How to find hidden applications on Xiaomi: from system utilities to viruses

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are known for their abundance of pre-installed applications, some of which are hidden from the user. These programs can take up precious memory, consume battery life, or even pose a security risk if malicious utilities are among them. But how do you detect them if they are not displayed in the standard app menu?

Complicating the problem, MIUI is actively using mechanisms to hide system processes, and some viruses masquerade as legitimate services. In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods for finding hidden applications, from embedded tools to advanced technical techniques, learn how to distinguish useful system utilities from potentially dangerous ones, and how to safely remove unnecessary programs without risking the stability of the device.

We will pay special attention to the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F3/F4/F5 and Xiaomi flagships 12/13/14, where the logic of hidden processes may differ. All instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-14 versions (including global and Chinese builds).

1. MIUI Standard Settings: Where to Look for Hidden Applications

To start with, the simplest of them is the built-in MIUI tools that allow you to display some hidden programs without using third-party software, which is suitable for most users and does not require technical skills.

Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. This shows all installed programs, but by default, system utilities can be hidden.

1. Tap the three-point menu (⋮) top-right.
2. Select Show all processes (or Show system based on MIUI version).
3. Scroll down the list – now there will be services marked System.

Pay attention to apps with unusual names, such as:

• 🔍 com.miui.analytics – collection of statistics on the use of;
• 🔍 com.xiaomi.midrop – fast file transfer service;
• 🔍 com.miui.cleanmaster – memory optimizer (often duplicates the functions of a standard task manager).

⚠️ Note: Not all system applications can be removed without consequences, for example, uninstallation of com.android.phone will lead to loss of communication.

If you find suspicious programs on the list (for example, with Chinese characters in the title), write down their Package Name (package name) - it will be necessary for further actions.

2.Use the Special Opportunities menu for hidden processes

Little-known fact: MIUI has a hidden menu that displays active processes, including those not visible in the standard interface, which works on all Xiaomi models, but requires activation of the developer mode.

Algorithm of action:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Go back to the main settings menu and find a new section for developers.
3. Enable the USB Debugging option (optional, but useful for further manipulation).
4. Now go to Settings → Special features → Service Services.
5. Tap on Show System Processes (may be called Display Hidden Services).

In the window that opens, you'll see a full list of active processes, including those masquerading as system processes. Look for programs that are suspiciously high in CPU or memory consumption. For example, if the com.duokan.phone.remotecontroller process consumes 30% of the battery, that's a reason to check.

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If you are not sure about the security of the process, copy its name and check through the search engine. Often Xiaomi users share information about suspicious utilities on the 4PDA or Mi Community forums.

3. ADB-Teams: Advanced search for hidden packages

For power users, the most reliable way is to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which allows you to get a full list of installed packages, including those that are hidden from view.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver;
• 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with enabled debugging USB;
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission on the smartphone screen.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with the platform-tools.
3. Enter the command to get a list of all packages: adb shell pm list packages -f
4. To save the list to a file, use: adb shell pm list packages > packages.txt

In the list, look for packages marked:

• 🔴 Disabled – Disabled but not deleted applications;
• 🔴 Hidden - clearly hidden utilities;
• 🔴 Names in Chinese or with random characters (e.g. com.duapps.ad).

⚠️ Note: Removing system packages through ADB This may result in the inability to update MIUI Before uninstallation, back up with adb backup.

Install ADB drivers on PC|

Enable debugging over USB on Xiaomi|

Connect the phone with the original cable |

Download the list of packages to the file for analysis |

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4. Third-party applications for scanning hidden programs

If ADB seems difficult, you can use Google Play utilities to automatically analyze the system and identify suspicious processes.

Top.-3 tested applications:

How to use App Inspector:

1. Install and open the application.
2. Go to the All Apps tab.
3. Slip on the three-point menu and select Show system apps.
4. Sort the list by installation date or size – this will help identify newly added suspicious programs.

If you find a virus, don't delete it directly -- first check with VirusTotal and look for information about it on profile forums. Some "viruses" can be false positives (e.g., com.miui.securitycenter is often mistakenly identified as a threat).

Verification through the file system (for experienced)

Hidden apps store their data in specific Android folders, and by analyzing the file system, you can identify suspicious applications. APK-file.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with access to root folders, such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer.
2. Go to /data/app/, where user and system applications are stored.
3. Look for folders with unfamiliar names or a change date that doesn’t match the MIUI update date.
4. Check the /system/priv-app/ folder, where the critical system utilities lie. Deleting files from here can lead to a device blink!

Examples of legitimate folders in /system/priv-app/:

• 📁 MiuiCamera – the standard camera app;
• 📁 MiuiGallery - gallery;
• 📁 MiuiHome - launcher MIUI.

If you found APK-A file with a suspicious name (e.g., com.sec.android.app.launcher on Xiaomi is a clear sign of a virus), copy it to your PC and check it through VirusTotal.

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Never delete files from the /system/ It can make the phone inoperable. Use it for safe removal. ADB-command pm uninstall -k --user 0 packet.

6. Network activity analysis: how to identify spyware

Some hidden applications can transmit data to the network without showing themselves in the interface. To detect it, analyze network traffic.

Methods of verification:

1. Through settings MIUI: Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Data transfer and see which apps are consuming traffic in the background.

Signs of spyware:

• 📡 Transfer of data to unknown IP-addresses (especially in China);
• 📡 Activity during non-working hours (e.g. at night);
• 📡 Using traffic from apps that shouldn’t consume it (e.g., a calculator transmits 100MB per month).

If you find suspicious activity, write down the name of the package and check it through services like VirusTotal or APKCombo.

What to do if you find a virus or an unnecessary hidden application

When you find a suspicious program, you can use the algorithm:

Verification:

• 🔍 See reviews on Google Play (if the app is from there).

2. Removal:

• 🗑️ Extreme case: use Titanium Backup (requires root rights).

After removal:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone;
• 🔄 Check the stability of the work;
• 🔄 Clear the cache through Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache.

⚠️ Note: If the main functions (calls) have stopped working after the system application has been removed, SMS, Wi-Fi), restore it via adb install name packet.apk or reset settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hidden apps on Xiaomi