Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often encounter an intrusive system app that periodically locks the screen and suggests "accelerating" the device.This tool, known as the Cleaner or Security Cleaner, is part of the shell of MIUI and HyperOS. Many users find it redundant, as it consumes CPU resources and drains the battery with background checks.
Disabling this component may seem difficult, as the developers did not provide a simple “Switch off” button in the standard menu. However, there are several proven ways to limit its operation or completely remove the system application. In this article, we will discuss safe methods of deactivation through system settings, the use of USB debugging and specialized ADB commands.
Before taking drastic action, it is important to understand that system security in the Xiaomi shell is closely related to this application.Full removal can lead to unstable operation of some features, so we will consider options from easy locking to complete demolition.
Why do users want to disable system cleaning?
The main reason for the discontent lies in the aggressive behavior of the application, which constantly monitors running processes and cache, which is often unnecessary on modern devices with a large amount of RAM, Automatic cleaning can interrupt the background download of files or reset messengers, forcing them to reconnect to the network.
Also, many people are annoyed by the advertising component built into security services: periodic pop-ups with recommendations to install antivirus or optimize storage reduce the comfort of using the gadget, turning off the cleaner returns control of the device to the owner.
⚠️ Warning: Complete removal of system components may result in interface errors or cyclic reboots.We recommend that you try to limit background activity first, rather than removing the application completely.
It is worth noting that across the firmware (Global, China, EU), Security behavior may differ; there are fewer ad modules in the European versions, but the cleaning functionality remains tightly integrated into the system; understanding the MIUI architecture helps to choose the right intervention method.
Limitation of work through standard settings
The safest and easiest way is to use built-in restrictions, which don't require a computer connection or root license, but the idea is to turn off notifications and not auto-start, and it won't delete the application, but it will make it virtually invisible to the user.
First, you need to find the app itself in the installed list, often hidden under the name "Security" or has a shield icon. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications. In the list, find Security and click on it. Here we are interested in "Notifications".
Turn off all sliders, especially those responsible for "Recommendations" and "Memory Cleanup" that remove pop-ups, then you need to stop auto-start. In the same menu, find Auto-Start and uncheck the checkmark, which will prevent service from starting immediately after the phone is turned on.
- 🔍 Find the Security app in Program Manager.
- 🔕 Disable all types of notifications, including system.
- 🚫 Disable auto-start in the corresponding menu subsection.
- 📉 Limit background activities in the item "Energy savings».
In addition, check the battery settings. In the Battery and Performance section, find the security application and select No Limits mode or, conversely, Hard Savings mode, so that the system kills its processes itself. However, the first option is more reliable for stability, and the second option may require reconfiguration after rebooting.
☑️ Checking security settings
Using a Hidden Application Menu
There's a hidden engineering menu in the MIUI shell, accessible through a set of special code or through settings, that allows you to manage system components more deeply. However, in recent versions of Android, access to completely removing system applications from here is often closed, but it's worth a try.
Try entering the code ##6484## or ##4636##. If the code doesn't work (which is often the case on global firmware), you can search for settings. Type the word "applications" into your settings and go to manage them. Here you can try to click Delete. If it's inactive (gray), then you need access via ADB.
There's also a method through the developer menu. Activate it by quickly clicking seven times on the build number in the About Phone section. Then, in the Developer menu, look for "Inactive Apps" or "Background Process Limit." Set a limit to "No background processes." This is a radical measure that will affect not only the cleaner, but all other programs.
| Method | Difficulty | Efficiency | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disabling notifications | Low. | Medium | Minimum |
| Prohibition of auto-start | Low. | Tall. | Minimum |
| ADB team | Tall. | Maximum | Average. |
| Root rights | Very high. | Maximum | Tall. |
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to delete system files through root-righted file managers without creating a full backup. A file name error can lead to a device building block.
Removal via ADB (Android Debug Bridge)
The most efficient way to remove the system application completely without superuser rights is to use a computer (Windows, macOS or Linux) and a USB cable. The method is safe, because when removed via ADB, the application is not physically erased from the system partition, but only hidden for the current user (user 0).
First, you need to prepare your smartphone. Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version to activate the developer menu. Then go to Advanced Settings → Developer and turn on the USB Debugging Toggle. Connect the phone to your computer with a cable.
On your computer, download the SDK Platform Tools from Google's official website. Unpack the archive, open the command prompt (cmd) in the tool folder and enter the communication verification command:
adb devicesYou'll see a request for debugging permission on your smartphone screen. Press "Allow." If the console displays the serial number of the device, the connection is established. Now you need to know the exact name of the cleaner package. Usually it's com.miui.cleaner or com.miui.securitycenter. To delete, type in the command:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.cleaner- 💻 Download and install. ADB Drivers and Tools on PC.
- 📱 Put the debugging on. USB on the developer menu on the phone.
- 🔌 Connect the device and confirm RSA-key.
- 🗑️ Enter the command to remove a specific package through the console.
Once the command is executed, the application will disappear from the menu and stop consuming resources. If you want to return it back, the adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.cleaner command will help.
What to do if your computer can’t see your phone?
Alternative solutions and third-party software
If you do not want to mess with the command line, you can use graphic shells for ADB, like Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools or Universal Android Debloater.These programs automatically identify the connected device and offer a list of system applications to remove with clear descriptions.
Another option is to replace the standard launcher or use third-party optimization applications that intercept the system's functions, but this is not stable on MIUI because of the tight energy saving policy.
For advanced users with an unlocked bootloader, customized recaps (TWRP) and modified system files are available, allowing you to cut the cleaner at the file system level, but this requires deep knowledge and lacks warranty.
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Use the “Mi Mover” app or the built-in Xiaomi Cloud backup feature before any manipulation of system files to have a rollback point.
Possible problems and solutions
Once you turn off or remove the cleaner, users may experience a number of nuances, such as the Cleanup widgets on the desktop or the switch off menu (the memory cleaner button will disappear), which is normal behavior, since we have removed the component responsible for these functions.
In some cases, the system may start to behave strangely: Wi-Fi or Bluetooth settings may disappear in fast toggles. If this happens, try reinstalling Security app updates via Google Play or GetApps, or resetting to factory settings.
Also, remember that air-to-air firmware updates (OTAs) can restore remote system components. After a major MIUI or HyperOS update, you may have to re-engineer the shutdown procedure.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone starts to warm up or discharge rapidly after removing the cleaner, it may be that the deletion process was incorrect and there is a tail in the system).
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The safest balance between performance and stability is not complete removal, but disabling notifications and auto-starts through the standard settings menu.