How to completely uninstall the Security app on Xiaomi Redmi 9C: a detailed guide

Why users want to get rid of the Redmi 9C Security app

Xiaomi’s Security app is the default app on all of the brand’s smartphones, including the Redmi 9C. It combines antivirus, garbage cleanup, traffic control, and even a spam-call blocker, but many device owners are eager to remove it — for good reason.

First, the app consumes up to 15 percent of battery life in the background, even if you don’t use it. Second, it duplicates the features of Google Play Protect and other third-party antiviruses, putting extra strain on the system. Finally, aggressive “problem” notifications (e.g., “Clean up garbage for acceleration”) annoy users who prefer to manage the device themselves. But there’s a caveat: Redmi 9C runs on MIUI with limited rights, so simple removal through the app menu is not available.

In this article, we will discuss three working methods: disabling without deleting, uninstalling via ADB (no root), and a radical solution for advanced users. Each method is tested on Redmi 9C with MIUI 12/13 firmware based on Android 10/11.

Method 1: Disabling the application (without deleting)

If you just have to hide an app and stop it from the background, it's the safest method, it doesn't require technical skills, and you can reversibly return Security at any time.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 In the list, find “Security”** (or com.miui.securitycenter).
• ⚙️ Slip on it, then select Disable (button can be gray in color).
• ✅ Confirm the action in the dialog window.

Once disabled, the app will disappear from the menu, stop sending notifications and consuming resources, but its system files will remain on the device, taking up about 150-200 MB of memory.

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If the Disconnect button is inactive, try removing all app updates first (button «⋮» → «Remove updates»).

⚠️ Warning: Disabling Security May Affect Work MIUI Optimization is the function that makes the interface smooth. 9C This is rare, but if you notice lags, return the application back.

Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root rights)

For those who are willing to go further, there is a method using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to completely uninstall the application without getting root access, the advantage is that you free up space on the disk, and the risk of "bricking" the device is minimal if you follow the instructions.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB smartphone.
• 🛠️ Utility. ADB (download from the official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB Debugging on Redmi 9C: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times to activate Developer Mode. Then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and enable USB Debugging.
2. Connect the phone to the computer and confirm the debugging permission on the smartphone screen.
3. Open the command prompt (CMD on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and type: adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list (something like a 1234abcd device should appear).
4. Execute the command to delete: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.securitycenter If an error occurs DELETE_FAILED_DEVICE_POLICY_MANAGER, Use the alternative command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.securitycenter

Once executed successfully, the application will be removed for the current user (not systemically), which means that after resetting the settings or updating the firmware, it can return.

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Use the adb shell pm list packages | grep miui command to see all Xiaomi system applications and their identifiers before uninstalling.

Method 3: Complete removal with root rights (for experienced)

This method involves obtaining root rights and using a file manager with access to the system partition, and is suitable only for those who are ready for potential risks: loss of warranty, problems with the system partition. OTA-Updates and possible bootloop (locking on the boot).

Warnings:

• 🚨 Xiaomi warranty is cancelled after receiving root.
• 🔄 OTA-Updates may stop working (manual firmware will be required).
• 🛡️ Risk of damaging system files with careless actions.

If you are ready, follow the instructions:

1. Get root rights with Magisk (instructions for Redmi 9C are available on XDA Developers).
2. Install a root-enabled file manager, such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer.
3. Go to /system/priv-app/SecurityCenter or /system/app/SecurityCenter (exact path depends on the version of MIUI).
4. Delete the SecurityCenter folder and all files named com.miui.securitycenter.apk.
5. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Some of the Redmi firmware 9C The SecurityCenter folder can be linked to MIUI Optimization. Deleting it will lead to bootloop. Backup through the bootloop before you do anything. TWRP!

How to replace the Security app with Redmi 9C

After removing or disabling the built-in antivirus, it is recommended to install alternatives so as not to lose functionality.

Truecaller or Google Phone’s built-in features (if you use it as a call app) are suitable for blocking spam calls.

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If you only need to clear the cache, use the built-in Android feature: Settings → Storage → Clear the cache. This is safer than third-party “optimizers”.

Possible problems and solutions

Even with careful execution of instructions, it can be difficult, and let's look at typical scenarios and how to fix them.

1.The app returned after the MIUI update

Xiaomi system applications are often restored after OTA-Update:

• 🔄 Repeat the removal through ADB post-refresh.
• 📵 Turn off automatic installation of security updates in Settings → Annexes → ⋮ → Special access → Installation of unknown applications.

2.The cleaning of garbage after removal does not work

The cleaning function in Security is integrated into MIUI. After deleting the application:

• 🧹 Use the settings. → Warehouse → Clean (built-in Android feature).
• 📦 Install Files by Google to delete unnecessary files.

3. Virus notifications have stopped coming

If you relied on “Security” to scan:

• 🛡️ Activate Google Play Protect in Settings → Security → Google Play Protect.
• 🔍 Install Bitdefender or Kaspersky (free versions are sufficient for basic protection).

4.The smartphone has become slower to work

In rare cases, removing "Security" may affect performance due to MIUI Optimization disabling.

• ⚡ Enable Performance Mode in Settings → Battery → Regimes.
• 🔄 Reset the settings to factory (if the lags are critical).

Myths and Truths About Removing Xiaomi System Apps

There's a lot of rumors going around removing Xiaomi's embedded software, and we're going to look at the most common ones.

Myth 1: “Deleting Security Will Break Your Smartphone”

Truth: If you delete it correctly through ADB or disable it, the risk is minimal, and problems arise only when you manually tamper with system files without a backup.

Myth 2: “There will be no updates after removal”

True: OTA-updates depend on system components, not on the Security app, but some firmware may require it to be installed.

Myth 3: “Xiaomi Antivirus is Better Than Third-Party Antiviruses”

Truth: According to AV-TEST, the built-in scanner is inferior to Bitdefender and Kaspersky in detecting threats, its main function is marketing (promoting Xiaomi services).

Myth 4: “Removal will free up a lot of space”

Truth: The Security app takes ~150–200MB. This is uncritical for the Redmi 9C with 64/128GB of storage, but can be noticeable on budget models with 32GB.

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On the Redmi. 9C s MIUI 13 The security application is associated with com.miui.securityadd – it can also be removed by a similar command adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.securityadd.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing "Security" on Redmi 9C