If you own a Xiaomi, Redmi or a smartphone POCO, I'm sure you've noticed a mysterious Feedback app on the installed list, and it's pre-installed on all the brand's devices, but most users don't understand what it's for, and some even try to remove it for fear of spying or unnecessary battery consumption.
In fact, Feedback is the official tool from Xiaomi to collect user feedback about the work of the firmware. MIUI, It can send log files to developers, report bugs in a system or specific application, and participate in testing new features, but how does that work, what data is collected, and can this tool be trusted? Let's get this straight.
What is Feedback on Xiaomi and Why You Need It
Feedback (in English - "feedback") is a system application that Xiaomi has integrated into the firmware. MIUI It's about collecting information from users:
- π Collecting crash data β if your smartphone suddenly restarted, the app hung or an error appeared, Feedback can automatically record the log and prompt to send it to developers.
- π Performance analysis β the application tracks how key system functions (battery, network, camera) work and suggests optimizations.
- π‘ Testing new features β users can participate in beta testing updates MIUI and share.
- π’ Direct communication channel with Xiaomi β through Feedback you can send a proposal to improve the interface or complain about a bug that prevents you from using the phone.
Itβs important to understand that itβs not spyware, but a legal tool to improve firmware. Xiaomi is actively using data from Feedback to release security patches, fix bugs and add new features to future versions. MIUI. For example, if many users complain about the fast discharge of the battery after the update, the company can quickly release a fix.
But there's a downside to the application, which is that it runs in the background and sometimes consumes resources, and not all users want to share data about their device, even if it's anonymous, and we'll talk about that later.
How Feedback Works: The Data Collection Mechanism
Feedback collects information in two ways: automatically (when the system crashes) and manually (when the user decides to submit a review), and we will understand what data is transferred to Xiaomi and how it happens.
Automatic data collection
If your smartphone encounters a critical error (e.g., com.android.systemui stopped working or a sudden reboot occurred), Feedback may:
- π± Write down the system log (list of processes that worked at the time of the failure).
- π Save information about battery charge, processor temperature and RAM usage.
- π Record the network status (Wi-Fi, mobile Internet) at the time of the error.
This data is not sent automatically, but a notification comes to the user asking them to send a report, and you can ignore it or delete the log manually.
Manual data collection
If you want to report bugs or suggest improvements, you can manually:
- Open the Feedback app.
- Select the category of the problem (for example, "Battery", "Camera", "System Errors").
- Add screenshots, videos or log files (if any).
- Describe the problem and submit a report.
In this case, you control what data is sent, for example, you can attach a screenshot of an error, but not give access to the system logs.
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If you are participating in beta testing MIUI, Feedback reports are treated as a priority, which increases the chances that your problem will be quickly fixed.
What data does Feedback collect and is it safe?
Many users fear that Feedback is passing personal information to Xiaomi, such as call history, messages or geolocation, and the app only collects technical data, but with some nuances.
| Type of data | Example | Is it transferred to Xiaomi? |
|---|---|---|
| Logs of the system | List of working processes, application errors | Yes (only when manually shipped) |
| Device information | Smartphone model, version MIUI, serial | Yes (anonymously) |
| Battery data | Charge level, temperature, charging cycles | Yes (only when reporting battery problems) |
| Screenshots/video | Screen photo with an error or bug | Only if you attach them manually. |
| Personal data | Contacts, messages, browser history | No. |
Important: Feedback does not have access to your photos, messages or passwords. All data is transmitted in encrypted form and is used only for improving the security of your home. MIUI. However, if you attach a screenshot of personal information (such as a chat room), it will also be included in the report β so check before sending what you put up.
If you are concerned about privacy, you can:
- π Disable automatic reporting in the application settings.
- π± Before sending a report, delete unnecessary data from logs (for example, through the Edit menuΒ»).
- π« Use incognito mode (in some versions) MIUI There is an option of anonymous sending).
What happens if you send a log with personal data?
How to use Feedback: step-by-step instructions
If you are faced with a bug in MIUI If you want to suggest an improvement, it's easy to submit a report via Feedback:
Step 1 Launching the application
Find the Feedback icon in the app menu (usually hidden in the Services or Tools folder). If it isn't, check Settings. β All applications.
Step 2: Selecting a category of problem
In the main menu, select the section that relates to your problem:
- π Battery β if the phone is quickly discharged.
- π· Camera β for complaints about artifacts or shooting errors.
- π Network - problems with Wi-Fi, mobile Internet.
- π System Errors β for app crashes or freezes.
Step 3: Description of the problem
Fill in the fields:
- Theme β briefly state the essence (for example, βThe camera gives a green hue when shooting at nightβ).
- Details β Describe how to reproduce the bug (which actions led to the error).
- Logs β if the system offers to attach a log, agree (this will speed up the solution of the problem).
- Screenshots/video β add visual evidence of the bug.
Step 4: Submitting the report
Click βSendβ and wait for confirmation. Usually, the response from Xiaomi comes in 1-3 days (if the problem is massive) or 1-2 weeks (if the bug is unique).
Describe the steps to play back the bug|Attach a screenshot or video|Specify the phone model and version MIUI|Selecting the Right Category of the Problem-->
Can I remove Feedback and what happens if I do it?
Many users want to get rid of Feedback to make room or stop background activity, but there are nuances:
Methods of disposal
The application can be removed in three ways:
- Through ADB (Requires an unlocked bootloader and developer rights):
- Root rights (for example, through Magisk or Titanium Backup)
- Disconnect (without deleting) through Settings β Annexes β Feedback β Shut down.
Effects of removal
If you just turn off the app, nothing critical happens, but if you delete it completely, you can:
- β οΈ Update issues - some patches MIUI Check for Feedback before installation.
- β οΈ No automatic reports β if the system fails, it will not be able to offer to send a log.
- β οΈ Menu errors β some diagnostic features may stop working.
β οΈ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+) When you delete Feedback, you stop using Quick Support in your settings. If you want a warranty, you better not delete it.
Alternatives to removal
If you are concerned about battery consumption or traffic, instead of removing it, you can:
- π Prohibit background activity in the application settings.
- π΅ Limit Internet access through Settings β Mobile network β Data limitation.
- π Clean the cache once a month (in the app's "Storage" menu).
Hidden Feedback features: what the app can do besides reports
Few people know, but Feedback is not just a complaint tool, it has some useful hidden features that might be useful for advanced users.
Diagnostics of the device
In the Tools section β Diagnosis is possible:
- π Check the status of the battery (real capacity, number of charging cycles).
- π‘ Test the network signal (reception level, Internet speed).
- π Check the performance of speakers and microphones.
2. Participation in beta testing
Feedback can be used to apply for the program. MIUI Beta Tester:
- Open the Beta Testing section.
- Fill out the questionnaire (specify the phone model, experience of use). MIUI).
- Wait for approval (usually takes 1-2 weeks).
Beta testers get early access to new features, but also face a lot of bugs.
3. Viewing the history of reports
In the section My reports you can see:
- π List of all complaints and proposals sent.
- β Status of processing (e.g., βAcceptedβ, βIn operationβ, βAdjustedΒ»).
- π¬ Responses from the support team (if any).
β οΈ Note: If you participate in the beta, removing Feedback may result in being dropped from the program. Xiaomi periodically checks for the app on tester devices.
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Feedback is not only a tool for complaints, but also a diagnostic center for a device that can test battery health, test network and even become a beta tester. MIUI.