How to disable antivirus on Xiaomi smartphone: a detailed guide with warnings

Built-in antivirus MIUI Security on Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often causes conflicts with third-party apps, system slowdowns or false positives. APK-files from unverified sources, run modified games or just speed up the device, but completely removing the antivirus without root rights is impossible โ€” MIUI Integrates protection at the system level.

In this article, we will discuss all available ways to disable antivirus on current versions of MIUI 14/15 (including HyperOS), assess the risks of each method and explain how to minimize security threats. Importantly, even a temporary shutdown makes the device vulnerable to viruses, especially if you install applications from third-party sources. We do not recommend keeping antivirus off all the time - use the instructions only when absolutely necessary.

Why Xiaomi Antivirus Can Be a Mistake

The built-in MIUI protection not only blocks viruses, but also:

  • ๐Ÿ”น Modified APK (For example, hacked games or apps with Premium features, which are recognized as "suspicious" by the code being changed.
  • ๐Ÿ”น Auto-clicking apps (such as AutoClicker or GameGuardian) are often used for cheating in games.
  • ๐Ÿ”น Utilities for deep system configuration (type) ADB AppControl or Shizuku that require extended permissions.
  • ๐Ÿ”น Files with non-standard extensions (such as.sh scripts or.bin executables).

In addition, antivirus consumes up to 5-10% of battery power in the background (according to the tests on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+), and file scanning can take up to several minutes with a large amount of data. However, completely removing protection without root rights will lead to a loss of warranty and may disrupt MIUI, the official documentation of Xiaomi warns.

๐Ÿ“Š Why do you want to disable antivirus on Xiaomi?
Install a modified application
Speed up the phone's work
Get rid of false positives
Other

Method 1: Temporary disabling of protection in MIUI settings

The safest method is to suspend the antivirus for a limited time, which does not require root rights and is suitable for all Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco models on MIUI 12-15 or HyperOS.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Security app (shield icon).
  2. Go to Antivirus (or Virus Protection in new versions).
  3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
  4. Turn off the switches: ๐Ÿ”ธ Automatic scanning ๐Ÿ”ธ Scanning when installing applications ๐Ÿ”ธ Real-time protection

Shut down.

โ˜‘๏ธ Preparing to disable the antivirus

Done: 0 / 4

โš ๏ธ Attention: After the protection is turned off MIUI It's going to show you a security risk alert every 24 hours, and you're going to have to turn on the antivirus again or use it to remove it. ADB-Teams (more on this below).

Method 2: Disconnect via ADB (without root)

If the temporary shutdown in the settings does not help (for example, the antivirus still blocks the installation of APK), you can use ADB commands. This method works on all Xiaomi smartphones with the unlocked bootloader, but does not require root rights.

Step-by-step:

  1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings โ†’ About Phone. Click 7 times on the MIUI Version until the message "You're a developer" appears.

USB debugging

Settings โ†’ Additional โ†’ For Developers

ADB-driver

Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

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


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

These commands will shut down the MIUI security center and the security provider, which will cause the antivirus to shut down.

adb shell pm enable com.miui.securitycenter


adb shell pm enable com.miui.guardprovider

What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
1. Check if the debugging is included USB developer-setting. 2. Install official Xiaomi drivers from the site [en.miui.com/a-233.html](https://en.miui.com/a-233.html). 3. Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original). 4. Restart your phone and PC. 5. If you are using Windows, run the command line on behalf of the administrator.

โš ๏ธ Attention: After completion ADB-Not only will the antivirus be lost, but all security features will be lost. MIUI, This includes blocking spam calls, phishing protection and controlling application permissions, and only use this method if you are confident in the source of the software you install.

Method 3: Remove the antivirus via TWRP (root required)

For power users willing to sacrifice the warranty, there is a radical way to delete antivirus system files via custom recovery, which only works on unlocked devices with TWRP and Magisk installed.

Instructions:

  1. Download TWRP for your Xiaomi model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G โ€“ veux, Poco X5 Pro โ€“ redwood).
  2. Download your phone to recovery mode (Switch off โ†’ Hold Power + Volume Up).
  3. In TWRP, select Mount โ†’ System.
  4. Connect your phone to the PC and through ADB or file manager delete folders: ๐Ÿ“ /system/priv-app/MiuiSecurityCenter ๐Ÿ“ /system/priv-app/GuardProvider

Reset the device.

Xiaomi modelCode nameSupport for TWRPThe risk of bricks
Redmi Note 12 Pro+rubyYes (unofficial)Medium.
Poco F5marbleYes (official)Low.
Xiaomi 13 UltraisisNo (locked)High-pitched
Redmi 10CfogYeah (stable)Low.

โš ๏ธ Note: Deleting system files may cause inoperability MIUI, You can also make a full backup before the procedure, if you have any errors when updating or even "bricking" the device. TWRP and make sure that there is a working firmware for your model to restore.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the phone stopped loading after removing the antivirus, try flashing the original MIUI through Fastboot. For instructions and firmware, look at the forum [xiaomi.eu](https://xiaomi.eu/community/).

Method 4: Using Magisk modules to bypass protection

An alternative method for root-right users is to install special modules for Magisk that "cheat" antivirus.

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Disable_Miui_Optimization โ€” switch off MIUI, including part of security checks.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Universal SafetyNet Fix โ€“ Google certified, but may conflict with antivirus.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง MIUI Debloater โ€“ removes unnecessary system applications, including security components.

Installation:

  1. Download the module (for example, with XDA Developers).
  2. Open Magisk Manager and go to the Modules section.
  3. Click Install from Storage and select the downloaded file.
  4. Reset the device.

โš ๏ธ Note: Some modules may disrupt banking applications (due to SafetyNet trigger) or cause errors in Google services.

Risks of disabling antivirus on Xiaomi

Even a temporary shutdown opens up the device to the following threats:

  • ๐Ÿฆ  Encryption viruses (e.g., encrypting viruses, Android/Simplocker), They block access to files and demand ransom.
  • ๐Ÿ•ต๏ธ Spyware (such as Cerberus or Pegasus) that steals passwords and bank card data.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Trojans for SMS-Frauds that send paid messages to short numbers.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Rootkits that masquerade as system processes and go undetected.

According to Kaspersky, in 2023, 38% of Android attacks were directed specifically at devices with built-in protection turned off.

  • ๐Ÿ”น Established APK from unverified sources (for example, from APKMirror or torrent trackers).
  • ๐Ÿ”น Connecting to public Wi-Fi networks (cafes, airports).
  • ๐Ÿ”น Developer mode enabled and debugging by USB.

๐Ÿ’ก

If you need to install a modified application, use a virtual machine (e.g. BlueStacks) or a second phone with the minimum data needed to reduce the risk of infection of the main device.

Alternatives: How to bypass the antivirus lock without turning it off

Before you turn off the protection, try these methods:

  1. Add an app to exceptions: Open Security โ†’ Antivirus โ†’ Settings โ†’ Exceptions. Add in. APK-file or folder with an application in the list of trusted.
  2. Use Developer Mode: Activate USB Debugging and USB Installation in the developer settings. Set APK via adb install name file.apk.
  3. Patcher application via Lucky Patcher: Install Lucky Patcher (root required). Select the target application and apply the patch "Remove license verification".

โš ๏ธ Note: The Lucky Patcher method can result in a ban on a Google account or a lockdown in games (e.g., in Genshin Impact or in a game). PUBG Use it only for personal use and at your own risk.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi antivirus

Can I permanently remove the antivirus without root?
No. On non-root-enabled devices, MIUI Security is a system application and cannot be completely removed, with the maximum being temporary shutdown via settings or ADB. Complete removal will require unlocking the bootloader and custom firmware.
Why does antivirus block legitimate applications (e.g., Termux or F-Droid)?
Antivirus MIUI uses heuristic analysis, which sometimes mistakenly recognizes legal utilities as malicious because of the: ๐Ÿ”น Use the commands su or adb (even without root). ๐Ÿ”น Signatures of the application with an uncertified key. ๐Ÿ”น The availability of features in the code for working with system files. Solution: add the application to the exceptions of the antivirus or install it through the ADB Sideload.
Will Google Play Protect work if you disable MIUI?
Yes, Google Play Protect is a separate crawling system from Google that works independently of Xiaomi's antivirus, however, it's less aggressive and can skip some threats, especially if you install APKs from third-party sources.
How to return antivirus after removal via TWRP?
If you delete the system files, you can restore them: through the original MIUI via Fastboot, by installing the MIUI Debloater Restore module in Magisk, by manually copying files from the backup /system (if you have one), without a backup, the most reliable way is to completely flash the phone.
What Xiaomi models allow you to disable antivirus without consequences?
On devices with HyperOS (e.g. Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70), the antivirus is less aggressive and its deactivation less likely to lead to system errors. On older models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro on MIUI 12), after disabling protection, lags or update problems may occur.