Xiaomiβs modern smartphones are not only powerful devices with advanced cameras and fast processors, but also potential targets for cyber threats. Viruses, spyware, phishing attacks can all compromise your personal data. Many users choose Avast Mobile Security as a security solution, but do not always understand how to integrate it into the MIUI ecosystem. Unlike desktop versions, mobile Avast has its own nuances of working on Xiaomi, especially when it comes to interacting with built-in security features such as Security App or Permissions Manager.
The problems begin at the installation stage: antivirus can interfere with system services, slow down the device or not update at all. And if you use custom firmware or devices with an unlocked bootloader, the risks increase significantly. In this article, we will discuss how to properly configure Avast on Xiaomi, avoid typical errors and what to do if support for the suddenly antivirus has stopped working.
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What is Avast Mobile Security and Why is it Necessary for Xiaomi?
Avast Mobile Security is a comprehensive Android smartphone security solution that includes antivirus scanner, phishing protection, VPN, call blocker, and even performance optimization tools. On Xiaomi devices, this antivirus can be especially useful for several reasons:
First of all, MIUI β This is a heavily modified shell of Android, which does not always quickly receive security updates from Google. Secondly, many Xiaomi users install applications from third-party sources (for example, through the use of a new security tool). APK-Third, Xiaomiβs built-in Security app is often criticized for being too aggressive and false positives β here Avast can become a more balanced alternative.
However, there is a downside: Avast consumes additional resources (especially RAM), can conflict with MIUI system services, and its background activity sometimes leads to accelerated battery discharge. In addition, the free version of the antivirus has limitations - for example, a VPN only works 100 MB per day, and some features (for example, checking for data leaks) require a premium subscription.
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How to install Avast on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions
Installing Avast Mobile Security on a Xiaomi smartphone is not much different from installing it on other Android devices, but there are a few critical points to consider: First, if you are downloading an antivirus not from Google Play, but from the official Avast website, you will have to allow installation from unknown sources. Second, after installation, you need to manually configure permissions, otherwise the antivirus will not be able to fully scan the system.
Here's a step-by-step algorithm:
- π₯ Download Avast Mobile Security from Google Play or from the official website (in this case save the file). APK memory).
- βοΈ If you install from APK, Go to Settings. β Annexes β Special permits β Install from unknown sources and select the browser or file manager you will install through.
- π Once installed, open Avast and provide all the permissions you request (file access, SMS and Notifications are especially important for full operation).
- π Run the first virus scan (this can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the Xiaomi model).
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βοΈ What to check after installing Avast on Xiaomi
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β οΈ Warning: If after installing Avast smartphone began to brake, check the settings of energy saving. MIUI Background Limitation mode for new applications can be activated by default. To turn it off, go to Settings β Annexes β Application management β Avast β Battery and select No Limitations.
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Typical Avast Issues on Xiaomi and How to Solve Them
Even after installing it correctly, Xiaomi users often encounter errors in Avast, and letβs look at the most common ones and how to fix them:
1.Avast does not update virus databases
If the antivirus has stopped updating, the reason may be:
- π No Internet connection (check if it is blocking) MIUI background traffic for Avast).
- π Incorrectly set time and date on the device (correct Settings) β Additionally. β Date and time).
- π Blocking by Xiaomi Security App (add Avast to exceptions).
2. Conflict with MIUI Security
Xiaomi has a built-in Security app that can duplicate Avast's features and interfere with its operation.
- π‘οΈ Turn off virus scanning in Security App (go to Security) β Settings β Scan for viruses and deactivate the option).
- π Set up exceptions in Avast for system applications MIUI (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter).
3. High battery consumption
If Avast consumes too much energy,
- β‘ Disable unnecessary features (such as App Lock or Photo Vault if you donβt use them).
- π In the settings MIUI Add Avast to the list of Optimized Apps (this will reduce background activity).
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β οΈ Warning: If SMS from banks or confirmation services stop coming after Avast is installed, check the SMS Blocker settings in the antivirus. It may be filtering important messages incorrectly. Open Avast β Antispam β Settings and Add Bank Numbers to Whitelist.
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How to remove Avast from Xiaomi in its entirety (including residual files)
If you choose to opt out of Avast, simply uninstalling through Settings β Apps may not be enough.Antivirus leaves behind cache, temporary files, and even system services that continue to run in the background.To remove Avast completely:
1. Remove the application in the standard way:
Settings β Applications β Application Management β Avast Mobile Security β Delete2. Clear the residual files:
- ποΈ Go to the File Manager. β Memory of the device β Android β data and delete the folder com.avast.android.mobilesecurity (root or access rights required) ADB).
- π§Ή Use a cleaning app, for example, SD Maid or Files by Google to find and delete the remaining files.
3. Reset the MIUI security settings (optional):
Settings βPaSSWORD and Security β Resetting security settingsβββ
What happens if you donβt delete the Avast files?
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On some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro), Avast Cleanup may remain active after removing Avast, which continues to send notifications. To disable it, go to Settings β Applications β All apps and manually deactivate this service.
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Avast Alternatives for Xiaomi: Whatβs the Best Choice
If Avast doesnβt like it for some reason (itβs too loading, conflicts with MIUI, or just doesnβt like the interface), there are a few good alternatives: the main thing is to choose an antivirus that integrates well with the Xiaomi ecosystem and does not duplicate the built-in security features.
Comparative table of popular antiviruses for Xiaomi:
| Antivirus | Advantages | Deficiencies | Compatibility with MIUI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bitdefender Mobile Security | Minimum resource consumption, high level of threat detection | Paid subscription for full functionality | βββββ (no conflict) |
| Kaspersky Mobile | Strong phishing protection, built-in VPN | Can brake on weak devices (Redmi 9A) | ββββ (rarer conflicts) |
| Malwarebytes | Free version without ads, specializes in adware | There is no real-time protection in the free version. | βββββ (well-worked) |
| Google Play Protect | Built-in to Android, doesnβt require installation | Weak protection compared to specialized antiviruses | βββββ (optimal MIUI) |
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If you use Xiaomi with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), pay attention to Bitdefender β it works better than others on informal Android builds and does not conflict with modified cores.
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How to set up built-in MIUI protection instead of Avast
Many users are unaware that MIUI has its own security tools that, when properly configured, can replace third-party antiviruses.The built-in Security (or Security App) app includes:
- π‘οΈ Virus scanning (bases are updated via Xiaomi servers).
- π Call Blocker and SMS (Spam Filtering).
- π Performance Optimizer (Cache and Background Cleanup).
- π± Application protection (locking access by fingerprint or PIN).
To set up the built-in protection:
- Open the Security app (the shield icon on the desktop).
- Go to the Scan section and start checking the system.
- In Settings β Real-time protection, activate the option (this is analogous to background scanning in Avast).
- Add spammer numbers to the Blacklist (you can import from Avast if you have used it before).
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The built-in MIUI protection is effective enough for basic security, but it doesnβt replace a full-fledged antivirus if you install applications from unknown sources or frequently connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
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