MiDrive on Xiaomi: purpose, security and ways to remove the application

If you own a Xiaomi smartphone, you've probably noticed a mysterious MiDrive on your installed list, which appears on devices without explicit user installation, takes up space in memory and sometimes even sends notifications. What kind of program is it? Why is it pre-installed on your Redmi, POCO or Mi? And most importantly, can it be safely removed without disrupting the system?

In this article, we will take a closer look at the purpose of MiDrive, analyze its relationship with the Mi Cloud, assess the risks of deletion, and provide step-by-step instructions for different Xiaomi models, learn how to disable the autorun of the application if complete deletion is not possible, and what to do if file sync problems arise after uninstallation.

Spoiler: MiDrive is not a virus or spyware, but removing it could affect some MIUI features if you're actively using Xiaomi's ecosystem.Read on to see if it's worth getting rid of this app on your device.

What is MiDrive and why is it needed on Xiaomi?

MiDrive (full name Mi Drive) is a system application from Xiaomi that is responsible for integrating with the Mi Cloud cloud storage. It appeared in MIUI firmware since version 12 and replaced the outdated Mi Cloud (which is now only responsible for backup).

• 📁 Synchronization of files between Xiaomi devices (photos, documents, videos).
• ☁️ Cloud backup of contacts, notes, calendar records and other data.
• 🔄 Automatic download of media files to Mi Cloud when connected to Wi-Fi.
• 📱 Cross-platform access to files from PC via the web version of Mi Cloud.

In essence, MiDrive is an analogue of Google Drive or iCloud, but from Xiaomi. It is closely integrated with MIUI firmware and other ecosystem services (e.g. Mi Gallery, Mi Notes), without this application, some functions may not work properly or even shut down.

It is important to understand that MiDrive ≠ Mi Cloud. Mi Cloud is the cloud service itself (like an account), and MiDrive is the client application to work with it. By deleting MiDrive, you don't delete your account or files from the cloud, but you can lose convenient access to them directly from your phone.

Can I remove MiDrive from a Xiaomi phone?

The answer depends on your device model and MIUI version. In most cases, MiDrive cannot be removed by standard means — there will simply be no Delete button in the app menu.

If you are not willing to risk system stability, it is best to disable auto-start and freeze the application.Full removal is recommended only for experienced users who understand the consequences.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) Removing MiDrive can lead to sync errors in Mi Gallery and Mi Notes. If you are actively using these applications, it is better to refrain from uninstallation.

How to disable MiDrive without removing (safe way)

If you don’t want to take risks but want to get rid of the unnecessary background of the app, follow the following steps:

Open Settings → Applications → Application Management

Find MiDrive in the list and tap it

Select Disable (if the button is active)

Disable Autostart in the Permissions section → Autostart

Clear cache and data (optional)-->

After deactivation, the annex:

• ✅ It will stop using the battery in the background.
• ✅ No notifications will be sent.
• ✅ It will not sync files to Mi Cloud (unless you need it).

If the “Disable” button is inactive, try:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Cloud and disable file synchronization.
2. Use the App Inspector app (requires superuser rights) to force a stop.

💡

If photos in Mi Gallery stop updating after MiDrive is turned off, turn on sync via Gallery Settings → Mi Cloud.

Step-by-step: how to remove MiDrive via ADB

This method is suitable for most MIUI 12-14 devices and does not require root rights.

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 📱 USB-cable.
• 🛠️ Utility. ADB (You can download from the official Android website).

Step 1. Enable debugging over USB

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 turn on:

• USB debugging
• Unlocking OEM (if any)

Step 2. Connect your phone to your PC and check the connection

Open the command line (or terminal) and type:

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, you can continue. If not, install Xiaomi drivers and try again.

Step 3. Remove MiDrive

Enter the command:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.mi.android.globalFileexplorer

If there is a mistake DELETE_FAILED_DEVICE_POLICY_MANAGER, So the application is protected by the device policy:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.mi.android.globalFileexplorer

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14 for POCO F4) After removing MiDrive, you may lose access to Settings → In this case, restore the application by the command: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.mi.android.globalFileexplorer

What if MiDrive is removed and now there is a problem?

If after removal you are faced with:

• 🔄 Updates are not working MIUI → Check the settings Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📷 Gallery's not synchronizing → Reinstall Mi Gallery via Google Play.
• ☁️ Mi Cloud is not working. → Clear the Mi Account application data.

How to restore MiDrive?

1. Download. APK-MiDrive file from a trusted source (e.g. APKMirror).
2. Install it manually, allowing installation from unknown sources.
3. Reboot the phone.

If problems persist after recovery, reset your settings (but don’t forget to back up!):

adb shell pm clear com.mi.android.globalFileexplorer

MiDrive alternatives: how to replace Xiaomi cloud storage

If you have removed MiDrive and are looking for a replacement, consider these options:

* Syncthing requires its own device (such as a home server) to store files.

If you want to sync with MIUI, the best alternative is Google Photos for Media and Google Contacts for Address Book Backup. Google Drive + Keep Notes is the perfect combination to replace Mi Cloud.

💡

If you use Xiaomi only as a phone and you don’t use the ecosystem (smartwatches, speakers, laptops), then MiDrive can be safely turned off — you don’t need it. But if you have multiple Xiaomi devices and you actively sync data, it’s better to leave it alone or just limit background activity.

FAQ: Frequent questions about MiDrive on Xiaomi