Direct Service for Xiaomi: purpose, security and ways to remove

If you own a Xiaomi smartphone or tablet and you notice a mysterious Direct Service on your app list, don't be surprised -- it's a standard system component that's installed on most of the brand's devices. But what does it actually do? Why does it take up space in memory and can it be removed without affecting the gadget?

In this article, we will discuss in detail what Direct Service is responsible for, what functions it performs, and most importantly, how to safely deactivate or remove it if it interferes. You will also learn about hidden risks, alternative methods, and which Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or POCO X5 Pro) can react differently to manipulation of this service.

We warn you that not all methods are equally safe. Some users remove Direct Service without problems, others face bugs in the work of MIUI. To avoid trouble, read carefully - we have collected current data for 2026, including community reviews and tests on real devices.

What is Direct Service on Xiaomi?

Direct Service is a system application that Xiaomi integrates into MIUI firmware to support geolocation services, push notifications and background processes, and is officially positioned as a tool for:

• 📍 Precise location determination (interacts with the GPS, GLONASS, BEIDou).
• 🔔 Deliver push notifications from system and third-party applications.
• 🔄 Optimize background tasks (e.g. synchronizing data between Xiaomi devices).
• 🛡️ Protection against unauthorized access to certain features (e.g., screen locking in case of suspicious activity).

In practice, Direct Service often works in conjunction with other MIUI components, such as com.miui.analytics (statistics collection) or com.xiaomi.midrop (file transfer). However, unlike them, it cannot be disabled by standard means - the "Delete" or "Disable" button in the application settings is usually inactive.

It is important to understand that Direct Service is not a virus or spyware, despite common myths, but it is a legitimate component of MIUI, but its behavior may seem suspicious because of:

• 📊 Constant activity in the background (see Settings) → Battery → Battery utilization).
• 🚫 Requests for access to geodata, contacts or SMS (Even if you do not use the appropriate functions).
• 🔄 Automatic updates via Google Play or system packages.

Why does Xiaomi need this service?

Xiaomi does not disclose the full functionality of Direct Service in the documentation, but the analysis of its activity and reverse engineering allow us to highlight several key tasks:

On devices with MIUI Global (such as Xiaomi 13T or Redmi K60), Direct Service often works in tandem with Google Play Services, duplicating some features, which leads to increased battery consumption and CPU load, which causes users to dissatisfaction.

Fun fact: In the Chinese versions of MIUI (without Google Services), Direct Service takes on more responsibilities, including processing payments via Mi Pay and working with Quick Apps, which explains why it is difficult to remove — it is critical to the functioning of the ecosystem.

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If you are not using Xiaomi services (such as Mi Cloud or Mi Home), you can manually restrict Direct Service rights through Settings → Applications → Application Rights Management.

Can I remove Direct Service without consequences?

Technically, deletion is possible, but the consequences depend on the device model, the version of MIUI, and what features you use.

• ✅ No problem: on some devices (e.g, POCO F5 or Redmi 10C) removal is carried out without visible failures.
• ⚠️ Non-critical bugs: Mi Fit notifications may disappear or the weather on the home screen may stop updating.
• ❌ Serious failures: on older models (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro) errors with the new model are possible. GPS, Inability to log in to Mi Account or even “eternal” booting system).

The risks increase if you:

• 🔄 Use synchronization functions between Xiaomi devices.
• 📱 Update the firmware through OTA (Without Direct Service, updates may not be installed).
• 🔒 Use Mi Pay or other brand payment services.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 12) Direct Service is tightly integrated with the system kernel. its removal may result in the inability to flash the device through Fastboot without first restoring stock firmware.

If you still decide to get rid of this component, read on - we will talk about safe and not very methods.

How to disable or remove Direct Service

There are several ways to deactivate Direct Service, varying in complexity and risk, and we've positioned them from the safest to the most radical.

Restriction of rights (without root)

The safest method is not to delete the application, but simply to block its activity:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Direct Service (could be called com.xiaomi.directservice).
3. Open the Rights section and disable all permissions (geodata, SMS, contacts, etc.).
4. In the Battery section, select “Limit background activity”.

This way of doing this doesn't remove the application, but it minimizes the impact on the system, and it's suitable for most users.

2. Disconnection via ADB (no root)

If the rights restrictions are not enough, you can disable Direct Service using ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

Enable USB debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times)

Connect the device to the PC and allow debugging

Download ADB Tools

Open the command line in the folder with ADB-->

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

To get it back, use the command:

adb shell pm enable com.xiaomi.directservice

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Pro) after disconnection through ADB Google Play Services may stop working, and then you can just reset to factory settings.

3. Removal by root rights

If you have root (for example, through Magisk), you can delete Direct Service completely.

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer).
2. Go to /system/priv-app/DirectService or /system/app/DirectService.
3. Remove the folder or rename it (for example, in the DirectService_bak).
4. Reset the device.

Once removed, it is recommended to “freeze” the application through Titanium Backup or similar tools so that it does not recover after the MIUI update.

4. Removal via TWRP (for experienced)

If you have custom TWRP recovery installed on your device, you can remove Direct Service through it:

1. Load to TWRP (clip Power + Volume Up).
2. Select Advanced → File Manager.
3. Find and delete files: /system/priv-app/DirectService/DirectService.apk /system/priv-app/DirectService/oat/ (folder)

Wipe → Cache

This method is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader (for example, the POCO X3 Pro or Redmi K40). On new models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra), additional anti-rollback unlock may be required.

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Before any manipulation of system files, back up via TWRP or Mi Flash Tool.This is the only way to restore the device in the event of a failure.

Alternatives to Removal: How to Reduce the Impact of Direct Service

If the risks of deleting you are frightening, but Direct Service is annoying with its activity, try these methods:

• 🔋 Battery Optimization: Enable Power Saving Mode for the Application in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.
• 🚫 Network Blocking: Disable Mobile Data and Wi-Fi Access for Direct Service in Settings → Annexes → Use of data.
• 🔄 Replacement with alternatives: If you only need push notifications, use Google Play Services or Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM).
• 📵 Disable geodata: Disable location access in the app settings.

On devices with MIUI 13/14, you can also turn off background activity through Settings → Special Features → System Optimization. This will not remove Direct Service, but will reduce its impact on performance.

For POCO or Black Shark owners, there is another life hack: switch to MIUI EU (unofficial European version), which has Direct Service less aggressive, and some of its features are disabled by default.

Xiaomi models that are dangerous to remove Direct Service

Not all Xiaomi Direct Service devices behave the same way, and below is a list of models where removing or disabling it can lead to critical crashes:

On these devices, it is better not to take risks and use alternative methods (limitation of rights, ADB). If you still removed Direct Service and faced problems, try:

1. Restore the application from backup.
2. Swipe the device through Fastboot with data storage (fastboot flash system.img).
3. Reset your settings to factory (but it will delete all the data!)

On new flagships (such as Xiaomi 14 Pro), Direct Service can be protected by the Anti-Rollback mechanism, which means that once removed, you will not be able to roll back to the previous version of MIUI without the risk of “bricking” the device.

Frequent questions about Direct Service