Xiaomiβs Security app is a powerful tool to protect your smartphone from viruses, malware and unwanted activities. However, many users are faced with one intrusive feature: automatic error reporting. This option not only consumes Internet traffic and battery power, but can also transfer data about your device to Xiaomi servers without explicit consent. If you want to turn this feature off completely but do not know where to look for settings, you have come to the right place.
In this article, we will explain why Xiaomi collects error reports, what risks this poses to privacy, and most importantly, we will show you how to turn this option off in different versions of MIUI. You will also learn what alternative methods will help limit the background activity of the Security application if standard settings do not work.
Why Xiaomi collects error reports and how it threatens the user
At first glance, sending error reports seems like a useful feature: Xiaomi analyzes system and application failures to release patches. However, there are a few hidden risks that the manufacturer does not mention:
- π‘ Traffic consumption: Reports are sent in the background, sometimes several times a day, which is critical for users with limited mobile internet.
- π Increased battery consumption: Constant activity of the Safety app can reduce battery life by 5β15%.
- π΅οΈ Collection of Personal Data: Reports may contain information about the device model, version MIUI, Installed applications and even system event logs.
- π Geolocation tags: In some cases, location data is transmitted, especially if the error is related to work. GPS mobile.
It is important to understand that Xiaomi does not always transparently inform users about what data is included in reports. For example, in the Chinese version of MIUI, telemetry collection is much more aggressive than in the global one. If you use a device with firmware for the Chinese market (for example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G with the Chinese MIUI), the chances of transferring advanced data are higher.
In addition, error reports can be duplicated with data collected by MIUI Analytics, another Xiaomi service responsible for device usage analytics. Disabling one feature does not guarantee complete anonymity, so below we will look at comprehensive measures to limit data collection.
Where in the Security app is the setting for sending reports
The security interface has changed several times in recent years, so the location of the option depends on the version of MIUI. We will look at the two most common options: for MIUI 12-14 (global / European firmware) and for Chinese MIUI (for example, on Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi K60 Pro).
If you have a global version of MIUI, follow the following steps:
- Open the Security app (the shield icon).
- Go to Settings (the gear icon in the upper right corner).
- Select Error Reports or Diagnostics and Reports (depending on version).
- Turn off the slider next to the Automatic Reporting option.
For the Chinese MIUI, the path may be different:
- Launch (Security Center).
- Slip on the profile icon or (Settings) in the top menu.
- Find the section (System Security) β (Error Reports).
- Turn it off (automatic sending).
If you donβt find these points, your version of MIUI may be highly customized (e.g., on a third-party firmware POCO F5), in which case try the alternative methods described in the following sections.
What if the βError Reportsβ section is missing?
Disable reporting via MIUI settings (alternative method)
If the standard path through the Security app didnβt work, you can try disabling system-level reporting, a method that works for most devices on MIUI 13-14, including the Xiaomi 12T, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and other models.
Instructions:
- Open the Settings. β The phone.
- Tap the MIUI version 7-10 times until you become a developer!
- Return to the main Settings menu and select Additional β For Developers.
- Find the Debugging section and turn off the Automatic Error Reporting option.
If this item is missing, try another way:
- Go to Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Find the list of security and tap it.
- Select Permissions β Other permits.
- Turn off Error Reporting and System Diagnostics.
On some devices (such as the POCO X5 Pro), these options can be blocked, in which case only forced restriction through ADB or the use of third-party utilities like App Ops will help.
Make sure you have a backup of the data |
Check the MIUI version in the settings |
Charge the device at least 50% |
Turn off mobile internet (to avoid background data sending)-->
Using ADB to force disable (for advanced users)
If standard methods donβt work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a low-level device management tool that is suitable for power users and requires a smartphone to be connected to a computer.
Steps to disconnect via ADB:
- Install ADB and Fastboot Tools on PC.
- Enable USB debugging in the developer settings on your smartphone.
- Connect the device to the computer and confirm the debugging permission.
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.analytics
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.bugreportThese commands disable two key services that collect analytics and send reports. Once you're done, restart the device. To get it back, use:
adb shell pm enable com.miui.analytics
adb shell pm enable com.miui.bugreportβ οΈ Note: Disconnecting system services through ADB This can lead to unstable operation of some functions. MIUI, for example, air updates (OTA) Xiaomi Cloud services. Before executing commands, make sure you have a backup of your data.
If after disconnecting you notice a malfunction of the device, you can return the settings back or try an alternative method - freezing applications using Titanium Backup or Lucky Patcher (root rights are required).
Comparison of Disconnection Methods: Which Way to Choose
Not all methods are equally effective. Below is a table comparing the options available, their pros and cons, and the difficulty of execution.
| Method | Efficiency | Difficulty | Risks. | PC required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Through the settings Security | Medium (may not work on Chinese MIUI) | Low. | Minimum | No. |
| Through MIUI settings (section "For developers") | High (works on most versions) | Medium | They may be reset after the update. | No. |
| Through ADB | Maximum (disables services at system level) | Tall. | There may be a failure of MIUI. | Yes. |
| Using root and freezing applications | Maximum (complete shutdown) | Very high. | Loss of warranty, risk of "bricking" | No. |
For most users, the best solution is a combination of the first and second method: first try to disable reporting through the Security application, and then fix the result in the developer settings. ADB should only be used if other methods have not worked, and root access is an extreme measure that is justified only for experienced enthusiasts.
π‘
If you often experience privacy issues on Xiaomi, consider installing custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience.They lack built-in MIUI telemetry but require unlocking the bootloader.
What to do if error reports continue to be sent
Sometimes, even after all available options are disabled, Xiaomi continues to collect data.
- π Automatic resetting of settings after updating MIUI.
- π¦ Background activity of other system applications (e.g. com.miui.system or com.xiaomi.midrop).
- π Regional firmware policy (Chinese versions) MIUI Ignore some privacy settings).
In such cases, monitoring network activity with applications like NetGuard or PCAPdroid can help, which shows which applications are transmitting data in the background and allows them to block their access to the Internet.
Algorithm of action:
- Install NetGuard from Google Play.
- Give the application root access or set up VPN-regime.
- Search the list for Security (com.miui.securitycenter) and turn off Wi-Fi and mobile data.
- Check other system applications (com.miui.analytics, com.xiaomi.account) and limit their activity.
β οΈ Note: Blocking network access for system applications may disrupt some features, such as syncing your Xiaomi account or receiving push notifications. If messages from Mi Home or Mi Fit stop coming after the restrictions, return the settings back.
Another radical way is to remove the application Security through ADB (without root). However, this is fraught with unstable system operation, so we do not recommend resorting to this method unless absolutely necessary.
Additional privacy protection measures on Xiaomi
Disabling error reports is just the first step towards complete anonymity, and if you are concerned about data collection, please note the following settings:
- π MIUI Analytics: Disable in Settings β Confidentiality β Usage analysis.
- π Geolocation Services: Limit location access for unnecessary applications in Settings β Location.
- π Advertising and personalization: Turn off in Settings β Xiaomi account β Advertising.
- π Automatic Diagnostics: Find in Settings β The phone. β Diagnosis and deactivation.
To maximize protection, you can use tools like XPrivacyLua (requires root) or TrackControl (works without root, but with restrictions), which allow you to block access to system components to personal data, such as a contact list or a call log.
If youβre using Xiaomi with Chinese firmware, consider flashing it to a global or European version of MIUI. This will not only reduce telemetry collection, but also add support for Google Mobile Services (GMS), which is critical for many apps to work.
π‘
Even after disabling all options, Xiaomi can collect anonymous data about the device model and version of the software. Complete anonymity on MIUI without custom firmware is impossible.