Xiaomi’s Personal Security App: Features, Settings and Hidden Features

What is the “Personal Security” app on Xiaomi and why you need it

If you’ve ever looked at the installed apps on a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone, you’ve probably noticed a system app called Personal Safety, which is pre-installed on all devices running MIUI, and often raises questions about what it does, why it can’t be removed, and whether it’s spying on the user.

In fact, it's not just a "surplus program," but a key component of Xiaomi's security ecosystem, which is responsible for user authentication, data encryption, and integration with emergency services, and without it, many of the features involved in protecting the device, from face unlock to remote control via Find Device, will not work.

In this article, we will discuss in detail:

• 🔍 What is the problem of the application “Personal security” and why it can not be deactivated;
• 🔐 How it relates to biometrics, passwords and encryption;
• ⚙️ Where are your settings and what can be changed;
• ⚠️ Can I remove the app without consequences (spoiler: no, but there are nuances).

If you’re worried about privacy or just want to understand how security works on your Xiaomi, read on.

The main functions of the application "Personal security"

The application performs several critical tasks at once, and here are its key functions:

Without this application, many of the MIUI features will simply stop working, for example, if you turn it off, you won't be able to:

• 👤 Unlock your phone by fingerprint or face;
• 🔒 Use Secure Folder for hidden files;
• 📍 Find the device through Find Device in case of theft;
• 🚨 Call emergency services with a quick press of the power button.

Important: The Personal Security app does not transfer your biometric data (fingerprints, facial scans) to Xiaomi servers, but is stored exclusively in a secure chip (TEE) on the device.

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If you are using Secure Folder, update the Personal Security app regularly through Settings → About Phone → System Update. Outdated versions may contain vulnerabilities.

Where to find the settings of the application and what can be changed

Unlike most system utilities, Personal Security does not have a separate icon in the app menu, and its settings are hidden in the MIUI settings section.

1. Open the Settings;
2. Go to Password and Security;
3. Scroll down to the Personal Safety block (or Personal Safety on global firmware).

The following options are available in this section:

• 🔑 Device management – a list of trusted gadgets (e.g., Mi Band to unlock);
• 📱 Emergency Contacts – Numbers to which the message will be sent when activated SOS;
• 🛡️ Data protection – encryption and backup settings;
• 🔄 Resetting – Managing Protection Against Unauthorized Reset.

One of the most useful items is "Emergency Data." Here you can specify:

• Medical information (blood group, allergies);
• Contacts with loved ones;
• Additional information (such as the medications you are taking)

This data will be available even on a locked screen (when you click on Emergency Call → Medical Information).

Can I remove or disable Personal Security?

The short answer is no. It's a system application that's deeply integrated into MIUI, and if you delete it, you'll end up with:

⚠️ Note: If you delete the "Personal Security" through ADB or root access, the device will lose the ability to unlock the fingerprint / face, will cease to encrypt data and will not be able to connect to Find Device.

However, there are a few ways to limit your privacy if you are concerned about privacy:

1. Disable unnecessary permissions: Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management; Find Personal Security (or com.miui.personalassistant); Disable Camera, Microphone, and Location permissions (if not required for SOS).

Freeze through ADB

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.personalassistant

Note:

Find Device

If you decide to remove, keep in mind:

• 🔧 After removal, you will have to manually adjust the unlocking PIN/kode-key;
• 📵 Find Device will stop working (you can’t find your phone if you lose it);
• 🔄 Resetting to factory settings will require entering a password from Mi Account, even if it was not previously required.

Connecting with Mi Account and Find Device: How it works

The Personal Security app is closely linked to Xiaomi’s Mi Account, which provides key protection features:

1. Remote lock: If your phone is stolen, you can lock it through Find Device, which requires that the device: Find Device enabled in settings; Mobile Internet or Wi-Fi active; Personal Security app not removed.

Protection against discharge

If an attacker tries to reset the phone to factory settings, the system will request a password from Mi Account, which is called FRP (Factory Reset Protection).

To check if the protection on your device is active:

1. Go to Settings. → Mi Account;
2. Select Find Device;
3. Make sure the switch is on.

If you are selling or transferring a phone, be sure to untie it from your Mi Account:

1. Perform reset via Settings → Additional → Resetting settings;
2. Enter the password from Mi Account to confirm;
3. After the reset, the new owner will be able to activate the device without your data.

⚠️ Note: If you forget your Mi Account password and reset your phone, it will be extremely difficult to unlock it. Xiaomi requires proof of identity through a linked number or email, and in some cases even scans of documents.

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Without the Personal Security app, Find Device will not be able to locate a device, even if it is connected to the Internet.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Sometimes users encounter "Personal Security" errors, and consider the most common ones:

If none of these methods worked, try:

1. Update MIUI to the latest version;
2. Reset security settings through Settings → Password and Security → Personal Security → Reset security settings;
3. Contact Xiaomi with error logs (you can get them through Settings → About phone → Review).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions