What Xiaomi apps collect personal data and how to disable it without harming your phone

Xiaomi smartphones have long been known for their aggressive policy of collecting user data, from location to browser history, with most of the “extra” services running in the background, consuming battery power and traffic.

In this article, we’ll look at which Xiaomi apps collect data, how to identify it in the system, and what happens if they are deactivated. You’ll learn which services are critical to MIUI (e.g. com.miui.system) and which can be safely disabled via adb or manually – for example, Mi Browser with its scandalous history of leaks.

Important: all manipulation of system applications is at your own risk. Some actions can lead to loss of warranty, failure of the camera or push notifications. If you are not sure, first test the changes on the backup device.

Why Xiaomi is collecting so much data: official version vs reality

Xiaomi has repeatedly stated that data collection is needed to “improve user experience” and “personalize services.” In 2021, after the Forbes research scandal (which revealed that Redmi Note 8 sent browsing data even in incognito mode), the company released a patch for European devices.

• 📍 Geolocation data – even when Google services are turned off;
• 📊 Information on installed applications (packet list);
• 🔍 Browser log (including Mi Browser and Mint Browser);
• 📱 IMEI and serial number of the device.

Xiaomi claims that all data is anonymized and stored on servers in Singapore, but cybersecurity experts like Andrew Tierney of Pen Test Partners have proven otherwise: some information (such as visited web pages) is transmitted in plain form and can be linked to a specific user via Android ID.

⚠️ Note: If you use a Xiaomi smartphone to handle sensitive information (banking, corporate email), we recommend considering alternatives like the Google Pixel or iPhone with a more transparent privacy policy. Even disabling all Xiaomi services does not guarantee full protection.

Top.-7 Xiaomi applications that can be turned off without consequences

Not all system applications are equally useful. Below is a list of services that do not affect the stability of MIUI, but actively collect data. They can be disabled through Settings → Applications → Application Management or with ADB (instructions below).

To disable via ADB, use the command:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.video

Replace com.miui.video with the desired package from the table. To return the application, use:

adb shell pm enable com.miui.video

Backup your data via Mi Cloud or locally |

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About Phone |

Install. ADB-drivers on PC (link to the XDA Developers)|

Turn off the "Protection" MIUI" In Settings → Special opportunities → For developers-->

Dangerous applications: What NOT to turn off (risks and consequences)

Some Xiaomi system services are critical to MIUI operation, and their deactivation may result in:

• 🔄 Cyclical reboot (bootloop);
• 📵 Network loss (calls are not working)/SMS);
• 🔋 Accelerated battery discharge (due to power management failures);
• 🚫 Update Block (you can not install new versions) MIUI).

Here is a list of the forbidden packets (even through ADB):

⚠️ Warning: If the phone stopped booting after disabling the app, try resetting via Recovery Mode (press Power) + Volume Up when turned on. 80 percent of the time, it helps to get back up.

How to limit access to data without disabling applications

If you don’t want to risk system stability but want to reduce data collection, use these methods:

1. Turn off personalized ads: Go to Settings → Google → Advertising and deactivate the option “Personalized Ads” This will reduce the collection of data about your interests.
2. Block geolocation access: In Settings → Privacy → Permissions → Geodata disable access for all Xiaomi applications (except Maps and Navigation).
3. Use alternative services: Replace Mi Browser with Firefox Focus (with tracker blocker), and Mi Cloud with Google Drive or Nextcloud.
4. Set up a firewall: Applications like NetGuard or AFWall+ (requires root) can block network access for Xiaomi system services.

💡

If you use Xiaomi with global firmware (e.g. MIUI Global), check the device region in Settings → Additional → Region. Europe has stricter GDPR rules limiting data collection. If necessary, change the region to “European Union”.

ADB vs. Manual Shutdown: Which Is Safer?

There are two main ways to deactivate system applications:

1. Manually disable via the settings menu: Simple, but doesn't work for all packages.Some applications (e.g. com.xiaomi.mipicks) turn on again after the reboot.
2. Disconnecting via ADB: More reliable, but requires a PC connection. Commands: adb shell pm hide com.miui.analytics # hides the adb shell pm disable-user app com.miui.analytics # completely disables

Comparison of methods:

Through the settings menu |

With ADB|

I'm using root rights |

I'm not, I'm afraid of failure.|

Another way.-->

What if after disabling applications, the phone began to brake?

Sometimes, deactivation of system services leads to:

• 🐢 Slowing down animations (due to crashes in com.miui.home);
• 🔄 Self-reboots;
• 📱 Loss of functions (for example, does not work Always-on Display).

Here’s how to get your phone back to working:

1. Restore disabled applications: Through ADB, execute: adb shell pm enable com.xiaomi.[name packet]
2. Reset the cache: Go to Recovery Mode (press Power + Volume Up) and select Wipe Cache.
3. Factory rollback: Last resort. Save data and select Wipe Data in Recovery.

⚠️ Note: If push notifications (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) have stopped working after manipulation of system applications, check the status of the com.xiaomi.xmsf package (the Xiaomi push notification service!

Alternative Firmware: Should You Switch to Custom ROM?

If you are not satisfied with the collection of data in standard MIUI, consider switching to custom firmware like:

• 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary services;
• 🛡️ GrapheneOS – Focus on security and privacy;
• 🔧 Pixel Experience – The interface is like Google Pixel.

The advantages of custom firmware:

• ✅ No data collection by Xiaomi;
• ✅ Longer support for updates;
• ✅ Possibility of fine tuning.

Cons:

• ❌ Loss of guarantee;
• ❌ Risk of "bricking" in case of installation error;
• ❌ Not all functions work (for example, IR Blaster or NFC on some models).

💡

Switching to custom firmware is an extreme step. If you want stability, first try disabling unnecessary services through ADB and setting up a firewall.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data access on Xiaomi