Why you need special features on Xiaomi and how they work
Android Accessibility Service is not just a tool for people with disabilities; it underpins applications ranging from password managers to automated clickers, and on Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO, these services are often blocked by MIUI security, causing errors such as “Not enabled special features service” or “Not allowed access to app.”
In this article, we will not only discuss how to enable Accessibility Service on Xiaomi through standard settings, but also bypass the typical limitations of MIUI 12/13/14. Particular attention will be paid to models with HyperOS (2026), where the logic of the service has changed. If you are faced with the fact that the button to enable service is inactive or after a reboot access disappears, here you will find solutions.
It's important to understand that the Accessibility API gives applications access to the system interface at the kernel level, which allows for automated actions, but also opens up potential vulnerabilities, so Xiaomi is tightening control over such permissions, especially on devices with unlocked bootloader or root rights.
Preparation: What to do before enabling Accessibility Service
Before you start setting up, follow a few mandatory steps to avoid 80% of the common errors:
- 📱 Update the firmware. MIUI more than 2022 (for example, MIUI 12.5) may not have up-to-date security settings. Check by updating through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 🔒 Turn off Data Protection. This function MIUI It blocks the background activity of the applications. Go to Settings. → Confidentiality → Special access → Protecting data and deactivating it for the target application.
- 🛡️ Add the app to Auto Start. Without it, the system can kill the service after closing. → Annexes → Application management → [Select the application] → Auto-start.
- 🔄 Reboot your phone. After the security changes, you need a reset, or the changes may not apply.
If you’re trying to turn on a service for an application like Tasker, MacroDroid, or LastPass, note that some require additional ADB permissions.
⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+) The path to special features settings has changed. It's now in Settings. → Additionally. → Special facilities → Step-by-step: how to enable Accessibility Service on Xiaomi Consider a universal way for all modern Xiaomi devices (relevant to the new Xiaomi device). MIUI 13/14 If your model is older than yours. 2020 Some menu items may vary from year to year – see alternative paths in the next section. Make sure the application is installed from an official source (Google Play or Mi App Store) Disable battery optimization for the application Add the application to exceptions "Data Protection" Reboot the device--> Open Settings and go to Special Features (on HyperOS – More) → Special facilities). Select Special Services (or Special Services on older versions). Find the app you want in the list. If it doesn't, click Add Service (or Download Service) and select from those. Activate the switch next to the app name. If the button is inactive, see the Problem Solution section below. Confirm the action in the dialog box by pressing OK or Allow. Once turned on, it is recommended to immediately test the app's functionality. For example, if you set up Automate, start a simple thread (for example, automatically turn on Wi-Fi when you connect to charging). 💡If the application disappears from the list of services after rebooting, add it to "Secure Applications" through Settings. → Annexes → Application management → [Annex] → Secure Applications Alternative Ways for Older Versions MIUI (2018–2021 on smartphones like Redmi Note 8 Pro, Xiaomi Mi 9 or POCO F1 s MIUI 10-12 interface settings special features different. Here are the actual ways for these devices: Version MIUI The path to settings Features MIUI 10–11 Settings → System and device → Additionally. → Special facilities → Special Opportunity Services may need to be disabled "Optimization" MIUI" developer-setting MIUI 12-12.5 Settings → Special facilities → Special Opportunity Services First inclusion requires confirmation of SMS (on some models) MIUI for POCO (2020–2021) Settings → System settings → Special facilities → Services You need to pre-activate developer mode (7 taps by build number) These versions often have a problem when, after turning on the service, it automatically turns off after 24 hours. MIUI. To avoid resetting: Go to Settings → Accounts and synchronization → Mi Account. → Security. Turn off the security scanner option MIUI. Add the app to the Battery Optimization exceptions (the path above). Solving the typical bugs when you turn on Accessibility Service, even after you set it up properly, users encounter problems. Here are the most common and ways to fix them: 🚫 The power button is inactive (grey) Reason: the application is not authorized to access special features. Solution: Remove the application and install it again. Check if the antivirus (e.g. Mi Security) blocks it. Some applications (e.g. Termux) require manual addition via ADB: adb shell pm grant Package Applications android.permission.BIND_ACCESSIBILITY_SERVICE 🔄 Service shuts down after restart Reason: Memory optimization MIUI. Solution: Add the application to Secure Applications. Turn off Responsive Battery Optimization in the developer settings. ⚠️ This app can monitor your actions Reason: normal Android behavior 12+. This is not a bug, it's a risk warning. Click Allow Still. List of apps requiring Accessibility Service Passwords and security: LastPass, 1Password, Bitwarden, KeePassDX Automation: Tasker, MacroDroid, Automate, Shortcut Maker Utilities: SwiftKey, Gboard (for additional features), Nova Launcher (gestures) Games: Octopus (gamepad emulation), Game Guardian (requires root) Special features: TalkBack, Select to Speak, Voice Access ⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 14 Ultra) when some services are enabled (e.g. Shizuku) it may be necessary to disable application signature verification. ADB Adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1 Then restart the phone. Note that this reduces the security of the system. ADB (If the standard methods do not work, you can activate the service via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This is a good way to use applications that don't show up in the service list or require advanced permissions: 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools. 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — slip 7 Once, then return to the additional → For developers → Debugging by USB). 🔌 Cable USB (Instructions: Connect your phone to your PC and confirm debugging permission. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: Adb devices Make sure the device is defined. Enter the command to enable the service (replace) PAACKAGE_NAME and SERVICE_NAME Related: Adb shell settings put secure enabled_accessibility_services PAACKAGE_NAME/SERVICE_NAME adb shell settings put secure accessibility_enabled 1 For example, for Tasker, it would be: adb shell settings put secure enabled_accessibility_services net.dinglisch.android.taskerm/net.dinglisch.android.taskerm.AccessibilityService adb shell settings put secure accessibility_enabled 1 Reboot the phone. 💡Use of the ADB Accessibility Service bypasses restrictions MIUI, But it requires caution. Incorrect commands can cause system failure. Always check syntax before execution. Security: risks and how to minimize them. It is useful for automation, but also dangerous if the application is malicious. Here are the key risks and ways to protect: 🕵️ Data theft: the app can read the input text (passwords, messages) Solution: use only verified apps from Google Play or Mi App Store. 🎭 Phishing windows: an attacker can overlay fake interfaces on top of real ones Solution: disable unnecessary services after using. 🔄 Unauthorized actions: the application can press buttons (for example, confirm payments). Solution: regularly check the list of active services in the settings. To minimize risks: Periodic list of services included in Settings → Special facilities → Special services: disable unnecessary services immediately after use. APK from unverified sources, especially if they request access to special features. On HyperOS devices, Xiaomi has added an additional layer of protection: now, when you first turn on the service, the system shows a detailed report on the permissions that the application receives. FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions Why After Updating MIUI Is Accessibility Service missing? This is a typical problem after major updates (e.g., with a large number of users). MIUI 13 HyperOS. The system resets permissions for all special services. Solution: Go to the service settings and re-enable the services you want. If the application disappears from the list, delete it and reinstall it. Some applications (such as Termux) may need to be reconfigured via ADB. Can I turn Accessibility Service on without the rights.root? Yes, root rights are not required for standard service inclusion. However, for some advanced features (e.g. gesture emulation in games via Octopus) or circumventing restrictions MIUI You may need to: Activate Developer Mode. ADB-In some models, disable signature verification (hidden_api_policy). Root is only needed for deep modifications of the system, for example, changes to system applications that work with Accessibility. API. How to know which application is using Accessibility Service? To see active services: Go to Settings → Special facilities → Special services. The services that are included will be marked with a tick or a slider. For details, click on the name of the service and it will open a description of its capabilities. 12+ You can also use the team ADB: adb shell dumpsys accessibility It will display a list of all active services with their identifiers. Why do some applications (e.g. BankID) block when Accessibility Service is enabled? Banking applications and payment systems (e.g. SberBank Online, Tinkoff, Google Pay) block work if they detect active special services. This is due to security requirements: Services can intercept data entry (e.g., data entry, PIN-Some applications emulate clicks, which are used for fraud. Solution: temporarily disable unnecessary services before using banking applications. MIUI 14 and HyperOS can create a user profile (via Settings) → System system → Multiple users) with separate special features settings: How to completely disable all Accessibility Service on Xiaomi? To deactivate all services: Go to Settings → Special facilities → Special facilities services. Turn off the sliders next to each application. To clean it completely, follow the command. ADB: adb shell settings put secure enabled_accessibility_services"" adb shell settings put secure accessibility_enabled 0 Then restart the device. note that some system functions (such as TalkBack or Gestures) MIUI) They also use accessibility. API And they can stop working.