How to temporarily or completely disable antivirus on Xiaomi smartphone: a detailed guide

Built-in antivirus in Xiaomi smartphones based MIUI — It's part of a security system that automatically scans files, apps, and even network traffic, and for most users, it works invisibly, but sometimes it gets in the way of the system, blocking the installation. APK-This article will explain how to disable antivirus on Xiaomi, temporarily or permanently, and when it is really necessary.

It's important to understand that deactivating protections isn't always safe. For example, if you install applications from unknown sources often (Unknown sources in the settings), the risk of catching a virus increases, we'll tell you not only how to disable antivirus, but also when it's justified, and when it's better to look for alternative solutions - for example, add exceptions for specific files.

The instructions in this article are relevant for all modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models running MIUI 12-14 (including global and Chinese firmware versions). If your smartphone runs HyperOS, some menu items may differ, as we will mention.

Why to disable antivirus on Xiaomi: the real reasons

Before proceeding to the instructions, we will understand in which cases the disabling of protection is justified, and when it is better to look for another way out.

When can I turn off:

• 📱 Installation APK-files from verified sources (for example, beta versions of applications or modified firmware). MIUI They often block files even if they are secure.
• 🔧 Working with debugging tools (ADB, Fastboot, Magisk. antivirus can interrupt commands or delete temporary files.
• 🎮 Using emulators (e.g., to run Android games) Some emulators are recognized as potentially dangerous.
• 📁 Transfer files between devices FTP or SMB. Antivirus can scan the transmitted data and slow down the process.

When to turn off is not necessary:

• 🚫 If you frequently download apps from unofficial sites (like APKMirror, but without checking the hash amount).
• 🚫 When connecting to public Wi-Fi (airports, cafes) where there is a high risk of data interception.
• 🚫 If confidential data is stored on the phone (bank applications, passwords, work correspondence).

If your situation is on the first list, you can temporarily disable the protection, in the second case it is better to set exceptions or use alternative methods (we will discuss them below).

Method 1: Temporary disabling of antivirus through “Security”

The easiest and safest method is to turn off scanning for a limited time, which is suitable if you need to install one application or transfer files without constant checks.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Security app (the icon with the shield on the desktop or in the app menu).
2. Go to the Antivirus section (can be called Scanning or Protection depending on the version of MIUI).
3. Press on. ⚙️ Settings in upper right corner.
4. Turn off the automatic scanning slider.
5. (Optional) Click Scan manually to start the check before you turn off – so you make sure that there are no threats on the phone.

After that, the antivirus will stop working in the background, but the manual scan will remain available. To return protection, just turn the slider back on.

Limitations of the method:

• ⏳ Antivirus can automatically turn on after restarting the phone.
• 🔄 Some features (such as checking uploaded files) will remain active.

Method 2: Completely disable via System Settings

If the time shutdown is not enough, you can deactivate the antivirus at the system level, which is suitable for advanced users, since it requires changing the MIUI settings.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar, enter Security and select the com.miui.securitycenter app (this is a system security application).
3. Click Disable (or Remove Updates if the Disable button is inactive).
4. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

Warning: After that, not only will the antivirus stop working, but other security features (such as blocking spam calls or protecting against phishing) To get it back, just update the Security app through Google Play or reset your phone settings.

Alternatives for HyperOS:

In new versions of HyperOS (starting in 2026), the path may differ:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Cleanup.
2. Press on. ⚙️ Settings → Antivirus.
3. Turn off the real-time scan option.

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods don't work (e.g., on locked versions of MIUI for China), you can use ADB, the Android debugging tool, which requires connecting your phone to your computer.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to press to unlock the developer settings).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Commands to disable:

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


adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.guardprovider

The first command disables the Security app, the second command removes the security provider.

adb shell pm enable com.miui.securitycenter


adb shell pm install-existing com.miui.guardprovider

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can cause data loss or system failure. If you're not sure what you're doing, you better use other methods.

How to add exceptions: alternative to disconnection

If the antivirus only interferes with specific files or applications, you can add them to exceptions instead of completely disabling protection.

Instructions for MIUI:

1. Open Security. → Antivirus → ⚙️ Settings.
2. Select the Exclusions (or the White List in the older versions).
3. Click Add and specify the path to the file or application (e.g. /storage/emulated/0/Download/myapp.apk).
4. Save the changes.

Examples where this helps:

• 📁 Firmware files (.zip,.img) for custom recavery (TWRP, OrangeFox).
• 🎮 Mods for games (for example,.obb files or patches).
• 🔧 The Unlock Tool (Mi Unlock Tool).

If the file you want isn't on the list, check if it's hidden. MIUI Enable the display of hidden files (⚙️ Settings → Show hidden files).

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If the antivirus is blocked APK-Try renaming the file extension to.zip, transferring it to your phone, and then returning it back to.apk.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you turn off antivirus, users often face problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to solve them.

If your phone is slower after you turn off the antivirus, check the background in Settings → Applications → Launched. Other system services may have started consuming more resources.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO F3) Disabling the antivirus can cause Google services to crash. If Google Play or Gmail stops working after deactivation, try clearing the cache of these applications or restarting the phone.

Security after disconnection: 5 mandatory steps

If you do decide to disable the antivirus, follow these guidelines to minimize the risks:

1. Install an alternative antivirus (such as Malwarebytes or Bitdefender) that is less intrusive but provides basic protection.
2. Disable installation from unknown sources (Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install Unknown Applications) for all browsers and file managers except one (e.g., FX File Explorer).
3. Regularly check app rights in Settings → Privacy → Permits. Delete suspicious permissions (such as accessing SMS or gaming contacts).
4. Use a VPN when connecting to public networks. This will not replace antivirus, but will reduce the risk of data interception.
5. Back up your important data (Settings → System → Backup) if infected, this will help you recover files without loss.

If you often work with custom firmware or mods, consider installing Magisk with Universal SafetyNet Fix, which will allow you to bypass some security checks without completely disabling the antivirus.

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Disabling the antivirus is always a trade-off between convenience and security. If you're not sure what you're doing, you'd better use an exception or temporary shutdown.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions