If you’ve ever looked into the list of installed apps on a Xiaomi, Redmi or smartphone POCO, You may have stumbled upon a mysterious Service & Feedback app that doesn't have a desktop shortcut, doesn't show up in the app menu, but it sticks around in memory and sometimes appears on the active process list. What is it? Why is it needed? Can it be removed without any consequences for the system?
Many users are suspicious of this software, whether it's a spyware module or a useless ballast from the manufacturer. In reality, it's more complicated than that, because Services and Feedback has multiple functions, some of which are really useful, some of which may raise privacy concerns, and in this article, we'll look at how the app works, what data it collects, and whether it's worth getting rid of.
What is “Services and Feedback” on Xiaomi?
The Service and Feedback app (com.miui.feedback) is a system component of the firmware MIUI, which is responsible for two key areas:
- Collecting user feedback – through which Xiaomi receives information about errors, bugs and suggestions for improving the system. For example, if your smartphone suddenly reboots, the system may suggest sending an error log through this service.
- Diagnostics of the device – the application analyzes the operation of hardware and software to prevent failures, for example, it can detect overheating of the processor, network problems or incorrect operation of sensors.
It is a bridge between the user and the developer. MIUI. Without it, it would be impossible to send feedback directly from the system, but there is a major problem: the service requires access to a lot of data, from system logs to location information.
It's important to understand that Services and Feedback is not a virus or spyware in the classical sense, but is embedded in the firmware and signed with an official Xiaomi certificate, but its activity can affect:
- 🔋 Battery life – background processes consume energy.
- 📱 Productivity – Analytics requires resources CPU and RAM.
- 🔒 Privacy – the data collected may include personal information.
What data does the app collect?
The most exciting question for users is what exactly sends Services and Feedback to Xiaomi servers? According to official documentation and research enthusiasts, the application can collect the following types of data:
| Type of data | Example | Appointment |
|---|---|---|
| System logs (logs) | Information about crashes, reboots, application errors | Diagnosing problems and improving stability MIUI |
| Device data | Smartphone model, version MIUI, serial | Statistics of the prevalence of models and versions of software |
| Network information | Type of connection (Wi-Fi/mobile data), signal strength | Optimization of the work of communication modules |
| Sensor data | Indications of accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor | Testing of hardware |
| Location (optional) | Approximate coordinates (if permitted) | Analysis of the geographical distribution of errors |
It's important to note that the app doesn't transmit your photos, messages or passwords, but it can capture your photos. IMEI, MAC-Addresses and other unique device identifiers, which theoretically allows you to link data to a specific user.
By default, most data collection features are disabled, but Xiaomi actively suggests enabling them through pop-up notifications, such as a window that may appear after a system failure:
⚠️ Note: If you agree to send an error report, the application will upload the latest system logs to Xiaomi servers, which may contain information about running applications, library versions, and even clipboard text fragments (if the error is related to data entry).
To check what data is being collected on your device, go to:
Settings → About the phone → Reviews and analyticsDo I need to remove “Services and Feedback”?
It's one of the most controversial issues. On the one hand, the app takes up space in memory (usually). ~20 to 50 MB) and can consume resources in the background, and on the other hand, removing it makes it impossible for you to use it:
- 📊 Send error reports – without this service, Xiaomi will not be able to quickly fix bugs in the system. MIUI.
- 🔄 Participate in beta testing – Active feedback is required to access early firmware versions.
- 🛠️ Get personalized support – when you contact the service center, data from this application helps to diagnose the problem faster.
However, there are several good reasons to disable or remove this service:
- You don’t plan to send feedback and prefer to solve problems yourself.
- You are concerned about privacy and don’t want to let even anonymous data go to Xiaomi’s servers.
- The app noticeably slows down your smartphone (relevant for weak models like Redmi). 5A or POCO C3).
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Removing Services and Feedback will not cause a critical system failure, but may limit access to certain features. MIUI, For example, sending logs in case of errors.
How to disable or remove the application?
If you're going to get rid of Services and Feedback, you have three options: turn off data collection, freeze the app, or remove it completely. Let's take a look at each method in detail.
Method 1: Disabling data collection (without root)
The safest method is to simply prevent the app from collecting and sending information.
Go to Settings → The phone. → Reviews and analytics
Disable the slider "Send error reports"
Deactivate “Improving” MIUI» and “Use analysis»
In the “Additional” section, prohibit access to location and contacts (if requested)-->
Method 2: Freeze through ADB (without root)
If you want to completely stop the application, but are not ready to get root access, you can use the app. ADB (Android Debug Bridge is Google’s official tool that lets you manage system components.
Instructions:
- Put the debugging on. USB in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings → For developers).
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.feedback
- Reset the device.
To get it back, use:
adb shell pm enable com.miui.feedbackMethod 3: Complete removal (root required)
If you have root rights, you can delete the app forever.
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer).
- Go to the file. /system/priv-app/Feedback or /system/app/Feedback.
- Delete the entire folder or files Feedback.apk and Feedback.odex.
- Clear the cache in Settings → Annexes → Services and feedback → Warehouse.
⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications can lead to unstable work MIUI, Especially if you're using features like Quick Ball or Game Turbo, which depend on feedback services. TWRP.
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If after removing the application you notice system failures (for example, no update notifications), try to return it through firmware. MIUI Up to the current version without data resetting.
Alternative ways to send feedback without “Services and feedback”
If you have removed or disabled the app, you still want to help Xiaomi improve the app. MIUI, There are several alternative channels:
- 🌐 Official forum Xiaomi - section MIUI Feedback on cmi.com.
For manual logs:
- Install the Logcat Extreme or MatLog app from Google Play.
- Replay the error and save the log to the file.
- Attach the file to the forum message or send it to support mail.
The advantage of this approach is that you control what data is sent and you can delete personal information from the logs before sending it.
Myths and truths about “Services and feedback”
There's a lot of rumors going around this app, and let's take a look at the most common ones.
| Myth | Reality. |
|---|---|
| It is spyware that steals photos and messages. | ❌ There's no proof of that. The app only collects technical data and system logs. Access to media requires a separate permission, which is disabled by default. |
| “Deleting the app will speed up the smartphone” | ⚠️ Partly right. On weak devices like Redmi. 4X) Disabling background activity can give performance gains, but on flagships (Xiaomi 13, POCO F5) the difference will be unnoticed. |
| «Without this application, you will not be able to update MIUI» | ❌ Updates are downloaded via com.android.updater, and Services and Feedback are only responsible for sending error reports after the update. |
| Xiaomi sells data to third parties | ⚠️ Xiaomi’s privacy policy states that data is only used to improve products, but in 2020, the company was sanctioned by the United States for allegedly passing data to Chinese authorities (unofficially confirmed). |
One of the most persistent myths is that you can't turn off Services and Feedback without root. In fact, as we showed above, it's not: just revoke permissions or freeze the application through root. ADB.
What happens if you completely remove the app?
Security and privacy: how to protect your data?
If you are concerned that Services and Feedback may collect extra information, follow these guidelines:
- 🔒 Disable all unnecessary permissions: Settings → Annexes → Services and feedback → Permits Prohibit access to location, contacts and storage.
- 📡 Use it. VPN — This will not prevent the collection of data, but will make it difficult to link it to your real life. IP-address.
- 🔄 Clean the app cache regularly: Settings → Annexes → Services and feedback → Warehouse → Clear the cache
- 🛡️ Install alternative firmware, such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience, which does not have built-in Xiaomi services.
For advanced users, there is another way to block the application's network traffic through a firewall.
- Install NetGuard or AFWall+ (root).
- Find com.miui.feedback and block it from accessing the Internet.
⚠️ Note: Blocking network access may result in some functions being blocked MIUI (For example, checking for updates or Mi Accounts will not work properly!