Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the need to test the device for viruses or configure access to applications. However, the standard MIUI shell and the new HyperOS have a specific menu structure that can confuse a user accustomed to “pure” Android. The search for protection tools here is not always obvious at first glance, since the system combines many functions in one place.
In fact, security on Xiaomi is not just a standalone icon, it's an ecosystem embedded deep within system processes, including antivirus, ad blocker, permission management, and even hidden folders, and understanding where these elements are located will allow you to effectively manage data privacy and performance of your gadget.
In this article, we will take a look at all the possible ways to set up security, how to find a system application, where advanced options are hidden, and what hidden features MIUI Security provides, and this knowledge is necessary for anyone who wants to protect their phone from threats and customize it to suit their needs.
Main appendix "Security"
The main security tool in the Xiaomi ecosystem is a pre-installed system application called Security, which in global firmware versions may be called Security, and this is where about 80% of all the functions related to data protection and device optimization are concentrated, and you can find it on the desktop by looking at the characteristic green icon with a shield.
When you start up, you're taken to the main screen, which displays memory status and current protection, and there are quick buttons to start scanning and clearing the cache, but the power of this tool is hidden deeper, in the additional modules available through the menu.
To access all functions, you need to click on the three horizontal bars in the upper right corner of the screen or the menu button next to the speed indicator, and a list of all available tools that you can turn on and off at your discretion will open.
- 🛡️ Antivirus – scans installed applications and files for malicious code.
- 🔒 Application protection – sets a password or biometrics to run selected programs.
- 📵 The locker filters incoming calls and SMS spammer.
- 📂 Hidden Profile – Creates a password-protected folder for files and applications.
Importantly, the functionality may vary slightly depending on the version of the MIUI shell or HyperOS, and the region chosen when you first set up the phone.Some users prefer to hide this app, but for basic configuration it should always be at hand.
⚠️ Note: Do not remove the Security app through third-party managers or ADB, It's a system component that can be removed, and if you're not sure what you're doing, it can cause notifications to malfunction and crash.
Regular use of the built-in scanner allows you to keep the device clean. Although many experienced users prefer third-party solutions, the built-in engine from Avast or Tencent (depending on the region) copes with the basic threats without consuming excess power in the background.
Confidentiality settings in the system
In addition to a standalone application, modern versions of Xiaomi firmware have brought a number of critical security settings to the main menu of the system, which is done so that the user can quickly control the access of applications to the camera, microphone and geolocation without the need to run heavy scanners.
To get into this section, go to Settings and scroll down to Privacy Protection. In newer versions of HyperOS, this section has been significantly revised to provide detailed statistics on app behavior, and here you will see which programs have accessed your data in the past 24 hours or 7 days.
Special permissions are a feature that allows you to set up access to contacts, calendar and files for each application separately, which allows you to create a flexible security policy that prevents, for example, a flashlight from accessing your location or contacts.
The system also suggests enabling Privacy Protection, which automatically masks your real information, such as getting a list of 5 random contacts instead of the entire phone book, or only having access to a portion of the photos.
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Enable the “Record Behavior” feature in the privacy protection section, which will show a pop-up notification every time the running application tries to copy the clipboard or access the geo-position.
Don't ignore the "Special Features" section. Malware often masquerades as system services or requires screen rights, and checking the list of apps that have access to special features regularly helps identify suspicious activity.
| Type of permit | Level of risk | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Camera and microphone | High-pitched | Allow only when used |
| Geoposition | Medium. | Only for maps and navigation |
| Contacts | High-pitched | Ban games and utilities |
| Files and media | Medium. | Limit access to folders |
Permission control is the first line of defense, and if a simple photo editing app requires access to your SMS, it's a clear alarm. Xiaomi's system highlights such requests, allowing you to respond instantly.
Application blocking and fingerprint access
One of the most useful features for the average user is Application Blocking, which allows you to set an additional password, PIN-a code or fingerprint unlock requirement to run specific programs, perfect for protecting a gallery, instant messengers or banking applications from prying eyes.
There are two ways to find this feature: One is through the Security app in the tool list; the second, faster way is through Settings → Apps → App Lock. In some firmware versions, this item is also duplicated under Passwords and Security.
When you first activate, the system will prompt you to set an unlock password (if it is different from the screen password) and adjust the biometrics. After that, you will see a list of all the programs installed with the switches next to them, just activate the switch, and the next time you start the application will require verification of identity.
⚠️ Note: If you forget the password from blocking applications and do not link the Mi Account, it will be extremely difficult to restore access to protected data, up to a complete reset of the phone settings.
There is also a Guest Mode or Second Space feature that creates a completely isolated environment in a smartphone, a layer of advanced security that allows you to keep separate work and personal data on the same device with different login passwords.
☑️ Setup of application locking
Using biometrics is a great way to speed things up, so you don't have to type in code every time, you just have to touch the fingerprint scanner or look at the front camera, but you have to remember that biometrics are stored in a secure TEE module and not transmitted to the manufacturer's servers.
Hidden folders and Second profile
To store valuable files, Xiaomi has implemented a Hidden Profile (or Second Profile depending on translation) feature, which is not just a folder with a password, but a full-fledged isolated space that can be hidden even from the list of applications.
To activate this feature, go to Settings → Features → Second Space, where you can create a clone of the system with its own set of applications, contacts and files, switching between spaces either through an icon in the curtain or using a special fingerprint.
There's also a simpler option, which is to hide albums in the Gallery, so if you open any photo, you can click "More" and select "Hide Album" and you can pull them down at the top of the album list and type in a password, which is convenient for quickly protecting your personal photos.
- 📁 Data isolation – applications in the second space do not see the main files.
- 🔐 Different passwords – the main and hidden profiles are logged in by different fingerprints.
- 👁️ Hiding icons – you can make sure that hidden apps will not appear in the menu.
This feature is often used to separate work and personal life, so you can install work messengers in the second space and simply not go there on weekends, while maintaining complete confidentiality of correspondence.
How to log into a hidden profile if you forget your password?
Device search and remote control
In the event of a phone loss or theft, remote management is critical, and Xiaomi has its own search service that works even when the internet is off (if the option is enabled) or through a Mi Account.
The main tool is located at i.mi.com. For its operation, it is necessary that the service “Find the device” in the settings of the Mi Account is turned on on on the phone. This allows you not only to see the geolocation on the map, but also remotely lock the gadget, display the message on the screen or erase all data.
In addition, there is a function in the security settings «SIM-If you put a new card in the phone SIM-The card will automatically send it. SMS geolocation and new number data to the trusted contact you specified in advance.
Google services may not be available in some regions or with specific network settings, while Xiaomi’s native service continues to operate steadily, and both options are recommended.
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Be sure to turn on Find Device immediately after you buy your phone, and without this setting, it will be almost impossible to return access to the device or remotely erase data when you steal.