MSA Xiaomi: what kind of service is it, how to disable it and whether it is worth it

If you have ever looked into the list of running processes on a Xiaomi smartphone, then you probably noticed a strange service called MSA (Or com.miui.msa.global in the Application Manager. It's constantly hanging in the background, consuming Internet traffic, and sometimes even showing up in notifications -- but what is it and can it be removed?

On the one hand, MSA — It's an internal firmware service. MIUI, It's a service that's responsible for analytics, advertising and content personalization, and many users find it unnecessary, especially if they don't use Xiaomi's branded services. MSA and how it will affect the operation of the smartphone, as well as give step-by-step instructions for deactivation through settings and hidden commands.

Important: Some methods require superuser rights (root) or work with a user. ADB — If you are a beginner, follow the instructions carefully so that you do not disturb the stability of the system.

What is MSA on Xiaomi and why is it necessary?

MSA (Miui System Ads is a system application built into firmware MIUI Since version 10, it has several key functions:

• 📊 Analytics: tracks how you use your smartphone (which apps you run, how much time you spend on them, what settings you change) and this data is anonymized and sent to Xiaomi servers to improve the firmware.
• 🎯 Advertising personalization: based on the collected data, shows targeted ads in branded applications (Mi Browser, Mi Video, Themes, etc.).
• 🔄 Content Update: Responsible for downloading recommendations on the home screen (e.g., in the MIUI Launcher or Mi Feed widget).
• 🛡️ Security: Part of the functions MSA associated with device authentication and fraud protection (e.g. when paying via Mi Pay).

According to Xiaomi, all data is encrypted and does not contain personal information (such as your contacts or messages), but independent research shows that the service can transmit:

• 📱 IMEI and serial number of the device;
• 🌍 Region and language settings;
• 🔋 Smartphone model and version MIUI;
• 📶 Connection data (Wi-Fi, mobile network).

The main question is whether it is possible to do without MSA? Theoretically, yes, but with reservations, shutting down the service will not disrupt the smartphone, but it can lead to a phone shutdown:

• ❌ Disappearance of personalized recommendations in MIUI;
• ❌ Errors in branded apps (such as Mi Browser or Mi Video);
• ❌ Loss of Mi Account features (such as synchronizing notes or cloud backups).

How MSA Impacts productivity and battery

The main claim of users to MSA — It's a high consumption of resources. It's always working in the background, and it's a very high consumption of resources:

• 🔋 Autonomy: according to the test data, MSA may spend up to 3-5% Battery charge per day (on budget models such as Redmi) 9A POCO M3 — before 7%).
• 📈 CPU load: during moments of activity (for example, when synchronizing data), the service can take up to 10-15% CPU, which leads to inhibition.
• 🌐 Internet traffic: MSA packetizes 5-50 CB several times an hour. In a month, this can be summed up in 50-100 MB of "extra" traffic.

Especially noticeable influence MSA on weak smartphones (Redmi) 7/8/9, Poco X3 NFC) or MIUI Global market (where analytics is more active than in Chinese firmware versions).

Interesting fact: on smartphones with MIUI China (Chinese firmware) MSA He's a little more modest, and he's mostly in security, and he's not really doing much analytics (MIUI Global/EEA) It is more active due to the requirements of local advertisers.

⚠️ Note: If you notice that MSA consumes more than 10% of the battery per day or keeps the processor loaded all the time, this could be a sign of a failure. → Annexes → Application management → MSA.

How to turn off MSA standardized

If you don't want to delete MSA It's completely free, but you want to limit it, you can do it through the settings menu. It's a root-free method that's suitable for most models (Redmi, Poco, Mi on the other hand). MIUI 12/13/14).

Step 1. Open the Settings. → Memory. → Applications (or Settings) → Annexes → Managing applications on new versions).

Step 2. Enter the search bar MSA or com.miui.msa.global. click on the app you found.

Step 3. Select:

• 🚫 Disable (suspends service until reboot);
• 🗑️ Clear cache and Clear data (reset settings) MSA);
• 🔒 Limit background activity (in the Battery menu) → Background restriction).

Step 4. Go back to Settings → Confidentiality → Special permits → Autostart and disable autostart for MSA.

Step 5. To completely disable ads, go to Settings → Mi Account → Synchronize and disable the item "Personalized recommendations".

Disable the application MSA dispatcher|Clear cache and data|Prohibit auto-start|Disable personalized recommendations in Mi Account|Reboot your smartphone-->

This method does not remove MSA It completely, but significantly reduces its activity, and after a reboot, the service can be activated again - in this case, repeat the steps or use the methods below.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI 14 Xiaomi 13/13 Pro) disconnection MSA If you have set up your settings, Mi Video and Mi Browser may crash. If you have deactivated these apps, return the settings back.

Removal MSA through ADB (rootless)

If the standard shutdown does not help, you can remove it. MSA assisted ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method does not require root rights, but it will require a computer and a computer. USB-cable.

Step 1. Enable debugging over USB:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone;
2. Press 7 times on the version MIUI, activate the developer mode;
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers;
4. Activate Debugging on USB.

Step 2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and install drivers ADB (You can download from the official Android website).

Step. 3. Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on the macOS/Linux) enter:

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, enter:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.msa.global

Step 4: Reboot your smartphone. MSA will be deleted for the current user (but will remain in the system and can return after resetting the settings).

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ No root;
• ✅ It's completely off. MSA for your profile;
• ✅ Doesn't break updates. MIUI.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ MSA It may return after a major firmware update;
• ❌ Some Mi Account features will stop working (e.g. cloud sync).

Complete removal MSA root-righted

If you are willing to take drastic measures, you can completely remove it. MSA It's going to take a lot of time:

• 🔓 Root access (for example, via Magisk);
• 🖥️ File Manager with root rights (e.g. Root Explorer or Solid Explorer);
• 📱 Backup of data (in case of failure).

Step 1. Open the file manager and follow the path:

/system/priv-app/MSA/

or

/system/app/MSA/

Step. 2. Delete the folder. MSA or rename it in MSA_bak (in case you want to get it all back).

Step. 3. Move to the /data/data/ and delete the folder com.miui.msa.global.

Step 4. Reboot your smartphone.

After that MSA It will be removed without the possibility of recovery (except through flashing).

⚠️ Note: Removal of system applications may result in inability to update MIUI through OTA. In this case, the firmware will have to be installed manually via Fastboot or Recovery.

💡

Before removal MSA Make a backup copy through TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool. If you have problems with Mi Account after deleting, restore the folder. MSA backup.

Alternative methods: disabling via Hosts or Xposed

If you don't want to remove it MSA completely, but you need to block its connection with the servers of Xiaomi, you can use one of the following methods:

Method 1: Blocking through Hosts file

This method cuts off access. MSA Internet, but does not shut down the service itself.

1. Install an app to edit hosts (such as Hosts Editor or AdAway)
2. Add the following lines to the hosts file: 127.0.0.1 api.msa.xiaomi.com 127.0.0.1 sdkconfig.ad.xiaomi.com 127.0.0.1 track.ad.xiaomi.com
3. Save the changes and restart the smartphone.

Method 2: Use of the Xposed/EdXposed

For advanced users, there are modules for Xposed that block ads and analytics:

• 🔧 MIUI Ad Blocker – Blocking Ads in the Internet MIUI;
• 🔧 Disabler for Xiaomi – Disables unnecessary services, including MSA;
• 🔧 NoMSA – a dedicated module for deactivation MSA.

Note that Xposed may conflict with some applications (such as banking) and require root.

What happens if you turn it off? MSA: pros and cons

Before you make a decision, weigh the pros and cons. We put together the main implications in a table:

Our verdict:

• 🔹 If you want stability, just disconnect. MSA through settings and limit background activity.
• 🔹 If you want maximum productivity, use the method of ADB.
• 🔹 If you are an advanced user and are ready for risks, delete it. MSA root.

💡

Shutdown MSA It will not disrupt your smartphone, but it can limit the functions of Mi Account and branded applications.

FAQ: Frequent questions about MSA on Xiaomi