Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a popular smartphone with MIUI firmware, which collects device usage data by default. These reports are sent to developers to improve the systemβs performance, but many users prefer to disable them for privacy reasons or traffic savings. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to disable reports on Redmi 9, including hidden settings and alternative methods.
It is important to understand that there are two types of reports: error reports (crash logs) and usage statistics (anonymous application performance data), the first helps to correct bugs, the second helps to analyze user behavior, we will show how to deactivate both types, and we will also explain the possible consequences and ways to check whether reports have stopped being sent.
Why Xiaomi collects reports and whether they can be turned off
Xiaomiβs MIUI firmware is integrated with the companyβs services, which automatically collect:
- π Usage statistics β which apps are running, how often, screen activity time.
- π Error Reports β Application and system crash data (e.g. com.android.systemui).
- π‘ Diagnostic information β device model, firmware version, battery status.
According to Xiaomi, this data is anonymized and used to improve the user experience.However, in 2021, researchers at Forbes found that some Xiaomi smartphones sent browsing data even in incognito mode.The company made changes after the scandal, but completely disabling reports still requires manual action.
Can we turn off the reports completely? Technically yes, but with reservations:
- β Standard settings MIUI This allows you to disable most of the data collection.
- β οΈ Some system reports (e.g. critical crashes) may be sent in the background.
- π§ For full control, root rights or custom firmware will be required.
β οΈ Note: Disabling error reports may make it more difficult to diagnose problems when contacting Xiaomi Service Center. If the device is warranty, we recommend saving a copy of the logs before visiting.
Method 1: Disabling reports via MIUI settings
The easiest method is to use built-in privacy options. The instructions are relevant for Redmi 9 with MIUI 12/13/14:
- Open the Settings. β The phone.
- Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode (you will be notified "You became a developer").
- Return to the main settings menu and go to Additional β For developers.
- Find the option to send error reports and turn it off.
- Go to Settings β Privacy β Diagnostics and reports.
- Turn off all switches: π Automatic reporting π Usage statistics MIUI π Improving the user experience
After that, most reports will stop being sent, but some system processes (e.g. miui.analytics) may continue to work. To check for activity, use traffic monitoring applications like NetGuard or PCAPdroid.
Open "Settings β Privacy β Diagnostics and reports" | Make sure all switches are turned off |Reboot device | Check traffic through NetGuard
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Method 2: Using ADB to Deep Shut Down
If standard settings don't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a low-level device management tool that doesn't require root, but you'll need a computer.
Step-by-step:
- Install ADB Tools on your PC.
- Enable USB debugging on Redmi 9: Settings β Additional β For developers β USB debugging.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute in the command line: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.analytics adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.midrop
- To disable the collection of statistics MIUI: adb shell settings put global device_provisioned 1 adb shell settings put secure sysui_qs_tile 0
These commands will disable the basic analytics services. To get it back, replace the disable-user with enable.
β οΈ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This may cause firmware to crash. Before executing commands, back up your data via Mi Cloud or TWRP.
What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
Method 3: Disconnecting through root rights (for power users)
If you have Magisk or custom recovery (TWRP), you can block reporting completely by removing system applications, which is risky, but it gives you 100% results.
Instructions:
- Install Root Explorer or similar file manager with root support.
- Go to the folder. /system/priv-app/ and remove: ποΈ AnalyticsCore ποΈ MiuiDaemon ποΈ Msa (Mobile Security App)
/data/data/
Reset the device.
Once the system APK is removed, reports will no longer be sent permanently, but this may affect some MIUI features, such as:
- π Optimizing the battery.
- π‘οΈ Built-in antivirus.
- π Traffic monitoring.
Yes, constantly | Only for specific tasks |No, but I plan |No and I don't plan.
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How to check if reports are sent after disconnection
Even after all the instructions have been followed, some processes may continue to collect data. To make sure that you are completely disabled, use the following methods:
| Method of verification | Tool. | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic monitoring | NetGuard, PCAPdroid | Connections to data.mi.com, sdkconfig.ad.xiaomi.com |
| Logs of the system | Logcat (via ADB) | Posts with Analytics tags, MiuiStats |
| Test requests | Packet Capture | Packages with data about the device model (Redmi 9) |
| Manual analysis | FX Explorer (from root) | Log files at /data/data/com.miui.analytics/ |
If you find active connections to Xiaomi servers, try:
- π Restart the device (some services only start after rebooting).
- π§ Check for updates MIUI (New trackers may appear in new versions).
- π‘οΈ Use a firewall, such as AFWall+, To block domains *.mi.com.
π‘
For maximum privacy, also disable the advertising ID in Google settings: Settings β Google β Advertising β Disable advertising personalization.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When you turn off reports, users often face typical problems. Consider the most common:
- Reports continue to be sent after disabling in settings Reason: Some applications (such as Mi Browser or Mi Video) have their own analytics mechanisms.Solution: Disable data collection in each application settings separately or uninstall unnecessary programs.
- ADB does not find the device Reason: There are no drivers or USB debugging enabled Solution: Install Xiaomi USB Drivers and check the connection in MTP mode.
- After removing the system APKs, MIUI functions are lost Reason: Some components (such as Msa) are responsible for security. Solution: Restore deleted files from backup or reflash the device.
Another common mistake is ignoring firmware updates. After the MIUI update, some settings may reset and data collection will resume. Always check your privacy settings after you install a new version of the OS.
π‘
Check analytics services regularly after MIUI updates, as new versions may have hidden data collection mechanisms.
Alternative methods: firmware and custom ROM
If you want complete privacy, consider installing an alternative firmware. Redmi 9 is available:
- π€ LineageOS β pure Android without trackers Xiaomi.
- π Pixel Experience β firmware with Google Pixel functionality.
- π‘οΈ GrapheneOS β Security-focused (requires unlocking the bootloader).
The installation process shall include:
- Unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool (can take up to 7 days to wait).
- Installation of custom recovery (TWRP).
- Firmware of the selected OS via fastboot or recovery.
Advantages of custom firmware:
- β No built-in trackers Xiaomi.
- β Regular security updates.
- β Ability to fine-tune the system.
Disadvantages:
- β οΈ Loss of warranty (if the bootloader is unlocked).
- β οΈ Risk of "bricking" of the device with firmware errors.
- β οΈ Certain functions (e.g, IR-blaster) may not work properly.