tools Xiaomi TV It's not okay, you can install third-party parental control apps. TV:
| Annex | Functions | Cost | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kids Place | Application blocking, use timer, secure browser | Free (premium - 300)โฝ/year) | Google Play |
| AppBlock | Password to launch YouTube, lock on schedule | Free of charge. | Google Play |
| Family Link | Time limit, content blocking (requires linking to a childโs account) | Free of charge. | Official website |
To install these apps on Xiaomi TV:
- Open the Google Play Store on your TV.
- Find the right application and install it.
- Set up YouTube blocking via the app interface (usually you need to create a child profile and set a PIN).
โ ๏ธ Note: Some apps (such as Family Link) may not work properly on TVs due to lack of support for Google Mobile Services in the full version. TV.
If the TV does not support the installation of third-party applications (for example, on Mi). TV Stick, try an alternative launcher (mode) โ5).
5. Alternative launcher: full control of the interface
For advanced users, there's a radical way to replace the standard launcher on the TV, which is to:
- ๐ซ Completely hide YouTube from the menu.
- ๐ Replace it with children's apps (YouTube Kids, PlusPlus).
- ๐ Put a password to exit the "children's mode".
The best launchers for Xiaomi TV:
- ATV Launcher is a simple interface with support for profiles.
- Hal Launcher โ Flexible application lock settings.
- Leanback Launcher is Googleโs official launcher with parental control.
Installation instructions:
- Turn on the developer mode on the TV: go to Settings โ About TV and 7 times click on the Android TV version.
- Return to Settings โ Device โ Developer Settings and enable USB Debugging and Unknown Sources.
- Download. APK-a launcher file (e.g., with APKMirror) and install it through a file manager or ADB:
adb install atvlauncher.apk- Launch the launcher and set up YouTube lock in its menu.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Installing third-party launchers could violate Xiaomi's warranty and lead to unstable TV performance. MIUI TV (Like Mi. TV 4S) This method may not work due to manufacturer restrictions.
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Alternative launcher is the most reliable way to lock, but requires technical skills. If you are not sure, use built-in tools (methods 1-3).
6. Physical methods: if nothing helps
If the software fails (the child bypasses the locks or the TV is too old), there are physical limitations:
- ๐ Shutting down the Internet for YouTube via router (Parental Control setting on the router).
- ๐ถ Lockdown MAC-TV addresses in Wi-Fi settings (children will not be able to connect to the network without your permission).
- ๐ Delete YouTube via ADB (The radical method requires a PC):
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.youtube.tvAfter that, the app will disappear from the menu, but it can be restored through Google Play.
โ ๏ธ Note: Delete YouTube via ADB This may affect other Google services on your TV!
If the TV is only used by children, the easiest option is to replace YouTube with YouTube Kids (install it via Google Play and remove the main app).
Frequent problems and solutions
Even after the lockdown, parents have a lot of problems, and we're going to look at the most common ones.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The baby dropped off PIN-code | Standard PIN (0000, 1234) or has been spotted | Set a complex PIN (like 2468) and don't enter it in front of children. Use AppBlock for added protection. |
| The lock does not work after the update | Reset YouTube settings or firmware | Check your parental control settings in Settings โ Account and Security and update your PIN. |
| Children use YouTube through their browser | Google Chrome or TV Bro is installed on TV | Remove browsers through Settings โ Apps or block them in parental control. |
If none of the methods worked, check:
- ๐ฑ The TV firmware version (update to the latest).
- ๐ Router settings (possibly locking works at the network level).
- ๐ Google Account Rights (Your child may log in to your profile).
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Combine several methods for maximum protection, such as limited YouTube mode + parental control Xiaomi TV + lock via router.