How to block a Xiaomi TV: 5 working ways with instructions

Xiaomi TVs with operating system MIUI TV Google TV (In new models, there are several layers of protection against unauthorized access, and screen locking may be necessary to limit children’s viewing time, protect personal data, or prevent accidental purchases through embedded services. Unlike smartphones, where the lock is implemented through a pattern lock or fingerprint, Xiaomi TVs use the same device. PIN-Codes, Parental Controls and Hardware Functions.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of blocking, from standard settings to hidden features that are not written about in the official documentation. TV 4S/4A/5 Pro, Redmi Smart TV and flagships Xiaomi TV Q2/Q1E, If you're looking for a way to lock the TV from your child, restrict access to certain apps, or completely disable the screen, you'll find step-by-step instructions with illustrations (interface descriptions) and warnings about typical errors.

1. Blocking through PIN-code MIUI TV

The easiest and most universal way is installation PIN-This feature is available on all Xiaomi models with the MIUI TV (until 2022, and partially saved in new versions with Google TV. PIN-code is requested at each switch on the device or after going to sleep.

To activate the lock:

1. Open Settings (cog in the upper right corner of the main screen).
2. Go to the System and Updates section → Security and limitations.
3. Select the screen lock option (or PIN-lock-in code in older versions).
4. Type in a new 4-digit code and confirm it. On 2023 models.+ year-long PIN-code - 6 characters.
5. Activate the option to Request PIN when enabled.

After setting up, the TV will require you to enter the code when:

• 🔄 Rebooting or turning on from the socket.
• 🛋️ Exit from sleep mode (if activated option Block after sleep).
• 🔒 Attempting to change system settings (e.g. reset to factory parameters).

⚠️ Attention: If you forget PIN-code, you can unlock the TV only through a full reset settings (Settings) → On TV. → Data reset. This will delete all installed apps and accounts!

Parental Controls: Limiting Content and Time

Xiaomi’s parental controls feature not only locks the screen, but also restricts access to certain apps, channels, or viewing time limits, an option that is especially useful for families with children, and varies depending on the firmware version:

For MIUI TV (models until 2022):

1. Go to Settings. → Accounts and security → Parental control.
2. Set the lead. PIN-code (it will be used to unlock).
3. Select a user profile (such as “Child”) and set the restrictions: 🕒 Time limit – maximum duration of viewing per day. 📺 Blocked applications – a list of programs that are not available without PIN-code. 🎭 Age restriction – filtering content by ranking (e.g. 12)+, 16+).

For Google. TV (model 2023+ year-end):

1. Open the user profile in the upper right corner of the screen.
2. Select Settings → Family → Parental control.
3. Create a child profile and link it to your Google account (optional).
4. Configure the restrictions through the Google Family Link web interface.

An important difference: in Google TV Parental controls are linked to the account, not the device, which means that restrictions will apply to all devices that use this profile (for example, on a smartphone and tablet).

3. Blocking buttons on the remote control

If you need to temporarily block the TV from random clicks (for example, when there are young children in the house), you can turn off the buttons on the remote control. This feature is called Child Protection and is available on most Xiaomi Mi models. TV Redmi Smart TV.

How to activate:

1. Press and hold the Menu (or Home) button on the remote for 5 seconds.
2. A message from Child Lock will appear on the screen: ON.
3. Repeat the action to disable the lock.

After activating this function:

• 🔘 All buttons on the remote, except Power, will be blocked.
• 📶 Functions HDMI-CEC (Control of other devices through HDMI) shut down.
• 🔄 To unlock, you need to hold the Menu again or turn off / turn on the TV with a button on the case.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models TV Q2 2023 and later, the remote button lock function only works when a Bluetooth console is connected!

4. Hidden function: blocking through ADB (for advanced users)

If you don’t like the standard methods of blocking, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) It's a way to deep-tuning the constraints, and it's a way to do it for Android models. TV (For example, Xiaomi Mi TV 5 Pro or Redmi Smart TV X) and requires the TV to be connected to a computer.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About TV. Press 7 times on Build Number until you get a message.

USB debugging

For developers

USB 3.0

ADB Tools

adb devices


adb shell am start -n com.android.tv.settings/.SecuritySettings




adb shell settings put global device_provisioned 0

The last command will reset some of the system settings, which will allow you to install a new one. PIN-code.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔧 Ability to set a complex alphanumeric password (instead of the standard 4-digit password) PIN).
• 🛡️ Blocking changes to system files (useful for virus protection).
• 🔄 Ability to roll back failed firmware updates.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can cause a TV to break, and don't change the settings unless you're sure they're there.

💡

Before use ADB Check out the Android version TV in settings (Settings) → On TV. → For versions below 9.0, some commands may not work.

5. Hardware lock: using a Smart Plug or timer socket

If you are not satisfied with the software blocking methods or the TV is used in a public place (for example, in an office or cafe), you can use a hardware power outage.

• 🔌 Smart socket (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Smart Plug or Aqara Smart Socket).
• ⏱️ Power socket with mechanical timer (sold in hardware stores).
• 🔋 Extension switch (the most budget option).

How to set up a smart socket Xiaomi to lock the TV:

1. Connect the TV to the Mi Smart Plug.
2. Install the Mi Home app on your smartphone and add the device.
3. Create a Schedule in the app: Specify the time of automatic shutdown (for example, from 22:00 to 7:00). Activate the option to turn off when power is exceeded (useful for protection against overheating).

Enable notifications of the status of the socket.

Advantages of hardware locking:

This method is especially relevant for Xiaomi. TV in children's rooms or waiting rooms, where you need to strictly control the operation time of the device.

💡

Hardware locking is the only way to completely disconnect the TV from the network, which protects against unauthorized turn on even when resetting settings.

6. Block individual applications (YouTube, Netflix, IPTV)

If you need to restrict access to certain services (e.g. YouTube, Netflix or other services) IPTV), You can use built-in functions MIUI TV Or third-party applications. Let's look at both.

Method 1: Integrated locking in MIUI TV

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to block (like YouTube).
3. Press the Lock and install it. PIN-code.
4. Activate Hide from the menu so that the app doesn’t appear on the home screen.

Method 2: Third-party launchers with parental control

For Android TVs TV (model 2023+ (a) alternative shells, such as:

• 📱 ATV Launcher - Supports PIN-application-code.
• 🔒 Kids Place – Specialized launcher for children.
• 🛡️ AppLock – blocking individual programs by password.

To install a third-party launcher:

1. Enable installation from unknown sources: Settings → Security → Unknown sources.
2. Download. APK-launcher file on the flash drive and connect it to the TV.
3. Install the application through the File Manager.
4. Set the default launcher in the settings.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models TV Q1E and Q2 Google TV Some launchers may not work well due to manufacturer restrictions. Check compatibility on forums before installing (e.g, 4PDA).

7.What to do if the blocked TV does not respond to the remote?

When the TV is locked and the remote is not working (for example, the batteries are dead or it is lost), it is common.

Option 1: Use buttons on the body

• Press and hold the Power button on the back of the TV for 10-15 seconds.
• On some models, Redmi Smart TV X50) You need to press the Volume combination.+ + Power.
• If the TV is on, enter PIN-code or reset through Settings → Data resetting.

Option 2: Connect the mouse or keyboard

Xiaomi TVs are supported by USB-Put the device on the port. USB 2.0 and:

1. Use the keyboard to navigate the menu (arrows) + Enter).
2. If the screen is locked, enter PIN-code through a digital keyboard.

Option 3: Reset via service menu

For Mi models TV 4S/4A You can try resetting through a hidden menu:

1. Turn the TV off the socket.
2. Press and hold the Volume button.+ case.
3. Connect the power without releasing the button for 5 seconds.
4. Release the button and the TV will turn on in service mode.
5. Select Wipe Data/Factory Reset (Control – Volume buttons, Confirmation – Power).

⚠️ Warning: Service reset deletes all data, including accounts and installed apps, and after the procedure, you will need to reconfigure the TV, as after buying.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking Xiaomi TVs