How to remove security mode on Xiaomi: the complete guide

Users of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face intrusive system notifications about a potential threat or strange restrictions when installing applications. MIUI and its new version of HyperOS are equipped with aggressive protection modules that block the launch of unauthorized software by default. This creates the illusion of complete security, but in practice prevents the user from free disposing of his device.

In this article, we will look at what is really behind the concept of “security mode” in the Xiaomi ecosystem. ADB for advanced manipulations, as well as ways to circumvent warnings during installation APK-Understanding these mechanisms will allow you to turn your smartphone into a flexible tool, rather than a closed system with tight restrictions.

Importantly, the total shutdown of all security mechanisms can lead to a vulnerability of personal data. com.miui.securityscan is the core of MIUI protection, and its forced removal requires superuser rights. We will look at both standard setup methods and deeper ways of interfering with the operation of the operating system for experienced users.

Analysis of MIUI and HyperOS system locks

Before we start to shut down security, we need to understand what we're fighting against. In Xiaomi smartphones, security is a set of software modules, collectively called "Security," which controls application permissions, scans memory for threats, and filters network traffic.

The main obstacle to installing third-party software is the mechanism MIUI Optimization (Optimization) MIUI). While this function is active, the system is forced to double-check all installed APK-files through Xiaomi’s cloud server, even if you have already given permission to install from unknown sources, resulting in countdown timers and multiple confirmation windows.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling system security components can lead to unstable banking applications and a decrease in the level of protection of personal data from real malware.

In addition, new firmware versions have introduced Google Play Protect, which works in conjunction with native Android protection. Dual control often causes false positives on modified versions of popular programs. The user needs to distinguish between the system limitations of the shell and the basic functions of Android, so as not to violate the integrity of the operating system.

📊 What's your version of the shell? MIUI or hyperos?
MIUI 12
MIUI 13
MIUI 14
HyperOS 1.0
Another version

Configuring permissions for installing applications

The most frequent request of users is associated with the inability to calmly install APK-A file downloaded from a browser or received via a messenger, the system blocks this process, requiring additional confirmations, and to minimize system interference, you need to properly configure special features.

The first step is to activate the Trustee status for the download manager or file manager you are using. Without this step, the Install button in the confirmation window will be inactive or will take you back. It is also important to disable Threat Search in real time so that the system does not scan every file you install through the cloud.

Follow the following steps for basic settings:

  • 🔒 Go to Settings. → Passwords and security → Confidentiality → Special facilities.
  • 📂 Find in the list “Conductor” or your browser and activate the switch, confirming the action by entering a password.
  • 🛡️ Open the Security app (green zipper icon), click on the gear and turn off the Threat Search option».

Once you do this, the system will become less intrusive, but if you are confronted with a message that the app “may cause harm,” you will need to do a deeper setup through the developer menu, which will be discussed below.

💡

Use alternative app stores like F-Droid or Aurora Store to get verified versions of the software without having to download it. APK-file-site.

Activate the Developer Menu and Disable Optimization

To seriously interfere with the security mechanisms, you need to access hidden system settings, and the key element here is disabling MIUI Optimization, which is responsible for adapting the interface and application behavior to Xiaomi standards, but it is the feature that blocks the installation of modified software.

To get into the developer menu, you need to click on the build number several times in the About section. Once you activate the hidden menu, you will see a large list of options. We are interested in the debugging and optimization section. Beware: changing some parameters may lead to a reboot of the interface or reset of some theme settings.

Algorithm for advanced users:

  • 📱 Go to Settings. → On the phone and press quickly 7-10 once by “Version” MIUI» or "Version" OS».
  • ⚙️ Go to Settings. → Advanced settings → For developers.
  • 📉 Find the item “Enable optimization” MIUI» (Turn on MIUI optimization and turn it off.

When you turn off the optimization, the phone will suggest a reboot. You'll agree. Once you turn on, you'll notice that the interface has become more "standard," and when you try to install it, you'll notice that it's more "standard." APK-The system will behave like a pure Android, which greatly simplifies the management of access rights.

☑️ Check before disabling optimization

Done: 0 / 4

Using ADB to Remove System Restrictions

If the standard settings don’t work, the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) toolkit comes to the rescue, allowing you to remove or freeze the system packages that are responsible for the security scan without having to obtain Root rights.

You will need a computer (Windows, macOS or Linux) to work), USB-cable and installed drivers ADB. On the phone in the developer menu should be included “Debugging by” USB». It is also recommended to include the option “Debugging by USB (Security settings)" if it is available in your firmware version to allow the computer to change system settings.

The process of removing the safety component is as follows:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.securityscan


adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.guardprovider




adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.adservices.api

The first command removes the virus scanner, the second one removes the virus definition provider, the third one disables advertising services, which are often disguised as system notifications, and once the commands are executed, the Security app disappears from the menu, and background checks cease. To return everything back, you just need to execute the factory reset command or install it. APK-re-package.

⚠️ Note: Removing system packages through ADB This can cause a cyclic bootloop on some models, and make sure you only delete packets that you know are functional.

Comparison of methods of disabling protection

The choice of method depends on your technical skills and the ultimate goal. If you just need to install one application, permission settings are enough. If you plan to use modified software all the time, you will need to disable optimization. MIUI. For complete control of the system is indispensable ADB.

The table below compares the main methods in terms of complexity and effectiveness:

MethodDifficultyEfficiencyRisks.
Permit settingsLow.MediumMinimum
Disabling MIUI OptimizationMediumTall.Resetting theme settings
Removal via ADBTall.MaximumSystem instability
Getting Root RightsExtremely extreme.Full control.Loss of guarantee

💡

The safest and most effective balance between usability and functionality is to disable MIUI optimization combined with manually configuring permissions for specific applications.

Possible problems and solutions

When you turn off security features, you may encounter a number of challenges, and often the system automatically returns settings back after you update or restart, which is typical of newer versions of HyperOS, where system integrity controls are enhanced.

If your MIUI optimisation has been disabled, or your application icons have gone missing, don’t panic. Usually, re-enable optimization and reboot help, and some banking applications may not work on devices with changed system settings or USB debugging enabled.

Common mistakes and ways to solve them:

  • 🔄 Settings reset: This means the system has restored a configuration backup. Try turning off the settings sync in your Mi Account before making changes.
  • 🚫 App not installed: Check if the restriction "Only from Mi Store" is worth the "Install Unknown Apps" section. Also make sure the file is not installed. APK damaged.
  • ⚡ Phone warms up: After optimisation shutdown MIUI Give the system time (about 1 hour) for background indexing in the new mode.
Why can’t you just uninstall the Security app without ADB?
System applications in Android are priority and protected from removal by standard means. Attempting to delete them through a file manager without Root or ADB rights is impossible, since the partition of the system is read-only.

In conclusion, managing security mode on Xiaomi is about balancing data protection with freedom of action, and using developer tools and understanding the structure of MIUI to help remove unnecessary constraints, making your smartphone a powerful and open gadget.

Is it safe to completely disable antivirus on Xiaomi?
Disabling the antivirus completely reduces the protection against malware, especially if you often download files from unverified sources. For experienced users who control the installed software, the risks are minimal. For ordinary users, it is better to leave the basic protection active by setting exceptions.
Will the warranty reset after disabling MIUI optimization?
By itself, switching the toggler in the developer menu is not a violation of warranty obligations, since this is a regular Android function. The guarantee is lost only when unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader) or obtaining Root rights, which is a deeper intervention.
What to do if the item "Enable MIUI optimization" is missing?
In some regions and firmware versions, this item is hidden. Try changing the region in your phone settings to India or Nepal, after which the item should appear. You may also need to turn on USB debugging before searching for this item.
Can I delete com.miui.securityscan without a computer?
Without using a computer and ADB, you can't delete this package, but you can limit it to work: in the Security settings, turn off all scans, and in the Battery section, stop it from running in the background.