PUBG Mobile Gift Box on Xiaomi: deal with a suspicious application

PUBG Mobile Gift Box is a name that many Xiaomi smartphone owners suddenly discover on their list of installed apps, and it often appears without the userโ€™s knowledge, raising legitimate questions: what kind of software is it, where did it come from, and does it threaten the security of the device? In this article, we will go into detail about the nature of this application, its relationship to gaming services, potential risks and ways to remove it โ€“ including hidden mechanisms that some versions use. MIUI.

The peculiarity of the situation is that PUBG The Mobile Gift Box is not a standard system component of Xiaomi, but it is hardly a classic virus, a hybrid case where the marketing tools of gaming platforms intersect with aggressive methods of distribution through affiliate programs. Next, youโ€™ll learn why this app can even appear on new devices, how itโ€™s linked to the Mi App Store, and what to do if it interferes with your smartphone.

What is it? PUBG Mobile Gift Box and Why You Need It

PUBG Mobile Gift Box is the official app from Tencent (developer) PUBG Mobile, which is marketed as a tool for receiving in-game bonuses such as skins, currency, items and other in-game awards, is intended to make it easier to participate in promotions and sweepstakes offered by the partners of the game. However, in practice, Xiaomi users are not faced with it at all by their will.

The main problem is the distribution mechanism: an application is often installed without the explicit consent of the user through:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฆ Pre-installed services in firmware MIUI (especially in regional versions for India, Indonesia and China).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Automatic updates through the Mi App Store, where it can hide under โ€œrecommendedโ€ apps.
  • ๐ŸŽ Bonus programs from Xiaomi and Tencent, where the installation is a โ€œgiftโ€ for registration in the services.

Itโ€™s important to understand that the app itself is not a virus, but its behavior raises questions: it can run in the background, send out notifications about โ€œfree giftsโ€ and even try to open a browser with advertising pages. These are typical signs of adware (adware), which, although it does not steal data, but significantly spoils the user experience.

๐Ÿ“Š You noticed. PUBG Mobile Gift Box with Xiaomi?
Yeah, it's set up.
Yeah, but I installed it myself.
No, I didn't.
I don't know what it is.

How PUBG Mobile Gift Box is coming to Xiaomi smartphones

The distribution mechanisms of this app are closely related to the ecosystem of Xiaomi and its partners, and here are the key scenarios in which it may appear on your device:

Method of installationHow it works.How to avoid
Pre-installation in MIUISome firmware versions (especially for Asian regions) include this out-of-the-box app, more commonly found on the Redmi Note and the Redmi Note. POCO series.Check the list of applications immediately after buying or resetting the settings.
Auto-Update via Mi App StoreThe app may be installed as โ€œrecommendedโ€ when you update other Tencent games or services (e.g. Call of Duty Mobile).Disable Auto Updates in Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Mi App Store โ†’ Auto-update.
Xiaomi Bonus ProgramsWhen registering with Mi Account or participating in promotions (for example, "Gifts for Login"), you may be offered the installation of "useful" applications.Carefully read the terms of participation in promotions and remove the boxes from unnecessary options.
Banner ads in gamesOther Tencent games (such as Arena of Valor) may feature banners offering to install a Gift Box for bonuses.Do not click on suspicious advertising blocks in games.

Critical nuance: in some cases, the application is installed through the mechanism com.miui.systemAdSolution - system component MIUI, And that means that even resetting your settings might not help if you don't manually disable the service.

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To check if the application is installed through system services, go to Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Application management โ†’ All the apps and find PUBG Mobile Gift Box. If the application information is specified "System", it will not be possible to remove it by standard methods.

Dangerous? PUBG Mobile Gift Box for your Xiaomi

From a security perspective PUBG Mobile Gift Box is not a malware in the classical sense โ€” it doesnโ€™t steal passwords, encrypt files, or share your data with third parties:

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Increased battery consumption: The app can run in the background and consume resources even if youโ€™re not playing the game. PUBG Mobile.
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Data traffic: sends analytics and downloads promotional material, which can be critical with a limited internet package.
  • ๐Ÿ”” Spam Notifications: Sends push messages about โ€œfree giftsโ€ that often lead to advertising pages.
  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Potential Vulnerabilities: Like any third-party application, it can contain bugs that could theoretically be used to attack.

A more serious problem is related to the access rights that the app requests:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Access to notifications (can read and block other alerts).
  • ๐ŸŒ Internet access (including in the background).
  • ๐Ÿ“ Access to storage (theoretically, it can download and save files).

In 2023, independent security researchers discovered that some versions of the PUBG Mobile Gift Box is being broadcast IMEI Android ID Devices on Tencent servers without the userโ€™s explicit consent, although this is not a direct breach of privacy (as the data is anonymized), such collection of information is outside the scope of the standard policy. MIUI.

How to check what data the application sends?
Use tools like Packet Capture or NetGuard (root required). Most of the time, the traffic is encrypted, but you can see the domains where the requests are sent (e.g. giftbox.pubgmobile.com or log.mi.com).

How to remove PUBG Mobile Gift Box with Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Removing this application depends on how it was installed, and here is an algorithm for different scenarios.

Method 1: Standard removal (if the application is not system)

  1. Open Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Application Management.
  2. Find it. PUBG Mobile Gift Box is on the list.
  3. Click Remove (if the button is active).
  4. Confirm the action.

Method 2: Removal through ADB (if the standard method does not work)

If the Remove button is inactive, the application is installed as a system. ADB (Android Debug Bridge):

Install Platform Tools on PC|Enable Debugging on USB developer-setting|Connect your phone to your PC and allow debugging|Check the name of the application package (pm list packages) | grep pubg)

-->

adb shell


pm uninstall --user 0 com.pubg.krmobile.giftbox

If the command fails, try an alternative package:

pm uninstall --user 0 com.tencent.igiftbox

Method 3: Disconnect via Mi App Store

If the application appeared through the Mi App Store, you can block its automatic installation:

  1. Open the Mi App Store.
  2. Go to Profile โ†’ Settings โ†’ Auto Update.
  3. Turn off the option of Automatic installation of recommended applications.
  4. In the section of the Management established find PUBG Mobile Gift Box and Remove It.

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If the application reappears after removal, it means that it is restored through the system service com.miui.systemAdSolution, in which case only disabling this service (requires root) or resetting the phone to factory settings with turning off automatic application synchronization will help.

How to prevent recurrence PUBG Mobile Gift Box

To prevent the application from being re-installed, you need to block the distribution channels.

  • ๐Ÿ”’ Turn off auto updates in the Mi App Store: Go to the Mi App Store โ†’ Profile โ†’ Settings and deactivate all options related to automatic installation.
  • ๐Ÿšซ Block installation from unknown sources: C Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Special access rights โ†’ Install unknown applications disable permission for Mi App Store and browser.
  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Use alternative stores: Install Google Play or Aurora Store as your primary source of apps, avoiding the Mi App Store.
  • ๐Ÿ” Check out new apps: After installing any Tencent game (like Call of Duty Mobile or Arena of Valor) check the list of installed apps for Gift Box.

For advanced users, there is a radical method - disabling system services MIUI, Advertising requires root rights or use ADB:

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

Important: Disabling com.miui.systemAdSolution may cause some functions to fail MIUI, For example, a theme store or weather widget. Before you execute a command, back up your data.

Alternatives PUBG Mobile Gift Box: How to Get Bonuses Safely

If you are interested in the bonuses for PUBG Mobile, but you donโ€™t want to install suspicious apps, there are legal ways to get them:

MethodHow it worksRisks.
Official website PUBG MobileThere are regular promotions with codes for skins and currency. Follow the news at pubgmobile.com.Minimum (unless you click on suspicious links)
Social mediaThe official Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages of the game often draw prizes.Beware of fake accounts that mimic official pages.
Partnership programmesSome services (such as Amazon Prime Gaming) offer free skins per subscription.They may require a bank card.
Game eventsIn the game itself, events periodically appear with rewards for completing tasks.There are no risks if you don't use cheats.

If you still decide to use it PUBG Mobile Gift Box, Watch for the following signs of fraud:

  • ๐ŸŽ Offers of "free" skins for passing surveys or installing other applications.
  • ๐Ÿ”— Links to third-party sites where you need to enter a login / password from PUBG Mobile.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Requests to pay a โ€œcommissionโ€ for the prize.

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To check the legitimacy of the promotion, compare its terms with the information on the official website. PUBG Fraudsters often copy the design of official pages, but use other domains (e.g. pubg-giftbox[.]xyz instead of pubgmobile.com).

Frequent problems with PUBG Mobile Gift Box and its solutions

Xiaomi users often face specific problems with this app, and letโ€™s look at the most common cases and how to fix them.

โš ๏ธ Attention: If after removal PUBG Other Tencent games (like Call of Duty Mobile) have stopped working, meaning that the app has been integrated as part of a gaming client, in which case you will have to reinstall the game or accept its presence.

Problem 1: The application installs itself after restarting

Reason: com.miui.systemAdSolution is active, which restores remote "recommended" applications.

Decision:

  • Disable the service through ADB (command above).
  • Or reset settings with the option to Restore Apps when you first set up.

Issue 2: Permanent Notifications of โ€œGiftsโ€

Reason: The app has permission to display notifications and uses it for advertising.

Decision:

  1. Go to Settings. โ†’ Annexes โ†’ PUBG Mobile Gift Box โ†’ Notifications.
  2. Turn off all switches in the Notifications section.
  3. If the option is not available, delete the application through ADB.

Problem 3: High battery consumption

Reason: The application runs in the background and consumes resources.

Decision:

  • Limit background activity in Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ PUBG Mobile Gift Box โ†’ Battery โ†’ Background activity.
  • Add the app to Battery Optimization.
  • Remove it completely if you are not using it.

Problem 4: Not even removed by the ADB

Reason: The application is integrated into the firmware as a system and protected from removal.

Decision:

  • Try to turn it off through ADB: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.pubg.krmobile.giftbox
  • If it doesnโ€™t help, consider re-flashing on MIUI without Bloatware, for example, MIUI EU or Pixel Experience).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I get a ban in PUBG Mobile for removing Gift Box?
No, deleting this application does not affect your account in the game. PUBG Mobile Gift Box is a separate service for bonus distribution, and its absence does not violate the rules of the game.
Why is Gift Box coming to Xiaomiโ€™s new smartphones?
This is due to the partnership agreements between Xiaomi and Tencent, in some regions (especially in Asia) MIUI It comes with pre-installed games and related services, even if you don't play in the game. PUBG Mobile, these apps can be installed to "increase engagement".
How to distinguish a Gift Box from a fake?
The official app has the following features: The package name is com.pubg.krmobile.giftbox or com.tencent.igiftbox. Developer: Tencent Games or PUBG MOBILE. No requests for suspicious permissions (e.g. access to the SMS Counterfeiting is often disguised as an official app, but it requests extra rights or is redirected to phishing sites.
Can I transfer bonuses from Gift Box to another account?
No, bonuses are tied to the account. PUBG Mobile, which was authorized in the app. Transfer is impossible, as awards are given out through a unique UID (user ID in the game).
What if the Gift Box is removed and the game stops working?
It is unlikely, but if the problem occurs, try: Reinstall PUBG Mobile via official source (Google Play or game site). Clear the game's cache in Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ PUBG Mobile โ†’ Warehouse โ†’ If the game requires a Gift Box to log in, you may be using an unofficial version (e.g. Chinese or Test.