When you buy a smartphone, a smartwatch or a Xiaomi router, you trust the company not only with your money, but also with personal data — from photos to banking history. However, the phrase “Security Xiaomi” often raises questions: how exactly does the Chinese brand protect user information? Are there enough built-in MIUI mechanisms, or should you install additional tools? In this article, we will understand what security is in the Xiaomi ecosystem, what threats exist in practice and how to minimize risks — from setting up two-factor authentication to checking devices for spyware.
The controversy surrounding Xiaomi has been raging since 2020, when it came under US sanctions for alleged ties to the Chinese military. Although the restrictions were later lifted, privacy remained. Meanwhile, MIUI, Xiaomi's proprietary Android shell, includes an arsenal of tools to protect it from built-in antivirus to file encryption. But how effective are they? And what to do if you suspect your Redmi or POCO is "merging" data into China?
What is the term “Security Xiaomi”?
By “Security Xiaomi” is meant a set of measures that the company implements at the level of hardware, software code and privacy policy, not only protection against viruses or hacker attacks, but also control over what data MIUI collects and where it is transferred.
- 🔒 MIUI Security – built-in security center with antivirus, vulnerability scanner and tools to block unwanted calls.
- 🔐 Data encryption – file and partition protection (included in settings).
- 📱 Mi Account is a Xiaomi account that syncs data between devices and serves as a key to features like Find a Device».
- 🌐 Network protection — VPN, Traffic monitoring and warnings of suspicious connections (e.g. on Mi Router routers).
- 🛡️ Privacy Policy – rules for data collection and processing (including transfer to China).
It's important to understand that Xiaomi is not just smartphones. The ecosystem includes smart lamps, robot vacuum cleaners, fitness bracelets and even electric scooters. Each of these devices can become a potential "rook" for data leaks if not configured correctly. For example, the Mi Home Security Camera defaults video recording to the Xiaomi cloud - and if you don't change the settings, these recordings may not be available only to you.
⚠️ Note: According to a 2023 study, Xiaomi collects up to 20% of metadata from devices even when tracking permissions are disabled, including phone model information, software versions, and even approximate location. IP). It is impossible to disable the collection completely, but you can limit it.
MIUI Security: What does the built-in antivirus do and should you trust it?
Every Xiaomi smartphone (starting with MIUI 12) has a Security section (Settings → Security) where the main security tools are concentrated.
- 🦠 Virus scanner – checks applications and files for malicious code (using Avast databases and Xiaomi’s own algorithms).
- 📱 Optimizer – clears the cache and closes the background processes that can slow down the system.
- 🔍 Vulnerability Checking – Looks for outdated software versions or dangerous permissions from applications.
- 📞 Blocking Spam – filters unwanted calls and SMS (The database is updated automatically).
However, the built-in antivirus has serious limitations:
- It does not scan system files, only user data and installed applications.
- Virus databases are updated less frequently than those of specialized antiviruses like Kaspersky or Bitdefender.
- There is no protection against phishing (fraudulent sites) and MITM-attacks (traffic interception).
According to tests conducted by AV-Test (2023), MIUI Security has a malware detection rate of about 85%, compared to 99% for market leaders, which means that third-party antivirus software such as Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light is better suited for full protection.
Mi Account: Why is this the weak link in Xiaomi’s security?
Mi Account is your digital passport in the Xiaomi ecosystem, and it's used to synchronize contacts, notes, photos from the Mi Cloud, and to activate features like Find a Device or Unlock a bootloader, but it's the account that is often targeted by hackers.
- 🔓 Weak passwords – many users set simple combinations (e.g. 123456 or date of birth).
- 📧 Phishing emails – scammers send fake notifications from “support Xiaomi” with a request to enter a username and password.
- 📱 Database Leaks – 8.5 million MI Accounts (including password hashes) were leaked in 2021).
If your account is hacked, attackers can:
- Delete all data from the Mi Cloud.
- Lock the device through the “Find the phone” function.
- Access your purchase history in the Mi Store (if the card is tied).
To protect Mi Account:
- Enable two-factor authentication (Account settings → Security → Two-step verification).
- Use a password manager (such as Bitwarden) to generate complex combinations.
- Check active sessions in the Devices section and remove suspicious ones.
Use a password ≥12 characters long
Enable two-factor authentication
Do not enter data on third-party sites
Regularly check active sessions
Disable synchronization of unnecessary data (for example, SMS)-->
⚠️ Warning: If you sell or transfer your Xiaomi to another person, be sure to log out of Mi Account and reset to factory settings. Otherwise, the new owner will be able to access your data through the cloud! Data encryption: how does it work and why should it be enabled? By default, files on Xiaomi are not encrypted — they can be extracted from the memory of the phone by connecting it to a computer. MIUI There is a function "Charge phone" (Settings) → Additionally. → Confidentiality → Encryption and credentials that convert all data into an unreadable form without a password. How does it work: When you turn on encryption, the system creates a unique key that is tied to yours PIN-All files (including photos, videos and documents) are encrypted using an algorithm. AES-256. Without a password, you can't read data even when you're connected to a PC or when you're retrieving a memory chip: 🔐 Protection against data theft in case of loss of the phone. 🛡️ Preventing access to files through ADB or Fastboot. 📱 Compatibility with corporate security policies (e.g., Microsoft Intune) but there are downsides: ⚠️ If you forget your password, your data will be lost forever – you can’t restore it. ⏳ Encryption can slow down your phone by 5 to 10 percent (especially on low-end models like the Redmi). 9A). Xiaomi Model Encryption Support Encryption Time (note) Impact on Xiaomi 13 Pro Performance Yes (AES-256) 15-20 minutes Minor POCO X5 Pro Pro (AES-256) 25–30 minutes Average (deceleration by 5–8%) Redmi Note 12 Yes (AES-128) 30-40 minutes Noticeable (deceleration by 10-12%) Redmi 10A No — — 💡Before encrypting your phone, make sure to back up your data to your computer or the cloud. If the process is interrupted (for example, due to battery drain), the device may stop booting! Xiaomi data collection: what exactly is being transferred to China and how to turn it off? One of the most controversial issues is the collection of telemetry by Xiaomi devices. MIUI sends the following data to China: 📱 Information about the device: model, version MIUI, serial. 🌍 Approximate location (by IP-address). 📊 Usage statistics: what applications are running, how often system settings are opened. 🔋 Battery data: charge level, temperature, charging cycles. 📶 Network information: signal strength Wi-Fi/4G, Some of this data is collected to improve the software (for example, to fix bugs in a new version). MIUI), But some of it's for targeted advertising. Fortunately, most of the tracking can be turned off: Go to Settings. → Confidentiality → Special permits → Permit management. Turn off options: "Sending diagnostic data" "Personalized recommendations" "Improving" MIUI» In the Settings section → Accounts. → Mi Account → Turn off unnecessary options (for example, synchronizing calendar or notes if you are not using them). For full control, you can use apps like App Ops (requires root rights) or NetGuard (network traffic blocker) to restrict access to the Internet for system processes. What if Xiaomi blocks telemetry shutdown? Some versions MIUI (For example, Redmi for the Chinese market does not allow you to completely disable data collection. In this case, it will help: 1. Install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS). 2. VPN with traffic filtering (e.g. Blokada). 3. Shutting down the Internet for system applications via ADB: adb shell pm block com.miui.analytics Attention: this may disrupt some functions MIUI! Xiaomi Smart Devices Security: How to Protect Routers, Cameras and IoT Gadgets? In addition to smartphones, Xiaomi manufactures dozens of smart devices, from robot vacuum cleaners to electric toothbrushes. Many of these are connected to the Internet and can become a loophole for hackers. For example, in 2022, researchers found a vulnerability in the Mi Home Security Camera that allows you to remotely view video from the camera without authorization: 🏠 Unsecured routers – by default, many Mi Routers use a simple password (admin), and the firmware is rarely updated. 🎥 Cloud-storage cameras – video can be transmitted to Xiaomi servers without encryption. 🔌 Smart sockets and lamps – can be used for DDoS attacks (as in the case of the Mirai botnet). How to protect IoT gadgets: For routers: Change the standard password to a complex one (at least 12 characters). → Remote access. Update your firmware to the latest version. For cameras: Turn off cloud recording if you don't need it (Camera Settings) → Cloud). Use local storage (microSD). Set up two-factor authentication in Mi Home. For other gadgets: Set up a separate Wi-Fi network for IoT devices (via guest router mode). Regularly check the list of connected devices in Mi Home. 💡Xiaomi smart devices often have security holes because of outdated software. Always update your firmware and disable unnecessary cloud features! What to do if Xiaomi is already hacked: Signs and actions If your Xiaomi device is behaving suspiciously, it may be a sign of hacking or contracting a virus: 🔋 Fast battery discharge – malware can run in the background. 📶 Increased traffic – check data consumption in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Traffic. 📱 Spontaneous actions: opening applications, sending SMS, camera-in. 🔒 Locking a ransom device (ransomware). 📎 Unknown files in the phone memory (for example, APK If you suspect a hack: Disconnect the device from the Internet (plane mode). Check the list of installed applications (Settings) → Annexes → App management) and remove suspicious ones. Run scan through MIUI Security or third-party antivirus. If nothing helps, reset to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → In the case of ransomware: Don’t pay the ransom, it doesn’t guarantee data return. Try to restore files through a backup (if any). Contact Xiaomi support or forums like this. 4PDA — Sometimes there are ways to decrypt. ⚠️ Note: If a hacker has accessed your Mi Account, they can remotely lock the device through Find Your Phone, in which case only a call to support Xiaomi with proof of ownership (checks) will help, IMEI). FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi security: Can Xiaomi data collection be completely disabled? No, you can not completely turn off telemetry - even if you turn off all options in the settings MIUI It continues to send basic information (device model, software version), but you can significantly reduce the amount of data you transmit, as described in the section on data collection. Is it true that Xiaomi is spying on users? In 2020, researchers at Forbes found that Xiaomi was collecting data on websites visited and search queries in the Mi Browser browser.The company said it was a "misunderstanding" and updated its privacy policy. Today, data collection is done as standard practice (like Google or Apple), but with a focus on Chinese law that requires companies to cooperate with the authorities. How do I check if my Xiaomi is transferring data to China? You can use tools to monitor traffic, such as NetGuard, PCAPdroid, Wireshark, for advanced users, requires a PC, and look at domains like.miui.com,.xiaomi.com, or *.mi.com, which are owned by Xiaomi. Is it safe to use Mi Cloud? Mi Cloud uses encryption when transferring data (protocol) TLS), But the encryption keys are stored on Xiaomi servers, which means that in theory, employees or hackers (in case of a leak) can access your files. If you store sensitive information in the cloud, you might want to use alternatives like Proton Drive or Cryptomator, so can you install custom firmware on Xiaomi for greater security? Yes, but you need to: Fastboot oem unlock. Install custom recovery (for example, TWRP). Advantages: no Xiaomi telemetry, regular security updates. Disadvantages: loss of warranty, possible bugs (for example, a broken camera). For most users, it is enough to turn off data collection in the settings MIUI — It's less risky.