HMS Core on Xiaomi: what is it, how does it work and can it be removed?

If you own a Xiaomi, Redmi or a smartphone POCO, I'm sure you've noticed a mysterious program on the app list. HMS Core. It even appears on pure Android devices, not to mention firmware. MIUI. What is it? What is it? What is it? And most importantly, can it be safely removed to make room and reduce background activity?

In this article, we will explain in detail what is HMS Core, how it connects to the Huawei ecosystem and why it is installed on Xiaomi phones, learn about its core features, impact on autonomy and performance, and get step-by-step instructions on how to manage this service – from shutting down to completely uninstalling (where possible). We will focus on data security and compatibility with Google services.

What is it? HMS Core and why it’s on Xiaomi?

HMS Core (abbreviated from Huawei Mobile Services Core) is a set of system services developed by Huawei as an alternative to Google Mobile Services (GMS). It was originally designed for Huawei and Honor devices that were denied access to Google services due to US sanctions. HMS Core has also started to appear on smartphones from other brands, including Xiaomi.

Why is that happening? The fact is that some applications (especially Chinese developers) require that they be used to do so. HMS Core for correct operation, for example, popular games, instant messengers or banking applications from China can use it to make the most of the game:

• 🔑 User authentication through Huawei ID;
• 📍 Geolocation Services (alternative to Google Maps) API);
• 📊 Push notifications (instead of Firebase Cloud Messaging);
• 💳 Payment via Huawei Pay.

On Xiaomi smartphones HMS Core is installed automatically when you install certain apps from Chinese stores (such as AppGallery) or through branded services. MIUI. Xiaomi is not a partner of Huawei in this project – the service is integrated at the level of individual applications, not firmware.

Main functions HMS Core: Why do you need it?

HMS Core is not just one application, but a whole range of services, similar to Google Play Services:

In practice, this means that if you install, for example, a Chinese game or messenger that uses a mobile app, you can use it. HMS Core, without it, the application can:

• 🚫 Not to start at all (producing a type of error "HMS Core not installed");
• 🔔 Notify us not to show notices;
• 📍 Not to identify your location;
• 💰 Not to allow you to pay for purchases through Huawei Pay.

For most of Xiaomi users in Russia and Europe HMS Core is not critical, but is needed primarily by those who are actively using Chinese services or applications optimized for the Huawei ecosystem.

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If you have not installed Chinese applications, HMS Core suddenly appeared on your Xiaomi, check if the system components are automatically updated through Settings → The phone. → System updates: Sometimes it gets through "recommended" service packs.

Impact HMS Core on performance and battery

One of the most common questions is whether it is loaded. HMS Core processor and uses up battery power? The answer depends on whether you use the applications that use it.

If HMS Core is installed but not used, its impact is minimal:

• 📉 Battery consumption: ~0.1–0.3% per hour (according to AccuBattery);
• 🖥️ The load on CPU: periodic short-term bursts (up to 2-3% in synchronization);
• 📶 Traffic: up to 5-10 MB per month (background updates).

However, if you are actively using applications that depend on the HMS Core, the picture changes:

• 🔋 Battery: up to 2-5% per hour (at constant geolocation or push notifications);
• 📡 Traffic: up to 50–100 MB per month;
• 🔄 Auto-Run: Service can wake up every 15 to 30 minutes to check notifications.

By comparison, Google Play Services consumes about the same amount in active mode, but is optimized better for Western applications. HMS Core on Xiaomi – it often works idle, as most users do not use Chinese services.

Can I remove it? HMS Core with Xiaomi?

Technically, removal HMS Core is possible, but with reservations.The way it is determined depends on how it was installed:

1. If installed as a regular application: You can delete in a standard way through Settings → Annexes → HMS Core → Delete. However, some system applications MIUI You can reinstall it the next time you update it.
2. If integrated into firmware: On some Xiaomi models (especially for the Chinese market) HMS Core is a system component, in which case root rights or use will be required. ADB deactivate.

Warning: Check before removing if the installed apps are using it, for example, if you play Genshin Impact or Honor of Kings (Chinese versions), after uninstalling it. HMS Core games may stop running.

For removal through ADB execute:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.huawei.hms.core

If the command doesn’t work, try disabling the package first:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.huawei.hms.core

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Even after removal HMS Core may return in the next major update MIUI. To avoid this, disable the automatic installation of recommended applications in Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system → Settings (⚙️) → Auto-update of applications.

How to turn off HMS Core without removal?

If you don't want to take risks, but you want to reduce the impact, you can simply turn off the service, which is safer than uninstalling, and won't hurt the dependent apps (they'll just stop using its features).

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management;
2. Find it. HMS Core (could be called Huawei Mobile Services);
3. Click Disable (if the button is inactive, first click Stop);
4. Confirm the action.

After the shutdown:

• ✅ Notifications from Chinese apps will stop coming;
• ✅ Background battery consumption will decrease;
• ⚠️ Some games or messengers may give out errors (but will work in a limited mode).

It is also recommended to disable auto-start:

1. In the same app menu, select the Battery. → Auto-start;
2. Turn off the permission to HMS Core;
3. Prohibit work in the background (Battery) → Background activity).

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If after the shutdown HMS Core you notice that some application has stopped working, try clearing its cache (Settings) → Annexes → [name] → Warehouse → Clear the cache. Sometimes it helps restore functionality.

Security HMS Core: Should you trust her?

One of the main fears of users is whether they collect HMS The answer is yes, but no more than any other similar services (including Google Play Services).

According to Huawei’s official documentation, HMS Core collects the following data data:

• 📱 Device information (model, OS version, language);
• 📍 Geolocation data (if permitted by the application);
• 🔑 User IDs (if you are logged in via Huawei) ID);
• 📊 Use statistics (what functions) HMS Core involved).

However, there are several important nuances:

⚠️ In 2020, researchers at the University of Toronto found that some versions of the study were HMS Core sent location data even when geolocation was disabled in the settings. Huawei fixed this vulnerability in subsequent updates, but the risk remains for legacy versions.

How to minimize data collection:

• 🔒 Refuse authorization through Huawei ID;
• 📵 Disable the geolocation permission for HMS Core;
• 🚫 Disable access to contacts and files;
• 🔄 Update the service regularly (new versions have fewer vulnerabilities).

If you are concerned about privacy, the best option is to remove it completely. HMS Core (if possible on your Xiaomi model) or use alternative apps that are not dependent on Chinese services.

Alternatives HMS Core on Xiaomi

If you delete or disconnect HMS Core, but some apps have stopped working, consider alternatives:

For Chinese apps (e.g. WeChat, AliPay, QQ) Alternatives may not exist, but are originally designed to HMS In this case, you will either have to accept its availability, or look for similar services for your region.

If you want to use the Chinese ecosystem, you don’t want to use it. HMS Core, consider buying a smartphone Huawei or Honor – they are integrated at the firmware level and works more stable.

FAQ: Frequent questions about HMS Core on Xiaomi