Why it is important to keep track of time in games
Xiaomiโs MIUI-based smartphones offer dozens of tools to analyze activity, but not everyone knows how to use them. Meanwhile, controlling time spent in games helps not only discipline yourself, but also identify addiction in the early stages. For example, if you notice that you spend 6-8 hours a day on Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile, this is an occasion to think about the balance between virtual and real life.
In this article, we will look at all the ways to check game statistics, from built-in MIUI features to third-party utilities, how to view data for today, week or month, and how to set up notifications about exceeding limits.
Important: Some methods require activation of additional permissions or sync with your Mi Account account. If you use your phone without being linked to your account, some features may not be available.
Method 1: Integrated MIUI statistics (Security and privacy)
The simplest and most reliable method is to use the Time of Use tool built into MIUI 12/13/14, which collects data on all installed applications, including games, and allows you to analyze activity by day, week or month.
- Open the Settings. โ Security and confidentiality.
- Select Time of Use (in some versions, Digital Well-Being).
- Click on the Application Usage Statistics.
- In the list, find the game you want (like Brawl Stars or Call of Duty Mobile) and tap it.
The screen will display a timeline for the selected period, where you can set a daily limit or include reminders of breaks. Note that if you play cloud games (for example, through Xiaomi Game Center), the time may not be counted correctly.
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If some games are not displayed in the statistics, check if they are not disabled for data collection in the application settings (Settings โ Applications โ Application Management โ [game name] โ Permissions).
Method 2: Google Play Games (for games with service support)
If the game is connected to the Google Play Games service (such as Clash of Clans, Among Us or Roblox), you can see the statistics directly in your profile. This method works even if you play on Xiaomi without a Mi Account, but requires authorization from Google:
- Open the Google Play Games app (if not, download from the Play Market).
- Slip on the avatar in the upper right corner and select Profile.
- Scroll down to the Game Statistics block.
- Select the game from the list โ here will be the total time of play and achievements.
Unfortunately, Google Play Games doesn't show detailed statistics by day, but you can compare your results with your friends here, and some games (such as Honkai: Star Rail) have built-in counters โ check the "Stats" or "Achievements" section inside the game itself.
Method 3: Specialized applications (ActionDash, Digital Wellbeing)
If built-in MIUI tools aren't enough, install third-party utilities to monitor activity, and we tested some popular solutions and selected two of the most reliable ones:
- ๐ ActionDash shows the time you use apps, the number of screen unlocks, and even peak hours of activity.
- โฑ๏ธ Digital Wellbeing (from Google) โ an analogue of the built-in tool MIUI, But with more flexible limits settings. Requires Android 9+.
- ๐ฎ Game Glass โ specializes in games, tracks sessions and offers analytics by genre (RPG, shooters.).
To avoid conflicts with system services, disable the built-in Use Time in Xiaomi settings before installing. Also note that some applications (such as ActionDash) may require permission for Special Access (Settings โ Applications โ Special Access โ Data Use).
Turn off the built-in "Use Time" in MIUI
Check out the Android version (minimum 8.0)
Permission to collect statistics
Sync data with Google account (optional)-->
Method 4: System Logs (for advanced users)
If you want the most accurate data (for example, for addiction analysis or scientific purposes), you can extract usage logs from system files, which requires root rights or a PC connection, but gives you access to raw data, including:
- ๐ Exact opening/closing time of the game (within seconds accuracy).
- ๐ฑ Resource utilization (CPU, RAM) during play sessions.
- ๐ The effect of the game on battery.
For log extraction:
- Connect Xiaomi to your computer and enable USB Debugging (Settings โ About Phone โ MIUI Version โ 7 times tap the version number โ go back to Additional Settings โ For developers).
- Use it. ADB-command: adb shell dumpsys usagestats or specialized utilities like MatLog for Android.
Note: System logs may contain sensitive information (passwords, tokens) and do not share them with third parties and store them in a secure location.
How to read raw logs of usagestats?
Method 5: Parental control (to limit time)
If you want to not only track but also limit your time in games (like a child), use Parental Controls in MIUI or apps like Googleโs Family Link.
- Go to Settings. โ Parental control.
- Create a profile for your child (you will need to link to your Mi Account).
- Select games that you want to set limits for and set time frames (e.g. 2 hours a day).
- Activate the lock after the limit has expired.
The advantage of this method is that it can be remotely controlled via the Mi Account web interface, for example, you can unlock extra time or look at statistics from another device, but note that a child can bypass restrictions by installing games via APK or using a guest profile.
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Parental controls in MIUI only work for apps installed through official sources (Play Market or App Gallery) and games downloaded manually may not be tracked.
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
Each of these methods has its pros and cons, and to make it easier to choose, we have compiled a comparative table:
| Method | precision | Details | Difficulty | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in MIUI statistics | โญโญโญโญ | Days/weeks | โญ | Quick analysis |
| Google Play Games | โญโญโญ | General time | โญ | Comparisons with friends |
| Third-party annexes | โญโญโญโญโญ | By the hour/minute | โญโญ | Deep analytics. |
| System Logs | โญโญโญโญโญ | Seconds, resources | โญโญโญโญ | Technical analysis |
| Parental control | โญโญโญ | Days. | โญโญ | Restrictions on children |
For most Xiaomi users, the best solution is a combination of built-in statistics and Google Play Games. If you need minute-by-minute detail (for example, for discipline training), install ActionDash or Game Glass.
Frequent problems and solutions
When tracking time in games, Xiaomi users encounter common mistakes, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:
- โ Statistics are reset after update MIUI โ Before updating, make a backup of the data through Settings โ My device. โ Backup.
- โ Some games are not shown in statistics. โ Check if they are not disabled data collection in the application settings or if they are installed in the โhiddenโ mode (via the Second Space in the app). MIUI).
- โ Google Play Games are not the same as the built-in statistics โ This is normal: Google only counts sessions with an internet connection. MIUI โ all-time.
โ ๏ธ Note: If you use Xiaomi with custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), built-in tools MIUI In this case, install third-party trackers or analyze logs through the ADB.
Another common problem is the incorrect timekeeping of cloud games (e.g. Xbox Cloud Gaming or NVIDIA GeForce NOW), because streaming video is played in a browser or a special application, the system can count this as normal time on the Internet. Solution: use specialized trackers like Game Glass, which recognize gaming sessions by resource consumption.