If you own a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone, you've probably noticed a mysterious section called Minutes in your settings or notifications, and at first glance, it's not clear what it is: whether it's a time meter, a social feature, a productivity tool. In this article, we'll look at what's behind Minutes in the Xiaomi ecosystem, how it works across devices and models, and whether it's worth using or not to turn it off.
Note: Minutes is not just a random name, but part of Xiaomi’s global strategy to integrate users into its ecosystem, and is closely linked to branded services such as Mi Account, Mi Community, and even Xiaomi Rewards, with implementations that vary by region, MIUI version, and smartphone model.
What is “Minutes” on Xiaomi: an official explanation
Mi Minutes (or Xiaomi Minutes) is a system for recording user activity in Xiaomi’s proprietary apps and services, essentially a virtual “currency” that can be earned for performing certain actions: watching news, participating in surveys, testing functions, passing training modules, and even for ordinary use of a smartphone.
Originally introduced in MIUI 12 as part of a loyalty program for Chinese users, the feature was later adapted for global firmware, with the main goal of increasing user engagement in the Xiaomi ecosystem by encouraging them to interact with branded services. The earned minutes can be exchanged for various bonuses: discounts in the Mi Store, access to exclusive features, or even real prizes (in some regions).
- 📱 Where displayed: in the Mi Community app, Mi Account section or as notifications.
- 💰 What to get: from virtual achievements to discounts on accessories.
- 🌍 Regional differences: China has more developed function, Europe and Russia – simplified.
It’s important to understand that Minutes are not cryptocurrency or cash, and they have no real value outside the Xiaomi ecosystem, but can be useful to active users of the brand, such as gaining points sometimes giving you access to beta testing of new MIUI features or early access to updates.
How to earn “Minutes” on Xiaomi: ways and nuances
Minute earnings are based on gamification — the more you interact with Xiaomi devices and services, the more points you get.
- Daily tasks: viewing news in Mi Browser, logging into Mi Community, synchronizing data with Mi Cloud.
- Participation in surveys: Xiaomi regularly conducts research among users for whom bonuses are awarded.
- Feature Testing: If you agree to participate in the MIUI beta, you may be eligible for an additional “minutes.”
- Using branded apps: for example, listening to music in Mi Music or watching videos in Mi Video.
- Inviting friends: for registering new users through your referral link.
The number of minutes awarded varies, for example, you can get 5-10 minutes for a daily entry to Mi Community, and up to 50 minutes for a survey. The full list of tasks is usually displayed in a special section of the application (path: Mi Community → Profile → Minutes).
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If you don’t see Minutes on your smartphone, check the region of your Mi Account. In some countries, the feature is disabled or hidden. Try changing region to China (but consider the risks!).
| Action. | Number of "minutes" | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Daily entrance to Mi Community | 5–10 | 1 time per day |
| View the news at Mi Browser | 2–5 | Up to 10 times a day |
| Participation in the survey | 20–50 | As it comes along |
| Synchronization with Mi Cloud | 10 | 1 time per day |
| Inviting a friend | 100 | For each new user |
Note: Minutes may vary depending on the version of MIUI. For example, MIUI 14 added the ability to exchange points for premium desktop themes, and HyperOS (new firmware from Xiaomi) plan to integrate the function deeper – taking into account the activity in the smart home (Mi Home).
How and where to spend your earned “Minutes”
The main question users ask is: what can you get for the accumulated points? Opportunities vary by region, but in most cases the following options are available:
- 🎁 Discounts in the Mi Store: for example, 100 minutes = 1% discount on the purchase of accessories.
- 🖼️ Premium themes and wallpaper: exclusive designs for the desktop.
- 🔓 Early Access: Participation in Closed Beta Tests MIUI or new devices.
- 📦 VIP status in Mi Community: Badge next to Nickname, access to hidden forum sections.
- 🎮 Gaming bonuses: in some regions, “minutes” can be exchanged for in-game currency in partner projects.
To spend “minutes,” go to Mi Community → Profile → Minutes → Exchange. There will be a list of available rewards with the required number of points. For example, 500 minutes you can get a 5% discount on buying a case or powerbank in an official store.
How to cheat the Minute system?
⚠️ Note: In some regions (e.g. Russia), the functionality of exchanging “minutes” for real bonuses is severely curtailed due to legal restrictions.
How to Disable or Hide Minutes on Xiaomi
Not everyone likes Xiaomi tracking their activity and offering virtual points, and fortunately, Minute can be turned off or at least reduced intrusiveness. Here are a few ways to do this:
☑️ Disconnection of “Minute” in Xiaomi
Method 1: Disabling notifications
The easiest way is to prevent Mi Community from showing notifications for new tasks.
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find Mi Community and select Notifications.
- Turn off the Display Notifications switch.
Method 2: Limiting background activity
If you do not want to completely remove Mi Community, but do not plan to use Minutes, limit the background operation of the application:
- Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management.
- Find Mi Community and set a Background activity limit.
- Also disable AutoRun for this application.
Method 3: Removing proprietary applications (for advanced ones)
On some firmware, Mi Community and related services can be removed without root rights using ADB.
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.communityBut remember: this may disrupt other MIUI features associated with your Xiaomi account.
⚠️ Warning: Deleting Xiaomi system apps completely can cause your smartphone to crash, especially if you’re using features like Find Device or Mi Cloud!
Minutes on Xiaomi models: Are there any differences?
The Minute feature is present in almost all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO MIUI-based smartphones, but its implementation may differ.
- 📱 Flagships (Xiaomi) 13/14, Mix series: full integration with HyperOS, more opportunities for points exchange.
- 💰 Budget models (Redmi Note, POCO): A simplified version, often without the option of exchanging for real discounts.
- 🌐 Global vs. Chinese firmware: in Chinese versions MIUI «Minutes are more developed (for example, there is an exchange for AliExpress coupons).
- ⏳ Outdated models (on MIUI 11 and below: the function may be unstable or absent at all.
For example, on Xiaomi 13 Pro with HyperOS, Minutes are closely related to the smart home system – additional points are awarded for activity in Mi Home (control of smart lamps, sockets). 10A Functionality limited to basic tasks in Mi Community.
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On new firmware (HyperOS), Minutes become part of Xiaomi’s unified loyalty system, combining points for using a smartphone, smart devices and even electric vehicles of the brand (in China).
Security and privacy: What Xiaomi knows about you through Minutes
Any user activity recorder system raises questions about data collection, so let’s take a look at what information Xiaomi receives through Minutes and how it is regulated:
What data is being collected?
- 📊 Application usage statistics: what branded services you run and how often.
- 🕒 Activity time: When you log in to Mi Community or sync data.
- 📍 Geolocation (optional): if you have allowed Mi Community location access.
- 🔗 Social Networking: If You Invite Friends on a Referral Program.
How is this used?
Xiaomi claims that the data is anonymized and serves to:
- Improve user experience (e.g., personalized news selection).
- Targeted advertising in branded services.
- Analysts to develop new features.
Xiaomi’s privacy policy states that information is not shared with third parties without user consent, but as with other tech giants, you should not take your word for it.
- Turn off the "Minutes" (instruction above).
- Limit permissions for Mi Community in the settings.
- Use alternative launchers and browsers (e.g. Nova Launcher + Chrome).
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi came under fire in 2022 for collecting user data without explicit consent (including through system apps).The company tightened its privacy policy after the scandal, but risks remain!