Xiaomi’s Permissions Management app: A complete guide to setup and use

If you’ve ever looked into the security settings of your Xiaomi smartphone, you’ve probably noticed an app called Permissions Management (or Permissions in English firmware), which often stays in the shadow of more popular features like fingerprint scanner or app lock, but plays a key role in controlling which data and resources your device can use installed programs. Without properly configuring this section, the risk of personal information leaking, battery draining, or even hacking your device increases dramatically.

In this article, we will discuss in detail what is hidden behind the term “permission management” and why. MIUI (Xiaomi’s proprietary shell allocates a separate application for this, rather than integrating functions into standard Android settings. You will learn how to check and change the permissions for applications, which permissions are most critical for security, and what to do if the system starts to behave suspiciously after installing new software. Particular attention will be paid to hidden settings that are not visible at first glance, but can seriously affect the operation of the smartphone.

What is “permissions management” and why is it necessary

«Permissions Management is a System Application MIUI, And it centralizes access rights control for all installed programs, and unlike the standard permission menu in pure Android, where the settings are spread out across different sections, Xiaomi has put them all together in one place:

• 🔍 View which apps request access to camera, microphone, geolocation, or contacts.
• 🔄 Revoke permissions instantly if the program is suspicious (e.g., a social network suddenly starts using the software). GPS).
• 🛡️ Block background activity of applications so that they do not consume battery and traffic without your knowledge.
• 📱 Manage special permits MIUI, such as access to notifications or auto-run.

The main difference from standard Android is the presence of advanced options that are not available in other firmware, for example, you can prevent an application from showing pop-ups on top of other programs or limit its operation in power saving mode, this is especially true for Xiaomi, where aggressive battery optimization sometimes interferes with the normal operation of messengers or navigators.

Why does it matter? Because many apps (especially from third-party sources) ask for redundant permissions, like a flashlight that doesn't need access to yours. SMS, You can use Permissions Management to manually disable unnecessary rights, reducing the risk of data leakage or virus infection.

Where to find “permissions management” on Xiaomi

Depending on the version MIUI And the way to get to the app can be a little bit different, and the smartphone models are the basic ways to open it:

1. Through the notification bar: Swipe your finger down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar. click on the icon ⚙️ Settings → Go to the Appendix section → Choose Permissions Management.
2. Through search in settings: Open Settings, in the top search bar enter "permissions" - the system will immediately show the desired section.
3. Through the Security Menu: Go to Settings → Password and security → Permit management (relevant to the MIUI 12/13/14).

On some models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro) an application can be called "Permissions" without the word "Management." If you can't find it through a search, try updating the firmware in older versions. MIUI (11) this section may have been hidden deeper.

💡

If you have a global firmware MIUI, But the Permits Management app is missing, try changing the region to India or Russia – sometimes it helps to bring back hidden features.

What permissions can be controlled through the application

Xiaomi’s system app allows you to manage six main permission categories, as well as several unique features MIUI. Let's take a closer look at them:

In addition to the standard permits, MIUI There are unique categories:

• 🔋 Auto-Run: Allows the application to start automatically when you turn on your phone (important for messengers and antiviruses).
• 📱 Pop-ups: Allows notifications to be displayed on top of other apps (often used by scammers).
• 🔄 Background activity: controls whether the program can run in the background (affects battery consumption).

Please note: certain permissions (e.g. access to the SMS or changing system settings) can be hidden under the sub-menu "Other permissions" or "Special access" and should be checked manually, especially after installing applications from the APK.

How to properly configure security permissions

Many Xiaomi users face a dilemma: on the one hand, you want to limit the access of applications to personal data, on the other hand, some programs without permissions simply do not work.

Turn off geolocation for social media (they don’t need your exact address)

Disable access to the microphone for games and utilities

Limit background activity for rarely used applications

Check the permissions after each program update-->

Step 1. Check current permits

Open Permissions Management and select a category (e.g. Camera) and the system will show you a list of apps that have ever requested access. Opposite each will be a status: Permitted, Prohibited or Asked again. Notice programs that have been out of use for a long time but have active permissions.

Step 2: Withdraw unnecessary permissions

Click on an app (like Facebook) and disable rights that seem redundant. For example, Viber does need access to a microphone to make calls, but why is it allowed contacts or geolocation? Turn off the extra one.

Step 3: Set up special permits MIUI

Go to the “Other Permits” section and check:

• 🔓 Device administrators: there should be no unknown apps (you can use them to lock your phone).

Step 4: Control of background activity

In Battery and Performance (or Autostart), turn off background work for applications that don’t have to update themselves (like games or news aggregators) to save battery power and traffic.

💡

Never give apps access to the SMS Or call logs, unless they're banking or messengers, which is the most vulnerable place for scammers.

What to do if the application does not work without permissions

Sometimes, when permissions are turned off, the program starts to give out errors or refuses to start.

1. Check if the permission is critical

For example, if Google Maps can't locate you without accessing geolocation, that's logical. But if the Calculator requires access to contacts, that's suspicious, and then you'd better uninstall the program and find an alternative.

2. Use the "Ask Again" mode.

Instead of completely disallowing, select Ask Every Time, which will ask permission every time you use the feature, which is convenient for programs that need access occasionally (like Instagram for uploading stories).

3. Check the alternative settings

Some apps (like WhatsApp or Telegram) have built-in privacy settings. Go to the program menu and see if you can restrict access to data directly there without resorting to system permissions.

4. Update or reinstall the application

Sometimes permission bugs are caused by an outdated version of the software, try updating it through Google Play or the developer's official website, and if the problem persists, uninstall it and reinstall it.

⚠️ Warning: If the app starts to behave aggressively after disabling permissions (for example, shows pop-ups demanding access), this is a sign of potentially dangerous software.

Hidden Permissions Management Features That Few People Know About

In addition to the basic settings, the application has several hidden features that can be useful for advanced users:

Access log to permits

In some versions MIUI (for example, MIUI 13 for Xiaomi 12) you can see which apps and when they used certain permissions:

1. Open "Permissions Management."
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner (or swipe left).
3. Select the Permission log (or Permission log).

Here you will see, for example, that Facebook secretly turned on the microphone at 3 a.m., or that the game was a game. PUBG Mobile has reached out to your contacts.

2. Blocking permissions for new applications

You can prohibit automatic permissions for new programs.

1. Go to Settings → Privacy → Permits.
2. Activate the option “Request permissions when installing” (the name may vary).

Now, when installing any application, the system will show a list of permissions requested before confirming the installation.

3. Permissions management for system applications

Yeah, even standard programs. MIUI (So, for example, Mi Browser or Mi Video, you can limit it:

1. In Permission Management, click on three dots. → «Show system applications».
2. Select a program (such as Security) and disable unnecessary permissions.

Caution: Disabling permissions for system utilities can cause the phone to run unstable.

4.Export and import of permit settings

If you have been setting up permissions long and carefully, you can save them and transfer them to another Xiaomi phone.

1. Open "Permissions Management."
2. Press three points. → «Export of settings».
3. Save the file to your device or to the cloud.

On a new phone, import the file through the same section.

Errors and Problems with Permission Management: How to Fix

Sometimes the application may not work correctly: not save settings, not show some permissions or not open at all.

If none of these methods worked, try rolling back the firmware to an older version. MIUI (if the problem has occurred after the update) or perform a full reset.Be sure to back up the data through Settings before doing so → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone starts to brake or overheat after the permissions change, check if you have disabled critical rights for system processes (such as Android System or Android System). MIUI Daemon. repair them manually or reset them.

FAQ: Frequent questions about “permissions management” on Xiaomi