Parental controls on a Redmi phone: step-by-step setup

Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones are powerful multimedia devices that children often use not only for communication, but also for games, watching videos and communicating on social networks. Without proper supervision, a child may encounter inappropriate content, spend their parents' money on in-game purchases, or simply become overly interested in the gadget to the detriment of their studies and sleep. That is why parental control becomes not just a useful function, but a necessity for responsible guardians.

The Android operating system, which runs the MIUI shell (or HyperOS in new models), provides a wide range of tools for restricting access. However, users are often lost in the variety of settings: what to choose - built-in system functions or third-party applications from Google? In this article, we will analyze in detail all the available methods of protecting a child’s smartphone Redmi, from basic application blocking to deep monitoring of activity through a Google account.

Setting up security requires care and consistency of actions. Errors at the configuration stage can lead to the child easily bypassing the established restrictions, for example, by simply deleting the application or changing the time zone. We will consider not only the technical aspects of the installation, but also the psychological nuances, and will also provide a checklist for checking the reliability of the created protection system.

Built-in protection capabilities in MIUI and HyperOS

The first level of defense is the tools already pre-installed in the firmware of your device. Xiaomi has integrated a number of functions into its shells that allow you to limit the use of specific applications without installing additional software. The main tool here is the "Application protection"function, which requires entering a password or fingerprint to launch selected apps.

To activate this protection, you need to go to the security settings. The path may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but it usually looks like this: go to Settings → Applications → Application protection. Here you can select a list of apps whose access will be blocked with a password. This is an ideal option for hiding system settings, app store or social networks.

However, it is worth understanding the limitations of this method. Built-in protection can't filter content within the browser or limit total screen time. It just puts a “door” in front of the application icon. If a child knows the password to unlock the screen itself, he can gain access to the entire phone if additional profiles are not configured.

⚠️ Attention! In some versions of MIUI, the App Protection feature may be hidden in the Security app (green shield icon) rather than in the main system settings. Be sure to check both places if you do not find the desired item in the menu.

Another important function is "Second Space". This is a unique shell feature from Xiaomi that allows you to create two isolated profiles with different sets of applications and files on one phone. You can set up the main space for yourself, and the second for your child, installing only approved games and educational apps there.

Setting up Google Family Link: Gold standard of security

The most effective and comprehensive solution for Android devices is the service Google Family Link. This is an official application from Google that allows the parent to fully control the child's digital world. Unlike the built-in MIUI tools, Family Link works at the account level, which makes bypassing it extremely difficult for the uninitiated user.

To get started, you will need to create a separate Google account for your child, if he does not already have one. This can be done directly during the application setup process on your phone. After creating an account, you need to link it to your parent profile. The system will offer to install the Family Link application for children on the child's phone and the application for parents on your smartphone.

The setup process on the device Redmi looks like this:

• 📱 Download the application Google Family Link for Kids and Teens from the Play Market to the child's phone.
• 🔑 Sign in to your child's account and follow the on-screen instructions to link to the parent device.
• ⏳ Set up screen time limits: Set a daily usage limit and a bedtime when your phone is locked.
• 🚫 In the “Content and Restrictions” section, prevent the installation of applications without your approval and filter content on Google Play.

An important advantage of this method is the possibility of remote control. You can block your child’s phone at any time if he doesn’t do his homework, or extend the time of use if he deserves a reward. You will also receive weekly reports on how much time your child spent in specific applications.

It is worth noting that for Family Link to work correctly, geolocation services and Internet access must be enabled on the child’s phone. If a child tries to disconnect the Internet to bypass the blocking, the system will notify you about this, and some functions will stop working until the connection is restored.

Limiting purchases and installing applications

One ​​of the most painful topics for parents is unexpected charges from a bank card for in-game currencies or subscriptions. On Redmi smartphones, this problem can be solved comprehensively using Google Play settings and the capabilities of the telecom operator.

First of all, you need to set up authorization for purchases in the store Google Play. Go to the store settings, select “Settings” → “Authentication” and set the requirement to confirm the purchase for all transactions through Google Play on this device. This means that even if a child clicks the “Buy” button, the system will ask for a password from your account.

Restriction type	Where to configure	Efficiency
Purchase password	Google Play Market	High (the purchase will not work without a password)
Card linking	Google account settings	Critical (remove the card from the child's account)
Third-party launchers	MIUI application protection	Medium (can be bypassed by knowing the password)
Family Link limits	Family Link application	Maximum (blocks installation and payment)

It is also recommended to check your subscriptions. Children often accidentally sign up for trials, which then automatically turn into paid subscriptions. In the Google Play settings in the “Subscriptions” section, you can cancel all active subscriptions or prohibit their registration.

⚠️ Attention! If a payment method is saved on a child's phone (for example, a parent's card is linked), even the purchase password may not work in some games that use alternative billing methods. Completely delete payment information from your child's account.

In addition, in the Family Link settings, you can set a ban on installing applications with a certain age rating. For example, you can allow the installation of only apps with a rating of “3+” or “6+”, and all games with scenes of violence or gambling will be automatically hidden from the search.

Filtering unwanted content in the browser

The Internet is full of information that is not intended for children's eyes. The standard browser on Redmi (Mi Browser) and Google Chrome have built-in filtering mechanisms, but they do not always work perfectly without additional configuration. The most reliable way is to use safe search and specialized DNS servers.

In the browser Google Chrome you must activate the “SafeSearch” function. To do this, go to your browser settings → “Privacy and Security” → “Safe Search” and select the “Filter results” mode. This will hide explicit images and sites from Google search results.

A more advanced method is setting Private DNS at the level of the entire Android operating system. This will allow you to filter content not only in the browser, but also in other applications that use web browsing. To do this, go to Settings → Connection and sharing → Private DNS.

In the input field you must enter the address of the server that blocks adult content. One of the popular and free solutions is the server from AdGuard. Enter the following value:

family.adguard-dns.com

After saving the settings, the phone will begin to redirect all DNS requests through this filter. Sites with adult content, gambling, and other inappropriate material will stop opening, displaying a placeholder page instead of the content.

What should you do if the sites still open?

If filtering does not work, check to see if your child's phone has a VPN or proxy server that bypasses the DNS settings. Also make sure that “Auto” or “Disabled” is not selected in the Private DNS settings.

Don’t forget about the application YouTube. The standard application allows you to view any content. For children, it is better to install a separate application YouTube Kids, where the content is pre-moderated, and the search can be completely disabled, leaving only recommended videos.

Location and geofence control

The safety of a child concerns not only the digital space, but also his physical movement. Redmi smartphones are equipped with accurate GPS modules, which, when properly configured, allow parents to always know where their child is.

Within the ecosystem Google Family Link the location tracking function is enabled by default. On the map in the parent app you can see the current position of the device and battery level. This is convenient to make sure that the child gets to school or section safely.

A more advanced function is creation Geofence. You can mark specific points on the map (home, school, grandma's house) and set up notifications. As soon as the child’s phone crosses the border of this zone (enters it or leaves it), you will receive a push notification.

To set up geofences in the Family Link application, go to the child’s card, select “Location” and click “Add place”. Specify the address and response radius (usually from 100 to 500 meters). This is especially true for younger schoolchildren, who may forget to warn about a change in route.

⚠️ Attention! The accuracy of location determination depends on the quality of the GPS signal and the availability of the Internet. In rooms or basements, coordinates can be determined with an error of up to several tens of meters using cell towers.

It is important to explain to the child that tracking is turned on not for total espionage, but for his own safety. Excessive control can cause protest and a desire to find ways to bypass the protection, so use this data delicately.

Common problems and ways to solve them

Even the most careful settings may encounter technical nuances or attempts to bypass them from advanced children. Let's look at typical problems that arise when setting up parental controls on Redmi, and methods for eliminating them.

A common situation: a child reports that the phone “turned off by itself” or “the Internet does not work” at the scheduled bedtime. This is usually because Family Link features require constant synchronization. If MIUI Power Saving Mode is enabled on your device, the system may aggressively kill Google background processes, causing locks to malfunction.

To fix this, you need to add the Google and Family Link apps to your Power Saving Exceptions list. Go to Settings → Battery and performance → Application selection, find the apps you need and set the “No restrictions” mode. This ensures that monitoring services work stably.

Another common problem is resetting settings. If a child tries to perform a full factory reset to remove parental controls, the Android system will ask for the password for the last synced Google account (FRP Lock). Without this password, it will be impossible to activate the phone.

It is also worth remembering that the software is constantly updated. Settings interfaces may change, and new versions of Android may bring additional security features. Check regularly for system and application updates to stay informed about new security features.

Is it possible to bypass parental controls on Redmi?

Tech-savvy teens can try to bypass restrictions by using safe mode, resetting settings, or installing third-party launchers. However, the combination of Family Link, reset password (FRP) and MIUI application protection creates multi-level protection, which is extremely difficult to overcome without knowing the parent’s passwords.

Does the parent see correspondence in WhatsApp or Telegram?

Standard parental control tools (including Family Link) do not show the contents of correspondence in instant messengers due to end-to-end encryption. They only see the fact of using the application and the time spent in it. To control correspondence, specialized spy applications are required, the installation of which often violates laws and ethical standards.

What happens if a child loses their phone?

If the phone is connected to a Google account, you can use the Find My Device function. Through it, you can not only track your geolocation, but also remotely lock the screen or erase all data so that information does not fall into the wrong hands. Family Link also allows you to lock your device with one button.

How to turn off parental controls when your child grows up?

When your child turns 13 (age may vary depending on the country), he will be able to independently manage his account. You can voluntarily turn off supervision in the Family Link app on your phone by selecting “Turn off supervision.” After this, the restrictions will be lifted.

Does control work without the Internet on a child’s phone?

Restrictions set through Family Link (time limits, application blocking) are saved in the device’s memory and continue to work even without the Internet. However, you won't be able to track your location or get a real-time activity report without a network connection.