How to Set Up Parental Controls on Xiaomi / Redmi Phone for Kids
Xiaomi offers several layers of parental controls — from built-in restrictions to Google Family Link integration. Here's how to set them all up.
Layer 1 – Google Family Link (Most Comprehensive)
Google Family Link is the most powerful parental control solution for Android:
- On parent's phone: Install Family Link app → create a child Google account.
- On child's Xiaomi phone: Sign in with the child's Google account during setup.
- Link is established — parent gets full control via the Family Link app.
What Family Link controls:
- App downloads (require parent approval).
- Screen time limits (daily limits + bedtime schedule).
- Location tracking (real-time GPS).
- Content filters (restrict adult apps/websites).
- Remote device lock.
Layer 2 – Xiaomi Digital Wellbeing (Built-In)
- Settings → Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls.
- Set Daily timers per app (e.g., YouTube: 45 min/day, games: 1 hr/day).
- Enable Bedtime mode — dims screen and blocks apps during sleep hours.
- Enable Focus mode — pauses distracting apps during study time.
To prevent kids from changing these settings:
- Set a separate screen PIN for Digital Wellbeing settings.
Layer 3 – Kids Mode (If Available on Your Model)
Some Xiaomi models include a Kids Mode:
1. Settings → Special features → Kids mode (or search "Kids").
2. Enable → set a PIN only the parent knows.
3. Choose which apps kids can access.
4. Set usage time limits.
5. Kids cannot exit Kids Mode without the parent PIN.
Layer 4 – App Lock for Settings
Prevent kids from changing phone settings:
1. Settings → App Lock → add Settings app to the locked list.
2. Settings now require fingerprint or PIN to open — kids cannot change restrictions.
Content Filtering in Mi Browser
- Open Mi Browser → Settings → Safe browsing → enable.
- Enable Safe Search to filter explicit web content.
Parental Controls Overview
| Control | Tool | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| App time limits | Digital Wellbeing | Easy |
| App download approval | Google Family Link | Easy |
| Location tracking | Family Link | Easy |
| Content filtering | Google Family Link + Mi Browser | Moderate |
| Full device lock | Family Link | Easy |
Pro Tips
- Use Google Family Link as the primary control layer and Xiaomi's built-in tools as supplements.
- Tell children about the restrictions honestly — building trust works better than secret controls for older kids.
- Review Family Link reports weekly to understand your child's app usage patterns.
