How to completely disable surveillance on Xiaomi phone: a step-by-step guide

Xiaomi smartphones are known for their value for money ratio, but many users are concerned about data collection, which is carried out as the firmware itself. MIUI, Unlike iPhones or Google Pixels, where privacy policies are at least formally regulated, Xiaomi is often accused of over-collecting telemetry, from location data to app usage information. This article will help you understand what kind of surveillance mechanisms work on your device, how to turn them off without compromising functionality, and what to do if standard settings do not help.

It is important to understand that completely disabling all types of surveillance on Xiaomi requires a comprehensive approach. MIUI, Some of them are in Google services, and some of the mechanisms (such as sensor data collection) can be built into the firmware layer, and we'll look at all the methods available, from basic to advanced, including the use of the software. ADB-If you're not willing to sacrifice convenience for privacy, there's a section at the end of this article that makes compromises.

1. What data is collected by Xiaomi and why does the company need it

Before you turn off surveillance, you need to figure out what your smartphone is collecting and where that data is going. According to independent research (including Forbes and Kaspersky reports), the firmware is being used to track your data. MIUI transmit:

• 📍 Location data, even when GPS switched off (via Wi-Fi networks and cell towers) and used for targeted advertising and analytics.
• 📱 App usage log – which programs you run, how often and how much time you spend on each one. This helps Xiaomi optimize the preloading of apps in the background.
• 🔍 Search queries – if you are using the standard Mi Browser browser or the home screen search widget.
• 📡 Information about the network, including SSID Wi-Fi connection points, signal strength and even MAC-Addresses of nearby devices (in some versions) MIUI).
• 🔋 The sensor data -- the accelerometer, the gyroscope, the proximity sensor -- lets you tell, for example, when you're sleeping (the phone is still) or walking.

Officially, the company says that the data collection is needed to “improve the user experience” and “personalize services.” However, independent experts note that some of the information goes to advertising networks (including Xiaomi partners in China) and is used for monetization. Moreover, in some regions (for example, in the EU), Xiaomi was forced to change its privacy policy after lawsuits.

The easiest way to check what your phone is transmitting is to use tools like NetGuard (network traffic blocker) or Exodus Privacy (app tracker analyzer), for example, the Mi Security app (which cannot be removed) contains up to 10 different trackers, including Baidu and Tencent.

⚠️ Note: Disabling some services (such as Mi Cloud or Find Device) may result in loss of features such as backup or phone search when lost. Before making changes, make sure you have alternative solutions (such as Google Find My Device).

2. basic privacy settings in MIUI

Let’s start with the simplest – standard settings. MIUI, You can turn off these things without root rights or special knowledge, most of them are in the Settings section. → Privacy, but some options are hidden deeper.

2.1. Disabling data collection MIUI

Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI and click on the version line several times until you say, "You're a developer!" and then go back to the basic settings and open the option. → Special facilities → Settings for developers. Find here:

• 🔄 "Send Error Report – Disable to prevent automatic logs from being sent to Xiaomi.
• 📊 "Improvement MIUI" — This switch sends data about the system usage.
• 🔍 "Use Analysis – Collects information about which functions MIUI You use it most often.

Next, go to Settings. → Confidentiality → Diagnostics and use and disable:

• 📲 "Send usage data"
• 🛠️ "Automatically sending error reports"

Deactivate "Improving" MIUI" developer-setting|

Disable "Send an error report"|

Disable "Use analysis"|

Disable the diagnosis in the section "Confidentiality"|

Remove unnecessary permissions from system applications-->

Restriction of access to a location

Xiaomi collects your location data by default even when you are in the GPS It's turned off -- Wi-Fi networks and cell towers -- to stop it:

1. Go to Settings → Privacy → Permits → Location.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select System Settings.
3. Disable location for the following applications: 📍 Mi Location Service (main data collector) 🌐 Mi Browser (if not used) 🛡️ Security (antivirus and optimizer)

Settings → Location

"Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scans"

If you use Google Maps or other navigation services, leave them access to the location, but set the permission "Only during use".

⚠️ Note: Disabling Mi Location Service may disrupt some features, such as automatic time zone or weather detection on the lock screen, in which case use alternative applications (e.g. AccuWeather instead of the standard widget).

2.3. Disabling personalized advertising

Xiaomi is not only showing targeted ads in its apps (like Mi Browser or Mi Video), but also in system menus, like settings or lock screens, to stop this:

1. Go to Settings → Privacy → Advertising.
2. Turn off "Personalized Recommendations."
3. Click "Reset Advertising ID" and confirm the action.
4. Back to Settings → Annexes → Application management, find MSA (Mi System Ads) and disable it (click "Disable" and then "Stop").

If you're in your version MIUI no point MSA, Try to find it by searching in the settings. In some regions (e.g. the EU), it may be called MiuiDaemon.

Official. MIUI (global)|

Official. MIUI (Chinese)|

Custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.)|

I don't know what firmware is.-->

3. Removal or disabling of Xiaomi system applications

Many preinstalled Xiaomi apps cannot be removed by standard means, but they can be disabled or removed using the same method. ADB. This will not only reduce data collection, but also free up space in memory, and also reduce battery load.

List of dangerous applications (trackers and spies)

Below is a list of system applications that actively collect data, which can be disabled or deleted (if you do not use associated features):

To disable these applications without ADB, Go to Settings. → Annexes → Manage applications, find what you want, click "Disable" and confirm. Some applications (such as Mi Location Service) can be activated again after you reboot, in which case you will need to delete via the user interface. ADB.

Removal of applications through ADB (rootless)

If you are willing to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge, you can delete system applications completely. This is safe if you only remove programs that are not critical to the system:

1. Turn on the debugging. USB In Settings → Additionally. → Special facilities → Settings for developers.
2. Connect the phone to the computer and install it. ADB-Drivers (can be downloaded from Android Studio website).
3. Open the command prompt (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) and type: Adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
4. To remove the application, use the command: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 name.package For example, to delete MSA: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.msa.global

Note: disabling Google Play Services can disrupt many applications (such as Google Maps, Gmail, or banking services).If you want to get rid of Google completely, consider installing custom firmware without GApps (such as LineageOS for microG).

4.2 Restriction of Google background activity

Many Google services are running in the background, even if you're not using them.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Google Play Services and click on Battery → Background activity. Select "Limit".
3. Repeat the same for Google Play Store, Google (search engine app) and Google One Time Init.
4. Open the Settings. → Accounts and sync and disable automatic sync for Google account.

⚠️ Attention: Restricting Google Play Services may cause some apps to crash, especially those using Google Firebase (such as instant messengers or games.

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If you want to completely remove Google services but are afraid of losing functionality, try LineageOS for microG. It replaces Google Play Services with an open microG alternative that supports push notifications and geolocation without collecting data.

5. Alternative firmware: complete control of surveillance

If you are not satisfied with even the switched off settings MIUI, The only way to get rid of surveillance completely is to install custom firmware, which requires unlocking the bootloader and may be warranty-free, but gives you full control of the device.

5.1 What firmware is suitable for Xiaomi

Here are the most popular options for Xiaomi that respect privacy:

For most users, LineageOS or Pixel Experience are the best choice, and they are compatible with most apps, but remove all proprietary services from Xiaomi and Google (if you choose a version without GApps).

5.2 Step-by-step installation of custom firmware

There are several steps to the installation process. Attention: this will result in the reset of all the data on the phone!

1. Unlock the bootloader: Go to the Mi Unlock website and download the Mi Unlock Tool utility. Sign up for Mi Account and link it to your phone at Settings → Xiaomi account. OEM Unlock in Developer Settings. Reboot your phone to Fastboot mode (press Power) + Vol Down) and connect to your PC. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions.
2. Installation of custom recovery (TWRP): Download. TWRP For your model from twrp.me, in the command line, do: fastboot flash recovery. twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img

Installation of firmware:

• Download firmware (such as LineageOS) and GApps (if you need Google services).
• In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
• Install firmware and GApps via Install.
• Reboot the phone.

Once custom firmware is installed, your phone will stop sending data to Xiaomi, but some features (like the camera or fingerprint sensor) may not work perfectly. XDA Developers.

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Custom firmware is the only way to get rid of Xiaomi’s surveillance completely, but it requires technical skills and can be insecure. If you’re not confident, limit yourself to shutting down system services, as described in the previous sections.

Additional measures: VPN, Firewall and Alternative Services

Even after you shut down all the settings. MIUI And Google, some data can seep through apps or network traffic. Here's how to close those loopholes:

6.1.Use of Firewall to block network traffic

Apps like NetGuard or AFWall+ They allow you to control which programs have access to the Internet:

• 🚫 Block network access for all Xiaomi system applications (e.g. Mi Location Service, MSA, Analytics).
• 🔒 Limit background traffic for Google Play Services (unless you use push notifications).
• 🌐 Allow access only to applications that really need it (for example, a browser or messenger).

NetGuard can also enable blocking of domains related to surveillance, such as blacklisting.miui.com,.xiaomi.com, and *.google-analytics.com.

6.2. VPN traffic-encrypting

VPN Not only does it hide yours. IP-address, but also encrypts traffic, making it difficult for ISPs or attackers to collect data:

• 🛡️ ProtonVPN – free rate with speed limit, but no logs.
• 🌍 Mullvad – paid with cryptocurrency, does not require email to register.
• 🔒 IVPN — Supports multithreaded connection (useful for torrents).

Avoid free ones. VPN Reputationally dubious (such as Hola or SuperVPN) – they often collect and sell user data themselves.

6.3 Replacement of standard applications with private alternatives

Many pre-installed Xiaomi and Google apps can be replaced with open-source counterparts with better privacy policies:

For instant messengers, it is recommended to use Signal or Session instead of WhatsApp or Telegram (the latter does not encrypt metadata).

7. Compromise solutions: balance between convenience and privacy

Not all users need absolute anonymity – many people need to reduce data collection while maintaining convenience. MIUI. Here are a few compromise options:

• 🔄 Regular resetting of advertising ID: Once a month, reset the ad ID in Settings. → Google → Advertising. It's going to make targeting harder, but it's not going to shut it down completely.
• 📱 Second user usage: Create an individual user in Settings → System system → Multiplayer mode for sensitive actions (for example, for working with banking applications).
• 🛡️ Browser Tracking: Install extensions like uBlock Origin or Privacy Badger in Firefox to block ad networks.
• 🔋 Restriction of background activity: C Settings → Battery → Background activity, limit unnecessary applications, reduce data collection and extend battery life.

If you don’t want to completely abandon Xiaomi services, but want to reduce data collection, you can:

• Use Mi Account without linking your phone number (register via email).
• Disable sync with Mi Cloud, but leave backup to local storage.
• Enable Incognito Mode in Mi Browser (although it is better to use Bromite).

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Even a partial shutdown of surveillance greatly improves privacy. MSA Mi Location Service reduces data transfer to the 60-70% without a noticeable deterioration in user experience.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)