What are MSA and Analytics on Xiaomi and why should they be removed?
If you own a Xiaomi smartphone, youβve probably encountered the mysterious MSA (Mi Security Center) and Analytics processes in Task Manager, which are constantly running in the background, consuming battery power, Internet traffic, and sending data to the companyβs servers, essentially built-in βspiesβ that collect information about your device, applications, and even location β ostensibly to βimprove the user experience.β
The problem is that you canβt disable them through standard MIUI settings: even after you manually complete the processes, they automatically restart. Moreover, with each update, Xiaomi complicates the protection mechanisms for these services, making them more laborious to remove. In this article, weβll discuss 5 working ways β from simple to radical β that will help get rid of MSA and Analytics forever, including methods without root rights.
Before you start, it is important to understand that removing system components always carries risks. At best, you will lose access to certain functions (for example, to the Mi Cloud cloud), at worst, you will get a brick. So make sure to back up your data and prepare for a possible reset.
Method 1: Disconnect via ADB (without root)
The safest method, which does not require unlocking the bootloader or superuser rights, is suitable for most models on the Internet. MIUI 12β14, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Poco X3/X4/X5 and flagship Xiaomi 12/13/14. The main thing is to disable unnecessary services through ADB (Android Debug Bridge, built-in debugging tool.
You'll need:
- π₯οΈ Computer with installed Xiaomi and Platform Tools drivers (download from Google website).
- π± Smartphone with enabled debugging USB (Settings β The phone. β Version. MIUI β 7 times to tap the version, then return to the β For developers β Debugging by USB).
- π Cable USB (preferably original).
Instructions:
- Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission on the smartphone screen.
- Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools and type:
adb devicesMake sure your device is listed. Then follow the instructions one by one:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.analytics
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.msa.global
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.joyose
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolutionDownload Platform Tools|Enable debugging on USB|Connect the phone to the PC|Check the visibility of the device in ADB|Make a data backup-->
β οΈ Note: After the reboot, some services may be activated again:
adb shell cmd package compile -m speed -f com.miui.analytics
adb shell cmd package compile -m speed -f com.miui.msa.globalThese commands βfreezeβ applications, preventing them from spontaneously running.
Method 2: Using Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools
If manual command entry seems difficult, use Xiaomi utility ADB/Fastboot Tools -- it automates the process and offers a user-friendly graphical interface. 200 model Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco And it doesn't just shut down. MSA/Analytics, other systemic βparasitesβ (e.g. advertising in the MIUI).
Download the utility from the official GitHub repository and follow the instructions:
- Unpack the archive and launch XiaomiADBFastbootTools.exe.
- Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the device is off).
- In the program, select the Debloat item β Remove Analytics/MSA.
- Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
What to do if the utility does not see the device?
The advantage of this method is that it allows you to selectively remove components, for example, you can leave com.xiaomi.finddevice (device search) but delete com.miui.daemon (background data collection).
| Package name | Appointment | Can I remove it? |
|---|---|---|
| com.miui.analytics | Collection of usage statistics | β Yes. |
| com.miui.msa.global | MSA (Mi Security Center) | β Yes. |
| com.xiaomi.joyose | Analytics for Xiaomi services | β Yes. |
| com.miui.systemAdSolution | Advertising services | β Yes. |
| com.xiaomi.finddevice | Device Search (Mi Cloud) | β Not if you use it) |
Method 3: Manual removal via TWRP (requires unlocking the bootloader)
If you're willing to take drastic measures, the most reliable way is to delete system files through custom recovery TWRP. This method requires an unlocked bootloader, which voids the warranty and can lead to data loss, but it is guaranteed to delete MSA/Analytics forever, even after MIUI updates.
Step-by-step:
- Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Mi Account and wait 7-15 days).
- Install TWRP for your model (instructions are available on the project website).
- Boot to TWRP (hold Volume Up + Power when turned on).
- Go to Advanced β File Manager and delete the following folders:
/system/priv-app/Analytics
/system/priv-app/MSA
/system/app/JoyoseIf there are no folders, check the paths:
/system/system/priv-app/Analytics
/system_ext/priv-app/MSAπ‘
Before deleting files in TWRP, backup the system partition (only select System in the Backup menu) and restore the device if something goes wrong.
β οΈ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi K50) System files are protected by dm-verity. Once deleted, you'll have to disable the Magisk check:
- Install Magisk.
- In the modules, activate Universal SafetyNet Fix and Disable DM-Verity.
Method 4: Blocking through hosts file (for advanced)
If you can delete system files, you can block MSA and Analytics from accessing Xiaomi servers, and you need to edit the hosts file, which is responsible for redirecting domain names, and this method works without root, but requires writing rights to the system partition (for example, through ADB or Magisk).
List of domains to block:
- π sdkconfig.ad.xiaomi.com β advertising services
- π data.mistat.xiaomi.com β statistics collection
- π api.brs.intl.miui.com β MSA
- π api.ad.xiaomi.com - analytics
- π sdkconfig.ad.intl.xiaomi.com β international advertising
Instructions:
- Download the hosts file from GitHub (select the version with tracker lock).
- Connect your phone to your PC and copy the file to /system/etc/hosts via ADB:
adb push hosts /sdcard/
adb shell
su
mount -o rw,remount /system
cp /sdcard/hosts /system/etc/hosts
chmod 644 /system/etc/hosts
mount -o ro,remount /systemπ‘
Blocking through a hosts file doesn't delete the services themselves, it only prevents them from communicating with the servers, which is safer than deleting files, but less efficient: processes will still hang in the background, they just won't be able to send data.
Method 5: Install custom firmware (for enthusiasts)
If you want to get rid of all the spyware features of MIUI, the best option is to switch to custom firmware, for example:
- π± LineageOS β pure Android without unnecessary services.
- π± Pixel Experience β firmware with Google Pixel functionality.
- π± Havoc-OS or Corvus OS β customizable.
- π± MIUI EU β modified MIUI without Chinese services.
Installation process:
- Unlock the bootloader (as in Method 3).
- Install TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery.
- Download the firmware for your model from the XDA Developers website.
- In TWRP, run Wipe β Format Data (this will delete all data!).
- Install the firmware through Install and restart.
β οΈ Note: Castom firmware may contain bugs, especially on newer models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13).Before installing, check the reviews on the forums and make sure the firmware supports:
- πΆ Modules. 5G/4G (In some cases, mobile internet does not work).
- π₯ All cameras (especially on flagships with multiple modules).
- π Fast charging (some firmware limits power).
What happens after the MSA and Analytics are removed?
Many users fear that after removing the system services, the phone will stop working correctly, and in practice the consequences are minimal:
- β Pluses:
- π Increased battery life (by 10-20%).
- π Speed up the system (less background processes).
- π‘οΈ Data will be sent to Xiaomi servers.
- β οΈ Cons:
- π₯οΈ Mi Cloud will stop working (if you delete com.xiaomi.finddevice).
- π Device Search (but there are alternatives like Google Find My Device).
- π Some system updates may be installed with errors.
If you delete something critical, you can always restore deleted packets via ADB:
adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.analyticsTo check if the services are disabled, use:
- π NetGuard (shows network activity of applications).
- π BetterBatteryStats (monitoring background processes).
- π‘οΈ Exodus Privacy (analyzes trackers in applications).