Why Xiaomi itself download applications: hidden MIUI settings and ways to disable the auto installation

Have you noticed that your Xiaomi or Redmi smartphone has an unknown app that you haven't installed? Or does it download games, social networks and other programs in the background? This is a common problem among users of MIUI, Xiaomi's brand shell. In most cases, it's not viruses that are to blame, but aggressive marketing tools of the manufacturer, which masquerade as "useful recommendations."

In this article, we’ll break down 7 main reasons apps are installed without your consent, including hidden features. MIUI, Pre-installed services and potential security threats, you will also learn how to completely disable the auto installation through system settings, ADB-teams and third-party utilities - with step-by-step instructions and screenshots, POCO X5 Xiaomi 13, where the problem is most common.

1. Built-in "Recommended Applications" function in MIUI

The main culprit behind spontaneous downloads is App Recommendations, which is activated by default on all Xiaomi smartphones, which analyzes your behavior (which programs you use, how much time you spend on them) and automatically downloads “useful” software from partners, most often:

• 🎮 Games from Mi Game Center (e.g, PUBG Mobile, Free Fire)
• 📱 Optimization applications (e.g. Clean Master, DU Speed Booster)
• 🛒 Purchase services (AliExpress, Shopee)
• 📺 Streaming platforms (MX Player, Hotstar)

The feature works through the background process of com.miui.systemAdSolution and does not always ask for permission to install. On some firmware (especially in Asian regions), applications are downloaded and installed automatically, without notification. In Europe and Russia, Xiaomi usually only shows banners in Settings → Apps → Recommendations, but even here there are loopholes for background downloads.

You can turn off this function through the menu:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Application Settings.
3. Turn off the Recommended Apps slider (or Get apps recommendations in English firmware).

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F4, Redmi 10) This item may be called Receive recommendations or may be hidden under Special Opportunities → Additional settings. If you don't find it, search by settings (magnifying glass icon).

2 Auto-update system applications via Mi App Store

The second common source of "extra" software is the Mi App Store (or GetApps), which not only updates pre-installed software (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Video), but can also install related services on its own.

• 🔄 Mi Community Update Brings Mi Account and Mi Cloud.
• 🎵 Mi Music Installation Adds a Plugin for Tencent QQ Music.
• 📡 Mi Remote update could boost smart home database.

The problem is that the Mi App Store defaults to auto-update over Wi-Fi and a background installation.

Open the Mi App Store (GetApps icon)

Settings on the profile avatar → Settings

Disable Auto-Update Apps and Update only over Wi-Fi

Remove the store cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management → GetApps → Warehouse-->

If the apps are still updated after this, check the Mi Account settings:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Select Mi Cloud → Synchronization.
3. Turn off synchronization for the Application and Application Settings.

3. Viruses and Malware: How to Distinguish from MIUI

Although MIUI itself is responsible for 90% of the cases, malware infection cannot be ruled out.

• 🔴 Apps are installed outside the Mi App Store (via the app) APK).
• 📥 Appears programs with suspicious names (com.android.system.update, FlashPlayer).
• 🚫 Antivirus (e.g. Malwarebytes) detects threats.
• 💸 On the lock screen, advertising banners with a request for payment are shown.

To check the device:

1. Install Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light from Google Play.
2. Start a deep scan (not fast!).
3. Check the list of installed APK In Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three points (⋮) → Show system-based.

⚠️ Note: Some “viruses” are actually system services. MIUI (For example, com.xiaomi.mipicks is responsible for recommendations. Removing such components without root rights can lead to loss of functionality (for example, the theme will stop working.

4. Hidden services of Google and Xiaomi partners

Even if you have disabled all recommendations in MIUI, applications can be installed through:

• 🤖 Google Play Services (auto-update pre-installed programs).
• 📦 Partnering agreements (e.g. with Facebook, Netflix, Amazon).
• 📡 Operator (some providers install their applications through the OTA).

To limit their impact:

1. Open Settings → Google → Autocomplete and Services.
2. Turn off Auto-Update apps in the Google Play Store.
3. In Settings → SIM-cards and mobile networks → Additional check if there is an operator service point – turn it off.

You can use it for full control. ADB-commands (requires PC and enabled debugging on the USB):

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution


adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks




adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.analytics

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If, after the execution, ADB-Application commands continue to be installed, check for updates MIUI. In some versions (e.g, MIUI 14.0.4) Xiaomi returns remote services via OTA-apatches.The solution is to disable automatic system updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points (⋮) → Update settings.

5. Mi App Store cache and data errors

Sometimes the cause of spontaneous downloads is a damaged cache of the app store or Google Play Services, which manifests itself as follows:

• 🔄 Applications are downloaded in the background but not installed (remain in the status of “Downloading»).
• 📥 In the Download folder, files with names of the type appear app_12345.apk.
• 🚨 The app update notification is constantly hanging, although all programs are up to date.

Decision:

1. Clear the cache and Mi App Store data (Settings → Apps → GetApps → Storage → Clear cache/data).
2. Do the same for Google Play Store and Google Play Services.
3. Reset the device.

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If the problem is repeated, try removing updates for Google Play Services (in app settings → three dots → Remove updates) this will reset the service to the factory version and eliminate conflicts with MIUI.

6. Regional features of firmware

Xiaomi releases different versions of MIUI for different regions, and in some of them, the application autoinstallation is non-disabled through standard settings.

• 🇨🇳 Chinese firmware (China) ROM): contains the maximum number of advertising and auto installations (for example, Weibo, Taobao).
• 🇮🇳 Indian firmware (India) ROM): Actively promotes local services (Paytm, JioTV).
• 🇷🇺 Global firmware (Global) ROM): Fewer auto installs, but there are affiliate apps (Facebook, Netflix).

Solutions for regional firmware:

1. Change your firmware region to EEA (Europe) or Global via Settings → Additional → Region (requires a reset!).
2. Install custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu or LineageOS) where all advertising modules are removed.
3. Use Magisk modules to lock auto installations (e.g., Disabler for MIUI).

⚠️ Warning: Change of firmware region can lead to loss of warranty and problems with the OTA-On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50) This requires unlocking the bootloader, which erases all data. Before the procedure, back up through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

7. How to permanently disable the auto installation (methods for advanced)

If standard methods do not help, use one of these methods:

For the use of ADB:

1. Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (stick 7 times) → Additional → For Developers.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute commands (see Section 4).
3. To block auto updates add: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.market adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.vending

If you're willing to take drastic measures, custom firmware Xiaomi.eu is the best solution.

• 🚫 Remove all advertising modules and auto installations.
• 🔓 Unlocks additional settings (such as choosing notification style).
• 📱 Supports OTA-Update without loss of data.

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Before installing custom firmware, make sure your model is supported on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forum. Incorrect firmware can lead to a device "brick" (breakdown)!

FAQ: Frequent questions