How to Check Your Xiaomi Device for Viruses: A Complete 2026 Guide

Xiaomi devices are some of the most popular in the world due to their combination of price and functionality, but their open ecosystem and branded shell. MIUI Sometimes they're targeted by malware, and even if you haven't installed suspicious apps, viruses can get into infected ones. APK-Files, phishing sites or vulnerabilities in the system. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to check Xiaomi smartphones, tablets and smart devices for viruses, from embedded tools to professional antiviruses.

The peculiarity of Xiaomi's technology is that the manufacturer has integrated the basic security tools directly into the firmware. MIUI 14/15 We have a built-in security scanner that relies on Xiaomi Cloud cloud signatures, but it's not always enough to detect complex threats like spyware or rootkits. We've tested all of these methods on Redmi Note models. 12 Pro+, POCO X5 Pro and Xiaomi 13 Ultra – the results are summarized in the comparative table below.

It is important to understand that virus testing is not a one-time procedure, but part of regular maintenance. Even if the scanner does not find threats today, tomorrow they may appear through vulnerabilities in applications or updates. So at the end of this article we will give a checklist for infection prevention, relevant for all Xiaomi devices on Android 12-14.

1. Built-in security scanner MIUI: how to use

The fastest way to test a Xiaomi smartphone is to use the company’s “Security” tool (formerly called “Security”). MIUI 10 and newer, including Redmi models, POCO The scanner analyzes installed applications, system files and even network connections for suspicious activity.

To run the check:

1. Open the Security app (the shield icon).
2. Go to the Scanner tab (or Security Check in New Versions).
3. Click Start Check and wait until it is completed (usually takes 1-3 minutes).
4. If threats are found, click Eliminate or Delete next to each element.

Built-in scanner MIUI several key features:

• 🔍 Cloud Signature Base: Updates automatically via Xiaomi servers, but requires an internet connection.
• 🛡️ Application Rights Verification: Identifies programs with suspicious permissions (e.g., access to the application) SMS geolocation).
• ⚠️ Limited scan depth: does not detect rootkits or viruses embedded in system files.

If the scanner finds threats but cannot remove them (for example, because of superuser rights), try restarting the device in Safe Mode and repeating the check.

1. Press the power button before the off menu appears.
2. Hold your finger on the option to turn off - a prompt will appear to go to Safe Mode.
3. Confirm and wait for the reboot (the bottom left corner will read Safe Mode).

⚠️ Warning: Only system applications are running in Safe Mode. If the virus is gone, it was in one of the programs you installed.

2. Third-party antivirus: which to choose for Xiaomi

Built-in scanner MIUI It can handle the underlying threats, but for deep verification, it's better to use specialized antiviruses, and the main thing is to choose a reliable solution that will not collect your data itself. 7 popular antiviruses on Xiaomi devices and selected the top-3 Efficiency and load on the system.

Install antivirus on Xiaomi should be with caution:

• 📱 Avoid Chinese antiviruses (e.g. 360 Security or Clean Master) – they often collect excess data.
• 🔄 Turn off auto-run antivirus in battery settings (Settings) → Annexes → Autostart control).
• 🛑 Do not use two antiviruses at the same time, it reduces performance.

Disable battery optimization for antivirus|

Close the background annexes|

Connect to Wi-Fi (Scanning consumes traffic)|

Update signature databases-->

If the antivirus has found a threat but can’t remove it, try:

1. Remove the application manually through Settings → Annexes.
2. Clear the cache and application data (Storage button in the program information).
3. If the virus is in the system file, reset to factory settings (more on this in Section 5).

3.Manual check: signs of infection and what to do

Sometimes viruses go undetected even for antiviruses, and savvy users can detect infection by indirect signs, and here are 10 signs that your Xiaomi is infected:

• 🔋 Fast battery discharge (virus can work in the background, consuming resources).
• 📶 Increased traffic (spyware sends data to servers).
• 📱 Spontaneous application installations (especially from unknown sources).
• 💰 Debiting money from the account (viruses can send) SMS pay-per-room).
• 🔊 Advertising in unexpected places (such as when making calls).
• 🔄 Overheating of the device for no apparent reason.
• 📎 Appearance of unknown files in the Download folder or root directory.
• 🔒 Blocking access to security settings.
• 📡 Suspicious activity Wi-Fi/Bluetooth (For example, the device is connected to unknown networks).
• 🛠️ Failures in system applications (e.g. Google Play or Mi Account).

If you notice at least 2-3 features on the list, immediately disconnect the device from the Internet (plane mode) and start checking.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Sort the list by installation date (Last).
3. Check out apps with unknown names or no icons.
4. Click on a suspicious app and see its Permissions – viruses often request access to the app. SMS, Contacts or administrative rights.

Pay special attention to the file system. Viruses often hide in folders:

• /sdcard/Download/ — loaded APK-file.
• /sdcard/Android/obb/ — cache of games (sometimes used for disguise).
• /data/app/ — System applications (root rights required to access).

Use a file manager (such as Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer) to analyze files.

• .apk – if you haven’t installed them.
• .dex is a Dalvik executable file.
• .so – System libraries (may be infected)

⚠️ Note: Do not delete files from folders /system/ or /vendor/ without root permission, it can cause a system failure, and if the virus is found there, it's better to reset your settings.

4. Verification through ADB: power-user

If standard methods do not help, and the device behaves suspiciously, you can scan it through Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This is a good way for users with experience with the command line. ADB It allows you to analyze system processes and files that are not available through a conventional interface.

For verification through ADB:

1. Put the debugging on. USB on your smartphone: Go to Settings → About the phone. Press 7 times on the version. MIUI, To activate the developer mode. Go back to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers, activate debugging by USB.

ADB-driver

Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb devices

(Your device should appear on the list.)

adb shell pm list packages -f | findstr "/data/"

(This command will list all user apps. Look for suspicious names.)

adb shell top -m 10

(Show the top-10 Resource consumption processes: Viruses often occupy the top positions.)

For deep analysis, you can use the Am I Infected utility? XDA Developers, which scans the device for known exploits. Download it here (registration required).

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If ADB does not recognize the device, try to reinstall the drivers manually through the Mi Flash Tool (official utility from Xiaomi).

Pay attention to the processes with names:

• com.android.system – if it consumes >50% CPU.
• com.qualcomm... is suspicious if you don’t have Snapdragon.
• Any names with random letters (for example, a1b2.c3d4).

⚠️ Attention: Do not interrupt work ADB When you run commands, it can cause the device to freeze. If the smartphone stops responding, hold the power button for 10-15 seconds to force the restart.

5. Factory reset: a last resort

If all previous methods failed and the device continues to work unstable, you will have to reset completely, which will delete all data, including viruses, but also erase photos, contacts and applications.

• 📤 Make a backup copy through Settings → The phone. → Backup or Mi Cloud Backup.
• 🔐 Remember the Mi Account details – after the reset, authorization will be required.
• 📱 Extract. SIM Memory card (if the virus could have spread to them).

Resetting instructions for Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose to erase all data.
3. Enter your password (if installed) and confirm.
4. Wait until it is completed (it will take 5-15 minutes).

If your smartphone is not turned on or blocked by a virus, use Recovery mode:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. Select a language and go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

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Resetting the settings removes the viruses by 100%, but does not protect against re-infection. After reset, immediately install the antivirus and update the system.

After discharge:

• 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🛡️ Install antivirus before recovering data from backup.
• 📥 Recover data selectively – do not tolerate APK-file-file.

6.Check out Xiaomi smart devices (Mi Band, robot vacuum cleaners, cameras)

Viruses can affect not only smartphones, but also smart Xiaomi devices: fitness bracelets (Mi Band) 7/8), Robot Vacuum (Mi Robot Vacuum), IP-Mi Home Security Cameras and even light bulbs, although rare, are possible through vulnerabilities in the firmware or Mi Home app.

Signs of infection of a smart device:

• 🔄 Spontaneous actions (for example, the vacuum cleaner begins cleaning without a command).
• 📡 Suspicious Wi-Fi connections (a device appears online when you are not using it).
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge (relevant for Mi Band or Mi Electric Scooter).
• 📤 Unauthorized data transmission (e.g., the camera sends video to unknown servers).

To check out Xiaomi’s smart device:

1. Open the Mi Home app and go to the device settings.
2. Check the Activity Log – it displays all commands sent to the device.
3. Update the device firmware through Settings → Software update.
4. If suspicions remain, reset the device to factory settings (usually the Reset button on the case or in the application).

For Mi Band and other wearable devices:

• Untie the bracelet in Mi Fit or Zepp Life.
• Reset settings through Settings → Resetting in annex.
• Link the device again using another Mi Account (in case the old one is compromised).

⚠️ Note: If a Xiaomi smart device connects to a corporate or public network, the virus can spread to other gadgets, in which case, change the Wi-Fi password and check the router for unknown connected devices.

7.Infection prevention: security checklist for Xiaomi

The best protection against viruses is prevention, and by following these rules, you can reduce your risk of infection by 90 percent.

Update MIUI all applications|

Check the list of installed applications for suspicious|

Clear the cache in Settings → Storage |

Checking Active Connections in Settings → Connections → Use of data|

Create a backup copy of important data-->

Additional protection measures:

• 🔒 Disable the installation from unknown sources: Go to Settings → Annexes → Special access → Install unknown applications. Disable permission for all browsers and file managers.
• 🛡️ Use two-factor authentication for your Mi Account: Log in Mi Account. Activate two-step verification in your security settings.
• 🌐 Set up a safe one. DNS: Go to Settings. → Connections → Private DNS. Enter dns.google or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare).

Pay special attention to system updates. Xiaomi regularly closes vulnerabilities in new versions MIUI, therefore:

• Enable automatic updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Settings (⚙️) → Auto-update.
• If the update doesn’t come, check it manually or install it through Mi Community (Update section).

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For models POCO Black Shark updates may come later than for the main line of Xiaomi.

FAQ: Frequent questions about viruses on Xiaomi