Users of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face a situation where the application requires extended access rights to work correctly, this becomes especially relevant when installing antivirus, ad blocking software or corporate email clients. However, sometimes the list reveals unfamiliar names that raise questions about the security of the system and personal data of the owner.
The device administrators feature in the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS allows applications to perform critical actions, such as locking the screen or forcing a password reset. Understanding how to manage these rights is a key skill for any Android gadget owner. In this article, we will detail where to find this section, how to distinguish system processes from third-party ones, and what to do if the deactivation button is inactive.
Often, users are looking for answers to access rights when faced with intrusive advertising or the inability to remove a particular application, classic signs that malicious code has gained increased privileges, and good rights management allows not only to free up space in memory, but also significantly improve the level of digital hygiene of your gadget.
What are Administrator Rights in Android and Why You Need Them
Device administrator rights are a security mechanism for the Android operating system that allows applications to perform actions beyond normal user access. Unlike the usual permissions that are requested during installation, administrator status gives the program deep control over the security settings of the smartphone itself, which is necessary for legitimate functions such as remotely locked phone or corporate email encryption.
However, the presence of such rights in unverified applications creates serious vulnerabilities: if malware becomes administrator, it can prevent its removal, block the screen with banner ads or intercept passwords, which is why regular checks of the list of administrators is a mandatory procedure to maintain the health of Xiaomi’s system.
MIUI has built-in protections that alert users to an attempt to grant such rights. However, social engineering often forces people to verify requests themselves. It is important to understand the difference between system services such as Find a Device and third-party utilities that do not need to have this level of access without an urgent need.
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If the application requests administrator rights, but its functionality is not related to security or corporate mail (for example, a flashlight or calculator), this is a one hundred percent sign of malware.
How to find the administrator section in MIUI and HyperOS
Xiaomi’s shell interface is constantly updated, and the location of settings can vary depending on the Android version and regional firmware. Most current versions of MIUI 14 and HyperOS have standardized the path to the desired menu, but require careful search. The basic algorithm of actions involves moving to the general settings of the system.
To start, open the Settings app and scroll down to the Passwords and Security section. In some older firmware versions, this item could be simply called “Security” or be inside the Advanced Settings menu. After entering the security section, select the Privacy section where key access controls are hidden.
Inside the privacy menu, look for Special Opportunities or directly Device Administrators. In newer versions of the HyperOS shell, Google often integrates this menu deeper into system services. If you don't see an explicit item, search by settings by typing in "admin" or "admin."
☑️ Algorithm of search of administrator rights
It’s worth noting that in some cases, especially on global firmware versions, the path may look like Settings → Apps → Application Management → Three dots in the corner → Special Access → Device Administrators. This variability is due to Google’s requirements for unifying security interfaces.
System and Third Party Administrators: What’s the Difference
Opening the list, you can find several entries. It is critical to be able to distinguish between Xiaomi system processes and Google services from third-party software. System administrators are necessary for the basic operation of the smartphone and ensure its safety.
Safe and necessary system administrators usually include:
- 🛡️ Find a device – Google service that allows you to track your phone when you lose.
- 🔐 Android Device Policy – required if the phone has corporate mail installed or MDM-profile.
- 📱 MIUI Security or Security – built-in antivirus and optimizer from Xiaomi.
- 💳 Google Pay/Wallet – sometimes require rights to tokenize cards (depending on version).
Third-party administrators are apps that you downloaded from the Play Market or installed through an APK file. If you see the names of antiviruses (Kaspersky, Dr.Web), launchers or unknown programs with Chinese characters on the list, these are candidates for verification. The presence of an unknown administrator often indicates a hidden installation of an ad module.
Why can’t system administrators be removed?
Special attention should be paid to applications with names like Battery Saver, Flashlight or Clear Master, if they have administrator rights. Legitimate utilities of this type rarely require such deep rights, and their presence on the list of administrators is often a sign of aggressive behavior of the software.
How to Disable or Remove Administrator Rights
The process of revocation is quite simple if the application does not use special removal protection techniques. First, you need to go to the Device Administrators menu, as described above. In the list that opens, find the desired application and click on it or on the switch next to the name.
The system will give a warning that the application will lose some features, for example, the antivirus will stop blocking the phone if you enter the password incorrectly. If you are sure of your actions, click OK or Deactivate, then the application will return to the status of a regular user and will no longer be able to affect the system security settings.
If after deactivation you plan to completely remove the application, go to the App menu. → Manage applications, find the program and select Delete. In some cases, especially with malware, the delete button may be inactive immediately after the administrator is removed.
| Type of application | Recommended action | The risks of disconnection | Need for a reset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Find the device (Google) | Leave it on. | Impossibility to track | No. |
| Corporate mail | Leave (if you're working) | Resetting the mail password | No. |
| Antivirus (3rd party) | discretionary | Reduced protection | Preferably. |
| Unknown SOFTWARE | Urgently shut down | No (only pluses) | I'll be sure. |
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After removing the administrator rights from the suspicious application, it is strongly recommended to perform a full system check with Xiaomi’s built-in security scanner.
Problems with removal: the virus does not allow to remove the rights
When the administrator deactivation button is not pressed or the menu is closed, it is a classic symptom of infection with a virus-encrypter or advertising module. These programs use special scripts that intercept touches or block access to settings, in which case the standard path through the settings menu becomes unavailable.
The first step in the fight against such software is to move to Safe Mode, in which Xiaomi only loads with system applications, which blocks the launch of malicious code. To enter Safe Mode on most Redmi and Poco models, you need to press the off button on the screen, and when the “Stop” icon appears, press and hold it until the offer appears to go to Safe Mode.
If you're in Safe Mode, repeat the administrator search procedure. Because the virus is not running, it won't be able to block the shutdown button. Unlock the rights, then uninstall the app in the usual way. If that doesn't work, the only solution is a full reset to the factory settings (Hard Reset), which will result in the loss of all data.
⚠️ Warning: If the virus blocks the settings even in safe mode, try to turn off the Internet (Wi-Fi and mobile data) before entering the security menu.
There is also a method of disabling the application through ADB (Android Debug Bridge from a computer, but it requires enabled debugging USB. Adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 Application package allows you to forcibly disable any administrator, even if the phone interface is blocked.
The safety and security of your Xiaomi
To avoid problems with unwanted administrators in the future, you need to maintain digital hygiene. First of all, refuse to install applications from unknown sources. The default MIUI settings include Security Check protection, which scans installation files. Don't ignore system warnings.
Check the active admin list regularly, at least once a month, which takes less than a minute, but allows you to control which programs have access to your device. It's also helpful to monitor battery consumption: if an unknown application is actively using resources in the background, this is an excuse to check its rights.
Use the built-in virus scanner from Avast or AVL, which is integrated into the Security app on Xiaomi smartphones. It is able to detect most known threats that try to gain administrator rights. Remember that no system gives 100% guarantee, so critical user thinking remains the main thing.
⚠️ Warning: Never grant administrator rights to applications that promise to “speed up the internet,” “boost battery,” or “download videos from social media.