How to Find Hidden Apps on Xiaomi Phone: A Complete Guide

Have you ever noticed that your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO Or are there all of a sudden no memory, even though you've almost never downloaded anything? There are probably hidden applications on the device, like system utilities, pre-installed services, or even malware that masquerade as legitimate programs. In this article, we will discuss how to detect them, why they appear and what to do with them.

Smartphone manufacturers (including Xiaomi) often hide some of the software from the user to avoid overloading the interface, but some of these apps can:

🔋 Expend battery power in the background;
📱 To occupy a precious place in the internal memory;
🌐 Transmit data without your knowledge (advertising) SDK, analytics).

Fortunately, you can find these programs without root rights -- you just need to know where to look. MIUI 12/13/14 HyperOS and the latest Xiaomi models 14, Redmi Note 13, POCO F6).

📊 You suspect that your Xiaomi has hidden apps?

Yeah, there's definitely something extra.

Maybe, but I'm not sure.

No, the phone's clean.

Never checked.

1.What are hidden applications and why are they dangerous

Hidden applications are programs that don’t appear in the standard Settings menu. → Apps or home screens, they fall into three categories:

🔧 System services (com.miui.system, android.ext.services) – necessary for work MIUI/HyperOS, But some of them can be turned off;
📦 Pre-installed apps (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Music) – their manufacturer hides them so that the user does not delete them;
🚨 Malware – may be disguised as system processes (e.g. com.android.update).

Main risks:

⚠️ Warning: Some hidden apps (e.g. com.xiaomi.mipicks) collect data about your purchases and display targeted ads even in other programs.

Type of application	Example	Danger.	Can I remove it?
Systems service	com.miui.analytics	Sends statistics to Xiaomi	Can be disabled (not deleted)
Pre-installed SO	Mi Video, Mi Pay	Takes up space, shows ads	Can be removed without root
Malware	com.android.fakeupdate	Stealing data, showing phishing	We need to remove it now.

On devices with HyperOS (new Xiaomi 14, Redmi) K70) Some hidden applications are now labeled as “System Components,” but they can still be deactivated through the use of a computer. ADB.

2. Method 1: Search through settings MIUI/HyperOS

The easiest method is to use built-in tools, and it's suitable for most models, including POCO X6, Redmi 12 and older devices on the MIUI 12+.

Instructions:

Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select "Show all apps."
In the search bar, enter the keywords: 🔍 com.miui - system utilities; 🔍 Analytics – Data Collection Services; 🔍 Xiaomi – Pre-installed programs.

Pay attention to the gray icon applications – these are hidden system processes.

Packages called com.miui. or com.xiaomi.

Applications with zero size (may be a virus)

Programs with Administrator Rights (Device) → Special access)

Unknown services with high battery consumption

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On HyperOS, the path is a little different: Settings → Annexes → Show everything (filter) → Systems. Here you'll see a complete list, including those programs that are not normally displayed.

⚠️ Warning: Do not disable processes called com.android.* or media, which are critical components of Android, and deactivating them will result in loss of camera, sound or mobile network functionality.

Method 2: Use of ADB (for power users)

If you want to see all packages installed (including those that don't show) MIUI), need to ADB (Android Debug Bridge works on any Xiaomi device, including Black Shark and POCO loader-free.

Steps:

Enable Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About the phone, tap 7 times on "version" MIUI". Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and activate the "Debugging by" USB".

ADB

adb devices


adb shell pm list packages -f

This will display a complete list of all packages, including hidden ones.

adb shell pm list packages | grep "xiaomi\|miui\|analytics"

An example of output for the hidden Mi Browser app:

package:/data/app/com.android.browser-1/base.apk=com.android.browser

💡

If you don’t know what a package does, check it on APKMirror or Google for site:forum.xda-developers.com for “name packet.”

To remove hidden applications through ADB use:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name packet

This command will only remove the program for the current user (does not require root).

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.player

Method 3: Special applications for finding hidden software

If you are uncomfortable working with ADB, You can use third-party utilities, and they scan the system and show even programs that you can't see in the standard settings.

Top.-3 hidden-software search:

🛡️ App Inspector – shows all packages, including system ones, with keyword search capability (Google Play link).
🔍 Package Name Viewer – a simple tool for viewing package names).
🚨 Malwarebytes – looking not only for hidden, but also potentially dangerous applications).

How to use App Inspector:

Install and open the application.
Go to the tab "All applications".
In the search box, type Xiaomi, Miui or Analytics.
Pay attention to programs marked "System" or "Disabled".

How to distinguish a system application from a virus?

Viruses are often disguised as system processes, but there are signs: 1. Unknown developer – real system applications Xiaomi have a signature Xiaomi Inc.. 2. High battery consumption – check in Settings → Battery 3. Suspicious permissions - for example, access to SMS 4. No information in Google – if the name of the package does not contain data on XDA Or APKMirror, that's a reason to be wary.

For devices with HyperOS, we also recommend checking the Security section in the settings - there is a built-in malware scanner (works better than on the device). MIUI).

5. Method 4: Checking through Task Manager and Battery Consumption

Hidden applications often present themselves as increased resource consumption. Here's how to calculate them:

Through Task Manager:

Open the Settings. → Annexes → Task Manager (or click on the icon "●●●" notification-bar).
Look at the processes that are consuming >5% CPU or >100MB of RAM.
If the process name starts with com.miui. or com.xiaomi. but you didn’t install it, it’s a hidden application.

Through battery statistics:

Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Use.
Choose the “last day” or “last week” period.
Look for programs with expense >3% that are not in your app menu.

Examples of suspicious processes:

🔋 com.miui.analytics – statistics collection (you can disable it);
🔋 com.xiaomi.midrop - background file transfer (unless you use Mi Share);
🔋 com.android.browser – Hidden Mi Browser (removed via the ADB).

💡

If you see a high-battery com.lbe.security process, it's not a virus, it's Xiaomi's built-in Security antivirus. It can be disabled, but you better set up a scan schedule.

6. How to remove or disable hidden applications

Not all hidden programs can be removed, but most can be disabled or removed for the current user (without root).

1. Disconnection through settings:

Find the application in Settings → Applications (as described in Method 1).
Slip on it and select "Disable" (if the button is active).
Confirm the action. The app will stop working, but it won't be removed completely.

2. Removal through ADB (rootless):

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name packet

Examples of teams:

🗑️ Removal of Mi Browser: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser
🗑️ Removal of Mi Music: Adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.player
🗑️ Removal of Mi Video: Adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer

3. Complete removal (requires root):

If you have unlocked the bootloader and installed Magisk, you can remove system applications permanently using:

🛠️ Titanium Backup (Paid Version);
🛠️ System App Remover (requires root).

⚠️ Note: Removal of system applications may result in loss of functionality MIUI/HyperOS, For example: Deleting com.miui.home will break the launcher; Deleting com.android.phone will turn off the mobile network; Deleting com.miui.securitycenter will remove access to security settings. Always backup before deleting!

7. How to Protect Yourself from Hidden Applications in the Future

To prevent unwanted programs from appearing on your Xiaomi, follow these tips:

🛡️ Disable the installation from unknown sources: Go to Settings → Annexes → Special access → Install unknown applications. Disable permission for all browsers and file managers.
🔒 Regularly check the rights of applications: C Settings → Confidentiality → Revoke unnecessary permissions (e.g. access to the SMS geolocation).
🔄 Update. MIUI/HyperOS: In new firmware versions, Xiaomi often removes unnecessary preinstalled applications.
📱 Use alternative firmware: If you are annoyed by preinstalled software, consider LineageOS or Pixel Experience (requires unlocking the bootloader).

On devices with HyperOS appeared the function "Light mode" (Settings) → Special facilities → Light mode, which shuts down some of the services that are not completely removed, but it reduces the load on the system.

💡

If you buy used Xiaomi, be sure to reset to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Reset settings... the previous owner could have installed hidden apps for surveillance or advertising.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hidden apps on Xiaomi

❓ Can you remove all hidden applications without consequences?

No. Some system processes (com.android.systemui, com.miui.home) are critical to the phone's operation, deleting it will result in a "bootloop" or loss of functionality, only removing programs that you have clearly identified as unnecessary (such as Mi Browser or Mi Music).

❓ Why After Removing the Hidden Application Through ADB It comes back after the update?

It's normal behavior. MIUI/HyperOS. For major updates, the system restores remote system applications. To avoid this: Disable automatic firmware updates; Use ADB for re-deletion after update; Consider installing custom firmware without bloatware.

❓ How to check if a hidden app is spying on me?

Do the following: Check the permissions of the application in Settings → Annexes → [name] → Permissions: Use NetGuard or PCAPdroid to monitor network activity. Run a scan in Malwarebytes or Dr.Web. If the application requests access SMS, geolocation or microphone for no reason is a cause for concern.

❓ Is there a difference in hidden applications on MIUI hyperos?

In HyperOS (starting with Xiaomi 14, Redmi) K70) Some pre-installed applications are now labeled "System Components" and harder to remove, but HyperOS has fewer junk apps (e.g. no Mi Drop or Mi Community); System services are better optimized and less battery loaded. The built-in security scanner works better. HyperOS still works for uninstalling hidden programs. ADB and third-party utilities.

❓ Can a hidden app be a virus if I haven’t installed anything?

Yes, but it's unlikely if you: Haven't installed APK Unverified sources; Do not connect your phone to public Wi-Fi without VPN; Regularly update your firmware. 90% of the time, the hidden apps on Xiaomi are system services or pre-installed software. SMS or calls; Advertise in unexpected places (such as settings); – perform a full antivirus check and reset your phone to factory settings.