How to completely disable the firewall on Xiaomi: safe methods for MIUI 12, 13 and 14

Why Xiaomi Needs Firewall Restrictions and When to Remove Them

The firewall (or firewall) in MIUI is a built-in security tool that monitors application network traffic, blocks suspicious connections, and protects against data leaks. At first glance, it seems pointless to turn it off: why deprive the device of an additional layer of protection? However, there are situations when it is necessary.

For example, some corporate applications (VPN-Customers, remote access systems, and other devices can interfere with Xiaomi’s firewall, causing connectivity errors, gamers face lags in online games due to aggressive packet filtering, and developers often need full access to the network to test their own software. Even regular users sometimes notice that after the update MIUI stop working messengers or torrents – the fault may be too strict firewall.

But before you turn off the protection, it is important to understand that the Xiaomi firewall works on two levels – the system (built into MIUI) and the kernel (if the device is rooted). Standard settings allow you to disable only the first layer, and the second will require superuser rights. It is also worth remembering that on some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12) after disabling the firewall, functions like Dual Apps or Second Space may stop working.

Official method: disabling the firewall through the MIUI settings

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in system options, which is suitable for most MIUI 12-14 devices and does not require root permissions.

  1. Open Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Permissions β†’ More.
  2. Select the Firewall (on some firmware it may be called Data Protection or Traffic Control).
  3. Turn off the slider at the top of the screen. If it's not there, tap the gear icon (βš™οΈ) and select Disable Firewall.
  4. Confirm the action by pressing OK in the dialog box.

On some devices (such as the POCO F5 or Xiaomi Pad 6), the path may be slightly different:

  • πŸ”Ή Settings β†’ Memory and device β†’ Security β†’ firewall
  • πŸ”Ή Settings β†’ Special facilities β†’ System settings β†’ Network protection

⚠️ Attention: After disabling the firewall through settings MIUI Some system applications (such as Mi Browser or Mi Video) can automatically turn it back on when you next update. To avoid this, immediately add com.miui.securitycenter to the autorun exception list after you turn it off.

Make a backup copy of important data|Check the version. MIUI In Settings β†’ The phone.|Turn off automatic software updates|Remember the current network settings (Wi-Fi, VPN)-->

Hidden settings: Disconnection through Developer Mode

If the standard method didn’t work (e.g., Xiaomi 12T or Redmi K60), you can try turning off the firewall through developer mode, a deeper method, but still requires no root rights.

First, activate the developer mode:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ The phone.
  2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version (you will be notified "You became a developer").
  3. Back to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers.

Now find and disable the following options:

  • πŸ”§ Network monitoring (network monitoring)
  • πŸ”§ Background check (background check)
  • πŸ”§ Traffic Protection (Traffic Protection)

If these items are not available, try searching for a firewall in your settings, sometimes hidden under English names. MIUI 14 can also help disable Mi Protect (in the Security section), as this service is closely linked to the firewall.

Redmi Note Series Series Series|POCO F/POCO X|Xiaomi 11/12/13 series|Black Shark|Other-->

Radical method: Disconnection through ADB (no root)

For power users who aren’t afraid of the command line, there’s a way to turn off the firewall via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) – this works even on locked devices, but requires a computer connection.

Be prepared first:

  1. Install ADB Tools on your PC.
  2. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings.
  3. Connect your smartphone to your computer and confirm your trust in the device.

Now run the following commands in the terminal (or command line):

adb shell


settings put global firewall_enabled 0




pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.securitycenter




pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.guardprovider

When you restart, the firewall will be turned off.

settings put global firewall_enabled 1


pm enable com.miui.securitycenter




pm enable com.miui.guardprovider

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (especially global versions) MIUI In Europe, these teams may not work due to manufacturer restrictions, in which case only obtaining root rights or reflashing to a custom version (for example, Xiaomi.EU) will help).

πŸ’‘

If the internet is lost after the firewall is turned off, check the APN settings in the SIM Cards and Mobile Networks section. Sometimes the firewall blocks the operator's automatic setup.

Disabling the firewall on rooted devices

If your Xiaomi has root access, you can completely remove the system components responsible for the firewall.This is a radical method that is only suitable for advanced users, as it can lead to unstable system operation.

First, install a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).

  1. Go to /system/priv-app/MiuiFirewall.
  2. Rename or delete the MiuiFirewall folder (for example, in the MiuiFirewall_bak).
  3. Do the same with SecurityCenter and GuardProvider folders in /system/priv-app/.
  4. Clear the cache and application data Security and Mi Protect in the settings.

You can also use Magisk or TWRP to remove completely, but this requires knowledge of custom firmware. Some forums (such as XDA Developers) have ready-made modules for Magisk that turn off the firewall in one click.

Method of disconnectionNeed root?ReversibilityRisks.
Through MIUI settings❌ No.βœ… Yes.Minimum
Developer mode❌ No.βœ… Yes.Medium (may reset after the update)
ADB-team❌ No.βœ… Yes.High (risk of errors when entering commands)
Deletion of system filesβœ… Yes.❌ No (no backup)Critical (risk of "brick")

What to do if the firewall does not turn off

Sometimes, even after all the manipulations, the firewall keeps working, and here are the most common reasons and solutions:

  • πŸ”„ Update MIUI Reset: After the system update, many parameters return to factory settings. β†’ Security.
  • πŸ“± Global vs. Chinese firmware: On Chinese versions MIUI (For example, for Xiaomi 13 Ultra, the firewall is hard-stitched into the system. ROM.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Antivirus blocks changes: Apps like Avast or Kaspersky can automatically turn on protection.
  • πŸ”§ Error in system files: If after manually deleting folders, the device became laggit, restore them from the backup or reflash.

On devices with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (such as the Xiaomi 13T Pro), the firewall is partially controlled by a hardware security module. Its complete shutdown is only possible through the engineering menu (code ##4636##), but this can disrupt NFC and encryption.

How to check if the firewall is turned off?
Install NetGuard or PCAPdroid from Google Play. Run a network traffic test β€” if the firewall is disabled, you will see all connections without restrictions. You can also use the command adb shell dumpsys firewall β€” if the response is enabled=false, the protection is turned off.

Risks of firewall shutdown and how to minimize them

Disabling the firewall opens your device to potential threats, and here are the main risks and ways to mitigate them:

  • πŸ•΅οΈ Data breach: Apps will be able to send your personal data without control Solution: Use VPN with tracker locking (e.g., ProtonVPN).
  • πŸ’» Wi-Fi Attacks: Attackers on the same network can scan the port.Solution: Turn off Wi-Fi in public places.
  • πŸ“± Automatic malware installation: Without firewall, viruses are easier to penetrate.Solution: Install an alternative antivirus (e.g. Malwarebytes).
  • πŸ”„ Increased traffic consumption: Advertising and background processes will consume more internet.Solution: Set limits in Settings β†’ SIM cards and mobile networks.

If you have disabled the firewall for a particular application (for example, for a Torrent client or VPN), consider an alternative: instead of completely disabling, add this application to the firewall exceptions.

  1. Open Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Firewall.
  2. Find the right app in the list.
  3. Slip it and select Allow all traffic.

πŸ’‘

Disabling the firewall is only advisable if necessary (for example, for the operation of specialized software), in other cases, it is better to configure exceptions or use alternative methods of circumventing restrictions (for example, a local VPN).

FAQ: Frequent questions about turning off the firewall on Xiaomi

Can I turn off the firewall on Xiaomi without a computer?
Yes, in most cases, standard MIUI settings or developer mode are sufficient. The computer is only needed for methods with ADB or if you need a root.
Why does the mobile Internet not work after the firewall is turned off?
This is because Xiaomi’s firewall manages APN settings. Try manually adding your operator’s settings to Settings β†’ SIM cards and mobile networks β†’ Access Points (APN).
Will the firewall return after resetting?
Yes, when you completely reset, all system settings return to factory settings, including the firewall. To avoid this, back up Mi Cloud or TWRP before reset.
Can I turn off the firewall only for certain applications?
Yes, in the firewall settings (Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Firewall), you can manually allow traffic for individual programs without turning off protection completely.
Will Google Pay work after the firewall is turned off?
In most cases, yes, but if you have removed system components through root, Google Pay may stop working due to a SafetyNet breach.