If you own a Xiaomi Android smartphone, youβve probably noticed a mysterious MiCoin app (or MiCoin in Russian localization) in the installed list, which many users mistakenly mistake for a virus, adware or an unnecessary bloatware that can be safely removed. It is actually Xiaomiβs official loyalty program integrated into the ecosystem. MIUI. But how does it work, why does it work, and can you really make money off of it.
MiCoin was launched in 2018 as part of the companyβs strategy to keep users in its ecosystem, and is essentially a domestic currency that can be earned for activity on branded services, from watching ads to participating in testing new features. However, there are many myths around it: some claim that it is a way to spy on users, others that bonuses can save on purchases, and the reality is that MiCoin will not bring you millions, but if used correctly, it will allow you to get discounts on accessories or digital goods in the official Xiaomi store.
What is MiCoin and Why Xiaomi Needs It
MiCoin (or Mi Credit in some regions) is a virtual currency that Xiaomi gives users for performing certain actions in its services. MIUI And encourage the use of branded apps, such as watching ads in Mi Video, taking surveys or testing beta versions of firmware.
Why is it profitable for Xiaomi? First, it collects data on user behavior (anonymously, according to its privacy policy), which helps improve products. Second, users are more likely to return to branded services instead of going to competitors. Third, some of the bonuses are spent on purchases in the Mi Store, which increases sales.
- π° Virtual Currency: 1 MiCoin β 0.01β0.02 yuan (about 0.001β0.002) USD), The course depends on the region.
- π Methods of obtaining: for activity in Mi Community, viewing advertising, participation in promotions.
- π Where to spend: discounts on accessories, digital goods (themes, wallpaper), sometimes on smartphones.
- π Regional restrictions: only in China, India and some Asian countries, and in Russia and Europe, functionality is reduced.
It is important to understand that MiCoin is not a cryptocurrency β it is a closed system of bonuses that can not be cashed out or transferred to another user.
How MiCoin App Works on Android
MiCoin is pre-installed on most Xiaomi, Redmi and other smartphones. POCO steerable MIUI 10 and later. It's integrated into the system and doesn't require a separate installation:
- Open the MiCoin app (a coin icon on an orange background).
- Sign in through Mi Account (if not authorized).
- Accept the terms of the loyalty program.
After that, you will be able to access the tasks (missions), for which bonuses are awarded.
- πΊ Watch a commercial in Mi Video β 5-10 MiCoin.
- π Xiaomiβs survey: 15β30 MiCoin.
- π Daily login to the application β 1-2 MiCoin.
- π± Testing of the beta version MIUI β 50β100 MiCoin (one-time).
Bonuses are not instantly awarded, sometimes up to 24 hours of processing, and there are restrictions: for example, you can earn no more than 200-300 MiCoin per day (depending on the region).
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If the MiCoin app doesn't appear on the menu, check the Additional folder or search the system. In some firmware, it's hidden by default.
Where and how to spend MiCoin
The main way to use bonuses is to buy in the official Xiaomi store or on the Mi Store platform.
| Product category | Discount at MiCoin | Examples | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accessories | Up to 50%. | Cases, glass, powerbank | It does not apply to premium models. |
| Digital goods | Up to 100%. | Themes, wallpaper, stickers | Only in the Mi Theme Store |
| Smart home. | Up to 20%. | Lamps, sensors, sockets | Minimum order amount: 500 MiCoin |
| Smartphones | Up to 5%. | Redmi Note, POCO | Only on individual models |
To spend the bonuses:
- Go to the Mi Store. β Profile β MiCoin.
- Select the item marked Supports MiCoin payment.
- At the stage of placing an order, specify the number of bonuses for write-off.
Important: MiCoin cannot be exchanged for real money or transferred to a bank card, and bonuses have an expiration date β usually 12 months from the date of accrual, after which they burn.
What happens if you delete the MiCoin app?
Security and privacy: whether to trust MiCoin
One of the most common questions is: is MiCoin spyware? Officially, the app only collects the data you consent to when you log in: information about activity in Xiaomi services (what tasks you perform, what products you view) and technical data of the device (model, version) MIUI). This data is used for the purpose of:
- π Personalization of offers (for example, show promotions for accessories for your smartphone model).
- π Improvements in services (analysis of popular tasks).
- π‘οΈ Fraud protections (tracing suspicious transactions).
However, there are a few points worth considering:
β οΈ Note: In some regions (e.g. China), Xiaomi may request geolocation or contacts for targeted advertising. In European and Russian firmware, this functionality is usually disabled by default, but it is better to check the permissions in Settings β Annexes β MiCoin β Permits.
If you are concerned about privacy, you can:
- Disable analytics in Mi Account settings.
- Limit access to geodata for the application.
- Use a second account specifically to participate in the loyalty program.
Compared to other bonus systems like Google Opinion Rewards, MiCoin collects no more data, but it doesnβt offer the same generous rewards, and itβs a balance between privacy and benefit.
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MiCoin is not a virus or malware, it is Xiaomiβs official service with a transparent privacy policy, but like any application, it can collect data about user activity, so itβs important to monitor permissions.
How to maximize earnings MiCoin: life hacks and tips
If you decide to actively participate in the program, here are a few ways to increase the number of bonuses you have accumulated:
- Daily Tasks: Sign in every day, even if there are no new jobs β sometimes they give bonuses just for the login.
- Participation in testing: Sign up for beta testing MIUI Mi Community, you can get up to 100 MiCoin for error reports.
- Viewing ads: In Mi Video or Mi Browser periodically appear commercials with a reward.
- Inviting friends: In some regions, there is a referral program β up to 50 MiCoin can be paid for each guest friend.
Also worth watching for seasonal promotions, for example, before major sales (such as Mi Fan Festival), Xiaomi often doubles or triples rewards for tasks.
Complete all daily tasks in a week|Participate in 3 surveys|View 10 commercials|Invite 2 friends (if available)|Testing the beta version MIUI-->
However, do not expect quick enrichment: with an average activity for accumulating 1000 MiCoin (the equivalent of a discount). ~100 rubles) takes 1-2 months. This is more a way to save on small things than to earn money.
Problems and fraud: what to look for
Like any loyalty program, MiCoin attracts not only honest users, but also scammers, and here are the most common scam schemes:
- π Phishing sites: Offer "miCoin generators" or "free bonuses" for signing up.
- π³ Accounts for sale: Online offers to buy an account with a lot of bonuses are common, and the risk is that the account can be blocked and bonuses canceled.
- π± Fake apps: Google Play and third-party stores have MiCoin clones that spread malware.
β οΈ Note: The only official way to get MiCoin is through the branded application on Xiaomi smartphones. Any other methods (including hacking or cheating) violate the program rules and can lead to the blocking of an account with all the accumulated bonuses.
If you encounter suspicious activity (for example, bonuses are missing for no reason or unauthorized write-offs appear), immediately:
- Change the password from the Mi Account.
- Check the transaction history in the MiCoin app.
- Contact Xiaomi via Mi Community.
Also be careful with offers to exchange MiCoin for real money β this violates the user agreement and is fraught with blocking.
MiCoin Alternatives: What Other Brands Offer
Xiaomi is not the only company that pays users for activity, but here are some similar programs from other manufacturers:
| Brand | Title of the programme | Rewards | Where to spend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Samsung Rewards | Points for using services | Discounts at Samsung Shop |
| Huawei | Huawei Points | Points for Activity in AppGallery | Shopping at the Huawei Store |
| Google Opinion Rewards | Cash bonuses for polls | Shopping on Google Play |
Compared to competitors, MiCoin stands out:
- β A wider list of tasks (not only surveys, but also software testing).
- β Less flexibility β bonuses cannot be exchanged for money or transferred.
- β οΈ Regional restrictions β in Europe and Russia, the functionality is reduced.
If you are interested in real financial gain, you should pay attention to Google Opinion Rewards β there the rewards are paid on the balance of Google Pay, which can be spent on any purchases in the Play Market.