How to add an app to Xiaomi antivirus exceptions: the complete guide

Built-in antivirus MIUI on smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO It often blocks legitimate applications, perceiving them as a potential threat. APK, modified software, and sometimes even with official utilities from unknown developers, if you are sure about the security of the application, it can be added to the exceptions of antivirus, this will prevent automatic deletion of files and blocking functions.

The procedure for adding to the exception depends on the version MIUI and the device models. On new firmware (starting with the MIUI 12.5) The security interface has changed significantly, and in older versions (MIUI 11 and below) The path to settings may vary. In this article, we will discuss current ways for all popular versions, and also tell you how to check whether the antivirus is blocking your application covertly.

Why is Xiaomi Antivirus Blocking Apps?

Built-in protection MIUI It works on the basis of three mechanisms:

• 🔍 Signature analysis – comparing hashes of files with the database of known viruses (updated via the Xiaomi cloud).
• 🤖 Behavioral analysis – tracking suspicious activities (e.g., attempts to gain root rights or access to a site) SMS).
• 📦 Source Checking – Blocking the Installation APK from unknown sources (configured in the settings) → Annexes → Special rights).

Most often, false positives occur due to:

• 📱 Install applications from third-party storage (not Google Play).
• 🔧 Use of modified versions of software (e.g. Lucky Patcher, GBWhatsApp).
• 🔄 App updates bypassing the Play Market (via APK).
• 🛠️ Work with tools for developers (for example, ADB, Termux).

If the antivirus has deleted a file or blocked access to the application, you will see a notification in the curtain or in the Security section. → Viral scanner: In some cases, the locking happens without any visible signs — for example, the application just doesn't start or crashes after a few seconds. To check this, open Settings. → Annexes → Manage applications and find a problem application: if there is a shield icon next to it, it is blacklisted.

How to add an application to the exceptions of antivirus on MIUI 12.5–14

Starting with MIUI 12.5, the security interface was combined with the Privacy Protection section to add the app to the exceptions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to Privacy Protection → Security.
3. Slip on the Viral Scanner (magnifying glass icon).
4. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Scanning Settings.
5. Scroll down to the "Exceptions" block and click Add Exclusion.
6. Select an app from the list or find it through a search.

If the application you want isn't on the list, it hasn't been scanned by the antivirus yet.

• 📲 Install or update the app (if it’s already installed, just open it).
• 🔄 Run a manual scan in a viral scanner.
• 🛡️ Once the application is discovered, it will appear in the exclusion list.

Important: on some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or XP) POCO F5) If there's no security item in Privacy Protection, try it:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the app in the list and tap it.
3. Select Permits → Additionally. → Delete from the inspection.

Exceptions for older versions: MIUI 11 and below

On the firmware MIUI 11 and older (relevant to Redmi Note 8, Xiaomi Mi 9 and other devices of 2019 and earlier) the way to set up another:

1. Open the Security app (the shield icon on your desktop).
2. Go to the Antivirus (or Scanner) tab.
3. Put it on the gear (⚙) top-right.
4. Select the Exceptions.
5. Click Add Exclusion and select the app or folder.

If the app doesn’t appear in the list, try:

• 📂 Add to exceptions a folder where stored APK (for example, /storage/emulated/0/Download).
• 🔄 Restart the device and try again.
• 📦 Remove and reinstall the application.

Nana MIUI 10 or earlier versions are even easier:

1. Launch Security.
2. Go to Antivirus. → Settings → Exceptions.
3. Add a file or a folder.

On devices with a MediaTek processor (e.g., Redmi) 9A) You may need to disable the “Real-Time Check” option in your antivirus settings, as it ignores exceptions for some file types.

How to check if the antivirus is blocking your application

Sometimes, Xiaomi's antivirus will block apps covertly, without notification, to check:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the problem app in the list.
3. Look at the status: 🛡️ «Blocked – Antivirus restricted access. ⚠️ «Dangerous – App blacklisted, but not removed. ❌ «Deleted - Antivirus erased file.

Also check the scan log:

1. Open Security. → Viral scanner.
2. Stick to the journal (or scan history).
3. See if there are records of your app being blocked.

To add a folder to the exceptions:

1. Open Security. → Viral scanner → Settings → Exceptions.
2. Choose Add a folder (or Add a path).
3. Specify the path to the folder (for example, /storage/emulated/0/Download or /sdcard/Android/obb).

Nana MIUI 14 and a newer path to the folders may be hidden:

1. Install any file manager (e.g. Solid Explorer or File Manager) FX File Explorer).
2. Enable the display of hidden files in the manager settings.
3. Copy the full path to the folder (long press). → Properties → Way).
4. Insert the path in the field of exceptions of the antivirus.

💡

Adding a folder to an exception does not guarantee 100% protection. Xiaomi antivirus can ignore exceptions for files with "suspicious" extensions (.exe,.bat,.sh) or archives (.zip,.rar).

If the folder is not added, try:

• 📂 Move files to another folder (for example, /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/ — It's rarely scanned).
• 🔄 Rename the folder (for example, add a symbol to the beginning to make it hidden).
• 🔐 Archive password files (antivirus will not be able to scan them).

What to do if exceptions don’t work

Sometimes, Xiaomi's antivirus ignores exceptions, and this can be because of:

• 🔄 Updates of the virus database (after updating the exceptions are reset).
• 🛠️ SecurityCenter (security service).
• 📱 Features of firmware (on some devices exceptions work only for system applications).

If the application continues to be blocked:

1. Turn off real-time check: Go to Security → Viral scanner → Settings. Turn off the Real-Time Check option.
2. Limit background antivirus activity: Open Settings → Annexes → App management. Find Security (or Security). Select Battery → Limit background activity.
3. Use it. ADB Disable the scanner: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.securitycenter adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.guardprovider ⚠️ Warning: this will completely disable the built-in protection.

If none of these methods worked, there are two options:

• 📥 Install global or Chinese firmware (there are fewer restrictions).
• 🔓 Get root rights and remove SecurityCenter through Magisk or TWRP.

💡

Before disabling the antivirus through ADB If you don't have protection, the device becomes vulnerable to real threats, especially if you install it. APK source.

Comparison of methods of bypassing the block

For most users, the first or second method is sufficient. ADB Or the root is only if:

• 🔧 You are a user and understand the risks.
• 📱 The device is not used for payments or storage of sensitive data.
• 🔄 You are ready for possible malfunctions in the firmware.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When working with Xiaomi antivirus exceptions, users often make mistakes that lead to the opposite effect.

1. Addition to system file exceptions. ⚠️ Note: If you add folders to exceptions /system or /vendor, It can cause firmware to malfunction, and it blocks changes to those parts for a reason, because they're critical to system stability.
2. Use of outdated instructions, such as MIUI 14 there is no separate Security app - all settings are moved to Privacy Protection. MIUI 11 on a new device, you just won't find the right items.
3. Disable the antivirus without alternative protection.If you completely disable the SecurityCenter through ADB, install a third-party antivirus (for example, Bitdefender or Kaspersky). Without any protection, the risk of catching malware increases significantly.
4. Ignoring updates. After update MIUI All exceptions are reset. Always check them after you install a new firmware.

Many users also forget that:

• 🔄 Exceptions do not apply to files downloaded after they are added. If you add a Download folder to exceptions and then download a new file there, the antivirus can scan it.
• 📱 On HyperOS devices (new shell instead of a new one) MIUI) The path to security settings may be different. Check the current instructions for your version.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions