Why the MSA raises so many questions
If you've ever looked into the running process list on a Xiaomi smartphone, you've probably noticed the mysterious MSA service (or com.miui.msa.global) that is constantly hanging in your memory, consuming Internet traffic, and even occasionally showing up in notifications — but what it is, the manufacturer explains extremely scantly. There are a lot of myths on the Internet, from the theory of "spyware" to the claim that MSA can be painlessly removed to speed up the phone.
In fact, MSA (Mi Service Analytics) is the system component of MIUI firmware that is responsible for analytics, updates and some of the features of the Xiaomi ecosystem. It is not a virus or an unnecessary block, but also the utility for the average user raises questions. In this article, we will discuss exactly how the MSA works, what functions it performs, whether it can be turned off — and what it will lead to. You will also learn how to minimize its impact on the autonomy of the phone if the service seems too intrusive.
Spoiler: 99% of Xiaomi models will not be able to completely remove the MSA without consequences after 2019, which will lead to a critical system failure, but there are legal ways to limit its activity.
What is MSA in Xiaomi: a technical explanation
MSA (Mi Service Analytics) is a system application built into MIUI firmware since version 10. It performs three key functions:
- 📊 Anonymous analytics: Device usage data (which apps are running, how often the system is updated, and errors in operation) is sent to Xiaomi servers to improve firmware.
- 🔄 Management of updates: MSA Checks for new versions MIUI, security and proprietary applications (Mi Browser, Mi Video, etc.).
- 🔗 Integration with the ecosystem: synchronization with other Xiaomi devices (for example, Mi Band smartwatches or Mi TVs) TV).
Technically, MSA works as a background service that starts at the start of the system and periodically wakes up to perform tasks. Its process (com.miui.msa.global) can be seen in Settings → Applications → All applications or through the Task Manager.
It's important to understand that MSA is not a virus or an ad module, but it's an official MIUI component that goes through security checks with firmware, but it can actually affect:
- 🔋 Battery consumption (constant update checks and data sending in the background).
- 📶 Internet traffic (especially on mobile data, if you do not turn off background transmission).
- 🐢 Performance (on weak models of the Redmi type) 9A POCO C31 Excessive processes can slow down the system).
Why Xiaomi needs MSA: official version vs reality
According to Xiaomi’s official privacy policy, MSA collects data for:
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi claims that analytics is used solely to improve user experience, but in 2020, the company came under investigation in India and Europe for its opaque data collection (including the use of data from the company). IMEI, After the scandal, Xiaomi promised to make the process more transparent, but independent tests show that the company is not a part of the system. MSA It still sends data even when analytics is disabled.
The real functions of the MSA are wider than stated:
| Formal appointment | Real behavior |
|---|---|
| Collection of anonymous statistics | Sending data about the device model, MIUI version, installed applications, system errors, and even geolocation (if location services are enabled). |
| Verification of updates | Scanning Xiaomi repositories for new firmware, including beta versions for testers. On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, Poco X3 Pro), MSA also manages delta updates (download only modified files instead of the full package). |
| Integration with the ecosystem | Synchronize settings between devices (such as MIUI themes or Mi Account data), as well as control over the operation of proprietary services such as Mi Cloud or Mi Share. |
| Security | MSA is involved in verifying the firmware digital signature and blocking uncertified modifications (for example, after unlocking the bootloader). |
Fun fact: on devices for the Chinese market (China ROM), MSA is more aggressive, collecting more data and communicating with servers more often. In global firmware (Global/EEA ROM), some functions are disabled due to the requirements of the GDPR (European data protection regulation).
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To check which firmware is installed on your Xiaomi, go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. If there is a name at the end CN — It's the Chinese version, EU/EEA — European, Global - International.
Can I remove or disable MSA: risks and consequences
Technically, you can remove the MSA, but it will cause the device to fail on 90% of Xiaomi models after 2018.
- 🗑️ Delete. MSA through ADB: The system will stop bootlooping or will restart continuously on some devices (Redmi Note 8 Pro, Mi). 9T) This leads to the locking of the loader.
- ❄️ Freeze the process (via Titanium Backup or Lucky Patcher): Updates will stop working MIUI, Mi Account, and part of system functions (e.g. Settings) → Additionally. → Developer mode).
- 🔧 Turn off permissions: MSA will start to issue errors, and in the logs of the system will appear messages such as msa_persist_failed.
The only safe way to reduce the effects of MSA is to limit its activity, and here's what you can do without risk:
Disable Analytics in Settings → Memory. → Annexes → MSA → Permits|Disallow auto-start in Settings → Battery → Auto-start|Limit background data transfer to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Transfer of data → Background traffic|Disable sync with Mi Cloud (if not used)|Install an alternative launcher (e.g. Nova Launcher) to reduce reliance on system services-->
On some custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU or Pixel Experience), MSA has been removed or replaced with an open source counterpart, but it requires an unlocked bootloader to install it, which voids the warranty.
What happens if the MSA is forced to shut down?
How to check what data the MSA sends
If you suspect that the MSA is collecting too much information, you can analyze its activity using third-party tools.
Method 1: Monitoring traffic through NetGuard or PCAPdroid
Install the PCAPdroid app (available in F-Droid) and follow the following steps:
- Run a traffic record.
- Open Settings → About Phone → System Update (this activates MSA).
- Stop recording and analyze packets sent to api.mi.com, data.mi.com or sdkconfig.ad.xiaomi.com domains.
A typical MSA analytics package includes:
{
Device: M2007J20CG, // model (Redmi Note 9 Pro)
"miui": "12.5.3",
"lang": "ru_RU",
"apps": ["com.miui.home", "com.android.settings"], // list of running applications
"errors": [{"code": 1002, "msg": "battery_overheat"}]
}Method 2: System Logs via ADB
Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command:
adb logcat | grep "msa"This will show all the records associated with MSA. Look for lines with:
- UploadStats – sending statistics.
- CheckUpdate – Check for updates.
- SyncError is synchronization error.
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Even if you turn off analytics in your settings, MSA will continue to send basic telemetry (device model, firmware version, region) and you can only completely stop this on custom firmware or through domain locking in hosts.
MSA and battery: how service affects autonomy
One of the main complaints users have about MSA is increased battery consumption, according to tests portal XDA Developers, on devices with MIUI 12/13 service can consume up to 3-5% of charge per day in the background, especially on budget models (Redmi 9C, Poco M3), where the battery is not so different capacity.
Main reasons for expenditure:
- 🔄 Frequent update checks: by default MSA Interviews Xiaomi servers every 6-12 hours.
- 📡 Background data transfer: even if you don’t use your phone, MSA It can send analytics packets.
- 🔋 Awakening the processor: the service wakes up the cores CPU To perform tasks that increase consumption.
How to reduce the impact on the battery:
- Turn off automatic update checks in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → ⚙️ → Auto-update.
- Stop MSA from running in the background: Settings → Applications → MSA → Battery → Background activity → Limit.
- Add MSA to your battery optimization list: Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All applications → MSA.
MIUI 14+ has a feature called Deep Optimization, which automatically limits system process activity, to enable it:
- Go to Settings. → Battery.
- Slap the icon. ⚙️ top-right.
- Choose Deep Optimization → Turn it on.
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If updates stop coming after MSA's background activity is turned off, manually check them once a month.Security critical patches Xiaomi sometimes distributes only through this channel.
MSA and Security: Myths vs. Real Risks
There's a lot of rumors going around that MSA is a backdoor or a spyware, and let's see what's true and what's paranoid.
Myth 1: MSA steals personal data
❌ Not true. MSA It really does collect a lot of information, but:
- 🔐 Data is encrypted during transmission (protocol) HTTPS).
- 📛 Passwords, messages or user files are not transmitted.
- 🌍 In European firmware (EEA ROM) Data collection is limited by GDPR.
But in 2021, researchers at Citizen Lab found that Xiaomi was collecting data on browser usage (including visited sites) even in incognito mode, and after the scandal, the company released a patch, but it was not 100% trustworthy.
Myth 2: MSA can be replaced with a lossless analogue
❌ Not exactly. On custom firmware (like LineageOS) MSA missing, but lost:
- 🔄 Automatic update MIUI.
- 🔗 Sync with Mi Cloud and other Xiaomi devices.
- 🛡️ Part of security features (e.g. checking firmware signature).
Real Risk: Vulnerabilities in MSA
⚠️ Attention: In 2020 and 2022 in the MSA Critical vulnerabilities have been identified:
- CVE-2020-14197: Allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by manipulating service packs.
- CVE-2022-25743: Data leakage through improper processing JSON-Responses from Xiaomi servers.
Both vulnerabilities have been patched in later versions of MIUI, but they prove that MSA is a potential point of attack for hackers. If you use old firmware (e.g. MIUI 11), it is recommended to upgrade.