Introduction: What is Mi Coin and Why Does It Raise Questions
If you own a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone, you've probably noticed the mysterious Mi Coin program on the app list. It doesn't have a desktop shortcut, doesn't send notifications, but it regularly appears on the "Last Apps" menu and consumes the device's resources. What is it, why does Xiaomi need it, and most importantly, can it be safely removed?
In this article, we will take a closer look at Mi Coin as part of Xiaomi’s ecosystem, analyze its impact on smartphone performance, and provide clear guidelines for how the app collects data, how it is linked to Mi Rewards’ loyalty program, and why some users choose to disable it, and uncover the myths of “spyware” and explain the real risks of removing system components.
Spoiler: Mi Coin is not a virus or malware, but its behavior may seem suspicious due to aggressive integration into MIUI and lack of transparency on the part of Xiaomi.
What is Mi Coin and How it Works in MIUI
Mi Coin is a system application that is part of Xiaomi’s Mi Rewards loyalty program, and its main task is to track user activity in the brand ecosystem (use of branded apps, purchases in the Mi Store, participation in promotions) and accrue virtual currency, Mi Coins. These coins can be exchanged for discounts, coupons or even real goods in the official store.
Technically, Mi Coin works as a background service that:
- 🔄 Syncs with Mi Account (if it is linked to a device).
- 📊 Collects data about the use of Xiaomi applications (for example, Mi Browser, Mi Video, Mi Music).
- 💰 Pays bonus coins for certain activities (e.g. daily entry to Mi Community).
- 🔗 Interoperates with other system components such as com.xiaomi.midrop (for file transfer) or com.miui.analytics (for statistics collection).
It’s important to understand that Mi Coin is not a standalone application in the usual sense – it’s a module built into MIUI firmware. It activates automatically when you first sign in to a Xiaomi account and continues to work in the background, even if you are not part of the loyalty program, which often causes discontent among users who notice unexpected battery consumption or Internet traffic.
⚠️ Note: If you are not logged in to Mi Account, the Mi Coin app may still work, but the data will not sync with Xiaomi servers, which means that it continues to collect information locally, but does not send it.
Mi Coin Links to Mi Rewards Loyalty Program
Mi Rewards was launched by Xiaomi in 2018 as a way to encourage active users of the ecosystem. The bottom line is simple: the more you interact with the brand’s services, the more Mi Coins you get.
- 🎁 Discounts in the Mi Store (up to 50% on accessories).
- 📱 Coupons for buying new smartphones Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO.
- 🎮 Virtual goods in games (for example, skins in Mi Game Center).
- 💳 Partner gift cards (e.g. Amazon or Flipkart in some regions).
But there are nuances: the exchange rate of coins often changes, and the most valuable prizes require hundreds of thousands of Mi Coins, which are difficult to accumulate without active participation in promotions. For example, for a daily entry into the Mi Community, you get only 5-10 coins, and for a smartphone purchase – up to 5,000, while a 10% discount on a case can cost 2,000 coins.
The table below shows how many coins can be earned by the scoring:
| Action. | Number of Mi Coins | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Daily entrance to Mi Community | 5–10 | 1 time per day |
| Installation of the application from the Mi App Store | 20–50 | 1 time per app |
| Purchase at the Mi Store (for each of them) 100₽/10$) | 100–500 | Depends on the amount. |
| Participation in Mi Community surveys | 10–30 | For every poll |
| Invitation of a friend (after registration) | 500–1 000 | Once. |
Is the game worth the candle? If you actively buy Xiaomi gadgets and use their services, then yes, you can save for a small discount. But for most users, the benefit is minimal, and the constant background process of Mi Coin only consumes resources.
💡
Mi Rewards is only beneficial to active users of the Xiaomi ecosystem. For the rest, it is just a background app that can be turned off without consequences.
The impact of Mi Coin on smartphone performance
The main complaint of users to Mi Coin is its impact on:
- 🔋 Battery consumption: The app periodically wakes up to synchronize data, which can eat up to 1-3% of the charge per day (according to tests on the Redmi Note 10 Pro and the R&D). POCO X3 Pro).
- 📶 Internet traffic: activity data is transmitted in the background (up to 5-10 MB per month).
- 🖥️ CPU load: short-term peaks up to 5-10% when synchronized (see Settings) → Battery → Use of the CPU).
- 📱 RAM: It takes up to 50–80 MB of RAM in active state.
On weak devices (such as the Redmi 9A or POCO C31), this can be noticeable, especially if other background processes are running simultaneously. On flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, POCO F5 Pro), the impact is minimal, but still present.
To check how much resources Mi Coin consumes on your device:
- Open Settings → Battery → Battery Use.
- Find Mi Coin (or com.xiaomi.micoin) in the list.
- Look at the percentage of expenditure in the last 24 hours.
⚠️ Note: If you see com.xiaomi.micoin running more than 5% per day on your battery consumption list, it’s not normal. MIUI.
Limit background activity in battery settings|
Disable autosynchronization Mi Account|
Remove unnecessary Xiaomi apps (Mi Browser, Mi Video, etc.)|
Disable notifications from Mi Community-->
Can you delete Mi Coin and how to do it?
Technically, Mi Coin is a system application, and you can't remove it with standard MIUI, but there are several ways to disable or deactivate it:
Method 1: Disconnect via settings (without root)
The most secure method that does not require superuser rights is:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- In the search, type Mi Coin (or com.xiaomi.micoin).
- Click Disable (if the button is active) or Stop.
- Uncheck the AutoRun and Background Activity permissions.
Method 2: Remove via ADB (for advanced users)
If you are ready to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), you can completely uninstall the app.Warning: this could disrupt Mi Rewards and other Xiaomi services!
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.micoinOnce this command is executed, Mi Coin will disappear from the system, but the MIUI update may bring it back.
Method 3: Freeze through Magisk (root required)
If you have Magisk installed, you can freeze the application using the App Systemizer module or Titanium Backup, which blocks it from working, but does not delete files.
⚠️ Note: Removing or disabling Mi Coin will not affect the basic smartphone features, but may result in a: ❌ Mi Account Synchronization Errors. ❌ Loss of opportunity to participate in Mi Rewards. ❌ The collapse of some system applications (e.g. Mi Community). 💡Before deleting Mi Coin, back up your data via Settings → Additionally. → Backup. This will help restore the system if something goes wrong. Myths and truths about Mi Coin: debunking misconceptions There are a lot of rumors around Mi Coin. Let's break down the most popular ones: Myth 1: "Mi Coin is spyware that steals my data" ❌ Mi Coin does collect data on activity in Xiaomi ecosystem, but: 🔒 Information is transmitted only in encrypted form. 📜 Collection is limited to application usage metrics (not applicable to personal files, messages or calls). 🌍 The data is stored on Xiaomi servers according to the brand’s privacy policy. This does not mean that the app is absolutely safe, but calling it a “spy” is an exaggeration. Myth 2: If you delete Mi Coin, the phone will become faster by 30 times%" ❌ Exaggeration on weak devices (Redmi) 8A, POCO C3) Turning off Mi Coin can give you a performance gain of 3-7%, but not more. On flagships, the difference will be invisible. Myth 3: "Mi Coin can not be legally disabled" ❌ Wrong. As shown above, you can turn off the app through the standard settings. MIUI Full deletion requires additional manipulation, but it is a matter of personal preference. Myth 4: "Mi Coin is only for Chinese users" ✅ In China, Mi Rewards is more advanced, and Mi Coins can be exchanged for higher-value prizes. Global versions of MIUI have reduced functionality, but the app is still present. What happens if you completely delete Mi Coin? If you completely delete it (via ADB or root), you lose access to the Mi Rewards loyalty program, but you can also have problems with: - Synchronize Mi Account (less often). - Mi Community and other social services Xiaomi. - Get branded updates (in rare cases). If you do not use the Xiaomi ecosystem, these risks are minimal. Alternatives to Mi Coin: should you look for a replacement? If you are not happy with Mi Coin, but want to participate in loyalty programs, consider alternatives: Google Play Points Disadvantages Service ✅ It works with any purchases on Google Play.✅ You can exchange for credits for purchases ❌ Less opportunities for free earnings❌ Limited selection of prizes Samsung Rewards ✅ Good bonuses for using branded applications✅ Frequent shares ❌ Only for Samsung devices❌ Complex Cashback services (e.g. LetyShops) ✅ Return of money for purchases✅ Works with many shops ❌ Requires manual activation before buying❌ If you are interested in the Xiaomi ecosystem, but Mi Coin seems too intrusive, you can: 🛒 Use Mi Rewards only through your browser (rewards.mi.com). 📱 Install custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) that does not have Xiaomi system applications. 🔄 Clean the Mi Coin cache regularly through Settings → Annexes → Warehouse → Clear the cache. FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Coins: Can you get Mi Coins without the Mi Coin app? Yes, but with limitations. Some activities (such as shopping at the Mi Store or participating in Mi Community promotions) can accrue coins even without the active application. Why is Mi Coin consuming so much battery? It's related to background data synchronization and analytics. If you notice anomalous consumption (more than 5% per day), try: Clear the app cache. Disable autosynchronization in Mi Account. Update MIUI Will Mi Pay work if I delete Mi Coin? Yes, Mi Pay is a separate service and it doesn't depend on Mi Coin. However, some bonus programs (e.g. cashback for payment) may require an active Mi Account with synchronization. How to transfer Mi Coins to another Xiaomi account? Officially it is impossible. Coins are tied to the account and are not transferable. The only way is to spend them on prizes before changing your account. Is there a risk of blocking Mi Account if you delete Mi Coin? No, deleting or disabling Mi Coin does not lead to blocking the account. However, if suspicious activity (e.g. frequent attempts to delete system applications), Xiaomi can request additional verification. Now you know everything about Mi Coin from the principles of operation to the ways to disabling. If you are not bravely involved in your smartphone activity, Mi Coin, you will not be stopped in the background of the Rewards. And if you are an active user of the Xiaomi ecosystem, you can now optimize its work to receive bonuses without putting too much stress on the system.