If you've ever looked at the settings of your Xiaomi smartphone, you've probably noticed a strange Feedback app (or Feedback in Russian localization), which is not deleted in standard ways, has no label on the desktop, but regularly appears in the list of active processes. What is it, why does the company need it, and most importantly, can it be removed or disabled without harming the system?
In this article, we will discuss in detail:
- ๐ What is Feedback in Xiaomi and how does it work at the system level?
- ๐ What data the application collects and where it is sent
- โ๏ธ How to disable reporting (including hidden settings)
- ๐๏ธ Can I remove Feedback completely and what is the risk?
- ๐ก๏ธ Alternative ways to protect privacy on Xiaomi smartphones
Spoiler: Removal of Feedback is possible, but can lead to loss of warranty and unstable operation of some functions MIUI. However, there are legal ways to limit its activity - more on this below.
What is Feedback in Xiaomi smartphones and why you need it
Feedback (translated as โfeedbackโ) is a system application built into firmware MIUI on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO. Its primary purpose is to collect data on errors, crashes and user behavior to improve the operating system, essentially the equivalent of Google Feedback on pure Android, but with advanced features.
The application is activated in three cases:
- ๐ Automatically in case of critical system failures (for example, application crash or device reboot).
- ๐ฒ At the request of the user โ if you manually send an error report through the Settings menu โ The phone. โ Revocation.
- ๐ In the background โ to collect anonymous statistics (for example, battery life, functions used, etc.).
According to Xiaomi, all data is anonymized before being sent to the company's servers. XDA Developers) show that reports may include:
- ๐ฑ Device model and firmware version
- ๐ Battery status and processor temperature
- ๐ก Network information (Wi-Fi, mobile Internet)
- ๐ System process logs (including running application names)
โ ๏ธ Note: In some versions MIUI (Feedback can collect geolocation data even if you have permissions disabled.
On the one hand, Feedback helps Xiaomi fix bugs and optimize firmware, and on the other, many users see him as an intrusive spy, especially amid the privacy scandals in China.
What data does Feedback collect and where does it send it
To understand how Feedback threatens your privacy, you need to understand what it is transferring to Xiaomi servers. Officially, the company says that it collects only anonymous technical information, but in practice it is more difficult.
Here is a complete list of data that can be sent (based on traffic analysis and decompilation). APK):
| Type of data | Examples | The threat to privacy |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware information | Smartphone model, version MIUI, serial, IMEI | Low (device-based, but not personal) |
| System Logs | Application errors, memory dumps, kernel logs | Medium (may contain fragments of personal data) |
| Usage statistics | Screen time, application launch frequency | Low (anonymous analytics) |
| Network data | IP- Address, information about Wi-Fi/ mobile network | High (can be used for geolocation) |
| Sensor data | Accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor | Low (technical information) |
Especially the Controversial moment is sending screenshots. In some cases (such as manual error reporting), Feedback may request permission to take a screenshot and send it along with the logs, which means that Xiaomi servers may leak:
- ๐ธ Personal messages from messengers (if they were opened at the time of the failure)
- ๐ Passwords and tokens (if you entered them on the screen)
- ๐ณ Bank card data (when using payment services)
Where does this data go? Xiaomi's main servers are located in:
- ๐จ๐ณ China (the main data center for global users)
- ๐บ๐ธ United States (backup servers for European users)
- ๐ฎ๐ณ India (for the local market)
โ ๏ธ Note: If you are using Chinese firmware MIUI (For example, on smartphones for the domestic market, all data is guaranteed to be sent to China, where laws on mandatory transfer of information to state authorities apply.
Can I block a shipment? Yes, and below we'll show you how to do it without rooting and without removing the application.
How to disable Feedback in Xiaomi settings (legal way)
If you don't want to risk system stability, but you want to minimize data collection, you can turn Feedback off through standard settings. POCO s MIUI 12 and newer.
Instructions are Step-by-step:
- Open the Settings. โ The phone.
- Tap a few times on the MIUI version until the message โYouโre a developer!โ appears (this unlocks hidden options).
- Return to the main settings menu and select Additional โ For developers.
- Find the option to Send an error report and turn it off.
- Then go to Settings โ Applications โ Application Management.
- In search, type Feedback, select the app and click Disable (if the button is active).
Unfortunately, on some firmware (especially global ones), the option to disable may not be available.
1. Install. ADB computer
2. Connect the smartphone to USB (set up)
3. The command is: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.bugreport
4.Reset the device-->
If you don't know me, ADB, Alternative method โ restriction of application rights:
- Go to Settings. โ Annexes โ Feedback.
- Open the Permissions and turn off everything (especially Warehouse, Microphone, and Camera).
- In the Mobile Data and Wi-Fi section, disable network access.
โ ๏ธ Note: After the network is disabled, Feedback will not be able to send reports, but will continue to collect logs to local storage. โ Warehouse โ Application files โ Feedback.
๐ก
Disabling Feedback through settings is the safest way, but it doesn't delete the app completely. System logs will still be collected, but not sent.
Can I remove Feedback completely and what is the risk?
Technically, you can remove Feedback, but it will require root rights or use. ADB. Before doing this, however, it is important to understand the consequences:
Hereโs what happens if you completely remove Feedback:
- โ Data collection and sending (including hidden telemetry) will cease).
- โ Some functions will stop working MIUI, for example:
- โ ๏ธ Risk of breach of warranty โ if the smartphone is warranty, the removal of system applications can cause a failure to repair.
- ๐ Possible errors in the update MIUI (If Feedback is integrated into the process OTA).
If you still decide to remove, here is a step-by-step instruction:
Method 1: Removal via ADB (without root)
adb shell
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.bugreportThis command will only remove Feedback for the current user without affecting system files. Once rebooted, the app will disappear from the list, but it can be restored through a reset.
Method 2: Removal with root rights (full)
If you have root, do this:
su
mount -o rw,remount /system
rm -rf /system/priv-app/Feedback
rm -rf /system/app/Feedback
mount -o ro,remount /systemAfter that, Feedback will be removed forever, but there is a risk of damaging the firmware if you delete the associated libraries.
What if after removing Feedback, the phone stopped updating?
Alternative ways to protect privacy on Xiaomi
If deleting Feedback seems too risky, there are safer methods to limit data collection:
1. Use custom firmware:
- ๐ฑ Xiaomi.eu โ modified version MIUI Chinese-free spyware.
- ๐ค LineageOS or Pixel Experience โ pure Android without telemetry.
2.Block access to Xiaomi servers:
- ๐ Use it. DNS-filters (such as NextDNS or AdGuard) to block domains:
3. Turn off telemetry in hidden settings:
- ๐ ๏ธ Enter the Settings โ The phone. โ Version. MIUI code ##284## (on some firmwares opens the testing menu where you can disable logs).
4. Use alternative launchers and services:
- ๐ Replace the standard launcher MIUI on Nova Launcher or Lawnchair.
- ๐ง Install MicroG instead of Google Services to minimize data collection.
๐ก
If you use Xiaomi.eu, Feedback is already disabled by default, and telemetry is minimized, which is the best balance between functionality and privacy.
Feedback on other Xiaomi devices (TVs, smartwatches, routers)
Feedback is built into not only smartphones, but also other devices of the Xiaomi ecosystem:
| The device | Feedback's presence | Can I remove it? |
|---|---|---|
| Mi TVs | Yeah (built into PatchWall) | No (only disabling in settings) |
| Smart watches Mi Band / Amazfit | Yes (via the Mi Fit app) | No (only restriction of permissions) |
| Xiaomi routers | Yes (web interface) | Yes (via alternative firmware) |
| Mi Notebook laptops | Yeah (at Mi Service Center) | Partially (only disconnect) |
For example, on Mi TVs. TV Feedback is in charge:
- ๐บ Gather browsing statistics (which channels/applications you watch).
- ๐ Replay error reports (for example, if the video slows down).
- ๐ฎ Logs of the remote and voice assistant.
You can turn it off like this.
- Go to Settings. โ Account and security โ Confidentiality.
- Turn off the options for improving user experience and system diagnostics.
- In the Applications section, find Feedback and block internet access.
On the smartwatch, the Mi Band Feedback works through the Mi Fit app to limit it to:
- Open Mi Fit. โ Profile โ Settings โ Confidentiality.
- Turn off Error Reports and participate in product improvement.
Frequent errors and problems with Feedback
Sometimes Feedback can cause crashes or increased battery consumption, and here are the most common problems and solutions:
1. Feedback is constantly hanging in the processes and loading the processor
- ๐ Reason: The application tries to send a large log file, but canโt connect to the server.
- ๐ ๏ธ Solution: Clear the application data in Settings โ Annexes โ Feedback โ Warehouse โ Clear the data.
2.After the update MIUI Feedback began collecting more data
- ๐ Reason: New versions MIUI often extend telemetry.
- ๐ ๏ธ Solution: Reverse to the old firmware version or install Xiaomi.eu.
3. Feedback has requested access to contacts or SMS
- ๐ต Reason: This is abnormal behavior โ possibly a virus or a fake app.
- ๐ ๏ธ Solution: Check the device for viruses (Malwarebytes) and reinstall the firmware.
4. Can't send an error report - button is inactive
- ๐ซ Reason: Google Play Services may be disabled or Feedback internet blocked.
- ๐ ๏ธ Solution: Turn on Google Play Services and check your network settings.
๐ก
If Feedback has started to behave suspiciously (for example, requesting atypical permissions), this may be a sign of infection with a virus, in which case it is better to make a complete reset.