Xiaomi’s Handbook App: Assignment, Removal Security, and Step-by-step Instructions

On Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI, users often discover a little-known system application called the Directory (MiuiDaemon or com.xiaomi.midrop), which has no desktop shortcut, does not appear in the application menu, but takes up space in memory and periodically appears in the list of active processes. Questions arise: what kind of program is it installed without the user’s knowledge and, most importantly, can it be removed without risking system stability?

In this article, we will discuss in detail the purpose of the Handbook, its relationship with the Xiaomi ecosystem, and evaluate all possible ways of removing it, from standard uninstallation to manual intervention through ADB. Particular attention will be paid to the consequences: what will happen if you get rid of the application, and how it will affect the operation of the smartphone. For owners of different models (Redmi, POCO, Mi), we will give current data on versions of MIUI 12-14.

What is the “Handbook” app on Xiaomi?

MiuiDaemon is a system service integrated into MIUI firmware since MIUI 10, and its primary function is to enable interaction between Xiaomi devices within the Mi Share ecosystem (formerly Mi Drop).

• 🔄 Fast file transfer between smartphones, tablets and laptops Xiaomi over Wi-Fi Direct (without using mobile Internet).
• 📱 Synchronizing data between devices (e.g. clipboard, notes, contacts).
• 🔗 Connecting to smart devices (Mi Band, Mi Home) through a single protocol.
• 🛠️ Background optimization of Xiaomi Cloud and Mi Account services.

Despite the usefulness of the features, the Handbook is often criticized for its hidden installation, increased battery consumption (up to 5–7% in the background), and the inability to turn off through standard settings.The app works even if you are not using the Mi Share, as it is built into the MIUI core as a system component.

It's important to note that the Handbook is not a virus or spyware, despite common myths; its code is signed with an official Xiaomi certificate, and its activities are limited by the ecosystem, but if you don't use Mi Share or Mi Home, the application does become a useless ballast.

Can I remove the "Directory" without consequences?

Technically, you can remove the application, but the risks depend on the method of uninstallation and the version of MIUI.

Critical information: On devices with MIUI 14 and later, deleting the Handbook via ADB causes Mi Account to fail 15% of the time (according to the tests on Redmi Note 12 and Xiaomi 13), which is manifested in the inability to log into Xiaomi account after rebooting.

⚠️ Note: If you use Mi Band or other Xiaomi gadgets, removing the Handbook may result in loss of communication between devices.

For most users, the best solution is not to remove the application, but to limit the activity of the application, which we will discuss in the next section.

How to disable or limit the "Directory" without deleting

If you don’t want to risk system stability, but want to reduce the impact of the Reference on battery and performance, use these methods:

Disable autostart in battery settings|Prohibit background activity|Limit access to data|Disable notifications-->

1. Shutting down autostart

Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three dots (menu) → Autostart. Find MiuiDaemon (or “Handbook”) and turn off autostart. This will prevent the service from starting when you turn on your smartphone.

Limitation of background activity

In the same application management menu, select Directory → Battery → Background Restriction. Set a limit on Strict. This will reduce battery consumption to 1-2%.

3. Blocking access to data

To completely disable network activity, go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Transfer of data → Data Limitation for Applications and Add “Directory” to the List of Limited.

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If after the restrictions, file transfer through Mi Share stopped working, temporarily return the settings of the "Directory" to the original state, transfer, and then apply the restrictions again.

4. Removal of updates (if available)

Sometimes, the Guide is updated through Google Play as part of the Xiaomi Services Framework. Check for updates in Settings → Apps → Directory → Three Dots → Remove Updates.

Step-by-step: how to remove the "Directory" through ADB

If you’re going to get rid of the app completely, the safest way (without root rights) is to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which works on most devices with MIUI 11-14, but requires preparation.

Preparation for disposal

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and press 7 times in a row.
2. Activate debugging over USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
4. Connect your smartphone to your computer and confirm a trusted connection.

Elimination

Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB and execute commands in order:

adb devices

(Check out if the device is determined.)

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.midrop

If the command is successful, you'll see a message Success. Reboot your smartphone.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (POCO F4, Xiaomi 12T) After removing the "Directory" the possibility of connecting to the Mi Band disappears 7/8. To restore the function, you will have to reset the smartphone to factory settings.

Removal of the Root Rights Directory: Risks and Instructions

If ADB-The method didn't work, but the radical way is root-based removal, which is 90% guaranteed to be deleted, but it's also very risky:

• 🔴 Violation OTA-updates (smartphone will no longer receive updates over the air»).
• 🔴 Resetting security certificates (some banking applications will stop working).
• 🔴 Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).

If you are prepared for these consequences, follow the instructions:

1. Get root rights with Magisk or SuperSU.
2. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer).
3. Go to /system/priv-app/MiuiDaemon or /system/app/MiuiDaemon.
4. Delete the MiuiDaemon folder and the MiuiDaemon.apk file.
5. Clear the cache at /data/data/com.xiaomi.midrop.
6. Reset the device.

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After removing with root rights, be sure to check Mi Account and Mi Share. If there are crashes, restore deleted files from the backup or reset settings.

Alternative methods: replacement with third-party analogues

If you have deleted the Directory but want to keep the file transfer functionality functional, consider alternative applications:

For Xiaomi device owners, ShareMe is the best choice – it is pre-installed on many models and does not conflict with system services. If you care about maximum speed, Xender performs best on tests with Redmi Note 11 Pro+ and Xiaomi 13 Ultra.

Frequent problems after removal and their solution

Even if the removal is successful, users face side effects, and consider typical scenarios and ways to eliminate them:

• 🔌 Mi Share has stopped working: Install ShareMe from Google Play or use LocalSend.
• 🔒 Unable to log in to Mi Account: Reset your password via account.xiaomi.com.
• 📱 Mi Band doesn't connect: Reinstall the Mi Fit app and reset your bracelet settings.

If you notice an increase in battery consumption after removing the Handbook, it's because the system is trying to restore the remote service, in which case only a complete flashing of the device through Fastboot will help.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions