Xiaomi TVs with Android operating system TV Or PatchWall provides access to a huge amount of content, including YouTube, a platform that can distract children from learning, show unwanted ads, or simply take up time when you need to focus on something else. If you are looking for a way to restrict access to this service on your Mi TV, Redmi Smart TV or another model of the brand, this article will help you understand all possible methods - from built-in functions to technical solutions through the router.
It is important to understand that the lock can be temporary (for example, during homework) or permanent (complete removal of the application). When only adults use the TV, when it is in the nursery, or when you need to restrict access to certain types of content (for example, streams or short videos). TV, Others are exclusively on PatchWall.
If youβve previously tried to remove YouTube from the standard menu and found that the app isnβt uninstalled (because itβs a system-based app), donβt worry β there are solutions for this too, and for those who want to not just block but replace the service with a more secure one, weβve compiled a list of alternative platforms with parental control.
1. YouTube blocking through parental controls on Xiaomi TV
The most obvious and safe way to restrict access to YouTube is to use the built-in parental control feature, which is available on all modern Xiaomi TVs (starting with Mi Mi). TV 4A and newer) and allows not only to block applications, but also to set time limits, filter content by age, and also to customize PIN-unlocker.
To activate parental control:
- Open Settings (cog in the upper right corner of the main screen).
- Go to the Accounts and Security section β Parental control.
- Enter. PIN-code (default is 0000, 1234 or last 4 digits) IMEI TV that can be found on the box or in the About TV section).
- Select App Restriction and find it in the YouTube list.
- Set the switch to the Locked position.
After that, the application will disappear from the main screen, and when you try to launch it will be requested. PIN-On TVs with PatchWall 3.0 firmware and later, you can additionally adjust the time limit - for example, block YouTube from 20:00 to 8:00 or on weekdays.
β οΈ Note: If you have forgotten PIN-Parental control code, you can only reset it by completely resetting the TV to the factory settings, which will delete all installed apps and stored data!
- π Pros of the method: does not require technical knowledge, works without an Internet connection, you can flexibly adjust time limits.
- β Cons: The child can look PIN-code or guess it (unless you change the standard), does not block access to YouTube through the browser.
2. removal of YouTube as a system application (for advanced users)
If parental control is not appropriate (for example, because the child knows) PIN-You can try to delete YouTube as a system application completely. ADB (Android Debug Bridge is a debugging tool for Android devices, and it's suitable for Android TVs. TV (Like Mi. TV Stick or models with pure Android), but doesn't work on PatchWall, where many system applications are protected from removal.
This will require:
- π₯οΈ Computer with Android installed SDK Platform-Tools.
- π USB-cable (to connect the TV to the PC).
- βοΈ Included debugging by USB on the TV (in Settings) β On TV. β Build Number β Press 7 times, then return to Settings β For developers β Debugging by USB).
Next, execute the following commands in the terminal (command line):
adb connect [IP- TV address] # For example, adb connect 192.168.1.100
adb shell
pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.youtube.tvIf the team succeeds, the YouTube app will disappear from the TV, but there are nuances:
- π After resetting the TV to factory settings or updating the firmware, YouTube may appear again.
- π οΈ On some Xiaomi models, system applications are protected, and instead of removing them, you will have to disable them with the pm disable-user command. --user 0 com.google.android.youtube.tv.
β οΈ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB Do not remove other system applications unless you are sure of their purpose!
Install Platform-Tools on PC
Enable debugging over USB on the TV
Connect TV and PC to the same network (or via the same network) USB)
Start the command line on behalf of the administrator
Check the connection of the team `adb devices`-->
3. YouTube blocking via router settings (for all devices on the network)
If you want to block YouTube not only on your TV, but also on other devices (smartphones, tablets), the most convenient way to do this is through the settings of the router. This method works independently of the model of the Xiaomi TV and does not require changing its settings.
Instructions for popular routers:
| Mark the router | The path to lock settings | How to Add YouTube to the Blacklist |
|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | Additional settings β Access control β Filtering rules | Add the domains youtube.com, googlevideo.com, ytimg.com to the list of blocked sites. |
| Xiaomi Mi Router | Settings β Parental control β Content filtering | Enable filtering by category and select "Video Hostings" or manually add YouTube domains. |
| ASUS | Administration β Parental control β Filter URL | Specify youtube.com in the βBlocked Websitesβ field and link the rule to MAC-TV address. |
| Keenetic | Annexes β Internet control β Access rules | Create a rule for a device with MAC-TV address and block category "Entertainment" β Video hosting". |
The advantage of this method is that the blocking will work even if YouTube is installed as a system application or launched through a browser.
- π The lock affects all devices on the network (unless you set the rule specifically for the network to be blocked). MAC-TV address).
- π Some routers reset settings after rebooting (especially budget models).
- π‘οΈ A child can bypass the lock by connecting to the mobile Internet via a smartphone (if the TV supports the access point).
π‘
To find MAC-Xiaomi TV address, go to Settings β Network β Network status. Write it down, and you'll need it to pinpoint through the router.
4.Use of third-party applications to block content
If Xiaomi or the routerβs built-in tools donβt fit, you can install specialized parental control apps on your TV, which allow you not only to block individual programs, but also filter content by keywords, limit usage time, and keep activity statistics.
The Best Apps for Android TV:
- π‘οΈ Kids Place creates a secure profile with a limited set of applications, and you can only add to the whitelist the permitted programs (for example, Netflix Kids or Netflix Kids). OKKO Junior. Link to Google Play.
- π Screen Time allows you to set limits on the use of applications, block them on a schedule and remotely manage settings from your phone.
- π Norton Family filters content by category, blocks unwanted sites, and sends activity reports. There's a free version with basic features.
To install these apps on Xiaomi TV, Use the built-in Google Play Market or download it. APK-File via Send Files to TV (application for transferring files from phone to TV, after installation:
- Start the application and create an account (if required).
- Set up. PIN-code.
- Add YouTube to the blacklist or set up age-specific filtering.
- Activate parental control mode.
Note that some apps (such as Kids Place) may conflict with the PatchWall shell, causing freezes, in which case try alternative solutions or use a lock via a router.
How to bypass the lock through third-party applications?
5. Resetting the TV to factory settings (last resort)
If all previous methods have failed (for example, due to resetting) PIN-Parental control code or inability to delete YouTube ADB), The radical solution is to completely reset the TV, and this method will remove all the apps, accounts and settings installed, returning the device to the "out of the box" state, and once reset, you can stop installing YouTube again or set up parental controls immediately.
How to reset Xiaomi TV:
- Open Settings β About TV β Reset to factory settings.
- Enter. PIN-code (default 0000 or 1234).
- Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 3-5 minutes).
After discharge:
- π§ Do not connect your Google account β this will prevent you from automatically installing YouTube.
- π± Install only the necessary apps (e.g. Netflix, Kinopoisk).
- π Set up parental controls with new PIN-code.
β οΈ Warning: Reset will delete all stored data, including: - Logins and passwords from services (if they were saved in the browser). - Image and sound settings (you will have to adjust again). - Installed updates (the TV will return to the factory version of the firmware). Before reset, write down important settings or take pictures of them.
π‘
Resetting to factory settings is the last chance to block YouTube if other methods have not worked, but after resetting, you will have to reset the TV, so use this method only as a last resort.
6. Alternative ways: Replacing YouTube with secure services
If the purpose of blocking is to protect your child from unwanted content while still allowing access to videos, consider alternative platforms with improved parental control.
- π¬ Filtered playlists without ads.
- π Flexible viewing time settings.
- π Protection against accidental purchases and switching to external sites.
The best YouTube alternatives for kids:
| Service | Age rating | Features | Availability on Xiaomi TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube Kids | 3-12 years | Filtering content by age, viewing timer, blocking search. | Yes (installed via Google Play) |
| OKKO Junior | 0-14 years | Russian-language content, cartoons and developmental videos without advertising. | Yes (built into some Xiaomi models) |
| Netflix Kids | Up to 12 years old | Age-restricted profiles, no third-party advertising. | Yes (subscription required) |
| Look. | 6-16 years | A domestic platform with educational and entertainment content. | Yes (via browser or app) |
To install these services on Xiaomi TV:
- Open Google Play Market on your TV.
- Find an app by name (like YouTube Kids).
- Set up and set up a profile for your child.
If Google Play is not available (for example, on older Xiaomi models), download it. APK-App file on your phone and then transfer it to your TV via Send Files to TV flash-drive.
7. Frequent problems and their solutions
When blocking YouTube on Xiaomi TV And so users are facing some of the most common challenges, and we're going to look at some of the most common ones and how to fix them.
Problem 1: Once blocked through parental control, YouTube still opens.
- πΉ Reason: The application is launched via a browser or third-party launcher.
- π§ Solution: Block the browser in the parental control settings or delete it through ADB (pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser).
Problem. 2: You canβt delete YouTube through ADB β Issuing a Failure Error [DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR].
- πΉ Reason: Application protected from removal at firmware level.
- π§ Solution: Instead of deleting, disable it with pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.youtube.tv.
Problem 3: The child dropped the TV to the factory settings and returned YouTube.
- πΉ Reason: Standard PIN-reset code known or guessed.
- π§ Solution: Change PIN on a complex (for example, 5793) and hide the Reset button on the TV body (on some models it can be blocked with tape).
Problem 4: The router lock doesnβt work β YouTube is still loading.
- πΉ Reason: The TV is connected to another network (for example, via mobile Internet).
- π§ Solution: Turn off the mobile access point function in Wi-Fi settings on the TV.
Problem 5: After the firmware update, YouTube reappeared.
- πΉ Reason: System applications recover when updated.
- π§ Solution: Turn off automatic firmware updates in Settings β On TV. β Updating the system.
π‘
If none of these methods worked, consider physically restricting access β for example, installing a TV in a room where your child is only being watched, or using a smart timer socket that will shut off power at certain times.