Why users want to disable Play Protection on Xiaomi and what it threatens
Google Play Protect automatically scans installed apps for malware, checks for secure downloads from the Internet, and blocks suspicious activity. On Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO smartphones, this feature is integrated at the system level and works in parallel with MIUI Security’s own protection. However, many users are eager to turn it off — and the reasons are not always harmless.
The main reasons are: the desire to install.apk files from unverified sources (for example, modified games or pirated software), speeding up the device by turning off background checks, or trivial irritation from constant notifications about “potentially dangerous” files. But disabling Play Protection on Xiaomi with MIUI 14/15 automatically deprives you of protection from 90% of modern mobile threats, including spyware and banking Trojans.
In this article, we’ll look at all the working ways to shut down (including hidden settings for Chinese firmware), alternative security methods, and consequences that even experienced users don’t know about. If your goal is to simply install one “unofficial” application, it may be enough to temporarily suspend scanning, rather than turn off protection completely.
Method 1: Standard shutdown via Google Play settings
The easiest and most reversible method is deactivation via the Google Play Store menu.It is suitable for most Xiaomi models (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11) on any version of MIUI, but has a limitation: Google can automatically turn on protection back after updates.
Instructions:
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Slip on the profile avatar in the upper right corner.
- Choose Play Protection → Settings (cogs).
- Turn off the sliders: 🔍 Scan the device for threats 🛡️ Improve malware detection (if any)
Turn it off.
After that, Play Protection will stop scanning the installed applications, but checking the downloaded files through the browser or Files by Google may remain active.
Method 2: Disconnect via Android Settings (for power users)
This method is more integrated into the system and allows you to disable background scanning at the Android level. Suitable for devices with MIUI 13/14/15, but requires access to the developer settings.
Step-by-step:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Tap three points (⋮) → Show system-based.
- Search the Google Play Services list and open it.
- Select Permissions → Additionally.
- Turn off permissions: 📱 Reading of application data 🔄 Background launch 🛡️ Protecting the device from malware (if any)
Settings → Google → Security
Play Protection
Safe viewing
Make a backup copy of important data|Check for antivirus from a third-party developer|Make sure there are no banking applications on the device|Remember passwords from accounts (may have problems with authorization)-->
⚠️ Note: After this action, some features of Google Pay, Google Authenticator and Mi Account services may not work properly. NFC It may require additional authentication.
Method 3: For Chinese firmware (Global ROM vs China ROM)
If your Xiaomi is running on Chinese firmware (without Google services), Play Protection is disabled by default, but if you install Google Installer (for example, through Xiaomi.eu), the protection can be activated automatically.
- Remove Google Play Services via ADB: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.gms ⚠️ Note: This command will remove all Google services, including Market, Gmail and YouTube, and can only be restored through the re-installing of Google Installer.
- Or disable the MIUI Security check: Go to Settings → Memory → Clean. Slip on Settings (cogs) → Viral scan. Turn off real-time scan.
On Global ROMs, these methods won’t work – root access or modification of system files will be required, which will void the warranty.
What happens if you turn off Play Protection on Xiaomi with banking apps?
Method 4: Using ADB for deep shutdown (requires a PC)
For users willing to take drastic measures, there is a method to disable Play Protection via Android Debug Bridge (ADB).It is suitable for all Xiaomi models, but requires a connection to a computer and enabled USB Debugging mode.
Instructions:
- Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
- On your smartphone, activate Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times to unlock Developer Settings).
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
- Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.gms/.chimera.GmsIntentOperationService
- Reset the device.
This command disables the Play Protection background service, but doesn't remove it completely. To get it back, use:
adb shell pm enable com.google.android.gms/.chimera.GmsIntentOperationService💡
If after disabling Play Protection, your smartphone starts to slow down, clear the cache of Google Play Services through Settings → Apps → Google Play Services → Memory → Clear the cache. This will eliminate conflicts with MIUI Optimizer.
Alternatives to Play Protection: How to Replace In-Play Protection
If you disabled Play Protection, your device is vulnerable to:
- 🦠 Trojans (such as Anubis or Cerberus) that steal credit card data);
- 🕵️ Spyware (like Pegasus, which tracks location and correspondence);
- 📱 Rootkits (embedded in system processes and masquerading as legitimate applications).
Minimum protection after disabling Play Protection:
| Type of threat | Recommended PA | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Malicious APKs | Malwarebytes | Scans installed files, but does not conflict with MIUI |
| Network attacks | NetGuard (no root) | Blocks suspicious connections at the DNS level |
| Spyware | Kaspersky Mobile | The paid version checks the rights of applications in real time |
| Phishing sites | Bromite browser | Built-in blocker of trackers and malicious links |
⚠️ Note: Install two antiviruses at the same time (e.g. Malwarebytes) + Kaspersky may lead to conflict with the MIUI Security and cyclical reboots. Use only one solution!
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Users often experience problems after disabling Play Protection, and here are the most common errors and solutions:
- 🚫 "I can't get it. APK" After the protection is removed, the reason: MIUI It blocks the installation from unknown sources. Solution: Go to Settings. → Annexes → Special access → Install unknown applications and allow installation for your file manager.
- ⚠️ Persistent notifications "Device not certified" Reason: Google Detects disabled protection. Solution: Register your device with Google Device Registration (does not work on all firmware).
- 🔄 Play Protection turns on itself after the update Reason: Google Play Services automatically resets settings Solution: disable auto-update for Google Play Services in Settings → Annexes → Google Play Services → Three points. → Turn off auto-update.
If after disabling Play Protection smartphone stopped seeing SIM-card or problems with the mobile network, reset the network settings: → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
💡
Disabling Play Protection on Xiaomi with MIUI does not block the installation of apps from APKMirror or APKPure, but it does deprive you of protection from modified versions of those apps (such as those with built-in mining or advertising).