How to completely disable the “Security” app on Xiaomi Redmi: 5 proven ways

The Security app** (or Security) is a standard MIUI firmware component that is responsible for virus protection, performance optimization, and permission control. However, many Xiaomi Redmi users find that it consumes battery life, issues intrusive notifications, or conflicts with other antiviruses. Disabling it completely is not as easy as it seems: MIUI does not have a “Delete” button, and the standard “Disable” often does not work.

In this article, we’ll discuss 5 working methods, from simply disabling notifications to deep deleting through ADB (including bypassing restrictions on newer versions of MIUI 14). It’s important to understand that completely removing the system application can affect the stability of your smartphone, so we’ll also explain how to get it back if something goes wrong. If you’re using the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 or older models, the instructions will fit with the firmware version.

Why Security Apps Cannot Be Deleted in Standard Ways

The Security app** in MIUI is a system service that is integrated into the firmware at the kernel level, meaning that:

  • 🔒 It has superuser privileges and cannot be removed without root or command rights. ADB.
  • ⚙️ Responsible for key functions: virus scanning, auto-run control of applications, RAM optimization and even part of the Game Turbo’s work.
  • 📱 On the new versions MIUI 13/14 his code is stitched in the section /system/priv-app, Which makes manipulation more difficult.

Even if you turn it off through the settings, the com.miui.securitycenter process will automatically restart the system, so that users don't lose their basic protection, but there are workarounds, and we'll look at them later.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global (European/Global firmware) some methods may not work due to additional limitations. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

Method 1: Disabling notifications and background activity

If your goal is to get rid of intrusive alerts (e.g., “Optimize Device” or “Risk Discovered”), it is enough to restrict the rights of the application. This method does not remove “Security”, but makes it almost invisible:

  1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
  2. Find “Security” in the list and tap it.
  3. Go to Notifications and turn off all switches.
  4. Go back and select Battery → Background Activity → Restrict.
  5. In the Permissions section, disable access to the camera, microphone, location, and other unnecessary features.

This is a good way to use MIUI 12/13/14 and does not require root permissions, but it will still be on the system and consume minimal resources.

Check the MIUI version in the settings

Create a backup copy of important data

Remember the current optimization settings

Disable autocleaning RAM in "Safety»-->

Method 2: Deactivation through “Special Features” (for MIUI 12–14)

A little-known trick: in MIUI, you can turn off system applications through the special features menu, and it won't delete "Security," but it will block its launch:

  1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Special Opportunities Services.
  2. Activate Security** (if it is on the list) and immediately turn it off.
  3. Return to Settings → Applications, find “Security” and click “Disable”** (the button will become active).

On some models (Redmi Note 11 Pro+, POCO X4 Pro) this method only works after the device is restarted. If the "Disable" button is inactive, try the method with ADB (see below).

Why can the “Disable” button be inactive?
On the newer versions of MIUI (13.5+), Xiaomi blocks system applications from disabling without ADB. This is done to protect against random user actions. If you see the gray text "Disable", then you will need to use commands through the computer or get root rights.

Method 3: Removal via ADB (without root)

If previous methods didn’t work, use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a PC debugging tool that doesn’t require root, but requires connecting your smartphone to your computer.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and turn on USB Debugging.**
  2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
  3. Download ADB (like Google’s Platform Tools) and unpack it into a folder.
  4. Open the command line in the ADB folder and type in: Adb devices (the name of your device should appear).
  5. Run the command to disable Security: adb shell pm uninstall-k --user 0 com.miui.securitycenter If an error occurs, try an alternative command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.securitycenter

Once you execute the command, the application will disappear from the menu, but its files will remain in the system.

adb shell pm enable com.miui.securitycenter

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14 with Android 13+ Uninstall may not work due to new limitations, and only disable-user or rooting can help.

MIUI 12

MIUI 13

MIUI 14

The other one/I don't know-->

Method 4: Complete removal with root rights (for power users)

If you're willing to take drastic measures, you can remove Security forever by getting root access, a method only suitable for users who understand the risks (there may be disruptions). MIUI).

What you need:

  • 📱 Smartphone with unlocked bootloader (instructions for Xiaomi here).
  • 💻 Installed by Magisk or other root manager.
  • 🔧 File Manager with support for root (for example, Root Explorer or Root Explorer) FX File Explorer).

Instructions:

  1. Open Magisk Manager and check root status.
  2. Run the file manager with root permissions and go to /system/priv-app/SecurityCenter
  3. Delete or rename files: SecurityCenter.apk SecurityCenter.odex (if any)

Reset the device.

Once removed, you will lose access to virus scanning, auto-run control and parts of Game Turbo features. You can only return the application via flashing.

adb pull /system/priv-app/SecurityCenter C:\backup\

This will allow you to restore the application if something goes wrong.-->

Method 5: Alternative – Replacing with a Third-Party Antivirus

If the goal is to get rid of Security because of its antivirus features, consider installing alternative solutions.

  • 🛡️ Bitdefender Mobile Security – a lightweight antivirus with minimal battery consumption.
  • 🔍 Malwarebytes – specializes in spyware search.
  • ⚡ Kaspersky Internet Security – Full-featured Security VPN.

Before installation, turn off the scan in "Security"**:

  1. Open the Security app**.
  2. Go to Antivirus → Settings (cog in the upper corner).
  3. Turn off Automatic Scanning and Real-Time Protection.

This will reduce the system load, but leave basic MIUI functions (like permission control) operational.

MethodRoot is required.ADB is requiredReversibilityRisks.
Disabling notifications❌ No.❌ No.✅ Easy to returnMinimum
Deactivation through “Special Opportunities”❌ No.❌ No.✅ Easy to returnMedium (may not work)
Removal via ADB❌ No.✅ Yes.✅ Team enableLow (if you follow the instructions)
Complete removal from root✅ Yes.❌ No.❌ Just flashing it.High (risk of disruption)

What to do if there are problems after disconnection

In rare cases, deactivation of the Security may result in:

  • 🔄 looped reboots (if critical files are deleted).
  • ⚠️ Mistakes in work MIUI (For example, the Game Turbo does not open).
  • 📵 Loss of functions (autostart control, RAM optimization).

Decisions:

  1. Restore the application via ADB: adb shell pm install-existing com.miui.securitycenter
  2. Reset to factory settings (if the smartphone doesn't boot): Press Power + Volume Up to log in to Recovery. Select Wipe Data → Factory Reset.
  3. Flash the device through the Mi Flash Tool (instructions on the official website).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI For Russia (e.g. Redmi 10 2022) after reset, you may need to re-authorize in Mi Account!

adb logcat | grep securitycenter

This will help to identify which processes are failing.-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about turning off “Security” on Xiaomi Redmi

Can I delete Security without a computer?
Yes, but only if you have root rights. Without them, complete deletion is impossible - the most available is to turn off notifications and background activity (see Method 1).
Why does the ADB team still work?
On MIUI 14 with Android 13+, Xiaomi added protection against disabling system applications. Try: Use the command adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.securitycenter. Reboot the device after you run the command. Check if the application has been updated through Google Play (sometimes it is restored automatically).
Will the Game Turbo work without Security?
Partially. Game Turbo uses some "Security" modules to optimize games, but basic features (like blocking notifications) will remain.However, there may be a gap: CPU temperature monitoring. Automatic FPS restriction.
How to check if the application is actually disabled?
Follow ADB's command: adb shell pm list packages -d If there is no com.miui.securitycenter on the list, then the application is deactivated. Also check for its absence in Settings → Applications.
Can I disable Security on Redmi with custom firmware (like LineageOS)?
On custom firmware (not MIUI), the Security app is missing by default, as it is part of Xiaomi's proprietary shell.If you saw it after installing LineageOS or Pixel Experience, chances are it's residual files - they can be safely deleted via root.