Xiaomi Sync Services Replaced – How to Disable and What It Means

After another update MIUI Many users of Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO When you see a notification saying, "Sync services have been replaced," this message appears in the status bar or in the Mi Account section, but what it means in practice is a mystery. In reality, we are talking about forced-update system components responsible for backup, cloud synchronization and even the operation of some applications. The problem is that after such a “replacement” device can begin to actively consume the battery, send data to Xiaomi servers without explicit consent or block manually disabling synchronization through standard settings.

In this article, we will explain why Xiaomi is forced to update sync services, what risks this poses to privacy, and most importantly, how to completely disable or limit their work at the system, account and individual application levels. MIUI 14/15 (Including global and Chinese versions, where sync algorithms have become more aggressive after integration with HyperOS. If you notice that after the upgrade, the phone has become “brake”, discharge faster or upload data to the cloud without permission, this guide will help you regain control.

We warn you beforehand that some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, but we will also offer safe alternatives for users without technical skills, starting with the theory that without it, it is impossible to understand which services have been “replaced” and why they cannot be disabled in standard ways.

What does the message mean: “Sync services have been replaced”

The notification “Sync Services have been replaced” is a consequence of the Mi Cloud Sync Auto-Updater mechanism, which Xiaomi implemented in the Internet. MIUI 12 and reinforced in later versions:

• 🔄 The system automatically replaces old versions of sync services (com.miui.cloudservice, com.xiaomi.account) with new ones, even if you have disabled auto-updates on Google Play.
• 📡 Advanced data collection: New versions of the services can send not only contacts or notes to Xiaomi servers, but also application usage logs, background location data, and connected device information (for example, Mi Band or Xiaomi Smart Home).
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption: Updated services often run in the background as system processes (sync_adapter), preconsuming 5–10% day-time.
• 🔒 Manual locking, in the latest versions. MIUI The disable sync button in the account settings may be inactive or reset after rebooting.

Why is Xiaomi doing this? Officially, to "improve stability and security." In practice, to:

1. Link the user to the Mi Account ecosystem (for example, active synchronization is required for Xiaomi Pay or Mi Home to work).
2. Collect more data for targeted advertising (including through GetApps and Mi Browser).
3. Prepare your device for the HyperOS transition, where cloud integration becomes a must.

The worst part is that even a factory reset doesn't always help: the first time you connect to the Internet, the sync services are updated to the latest version again, so a combination of methods will be needed to completely shut down.

What services have been replaced and what are they responsible for?

V MIUI Several system components are responsible for synchronization, and once they're replaced, they can upgrade to versions with advanced resolutions:

It is important to understand that even if you do not use Mi Cloud, these services can work in the background. For example, com.miui.cloudservice is activated when:

• 📱 Connecting to Wi-Fi or mobile network (checks for updates).
• 🔄 Reboot the device (automatically starts as a system service).
• 📲 Install applications from GetApps or Google Play (some of which are APK You need to check your Mi Account).

To check which services are active on your device:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select “Show System Processes”.
3. Find com.miui.cloudservice and com.xiaomi.account – if they are available, then the services are “replaced” and work.

How to disable synchronization services with standard tools

If you don't have root or unlocked bootloaders, start with these methods. They won't give you a 100% guarantee, but they will reduce service activity.

Method 1: Disabling synchronization in account settings

The most obvious, but often non-working way:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Mi Account.
2. Turn off the Sync slider, and if it's inactive, try logging out and logging in again.
3. In the section "Manage synchronized data" uncheck all points (contacts, notes, SMS etc.).

💡

If the sync slider doesn't turn off, try resetting the cache of the com.xiaomi.account app. → Annexes → Application management → Xiaomi Account → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

Method 2: Limitation of background activity

Even if the sync is off, the services can run in the background to block them.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Mi Cloud and Xiaomi Account, click on each.
3. Select "Battery» → «Limit background activity».
4. In the Mobile Data section, turn off background traffic for these apps.

Method 3: Delete your Mi Account (radical method)

If you do not use Xiaomi services (e.g. Mi Cloud, Mi Pay, Mi Home), you can completely delete your account:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Mi Account.
2. Click on the account icon → «Delete the account».
3. Confirm the deletion (a password will be required).

⚠️ Note: After deleting your account, you will lose access to:

• 🔐 Mi Cloud (all backups will be deleted from servers).
• 💳 Mi Pay (Tieted Cards and Payment History).
• 🏠 Mi Home (Management of Xiaomi Smart Devices).
• 📱 Some phone features (such as Theme Store themes).

Make a backup of contacts and notes manually

Get rid of all smart devices from Mi Home

Save important data from Mi Cloud on PC

Check if purchases are linked to your GetApps account

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Disconnecting synchronization services through ADB (rootless)

If standard methods do not work, try disabling services through ADB (Android Debug Bridge. It doesn't require root, but you'll need a computer and enabled debugging. USB.

Step 1: Preparation

Download and install:

• 🖥️ Platform Tools (includes adb).
• 📱 On the phone: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times to turn on the developer mode).
• Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable “Debugging by USB”.

Step 2: Disconnecting Services through Commands

Connect your phone to your PC and execute it in the terminal (cmd or PowerShell):

adb devices

(Your device should show up. If not, check the drivers.)

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.cloudservice


adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.cloudservice




adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.account.sync




adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.cloudbackup

These commands will disable (but not remove) key synchronization services. To return them back, use:

adb shell pm enable com.miui.cloudservice

Step 3: Checking the Results

After the commands are executed:

• Reboot the phone.
• Check in Settings → Mi Cloud and Xiaomi Account are disabled.
• Make sure that there is no longer a “Service Replacement” notification in the status bar.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware Xiaomi blocks ADB-If you see an Operation not allowed error, you'll need root or modified firmware.

💡

Shutdown through ADB — A temporary solution after another update MIUI The services may be activated again. For permanent effect, you will need to remove the system. APK (see next section).

Removing synchronization services with root or custom firmware

If you are willing to take drastic measures, completely removing sync services is only possible with root rights or through custom firmware (like LineageOS), a method suitable for advanced users.

Method 1: Remove via Magisk (root)

If you already have root:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Go to /system/priv-app/ or /system/app/.
3. Remove or rename folders: MiuiCloudService XiaomiAccount CloudBackup

Recovery

Method 2: Install custom firmware without Mi Cloud

Firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience doesn't include Xiaomi sync services.

• 🔧 You will need to unlock the bootloader (officially via the Mi Unlock Tool).
• 📱 Some phone functions (such as a camera or a camera) NFC) They may not work properly.
• 🔄 Updates will have to be installed manually.

Before switching to custom firmware, check its compatibility with your model on the forum. XDA Developers.

💡

If you have removed sync services, but your phone has stopped updating by air (OTA), Download firmware manually from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater site and install via Recovery.

How to Prevent Replacement of Synchronization Services

Even after disabling or deleting services, Xiaomi can return them to the next system update.

1. Blocking updates through the host file

Add it to the file. /etc/hosts (Root requires strings to block update servers:

127.0.0.1 api.account.xiaomi.com


127.0.0.1 cloud.intl.miui.com




127.0.0.1 sync.intl.miui.com

2. disabling automatic updates MIUI

Go to Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system and:

• Turn off Automatic Download Updates.
• Press three points. → «Settings» → Turn off "Update over Wi-Fi».

3.Using a firewall to block traffic

Apps like NetGuard or AFWall+ (requires root) can block synchronization services from accessing the Internet:

• 📱 Install NetGuard from F-Droid.
• Enable filtering for Mi Cloud and Xiaomi Account.
• Activate the “Block Wi-Fi and Mobile Data” mode.

⚠️ Note: Blocking Xiaomi servers may lead to a:

• 🚫 Unable to log in to Mi Account (even if you want to return sync).
• 🔄 Problems with obtaining OTA-update.
• 📱 Errors in some system applications (e.g. Mi Video or Mi Browser).

Alternatives to data synchronization without Mi Cloud

If you have disabled Xiaomi services but want to keep backups of contacts, photos or notes, use alternative services:

For full autonomy from cloud services, consider:

• 📁 Local backup via adb backup or Swift backup (requires root).
• 🔗 Syncthing – synchronization between devices over a local network without a cloud.
• 💾 Nextcloud is a self-hosting cloud (can be deployed on a home server or VPS).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi sync services