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

Why HMS Core is a Question for Xiaomi Users

If you own a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone, you’ve probably noticed a mysterious HMS Core program on your app list that can’t be removed by standard methods. Many users are wondering what the service is, why it’s needed, is it safe and why it’s in the memory of the device? This is especially acute after Xiaomi switched to firmware without Google services (for example, in China or on some global models).

In this article, we will take a closer look at what HMS Core is, how it relates to the Huawei ecosystem, and why it is on Xiaomi devices, what it does, whether it affects smartphone performance, and whether it can be eliminated without risk to the system, and we will also analyze the myths of espionage and decide whether to worry about data privacy.

Spoiler: HMS Core is not a virus or malware, but it has its nuances on Xiaomi. If you want to understand how it got to your phone and what to do with it, read on.

What is HMS Core and why is it needed?

HMS Core (full name: Huawei Mobile Services Core) is a set of system services developed by Huawei as an alternative to Google Mobile Services (GMS) that enables applications to run in the Huawei ecosystem, including:

• 📱 Authorization via Huawei ID (similar to Google Account).
• 🗺️ Maps and geolocation via Huawei Map Kit.
• 💳 Payment via Huawei Pay.
• 🔄 App updates via AppGallery.
• 🔒 Security (virus scanning, application verification).

On Huawei devices, this service is pre-installed by default, but why does it appear on Xiaomi smartphones?The fact is that some Xiaomi models (especially for the Chinese market) come without Google services, in which case the manufacturer integrates HMS Core as a temporary solution for accessing basic functions - for example, for working with maps or push notifications.

But there’s another reason: Xiaomi is partnering with Huawei to develop the IoT ecosystem, for example, some Mi Home devices may use HMS Core to sync with other devices in the brand, so the service isn’t always “superfluous” — it can provide compatibility with peripherals.

Why is HMS Core installed on my Xiaomi?

There are a few scenarios where HMS Core could appear on your Xiaomi smartphone:

1. Chinese firmware: Domestic models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi K60) are not certified by Google, so instead of GMS, they use HMS Core as a replacement.
2. Update MIUI. In some versions of the firmware (for example, MIUI 14 for global devices), the service may be installed automatically as part of a system application package.
3. Install applications from Huawei. If you downloaded AppGallery, Huawei Health or Petal Maps, then HMS Core could be set as an addiction.
4. Firmware error: Manual updates via Fastboot or Recovery sometimes cause failures leading to unnecessary service installations.

To check where HMS Core came from on your device, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management and find it in the list. Click on it and see the Memory section – if the installation date matches the date of the last system update, then the service was added along with the firmware.

If you didn’t install Huawei apps or update your firmware manually, but HMS Core still came along — most likely, this is a feature of your regional version of MIUI. In this case, you can’t remove it without root rights.

HMS Core Features: What Does It Do on Your Smartphone?

HMS Core is not one application, but a whole range of services that run in the background.

In practice, this means that if your Xiaomi has apps that depend on HMS Core (like Huawei Health for fitness bracelets or Petal Search for search), they simply won’t work without it. However, if you don’t use the Huawei ecosystem, HMS Core will idle in the background, consuming minimal resources.

It is important to note that HMS Core does not replace Google Mobile Services completely. For example, even if your Xiaomi has this service, you still can not install Google Play Market without additional manipulation (for example, through Google Installer for Chinese firmware).

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If you’re not using Huawei apps, but HMS Core is still active, check the autoboot in the battery settings (Settings → Battery → Autostart) and turn it off from there.

Is HMS Core Safe? Myths and Reality

One of the most common questions is, is HMS Core spying on users? Let's see if these concerns are well-founded.

On the one hand, Huawei has been accused of collecting user data on numerous occasions (especially amid political conflicts between China and the US), but HMS Core is not itself a surveillance tool, it only collects information that is necessary for the services to work:

• 📍 Location data (if you use Petal Maps or other mapping services).
• 📱 Device Identifier (for push notifications and authorization).
• 🔄 App usage statistics (similar to Google Play Services).

On the other hand, HMS Core does not have access to:

• 📂 Personal files (photos, videos, documents).
• 💬 Messages in messengers or SMS.
• 🔑 Passwords from other accounts (except Huawei ID).

Critical information: According to independent research (e.g. from the German Federal Office for Information Security), HMS Core does not transfer data to Huawei servers without the user’s explicit consent, but Chinese firmware versions may have higher levels of data collection due to local laws.

⚠️ Warning: If you use Chinese firmware MIUI (without Google), then HMS Core may collect more data than in the global versions, in which case it is recommended to reflash the device to the official global or European firmware.

For complete confidentiality, you can:

1. Disable permissions for HMS Core in the application settings.
2. Use a VPN to block connections to Huawei servers.
3. Remove the service via ADB (instruction below).

How to remove or disable HMS Core on Xiaomi?

If you decide you don't need HMS Core, there are a few ways to get rid of it, and it's important to understand that you can only remove it completely with root rights or through ADB. Without them, you can only turn off the service.

Method 1: Disconnect without root (the safest)

This method will not remove HMS Core completely, but will stop it from working and reduce resource consumption.

If the Disable button is inactive, the service is protected by the system, and then only ADB will help.

Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root)

For this method, you will need a computer with ADB drivers installed and enabled debugging over USB on your smartphone.

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.huawei.hms.core

This command will remove HMS Core only for the current user, without affecting system files. After the reboot, the service will disappear from the list of applications.

⚠️ Warning: Removing HMS Core could cause Huawei applications (e.g. AppGallery or Huawei Health) to fail. If you use them, it is best not to remove the service, but simply to disable it.

Method 3: Complete removal with root rights

If you have root, you can delete HMS Core through any file manager (e.g., Root Explorer):

1. Go to /system/priv-app/HmsCore.
2. Delete all files and folders inside.
3. Reset the device.

This method is the most radical and can lead to unstable system operation if HMS Core is integrated into firmware.

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If you are not sure about your actions, it is better not to delete HMS Core completely. Disabling the service through settings is the safest option that will not damage the system.

What happens if you remove HMS Core?

The consequences of removing HMS Core depend on how it was installed on your Xiaomi:

If after removing HMS Core you notice malfunctions in the smartphone (for example, notifications stopped coming or system applications crash), restore it through:

• 🔄 Firmware update (Settings → About Phone → Update MIUI).
• 📥 Install APK- files from Huawei’s official website (if needed for specific applications).

In most cases, Xiaomi functions normally without HMS Core unless you’re using the Huawei ecosystem.However, on Chinese firmware, removing it can lead to data synchronization issues.

FAQ: Frequent questions about HMS Core on Xiaomi