How to disable the security app on Xiaomi: all the methods and consequences

Security is a standard MIUI firmware component that is responsible for virus protection, performance optimization, and permission control. However, many Xiaomi users are faced with the need to disable it: some find notifications intrusive, some interfere with background processes, and some simply prefer third-party antivirus. In this article, we will discuss all the working methods of deactivating the application, including hidden settings and bypassing system restrictions.

It's important to understand that completely removing a standard application without root rights is impossible - MIUI blocks such actions at the kernel level. But there are legal methods to disable notifications, freeze background activity or even hide the icon from the menu. We tested all options on current firmware versions (including MIUI 14 based on Android 13/14) and collected only working solutions.

Before you start, check your firmware version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. Some methods may not work on custom firmware or devices with an unlocked bootloader. Also note that disabling the system application can affect the stability of the smartphone – more about this in the section on risks.

Why users want to disable “Security” on Xiaomi

The reasons for deactivating a standard security application are several, and they depend on the user's behavior, and here are the most common scenarios:

• 🚫 Intrusive notifications: The app constantly alerts you to “problems” (such as high battery consumption by other programs or “suspicious” files) that are actually safe.
• 🐢 System Slowdown: Background checks and optimization take up processor resources, which is noticeable on budget models (Redmi) 9A, Poco M3).
• 🔒 Conflict with other antiviruses: If you use Kaspersky, Avast or Bitdefender, duplicate protection can cause failures.
• 📱 Inconvenient interface: many functions (e.g., garbage cleaning) are inefficient compared to analogues like CCleaner or CCleaner SD Maid.
• 🔧 Restriction of permissions: the application blocks access to some system functions, which prevents experienced users from customizing the smartphone to their needs.

Interestingly, Xiaomi forums often complain of false positives — for example, when the app flags as a virus. APK-Files from trusted sources (like APKMirror) and many people note that after disabling Security, the smartphone starts to work smoother, especially on devices with 2-4 GB of RAM.

Method 1: Disabling notifications from the Security app

The easiest and safest way to do this is to turn off notifications only, leaving the application active, and it won't affect system stability, but it will eliminate intrusive alerts, and it's suitable for all versions of MIUI 11 to 14.

Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. In the list, look for Security** (may be called Security or Mi Security on some localizations). Tap it, then select Notifications and turn off all the switches at the top of the screen. For reliability, also disable notifications from the status bar (Allow notifications in the status bar).

Find the application in Application Management |

Open the section "Notifications" |

Turn off the main notification switch |

Prohibit display in the status bar |

Reboot the device (optional)-->

If notifications continue to appear after that, check your auto-optimization settings. Go to the Security app itself, go to Settings → Auto-optimization, and disable all points. This will prevent background checks that can generate notifications.

⚠️ Note: on some models (Xiaomi 12 Pro, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) After disabling notifications, the app can continue to show warning pop-ups, in which case you will have to use more radical methods (see next section).

Method 2: Freeze the application via ADB (without root)

If you don't have enough notifications to turn off, you can freeze the Security app so it doesn't start at all, and you don't need root rights, but you need a computer and USB debugging enabled.

First, activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Then go back to the basic settings, open Additional → For Developers and enable USB Debugging. Connect your smartphone to your PC, confirm debugging permission and execute the following command in the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux):

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.securitycenter

Once you have completed the command, the Security app will disappear from the menu and stop working. To return it back, use:

adb shell pm enable com.miui.securitycenter

⚠️ Attention: some firmwares will stop working on their fingerprint and facial recognition after the Security freeze. If critical, use alternative methods.

Method 3: Remove via TWRP (power users only)

If you have a bootloader unlocked and custom recovery (TWRP) installed, you can completely remove the *Security app.* This method is risky - if you make a mistake, you can bootloop, so it is recommended only for those who are confident in their actions and have a backup data.

Instructions:

1. Download the archive with remote system applications for your model (for example, MIUI Debloater).
2. Reboot to TWRP (keep Power + Volume up when the phone is off).
3. Install the archive through Install in TWRP.
4. Select the Wipe Dalvik/Cache option and reboot.

After removal, the Security app will disappear from the system, but may stop working:

• 🔐 Fingerprint scanner
• 🔒 Face unlocking
• 📊 Some Battery Optimization Functions

Method 4: Hiding the icon without disabling functions

If you only have an icon on the menu that bothers you, but you need the app's features (for example, to scan for viruses), you can just hide it.

1. Hold your finger on the Security icon on the home screen.
2. In the menu that appears, select Remove or Hide (on some firmware - Disable).
3. Confirm the action. The icon will disappear, but the app will remain active.

MIUI 14 also features Light mode** (Settings → Screen → Light mode), which simplifies the interface and automatically hides some system applications, including Security.

💡

If the icon isn’t hidden, try adding it to a folder with other rarely used apps (like Tools).

Risks and consequences of disabling “Security”

Before you deactivate the application, evaluate the possible negative effects:

Especially careful should be the owners of devices with banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online, Tinkoff), some financial services check for active antivirus, and if it is not available can block access, and without “Security” will cease to update the database of MIUI viruses, which theoretically increases the risk of infection.

💡

The safest method is to disable notifications, and complete deletion is recommended only for advanced users with a data backup.

Alternatives to the standard "Security" application

If you have disabled built-in protection, consider installing third-party solutions:

• 🛡️ Bitdefender Mobile Security: Lightweight antivirus with minimal resource consumption, suitable for weak devices (Redmi) 8A, Poco C31).
• 🔍 Malwarebytes: Specializes in spyware and adware virus detection.
• 🧹 SD Maid: a powerful garbage cleaning tool, replaces the optimization function in the “Safety».
• 🔒 AppOps: allows you to flexibly configure permissions for other applications (requires) ADB).

Optimize the battery instead of the built-in tools MIUI AccuBattery is recommended, it analyzes energy consumption and helps to extend the battery life. If you only need protection against viruses, it is enough to scan the device regularly through VirusTotal (you can download it). APK-sitefiles).

FAQ: Frequent questions about disabling “Security” on Xiaomi