WeChat on Xiaomi: why you need a Chinese messenger in your smartphone and how to use it

You just unpacked a new Xiaomi smartphone and found an unknown green icon with two bubbles of speech in the app menu, WeChat. MIUI So we started offering to sign up for this service, and what is this software, why is it installed on your phone, and can it be safely removed? In this article, we will understand how WeChat differs from the usual WhatsApp or Telegram, how it is integrated into the Xiaomi ecosystem, and what to do if the messenger interferes or does not work.

WeChat is not just another chat, it's a whole digital ecosystem in China that replaces social media, payment systems, even government services, but for users outside China, its functionality is often a mystery. Especially when it comes to pre-installed version on Xiaomi, Redmi or smartphones POCO, where the messenger can behave outside the box: for example, block registration through foreign numbers or automatically start in the background.

We analyzed the current data for 2026, including changes in policy. MIUI WeChat to give you clear answers:

• 🔍 Why WeChat is the default on your Xiaomi (and can you cancel it).
• 📱 How the work of the messenger on global and Chinese firmware differs MIUI.
• ⚙️ Step-by-step instructions for setting up, registering, and uninstalling (including hidden system applications).
• 🚨 The risks of using WeChat outside of China: What you need to know about censorship and data collection.

If you've never used WeChat and you don't plan to, there's a separate section at the end of this article on how to get rid of it completely without any system consequences. For those who want to try it, we've prepared a guide to sign up with a non-Chinese number and get around common bugs.

What is WeChat and Why is it Pre-installed on Xiaomi?

WeChat (whale., Wēixìn) — It's a multitasking messaging app developed by Tencent in 2011, and by comparison, WhatsApp was just starting to get popular, and Telegram didn't exist. Today, WeChat is not just a chat:

• 💬 Messenger with text, voice messages, video calls and "moments" (similar to Stories).
• 💳 WeChat Pay integrated with Chinese banks (similar to Apple Pay) + SberPay).
• 🛒 Platform for mini-programs (light-versions of applications running inside the messenger).
• 📰 Social network with publications, likes and comments.
• 🏦 Tool for payment of utilities, booking tickets and even submitting documents to government agencies (in China).

But why is this service installed on your Xiaomi when you don't live in China? There are three key reasons:

1. Xiaomi is a Chinese company, and on devices for the domestic market (with firmware) MIUI China) WeChat is a system application that cannot be removed without root rights. Even on global versions, the messenger is often pre-installed as "partner" software.
2. Marketing agreement: Tencent and Xiaomi have long-term partnerships, such as in 2020, when the companies jointly invested in the development of the IoT ecosystem.
3. Local features: In some regions (such as Hong Kong or Singapore), WeChat is popular with business users, so Xiaomi includes it in the firmware for these markets.

It is important to understand: on the global versions MIUI (for example, MIUI Global or MIUI EE) WeChat can usually be deleted by standard means (MIUI China) is often linked to system services and can be automatically updated via System Updater.

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To check your firmware version, go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. If the name has the word "China" in it, you have a Chinese assembly.

WeChat on Xiaomi differs from the standard version

If you've used WeChat on an iPhone or a smartphone from another brand, it might not be the same on Xiaomi. Here are the key differences:

One of the most frustrating differences is that you block registration on Chinese firmware, if your Xiaomi is bought in China or is stitched in. MIUI When you try to register with a foreign number, you may see a message saying, "This phone number is not supported," due to Tencent's policy that restricts access to full WeChat functionality outside of China.

Another feature is the automatic binding to the Mi Account, where on some devices Xiaomi offers to sign in through the Mi Account when it first starts, which can lead to synchronization of contacts and data between services, which is not necessary, but inexperienced users often agree, without realizing the consequences.

How to Register on WeChat on Xiaomi with a Non-Chinese Number

If you decide to try WeChat, but your Xiaomi blocks registration, follow this instruction. MIUI 14/15:

Make sure that SIM-card is active and accepts SMS|Connect to Wi-Fi or mobile internet|Update WeChat to the latest version via the Mi App Store|Turn it off. VPN (It can block the shipment. SMS)

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Step 1. Check the firmware version

On Chinese firmware (MIUI China) registration with foreign numbers is often blocked at the system level:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. If you see MIUI China, try switching to global firmware through Settings → Additionally. → Region (select India or Russia).
3. Reboot the phone.

Step 2. Launch WeChat

Open the app and select the language (if English is available). Click Sign Up. There may be an error about an unsupported number. If so, proceed to step 3.

Step 3: Bypassing the lock (for Chinese firmware)

Method 1: Use the virtual number SIM-maps (e.g. from Dingtone or TextNow) with Chinese code (+86).

Method 2: Install WeChat from Google Play (if available in your region) on top of the preinstalled version. The new version can ignore firmware restrictions.

Method 3: Use APK-Global version (download from WeChat official website).

Step 4: Confirmation of SMS

If the registration is successful, you will be able to SMS Enter it into the app. SMS doesn't come:

• Check if your carrier is blocking messages from short numbers.
• Try asking for a voice call with a code (Call me in the code entry window).
• Make sure the phone has the correct time and time zone.

Step 5: Set up a profile

After registration:

1. Add an avatar and a name (you can use the Latin alphabet).
2. In settings (Me) → Settings) disable Auto-Add Contacts if you do not want the messenger to scan your address book.
3. In the Privacy section, set up who can find you by phone number or WeChat ID.

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If you do not plan to communicate with users in China, after registration, you can immediately disable geolocation and access to contacts in the WeChat settings - this will reduce data collection.

How to completely remove WeChat from Xiaomi (including system files)

If you don't need a messenger, you can delete it.

Method 1. Standard removal (for global firmware)

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find WeChat in the list and select Delete.
3. Confirm action. If the Remove button is inactive, press Disable.

Method 2. Removal through ADB (system-application)

If WeChat is not deleted in the standard way (typical for the MIUI China, use Android Debug Bridge:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install it. ADB and execute the command: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.tencent.mm

Method 3. Disconnection through settings MIUI

If deletion is not possible, turn off auto-start and notifications:

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → WeChat.
2. Choose the Battery. → Control background activity and disable Auto Start.
3. In the Notifications section, turn off all switches.
4. In the right, revoke all permissions (geolocation, contacts, camera, etc.).

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If WeChat reappears after the update MIUI, Install an application-specific system update blocker (e.g., App Manager from F-Droid).

Attention to risks:

⚠️ On Chinese firmware (MIUI China) removing system apps can cause the phone to perform unstable, including update errors or Mi Account crashes.If you're not sure, it's best to just turn off WeChat via settings.

Security and privacy: What you need to know about WeChat on Xiaomi

WeChat is one of the most privacy-controversial messaging apps out there, and here are some key points to consider:

• 🔒 Encryption: WeChat messages are only encrypted when they are transmitted (like HTTPs), not on servers, which means Tencent can technically read your emails.
• 📍 Geolocation: By default, the messenger collects your location data, even if you don’t use features like “People are nearby".
• 📱 Access to data: On Chinese firmware, Xiaomi WeChat can receive information about other installed apps and phone usage.
• 🚫 Censorship: Chats block keywords related to Chinese politics, religion or criticism, even for users outside China.

Important: If you are using Chinese firmware MIUI, WeChat data (including chat history) can be stored on servers in China where government access laws apply.

How to minimize the risks:

1. Turn off contact sync in WeChat (Me) settings → Settings → Privacy → Contacts).
2. Do not use WeChat Pay with a bank card if you live outside of China.
3. Clean the app cache regularly in Android settings.
4. For sensitive conversations, use alternatives like Signal or Telegram Secret Chats.

If you still want to use WeChat to connect with partners in China, create a separate profile with minimal personal data and do not share sensitive information.

WeChat Alternatives on Xiaomi: What to Use Instead

If WeChat doesn’t work for you, consider these alternatives depending on the task:

If you need a messenger specifically for connecting with partners in China, but you do not want to use WeChat, try:

• 📧 Encrypted emails (like ProtonMail) Many Chinese companies accept emails.
• 💼 LinkedIn is the second most popular channel in China’s business environment after WeChat.
• 🌐 Slack or Microsoft Teams. Some international companies in China use these platforms for internal communication.

For Xiaomi users who want to get rid of Chinese services, we also recommend:

• Install alternative ROM (LineageOS or Pixel Experience, for example, which does not have Chinese apps pre-installed.
• Use MicroG instead of Google Services if you are concerned about data collection.
• Disable all Mi Cloud services in the Xiaomi account settings.

Frequent WeChat issues on Xiaomi and their solutions

Xiaomi users often encounter common WeChat errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

Problem 1: This phone number is not supported

Decision:

• Try to register via Wi-Fi, not a mobile network.
• Use the virtual number. SIM Chinese-coded (+86).
• Install. VPN with a server in Hong Kong or Singapore (e.g. ProtonVPN).

Problem 2: WeChat is constantly hanging in the background

Decision:

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → WeChat → Battery.
2. Select Background Activity Management and turn off Auto Start.
3. In the Rights section, revoke AutoRun permission when you turn on the device.

Problem 3: Notifications are not received

Decision:

• In WeChat settings, check Me → Settings → Notifications – Turn on all switches.
• In the settings MIUI Go to the Apps → WeChat → Notifications and allow display.
• Add WeChat to the list of secure applications (Settings) → Battery → Secure applications).

Problem 4: WeChat is not updated on Google Play

Decision:

• Remove the pre-installed version and install APK From the official WeChat website.
• Use the Mi App Store for updates (if available in your area).
• Turn on all apps in Google Play settings, including beta versions.

Problem 5: Account is blocked for no reason

Decision:

⚠️ If your WeChat account is blocked and you didn't break the rules, it's likely that the censorship algorithm worked:

• Write in support of WeChat via the form on the website (in English or Chinese).
• If the blockage is associated with suspicious activity, wait 24 to 48 hours and try to log in again.
• Don't use it. VPN At the entrance, this may increase the suspicions of the system.

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If WeChat is critical for your work, start two accounts: one for business correspondence (with minimal personal data), and one for personal communication, which will reduce the risk of blocking your main profile.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions about WeChat on Xiaomi