How to set a limit on applications on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Why limit time in apps and how it works on Xiaomi

Xiaomi’s MIUI-powered smartphones offer flexible tools to control app usage time, from built-in Digital Wellbeing to parental control, which are useful not only to protect children from over-playing games, but also for self-discipline: 68% of users spend more than 3 hours a day on social media without even knowing it, and restrictions help to restore up to 25% of productive time, according to a study by the Digital Wellbeing Lab (2023).

The mechanism is simple: the system tracks the activity in each application and blocks it after a set limit.

• 📱 Built-in “Digital Well-Being”** (available on the Internet) MIUI 12+)
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parental Control (requires a Mi Account link)
• ⏱️ Application timers (individual limits for each software)
• 🔒 Third-party utilities (such as AppBlock or StayFree)

It's important to understand that on MIUI Global devices, the restrictions only work for user profiles, not for the administrator, and if you set limits for a child, you'll need to create a separate account on the system.

Method 1: Using Digital Well-Being (MIUI 12–15)

The easiest way is to activate the built-in Digital Well-Being feature found in all modern Xiaomi firmware, which allows you to set daily limits, track usage statistics, and even block distracting notifications.

Instructions for setting:

1. Open Settings → Digital Well-Being and Parental Controls.
2. Slip on the schedule of use (or select the Toolbar).
3. Click on the icon. ⏱️ Next to the desired app (such as TikTok or Instagram).
4. Set a time limit (from 5 minutes to 23 hours 55 minutes).
5. Activate the Block option after the limit has expired.

The phone has MIUI 12 or later installed |

Mi Account is linked to the device (for data synchronization)|

Access to Google services enabled (for proper statistics)|

Battery optimizations for Digital Well-being system disabled

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After activation, the system will show a notification 5 minutes before blocking, and you can only circumvent the restriction through a password (if it is set) or reset your well-being settings.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro) the function may not be available in regional firmware. MIUI Up to the latest version or use alternative methods.

Method 2: Parental control for children and adolescents

If you want to limit your child's time, you might want to use parental controls, which not only allow you to set limits, but also block purchases, filter content, and track the location of your device.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to Settings → Digital Well-Being → Parental Controls.
2. Create a child profile (you will need a child’s Mi Account).
3. Select apps to restrict (such as games or YouTube).
4. Set a Daily Limit and Use Interval (for example, only 16:00 to 19:00).
5. Activate the Renewal Permit Request so that the child cannot remove the blockage himself.

To manage parental controls from another device, download the Mi Family Guard app (available on Google Play), which allows you to remotely change settings and receive notifications about attempts to circumvent restrictions.

Built-in "Digital Well-Being" |

Parental control |

Third-party apps (AppBlock, StayFree) |

Don't use restrictions.|

Another option-->

Method 3: Application timers via “Security Settings”

A lesser-known but effective way is to use App Timers in the security section, which works even on older versions of MIUI (beginning with 10) and does not require an account to be linked.

How to set up:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Permissions → Application timers.
2. Select an app from a list (such as WhatsApp or PUBG Mobile).
3. Set a time limit and the days of the week when it should be in place.
4. Activate the option to block after expiration.

The peculiarity of this method is that the lock is more severe than in Digital Well-being, and when you try to open a blocked application, the system will show the message "Time limit is exceeded" without the possibility of renewal.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) Application timers may reset after the device is restarted. To avoid this, disable Battery Optimization for Security in the settings.

Method 4: Third-Party Applications for Advanced Control

If built-in features aren't enough, you can install specialized utilities that offer advanced features: flexible schedules, geolocation lock, usage analytics, and even forced Internet shutdowns for selected applications.

Top.-3 apps:

• 🔒 AppBlock is a lock by time, day of the week or location. There is a function "Strict mode" (you can not undo the lock without a password).
• 📊 StayFree - detailed usage statistics with the ability to export reports. Supports widgets on the home screen.
• 👁️ Digital Wellbeing (Google) – an alternative to built-in functionality MIUI, It works on all Android devices.

For installation:

1. Download the app from Google Play (like AppBlock).
2. Grant permissions for Special Opportunities and Overlay over other windows.
3. Add the apps to the blacklist and set up the lock rules.
4. Activate Password Protection to prevent the restrictions from being lifted.

Third-party solutions have the advantage of cross-platforming, such as AppBlock synchronizing settings across multiple devices, which is convenient for family control.

Method 5: Limiting application background (to save battery and time)

If the goal is not only to reduce usage time but also to save battery power, you can limit the background activity of applications, which indirectly reduces their running time, as notifications and auto-updates will be blocked.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Management.
2. Select Background Limitation for the desired app (like Facebook).
3. Set Strictly Limit mode – this will turn off background synchronization.

Effect:

• ⚡ The application will not consume the battery in the background.
• 🔔 Notifications will only come when manually opening the software.
• ⏳ Active use time will be reduced by 30-40% (according to the test data) XDA Developers).

⚠️ Attention: Strict restrictions can disrupt the work of messengers (for example, Telegram or Viber) – messages will be delivered with a delay.

How to get around restrictions (and how to prevent it)

Users often look for ways to remove blockages, especially if the limits are set by parents, and here are the most common methods of bypassing and how to block them:

For full protection, it is recommended:

• 🔐 Set a password for settings (Settings) → Security → Blocking settings).
• 📱 Use Administrator Mode for Control Applications (e.g. AppBlock).
• 🔄 Regularly check the activity log in parental control.

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The most reliable way to prevent circumvention is to combine MIUI’s built-in parental controls and a third-party application (like AppBlock) with password protection.

FAQ: Frequent questions about app restriction on Xiaomi