How to completely disable wiretapping on Xiaomi phone: 5 working methods

Owners of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO People often wonder if their device can listen to conversations without the user’s knowledge, a topic that has become especially relevant after the scandals with data leaks and accusations against Chinese manufacturers of collecting personal information. It’s important to understand that listening on Xiaomi can be done through both system services and third-party apps — and not always maliciously. AI By default, they have access to a microphone to execute commands.

In this article, we’ll look at all possible sources of wiretapping on Xiaomi devices, from legitimate features to potentially dangerous vulnerabilities. You will learn how to check which applications use the microphone in the background, how to disable unnecessary permissions, and even how to physically block access to the microphone. MIUI 14/15 And HyperOS, where privacy settings have changed, and if you're worried that your phone might be listening in on conversations, follow our instructions Step-by-step.

1. Checking the active microphone resolutions

The first step to privacy is auditing applications with microphone access. MIUI And HyperOS has built-in tools to monitor microphone usage, but they're often hidden in the back of the menu:

Open the Settings. → Confidentiality → Application authorizations → Microphone. Here you'll see a list of all the programs that are allowed to access the microphone. And if you look at the apps that are marked "Recently Used," they've activated the microphone in the last 24 hours. Even if you haven’t used the app, its background activity may indicate wiretapping.

• 🔍 System applications: Google, Mi Services Framework, Xiao AI — They're often the defaults. They can be disabled, but it's going to affect voice commands.
• 🚨 Suspicious applications: Messengers with unknown permissions (e.g. Clean Master, UC Browser, games with microphone access.
• 📱 Hidden services: Some applications (such as Mi Cloud) may use a microphone to synchronize voice notes.

If you find a suspicious app, revoke permission immediately, tap the name of the program and select "Disallow." But remember, some apps (such as WhatsApp or Zoom) will not work without access to a microphone.

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14+ HyperOS and the “Sensor Privacy” function (Settings) → Special facilities → Sensor privacy: You can completely block microphone access for all applications except system applications, but this will turn off all voice functions, including calls.

2. Disconnecting voice assistants and background listening

Voice assistants are the main "legitimate" source of wiretapping. - Google Assistant, Xiao AI (In Chinese firmware, and even Siri (some models) listen to key phrases like "OK, Google" or "Little Y." to disable this feature:

1. Go to Settings → Google → Settings for Google apps → Search, Assistant and Voice.
2. Select Voice Assistant and turn off the Hey Google option.
3. For Xiao. AI: Settings → Additionally. → Xiao AI → Disable voice control.

On some models (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12) There is a separate setting for background listening: Settings → Sound and vibration → Voice input → Background listening. Turn it off if you don't use voice commands.

If you are using HyperOS, check the settings in Settings → Smart functions → Voice assistant. Not only can you disable wiretapping, but you can also delete the history of voice queries that are stored on Xiaomi servers.

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To see if your phone is listening to you right now, close all the apps and say the key phrase of the assistant, and if the screen is not responding, the wiretapping is off.

3. Checking for spyware and malware applications

One of the most dangerous sources of wiretapping is spyware that can be installed through phishing links, fake ones. APK-files or even through vulnerabilities MIUI. Signs of infection:

• 🔋 Quick battery discharge even in standby mode.
• 📶 Unexplained mobile data traffic (checked in Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Using traffic).
• 🎤 The microphone turns on on itself (you can hear a slight click).
• 📱 The phone is warmed without active use.

To check your phone for spyware:

1. Install an antivirus with permission scanning (such as Malwarebytes or Kaspersky).
2. Check the list of installed applications in Settings → Annexes → App management. Pay attention to programs with unknown developers.
3. Use it. ADB To check active processes (requires PC) Command: adb shell dumpsys activity processes | grep -i "mic"

If you find a suspicious app, delete it and reset to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting of settings on models with unlocked loader (e.g, POCO F5 with custom firmware) the risk of infection with spyware is 3 times higher.

⚠️ Note: Some spyware masquerades as system services (e.g. com.android.system) If you are not sure, compare the process list with the official Xiaomi documentation for your model.

Check for unusual traffic consumption|Scan your phone with antivirus|Remove applications from unknown developers|Review the active processes through ADB|Reset the settings if the software is detected-->

Hardware methods of locking the microphone

If the software is not 100% guaranteed, you can use physical microphone locking, which is true for users who work with sensitive information or just want maximum protection.

Disconnect the microphone through the engineering menu

On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro, Mi 11) you can turn off the microphone via the engineering menu.

1. Please dial the phone application ##4636##.
2. Go to Hardware Testing → Audio → Microphone Test.
3. Select Disable Microphone (not on all firmware).

Mechanical locking

The most reliable way is to physically block access to the microphone:

• 🛠️ Microphone sticker: Use thin insulation tape or special camera/microphone stickers (sold on AliExpress) paste it on the main microphone (usually located next to the bottom speaker).
• 🔧 Disassembly of the phone: On models with a removable back cover (for example, Redmi) 9A) You can disconnect the microphone plume, and the risk is loss of warranty and damage to the device.

Use of a microphone lock cover

Some cases (such as the Spigen Neo Hybrid for Xiaomi 13) have a retractable microphone plug, which is convenient if you need to temporarily disable the wiretapping (for example, in important negotiations).

5. Setting up MIUI/HyperOS for maximum confidentiality

System settings MIUI And HyperOS can dramatically reduce the risk of wiretapping if you set them up correctly:

Pay special attention to the setting "Data Privacy" in HyperOS. Here you can:

• 🔒 Block access to the microphone for all applications except calls.
• 📊 Disable collection of usage statistics.
• 🌐 Disable data transfer to Mi Cloud (unless you are synchronizing).

If you use MIUI Global, check for hidden Chinese services:

1. Install ADB on your PC.
2. Connect the phone and execute the command: adb shell pm list packages | grep -i "miui"
3. Remove suspicious packets (e.g. com.miui.analytics) by command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.analytics

⚠️ Attention: Removing system packages can cause the phone to run unstable. Create a backup before doing so via Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

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Even after all permissions are disabled, some system processes MIUI They can temporarily activate the microphone for diagnosis, and the only way to avoid it completely is to physically lock it.

6. Alternative firmware and custom solutions

If you are not satisfied with the standard level of confidentiality MIUI, Consider installing an alternative firmware.The most popular options for Xiaomi:

• 📱 LineageOS: Firmware without pre-installed Chinese services. Supports most Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11, POCO X3).
• 🛡️ GrapheneOS: Maximum secure firmware with microphone insulation. Requires unlocking the bootloader.
• 🔄 Pixel Experience: Clean Android with no extra services. Suitable for models like Xiaomi Mi A3 (Officially Supported Android One).

The process of installing custom firmware:

1. Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires Xiaomi account binding and wait 7 days).
2. Install TWRP Recovery for your model.
3. Fastboot or TWRP to run the firmware.

After installing an alternative firmware:

• 🔧 Set up AppOps to block access to the microphone (requires) ADB).
• 📵 Disable all Google services if you are not using them.
• 🔒 Install AFWall+ to control network traffic of applications.

On HyperOS models (such as Xiaomi 14), custom firmware installation is complicated by Xiaomi’s closed policy, in which case it is better to use Magisk modules to lock the microphone:

• Magisk → Modules. → Install "Disable Microphone".
• Magisk → Modules. → Install App Systemizer (to transfer applications to the system partition).

7. Network verification and VPN for protection from remote wiretapping

And not only can you intercept the wire, but you can also intercept the network traffic, and if your phone is connected to an infected Wi-Fi network or is using an insecure connection, attackers can access voice data to protect themselves.

7.1 Use. VPN

VPN Encrypts all traffic, including voice data.Recommended services for Xiaomi:

• 🔐 ProtonVPN: Free rate with traffic restriction, but no logs.
• 🌍 Mullvad: Anonymous Registration, supported by WireGuard.
• 🛡️ IVPN: Blocks leaks DNS, voice-calling.

Setting up VPN Xiaomi:

1. Install the app VPN Google Play.
2. Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → VPN.
3. Add a new profile and connect.

Blocking suspicious connections

Check which apps are transmitting data in the background:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Use of data.
2. See what programs are consuming traffic without your knowledge.
3. Limit background traffic to suspicious apps.

For advanced users:

• 🔧 Use NetGuard or AFWall+ to block network access to the microphone.
• 📡 Check the open ports with Termux: netstat -tuln

⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as Mi Cloud or Google Services) may bypass VPN To avoid this, set up Always-on VPN In Settings → Connections → VPN → Settings (⚙️).

8.What to do if the wiretapping is confirmed?

If you find that your Xiaomi phone is actually listening to conversations, follow the following algorithm:

Turn off the phone from the network (airplane mode)|Remove all suspicious applications|Reset the settings to factory.|Check your phone for spyware.|Contact Xiaomi Support (if warranty is valid)-->

If you are listening to a system service (such as Mi Cloud or Google), follow these steps:

1. Revoke all microphone permissions in Settings → Confidentiality → Permits.
2. Turn off sync with Mi Account and Google Account.
3. Install XPrivacyLua (requires root) to block access to the microphone at the system level.

If you suspect that the phone is being tapped by outsiders (for example, through spyware from a partner or employer):

• 📱 Do not use this phone for confidential conversations.
• 🔄 Buy a new phone and transfer data selectively (without backups).
• 📞 Contact law enforcement if the wiretapping is related to criminal activities.

HyperOS models (such as Xiaomi 14) have a built-in Incognito Mode feature that temporarily shuts down all sensors, including the microphone.

Settings → Special facilities → Incognito mode.

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If the wiretapping is through a communications operator (for example, at the request of law enforcement), none of the software methods will help. SIM-card.

FAQ: Frequent questions about wiretapping on Xiaomi