Why users want to get rid of Digital Well-Being and can it be done safely?
Xiaomi’s Digital Wellbeing feature in MIUI 12 was introduced as a tool to monitor smartphone usage, block distracting apps, and analyze digital habits. However, many users find that the module not only collects statistics, but also actively interferes with the system’s operation: restricts notifications, blocks background activity of applications, and can even cause lags during prolonged use, especially on Redmi Note 9 Pro, POCO X3 NFC and other devices with limited resources.
Unlike later versions of MIUI 13/14, where the function can be disabled through standard settings, MIUI 12 did not provide an easy way to remove it completely, because the module is integrated into the system services com.miui.analytics and com.android.wellbeing. However, there are workarounds – from manually disabling through ADB to radical removal of system APKs. It is important to understand that some methods require unlocking the bootloader and can affect the stability of the device.
Method 1: Disconnect via MIUI settings (without root)
The safest, but also the most limited, method is to deactivate the core functions of Digital Well-being through the settings menu, which does not remove the module completely, but stops its active impact on the system, and is suitable for users who do not want to risk the stability of MIUI.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Digital Well-Being and Parental Control.
- ⚙️ Slip the gear icon in the top right corner and select Turn off Digital Well-Being.
- 🔒 Confirm the action with a password / pattern lock (if installed).
- 🔄 Restart the device to apply changes.
⚠️ Note: This method does not remove the Wellbeing system processes, but only hides the interface and suspends the collection of statistics.
☑️ What to check after disconnection
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Method 2: Remove via ADB (without root but with debugging)
For users willing to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), there is a way to deactivate Digital Well-being at the system package level.This method does not require superuser rights, but requires USB debugging and installing Mi PC Suite or Minimal ADB and Fastboot drivers.
Step-by-step:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on this item.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC, confirm the debugging permission and open the command line (cmd or Terminal).
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
- Run the command to disable the packet: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.analytics Then repeat for the second packet: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.apps.wellbeing
⚠️ Note: Once these commands are executed, the Digital Well-Being function will disappear from the settings menu, but system processes will remain in the device's memory. MIUI Packages can be rebuilt.
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If the adb device command does not find your device, try reinstalling the drivers or using the original device. USB-Xiaomi cables, cheap cables often don't support data transmission.
Method 3: Complete removal of system APKs (requires root)
Radical removal of the Digital Well-being module** requires root rights and a file manager with access to the system partition (e.g., Root Explorer or MiXplorer), a method suitable for advanced users, as incorrect actions can lead to soft-brick (cyclical reboot) of the device.
Algorithm of action:
- 🔧 Install Magisk and get root access (see the forum for instructions for your model). XDA Developers).
- 📁 Open the system section along the way /system/priv-app/ or /system/app/.
- 🗑️ Find and delete the following folders: Wellbeing (or DigitalWellbeing) MiuiAnalytics
- 🔄 Restart the device manually (adb reboot or power button).
⚠️ Attention: Removal of system APK This may disrupt Google Play and Mi Account services. Create a backup of the partition before the procedure /system through TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery.
What if the device does not boot after removing the APK?
If after deleting system files, the smartphone is getting stuck on the MIUI logo, try the following steps:
1. Load into Recovery Mode (clip Power + Volume up).
2. Select Mount → System and connect the device to the PC.
3. Restore deleted folders from backup or download the original APKs for your version of MIUI 12 (see the thematic forums).
4. Reset the device.
If this doesn’t work, you’ll need a full flashing through Fastboot or EDL.
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
The choice of method depends on your technical skills and willingness to take risks. Below is a comparative table with the pros and cons of each method:
| Method | Difficulty | Required rights | Efficiency | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disconnection in settings | ⭐ | No. | Partial | Minimum (background processes remain) |
| ADB-team | ⭐⭐ | USB debugging | Tall. | Recovery after update |
| Removal of APK (root) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Root + TWRP | Complete. | Soft-brick, disrupting Google services |
| Flip-flashing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Unlocked loader | Complete. | Data loss, the risk of brick |
For most users, the best solution is the second method (ADB), since it does not require root rights, but it almost completely neutralizes the impact of Digital Well-being. If you are an experienced user and are ready for the potential risks, you can consider removing through root or even reflashing to a custom version of MIUI without unnecessary modules (for example, MIUI EU).
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after successfully disabling Digital Well-Being, users may experience side effects, and consider the most common and how to address them.
Problem 1: After use ADB-Command function returns after update MIUI.
Solution: Before updating, repeat the commands:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.analytics
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.apps.wellbeingOr turn off automatic updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update.
Problem 2: Applications have stopped receiving notifications.
Solution: Check notification settings for each application manually: Settings → Applications → Application Management → [Select App] → Notifications. If the problem persists, reset notification settings through Settings → Notifications → Additional → Reset notification settings.
Problem 3: Lags appear or battery consumption increases.
Solution: This may be due to a conflict of system processes. Try clearing the cache with Recovery Mode:
- Turn off the device.
- Press Power + Volume up to enter Recovery.
- Select the Wipe cache partition.
- Reset the device.
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If after manipulating system files, the smartphone starts to overheat or discharge quickly, return the deleted APKs back or perform a factory reset, which often helps restore stability.
Alternative solutions: custom firmware and modules Magisk
If standard methods don’t work, consider installing alternative firmware or modules for Magisk that block unnecessary system components, such as:
- 📦 MIUI EU — European firmware without Chinese services and analytics, supports most models Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO.
- 🔧 Universal Debloater – a module for Magisk that allows you to disable system applications without physically removing them.
- 🛡️ DisableFlagSecure – useful if Digital Well-Being blocks screenshots in certain apps.
Before installing custom firmware, make sure your model is supported and unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool.The unlocking process can take up to 7 days (due to Xiaomi's policy).
⚠️ Warning: Installing unofficial firmware voids warranty and may cause problems with the work of Google Pay, Widevine L1 (stream HD) and other secure services.