How to completely disable wiretapping on Xiaomi phone: 7 working methods

Xiaomi smartphones are regularly the subject of discussion due to suspicions of hidden data transfers — especially when it comes to accessing the microphone. Despite the company’s official statements about privacy, users are still looking for ways to completely block wiretapping on their devices. The problem is complicated by the fact that MIUI (the Xiaomi branded shell) is integrated with numerous services, many of which request access to the microphone “to improve functionality.”

In this article, we will look at all possible audio leakage vectors, from system applications to potential backdoors, and provide step-by-step instructions for blocking them. It is important to understand that some methods require root rights, others work at the level of Android settings, and others involve the physical disabling of the microphone. The choice of method depends on your phone model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 13, etc.), the version of MIUI and the willingness to sacrifice some functionality for security.

Warn in advance: Complete microphone isolation will make it impossible to make calls, voice messages and voice assistants (including Google Assistant and Xiao AI) if you need these features, focus on selectively disabling suspicious applications.

1.Verify active applications with microphone access

The first step is to audit the current permissions, and many users are surprised to find that not only messengers, but also games, social networks, and sometimes even system utilities like com.miui.analytics, have access to the microphone.

To see the full list:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Permissions → Microphone.
2. Sort the list by date of last use (tap by the icon of the clock in the upper right corner).
3. Note the apps with permanent access (marked as "Always Allow").

MIUI 14+ has added a Privacy Control feature that shows the history of microphone usage over the past 24 hours.If you see suspicious activity (e.g., the system app com.xiaomi.mipicks used the microphone without your knowledge) - this is an excuse for a deeper dive.

2. disable permissions for Xiaomi system applications

Many of Xiaomi’s built-in services collect data “to improve the user experience.”

• 🔍 Mi Analytics (com.miui.analytics) – sends usage statistics.
• 🎤 Xiao AI (com.miui.voiceassist – voice assistant with constant listening.
• 📊 Miui Daemon (com.lbe.security.miui) – Security service, sometimes requesting microphone.
• 🛒 GetApps (com.xiaomi.mipicks) – a proprietary app store.

To disable their access:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search, type the name of the package (e.g. com.miui.analytics).
3. Tap on the app. → Permits → Turn off the microphone.
4. For full shutdown: Forced Stop + Disable (if available).

Disable access to the microphone

Forced to stop the app

Prohibit auto-start

Remove updates (if possible)-->

⚠️ Warning: Disabling com.miui.analytics may cause disruptions MIUI, including problems with updates (POCO F5, Redmi K60) It also blocks access to themes and wallpapers.

3.Using the Incognito mode (MIUI 14+)

The new MIUI versions have introduced Incognito mode, which temporarily blocks access to the microphone and camera for all applications, and activates this way:

1. Swipe down to open the notification panel.
2. Slip on the user icon (in the upper right corner).
3. Select Incognito Mode.

In this mode:

• ✅ All apps lose access to microphone and camera.
• ✅ Voice assistant Xiao is shutting down AI.
• ❌ Calls are not working, including VoIP: WhatsApp, Telegram).
• ❌ You can't use voice input.

The mode resets after rebooting or manually shutting down.It's a temporary solution, but useful for confidential conversations.

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If Incognito mode is not displayed, upgrade MIUI to the latest version or check for a feature in Settings → Special features → Privacy

4. Hardware shutdown of microphone (for advanced)

If the software methods are not credible, you have to physically shut down the microphone, which is a radical step, but it's guaranteed to eliminate any wiretapping.

To disable the plume, you will need:

1. Disassemble your phone (see YouTube or iFixit for instructions for your model).
2. Find the plume running from the microphone to the motherboard (usually marked as MIC or AUD).
3. Gently disconnect the connector (use a plastic mediator).

⚠️ Note: On models with dual microphones (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) You'll have to turn off both plumes!

5. Alternative firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)

One of the most reliable ways to get rid of the spying features of MIUI is to install custom firmware without Xiaomi services.

• 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without Bloatware.
• 🔄 Pixel Experience – firmware with Google Pixel functionality.
• 🛡️ GrapheneOS – privacy-focused (requires root).

Installation process:

1. Unlock the bootloader via fastboot oem unlock (some models require a wait of 7-30 days!).
2. Install custom Recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
3. Sweep through the selected firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).

Advantages:

• ✅ No built-in Xiaomi services.
• ✅ Full control of permits.
• ✅ Regular security updates.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Loss of guarantee.
• ❌ Possible bugs with camera or sensors (depending on the model).
• ❌ No branded features MIUI (For example, Second Space).

Applicants for locking the microphone

If you disassemble the phone or don't want to stitch it up, you can use third-party utilities.

Example of setting up AppOps:

1. Install the application and provide access to Special Features.
2. Select an app (such as Facebook) → Operations → RECORD_AUDIO.
3. Set the status on Deny (banned).

Bouncer is useful for temporary access: for example, you give the messenger access to the microphone only for the duration of the call, after which the permission is automatically reset.

7. Check for spyware availability

Even after all permissions are disabled, there is still a risk of infection with spyware (e.g., Pegasus or Cerberus).

• 🔋 Unexplained battery consumption (check in Settings) → Battery).
• 📶 Increased traffic in the background (see Settings) → SIM cards and networks → Using traffic).
• 🔊 Extraneous noise during calls (real-time listening).
• 📱 Spontaneous reboot or heating of the phone.

Use:

• 🛡️ Malwarebytes — Detects spyware and adware.
• 🔍 Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus – Good for Pegasus detection.
• 🔐 CertiK OS — Checks the integrity of the firmware (requires root).

If spyware is detected:

1. Backup your important data (not to the Mi Cloud!)
2. Perform a complete reset (Settings → About Phone → Resetting).
3. After reset, do not restore data from backups – they may contain malicious code.
4. Re-install the firmware (preferably custom).

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Spyware is often disguised as system processes (e.g. com.qualcomm.qti or android.process.media). Use App Inspector (from F-Droid) to analyze suspicious applications.

FAQ: Frequent questions about wiretapping on Xiaomi