Xiaomi Phone Threat: How to Find and Detect a Virus or Malware

Why are Xiaomi smartphones vulnerable to threats?

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are some of the most popular in the world, but their open ecosystem and extensive customization capabilities sometimes play against users. Unlike the iPhone, where installing apps outside the App Store is blocked by default, owners of Redmi, POCO or Mi often face risks when:

— downloading APK-Files from unverified sources (such as from sites like apkpure.com or uptodown.com);

- use of third-party launchers or those that request suspicious permissions;

Connecting to public Wi-Fi networks without a VPN

Ignoring MIUI security updates (especially critical patches for the Android kernel)

According to Kaspersky, 2023 One in five Android smartphones in Russia has encountered malware at least once, and Xiaomi is in the top-3 The most attacked brands. 90% Threats masquerading as legitimate apps, from fake “memory cleaners” to clones of popular games.

If your phone starts to slow down, show unexpected ads or warm up for no reason, this is an excuse to check the system.

Signs of infection: how to recognize the threat on Xiaomi

Malware on Xiaomi rarely reveals itself immediately — modern viruses act secretly to stay undetected for longer.

• 🔋 Quick battery discharge – if the phone is discharged 30-50% faster than usual without active use, check the list of working processes in Settings → Battery → Battery utilization.
• 📱 Spontaneous actions – unknown tabs are opened in the browser, sent SMS Short numbers, notices of prizes won appear.
• 💰 Unauthorized payments – debits from a bank card or mobile account that you have not made (especially through a mobile account) SMS-subscription).
• 📡 Suspicious traffic - in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Traffic shows apps consuming data in the background.
• 🔒 Antivirus blocking – if Google Play Protect or Mi Security shuts down on its own, it’s a sure sign of a rootkit.

One of the most insidious threats is adware, which can even penetrate legitimate applications (like fake updates for WhatsApp or Telegram), and if you see banners on top of all windows or ads in the status bar, it is 100% contagious.

⚠️ Note: Some viruses simulate system notifications from MIUI, For example, "Your phone is infected! Click here to clean." Never click on those links -- that's phishing.

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Check the list of installed applications in Settings → Applications → Application Management. Pay attention to programs with unreadable names (for example, "com.android.system.update" - this may be a virus masking).

Step 1: Scan your phone with built-in MIUI tools

Before installing third-party antiviruses, use the built-in MIUI protections. They are less resource-intensive and optimized for Xiaomi firmware.

1. Mi Security (Security)

• 🛡️ Open the Security app (shield icon).
• 🔍 Press Scan. → Deep scanning.
• ⚙️ Enable the option to Scan System Files (requires superuser rights if the phone is rooted).
• ⏳ Wait until it is completed (may take a while). 10-15 minute).

2. Google Play Protect

• 📱 Open the Google Play Store.
• 👤 Click on the profile avatar → Play Protect.
• 🔄 Select the device for threats.
• 📋 Check the list of "Installed Apps" for warnings.

If the scan detects threats, remove them via the Mi Security or Play Protect interface. Some viruses block removal - in which case move on to the next step.

Step 2: Manually remove viruses (without antivirus)

If the automatic scanners failed, try removing the threat yourself, a method that works for most adware and trojan applications.

Instructions:

1. 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
2. 🔍 Sort the list by installation date (new apps are often the source of infection).
3. 🚫 Look for programs with suspicious names: com.android.system.update com.qualcomm.thermalservice (if not rooted) com.google.services (if not original)

Delete

Settings → Passwords and security → Device administrators

To remove system viruses (if they have penetrated /system/app):

1. 🔧 Install a file manager with root permissions (e.g., Root Explorer).
2. 📁 Go to the folder. /system/app or /system/priv-app.
3. 🗑️ Delete. APK-Files with suspicious names (pre-backup!).

⚠️ Attention: Deleting system files without knowledge can lead to brick (turning the phone into a brick) If not sure, better reset to factory settings.

Step. 3: Use of third-party antiviruses (top)-3 Xiaomi)

Built-in MIUI tools aren't always effective against new threats. If manual cleaning hasn't worked, install a dedicated antivirus.The best options for Xiaomi in 2026 are:

How to properly scan:

1. 📱 Install antivirus from Google Play (don’t download it) APK web-site!).
2. 🔄 Update your antivirus databases before scanning.
3. 🔍 Run a full scan (not fast!).
4. 🗑️ Remove or quarantine all threats found.
5. 🔄 Reboot the phone.

How to perform the reset:

1. 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Resetting settings.
2. 🔄 Select Reset All Settings (not Network Reset"!).
3. 🔐 Enter the password from the lock screen (if installed).
4. ✅ Confirm the action.

Once reset, the phone will reboot and return to factory status. Don't restore data from a backup made after infection, the virus may come back! Install applications only from trusted sources.

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If the phone gets infected again after reset, the problem may be in the firmware. Update MIUI to the latest version via Settings → System Update or reflash the phone through the Mi Flash Tool (requires a PC).

Step 5: Protecting Xiaomi from Repeated Threats

Eliminate the virus is half the battle, and to avoid re-infection, follow these rules:

• 🔒 Disable the installation from unknown sources: Settings → Annexes → Special rights → Installation from unknown sources Disable this setting for all browsers.
• 🛡️ Enable automatic scanning in Mi Security: Security → Settings (⚙️) → Set a schedule (for example, once a week).
• 🔄 Update. MIUI and annexes: Settings → Updating the system → Verification of updates is especially important monthly security patches from Google.
• 🌐 Use it. VPN Free options: ProtonVPN or Windscribe (up to 10 GB of traffic per month).
• 📱 Check the permissions of the applications: If the game requests access to the SMS or contacts, it is suspicious.

For additional protection, install an ad blocker (such as Blokada or AdGuard) that will intercept suspicious connections at the DNS level.

⚠️ Note: Do not use a memory cleaner like Clean Master or DU Speed Boosters. Not only do they not help, they often contain their own ad modules.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If after all the manipulations, the phone is still behaving suspiciously (for example, spontaneously restarting or warming), the problem may be deeper:

• 🦠 Rootkit or spyware in firmware – requires firmware reflashing via Fastboot (instructions for a specific model look at the 4pda.ru or xiaomi.eu).
• 🔧 Damaged firmware – if the phone doesn’t turn on or hangs on the logo MI, Try to stitch through EDL Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).
• 📡 Hardware problem – if the phone is warming without load, it may be the fault of the power controller or battery (needs diagnosis in the service center).

To diagnose hardware malfunctions, use test codes:

• 📞 Enter the dialer ##4636## → Check Battery Information and Usage Statistics.
• 🔋 For battery test: ##6484## (not working on all models).

If you suspect a hardware failure, contact an authorized Xiaomi service center. Self-repair may deprive you of warranty.

FAQ: Frequent questions about threats on Xiaomi