How to Remove the Security App on Xiaomi Redmi 5: 3 Proven Ways

The Xiaomi Redmi 5’s Security app is one of the most controversial components of MIUI firmware. On the one hand, it promises virus protection, memory optimization and permission control. On the other, many users complain about intrusive notifications, background activity and even a slowdown in the device. If you decide to get rid of this app, it’s important to understand that simple removal through the menu is not available, because Security is system software.

In this article, we will discuss three working methods of removal (including root-free options), assess the risks of each approach, and offer alternatives for those who want to keep basic protection, but without unnecessary “junk”. Particular attention will be paid to the Xiaomi Redmi 5 (codename rosy), because this model has nuances with MIUI versions and unlocking the bootloader.

Why the Security app is bothering Redmi 5 users

On paper, Xiaomi's Security looks useful: virus scanning, cache cleaning, autoboot management, but in practice, many people face the following challenges:

📱 Permanent notifications of “problems” (even if none): “Optimize memory”, “Clean up garbage”, “Update protection».
🐢 Slowing down the system: the application works in the background, consuming up to 10-15% CPU and RAM.
🔒 Imposing services: advertising Mi Cloud, offers to install other applications Xiaomi.
🔄 Conflicts with other antiviruses (e.g. Avast or Kaspersky).
📊 Data collection: Security sends usage statistics to Xiaomi by default (you can disable, but not everyone knows how to do it).

According to the tests on Redmi 5 with MIUI 10-12, disabling Security through Settings → Applications does not have a full effect - the com.miui.securitycenter process continues to work.

📊 How do you feel about the “Security” app on Xiaomi?

Useful function, I use it regularly

I'm intruding, but I'm patient.

Already deleted.

I want to remove it, but I am afraid of the consequences.

I don't know what it is.

Method 1: Uninstall without deletion (the safest option)

If you need to simply stop the app activity but not remove it completely (for example, to avoid issues with updates), follow these steps:

Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
Find “Security” in the list and tap it.

This method doesn't delete the application files, but it stops it from working.

⚠️ After restarting, Security can be activated again (especially on the Internet). MIUI 11 and below).
⚠️ Some system features (e.g., permissions for applications) will become unavailable.

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To prevent automatic start-up, after shutdown, go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Autostart Management and disable autoboot for Security.

Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root rights)

If you don’t have enough shutdowns, you can remove Security via Android Debug Bridge (ADB) – this method doesn’t require root, but you need an unlocked bootloader and access to your computer.

Preparation:

Install ADB and Fastboot Tools on PC.
Turn on USB Debugging on Redmi 5: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode), then Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging on USB.
Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.

Removal:

Open the command prompt (or Terminal on macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
Execute the command: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.securitycenter If an error occurs DELETE_FAILED_DEVICE_POLICY_MANAGER, Try the alternative command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.securitycenter

On Redmi 5 with MIUI 9 and below, this command may not work due to manufacturer restrictions, which would require a root-rights method.

☑️ Preparation for removal through ADB

Install ADB on PCEnable debugging over USB on your phoneConnect the phone and confirm trustCheck the connection of the adb device teamMake a backup copy of the data

Done: 0 / 5

Method 3: Complete removal with root rights (for power users)

If the first two methods fail, root is the only way to remove the system files, which gives you full control over the system files, but requires unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk or SuperSU.

Warnings:

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi resets all data! it can also lead to loss of warranty and problems with the system. OTA-update.

Steps:

Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a Mi Account and wait 72 hours).
Install custom recovery (TWRP) for Redmi 5 (download on the official website).
Please use Magisk to obtain root rights.
Use a root-access file manager (e.g., Root Explorer) and delete folders: /system/priv-app/SecurityCenter /system/app/SecurityCenter Or run the command in Terminal: su rm -rf /system/priv-app/SecurityCenter rm -rf /system/app/SecurityCenter

Once you restart, Security will be completely removed.

🔧 Certain functions MIUI (For example, permission management may not work properly.
🔄 OTA-updates can return the application - before updating it will have to be deleted again.

What if the permissions have stopped working after removal?

If you can’t manage permissions for applications (e.g., camera or microphone access) after removing Security, install an alternative permission manager, such as App Ops (requires root). or return SecurityCenter.apk back but disable its activity via ADB.

Alternatives to the "Security" app on Redmi 5

If you have removed Security but want to keep basic protection, consider these apps:

Annex	Functions	Pluses	Cons
Malwarebytes	Virus scanning, phishing blocking	Light, no advertising, does not load the system	No memory optimization
SD Maid	Clearing cache, managing files	Deep cleaning, root support	Paid functions in the Pro-version
Greenify	Freezing of background applications	Saves battery, works without root (with restrictions)	It's hard to set up a beginner.
App Ops	Permit management	Replacement of the built-in MIUI manager	Requires root.

For Redmi 5 with limited resources (2/3 GB of RAM, Snapdragon 450), we recommend Malwarebytes + SD Maid – this duo will replace Security without losing performance.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When removing Security, users often face these problems:

🚫 Error "Cannot delete the package" in ADB: This usually means that the application is protected by the policy MIUI. The solution is to use pm disable-user instead of uninstall.
🔄 Automatic Recovery After Updating: Before Installation OTA Remove Security or roll back the firmware.
🔒 Loss of function MIUI: If the permission settings have disappeared after removal, install App Ops or return them. SecurityCenter.apk into /system/priv-app/.
📱 Bootloop: occurs when you make errors in build.prop or delete critical files. The solution is to flash stock firmware through Fastboot.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI 12+ For Redmi 5, deleting Security may result in blocking access to security settings (e.g., it will be impossible to change the pattern lock). TWRP.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

Can I delete Security without a computer?

No, you need ADB or root to delete it completely. Without a computer, you can only turn the app off through settings, but that won't delete its files.

Will Mi Account work after Security is removed?

Yes, Mi Account is not dependent on Security, but some features (like device search) may require additional permissions.

How do I return the app if something goes wrong?

If you have removed Security via ADB, you can restore it by command: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.securitycenter For root-deletions you will have to manually copy SecurityCenter.apk back to /system/priv-app/.

Will the removal affect Redmi 5 performance?

In most cases, performance will increase, as Security consumes up to 100-150 MB of RAM in the background, but if you use alternative antiviruses, the gain may be negligible.

Can I remove Security on Redmi 5 with MIUI 13?

On MIUI 13 for Redmi 5 (if there is such firmware for your model), deletion via ADB can be blocked, in which case only root or rollback to an older version of MIUI will help.

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Removing the Security app on Redmi 5 is only safe if you follow the instructions, the riskiest method is root-rights, but it gives you complete control, and for most users, it's enough to turn off through settings or ADB.