Checking applications on Xiaomi: how to turn on and configure virus protection in the MIUI

Modern smartphones Xiaomi based on firmware MIUI They have built-in protection mechanisms against potentially dangerous applications, but many users do not even realize that the application verification function (App Verify) by default may be disabled or not work fully. This creates the risk of infection of the device with viruses, spyware or unwanted programs that steal data or show annoying advertising.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for activating app validation on Xiaomi, including hidden settings that are not obvious at first glance. MIUI, What types of threats it detects, and why standard Google Play Protect isn’t enough to fully protect, you’ll also learn how to set up alerts for suspicious activity and what to do if the verification blocks legitimate programs.

We will focus on the differences between Redmi models, POCO Xiaomi flagships – for example, on some devices the option is hidden in the developer menu, and on others it requires additional activation through the developer menu. ADB. If you encounter an error "App Check is not available" or do not see the corresponding item in the settings, here you will find solutions.

Why you need to check the applications Xiaomi

Built-in verification of applications in MIUI performs three key functions:

• 🔍 Virus scanning – analyzes the installed.apk files and compares them with the database of known threats from Xiaomi and Google.
• 🛡️ Blocking suspicious activity – interrupts the installation or operation of programs that request excessive permissions (e.g., access to a computer or a computer) SMS geolocation without cause).
• 📊 Behavior monitoring – tracks application activity in the background (e.g., sending data to unknown servers).

According to the AV-Test Study (2023), MIUI Security Scan detects up to 87% of malware that leaks standard Google Play Protect, which is especially true for users installing apps from third-party sources (APKMirror, Uptodown or rooted modifications). Without active testing, the risk of infection increases by 3-5 times.

In 2022, Joker (masked as legitimate games) was introduced to millions of Android devices through third-party stores; Xiaomi, with app verification enabled, blocked it at the installation stage 92% of the time, while Android was blocked only 45% of the time on naked.

Where is the application verification in MIUI

The path to verification settings depends on the version MIUI Here is a general-purpose algorithm for most devices (relevant to the smartphone model). MIUI 12–14):

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Select Application Check (or Security) → Scanning on older versions).
4. Activate the Scan Scan Scan Apps Installated.

If the Check Applications item is not on the menu, use alternative methods:

On devices with POCO Launcher (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) the path may be different. If you don't find the item in the settings, try searching the system (the magnifier icon in the upper right corner of Settings) and enter the application verification request.

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On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) The option is hidden behind the "Developers" feature. To unlock it, click on the Version 7 times. MIUI In About Phone, then go back to Additional Settings → For developers and activate the Check MIUI.

How to enable application verification: step-by-step instructions

Consider the universal activation method on the example of Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 with MIUI 13.The instructions are suitable for most devices, but taking into account the features described in the previous section.

Update MIUI to the latest version

Check your internet connection (required to download signature databases)

Close all working applications

Turn it off. VPN (It can block access to Xiaomi servers)-->

Step 1: Activation of the main check

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.

2.Tap on App Check (or Security) → Scanning).

Activate the switches:

- Scanning applications installed

- Check for application updates

- Block malicious applications

Step 2: Set up additional parameters

1. Return to Settings → Confidentiality.

2. Select Special Permits → Security check.

Activate:

Scan files in memory (checks downloaded.apk)

Monitoring activity (tracking suspicious behavior)

Step 3: Checking the function

To make sure that the protection works:

1. Download the test. APK-file (e.g, EICAR — harmless file to check antivirus).
2. If you see a malware detected notification, the check works correctly.

Important: On devices with root access or custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) built-in verification MIUI In this case, it is recommended to use third-party antivirus (Malwarebytes, Bitdefender).

Difference Between Testing MIUI Google Play Protect

Many users mistakenly believe that Google Play Protect completely replaces Xiaomi’s built-in validation, but in fact, these systems complement each other, but work in different ways:

The key difference: MIUI It scans all the files that you install, even if they're not downloaded from Google Play. APK With APKPure, Play Protect will ignore it, and MIUI App Verify -- no. It's critical for users who:

• 📱 Install modified versions of applications (Spotify Premium, YouTube Vanced).
• 🎮 Use emulators or patched games (PPSSPP, GBA4iOS).
• 🔧 Working with ADB or Fastboot (for example, to unlock the bootloader).

However, MIUI has its disadvantages:

⚠️ Note: Built-in validation sometimes blocks legitimate applications if they request non-standard permissions (e.g., Termux or F-Droid). → Annexes → Checking applications → Exceptions.

How to add an appendix to exceptions

If MIUI App Verify mistakenly blocks a secure app, it can be added to the exception list:

• 🔧 Developer tools (Android Studio, ADB).
• 📦 Alternative stores (F-Droid, Aurora Store).
• 🎵 Modified Music Players (ViPER4Android).

Instructions for addition to exceptions:

1. Open the Settings. → Annexes → Checking applications.
2. Slip on Exclusions (or Trusted Apps on older versions).
3. Click Add App and select the one you want from the list.
4. Confirm the action by clicking Allow.

After addition to the deletion, annex:

• ✅ It will not be scanned during installation/update.
• ✅ Get all the permissions you have requested without warning.
• ❌ Will not be protected from potential threats (use at your own risk!).

⚠️ Note: Do not add banking applications (SberBank Online, Tinkoff) or instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) to the exceptions.

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Exceptions should only be used for applications where you are 100% sure of security, and for other cases, it is better to temporarily disable the check for installation time, and then turn it back on again.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When working with app validation on Xiaomi, users face typical problems, and below is a list of errors and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, try resetting the security settings:

1. Go to Settings → System → Resetting settings.
2. Select Reset application settings (does not affect user data).
3. After the reboot, re-activate the application verification.

On custom-made recavery devices (TWRP) You may need to reflash the Mi Security Provider via Magisk or ADB Sideload, for that:

1. Download the latest version SecurityProvider.apk Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
2. Set it through ADB: adb install -r SecurityProvider.apk
3. Reset the device.

Additional security measures for Xiaomi

Enabling application verification is just the first step to protecting your device.

• 🔐 Disable installation from unknown sources: Go to Settings → Confidentiality → Special permits → Install unknown applications and disable permission for all browsers and file managers.
• 🛡️ Activate MIUI Optimization: Includes additional system checks. Pathway: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times tap, then return to Additional settings → For developers → MIUI Optimization).
• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI: Updates close vulnerabilities. Check them in Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📵 Use ad blocker: Install Blokada or AdGuard to protect against phishing banners.

For users who are frequently installed APK From third-party sources, it is useful to set up notifications about suspicious activity:

1. Open Settings → Notifications → System Notifications.
2. Find Security and enable the option to Show Notifications.
3. Activate Vibration and Sound Signal for Critical Warnings.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with unlocked bootloader built-in verification MIUI In this case, install a third-party antivirus (Kaspersky, Dr.Web) and regularly scan the system manually.

FAQ: Frequent questions about checking apps on Xiaomi