What is Xiaomi program: a full guide to branded applications and services

When you buy a smartphone, a TV or another Xiaomi device, you get not only hardware, but also an entire software ecosystem. The term Xiaomi program can mean things from pre-installed apps to firmware. MIUI It's all about the smart home management tools, but what's behind this concept and why are these programs so important to the way devices work?

In this article, we will discuss in detail:

• 📱 What programs Xiaomi installs on smartphones by default and whether they can be removed
• 📺 What software is used in Mi TVs TV And how it differs from Android TV
• 🔄 How to Update Branded Apps and Why It’s Critical for Security
• ⚙️ What hidden services work in the background and how they affect autonomy

If you have ever wondered why your Redmi or POCO So many unknown programs or why Xiaomi TV behaves like a regular Android TV — We'll also uncover the myths of spyware and explain which apps can be safely removed and which ones should not be touched.

1. What is the "Xiaomi program" on a smartphone: analysis MIUI and pre-installed annexes

Firmware MIUI — It's not just a shell over Android, it's a whole bunch of software that's deeply integrated into the system:

• 🔹 System utilities: Security (security), Mi Share (file transfer), Game Turbo (game mode)
• 🔹 Ecosystem services: Mi Home (smart home), Mi Cloud (cloud), Mi Account (account)
• 🔹 Branded apps: Mi Browser, Mi Music, Mi Video
• 🔹 Hidden Services: Analytics, MSA (Mobile Services Architecture)

It's important to understand that some of these programs can't be removed by standard means, because they're responsible for basic firmware functionality, like the Security app managing the resolution for other programs, and the Mi Account linking the device to your account, but many users mistakenly think that all of these programs are useless junk, and in fact, some of them offer unique features:

⚠️ Note: Removing system applications through ADB Or root rights can cause some features to fail, such as the fast file transfer between Xiaomi devices will stop working without Mi Share.

To see the full list of installed programs, go to Settings → Annexes → Application management. You can sort them by size or installation time. You can notice applications marked System-based that require additional manipulation to remove them.

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If you are hindered by advertising in branded apps (such as Mi Browser or Mi Music), try turning off personalized ads in Settings. → Xiaomi account → Advertising.It won't remove banners completely, but it will make them less intrusive.

Xiaomi TV Programs: How PatchWall is Different from Android TV

Xiaomi TVs (Mi series) TV, Redmi TV, Xiaomi TV A) run on a modified version of Android TV, It's not just a launcher, it's a complete add-on to the system that includes the:

The main difference between PatchWall and standard Android TV — This is a deep integration with Xiaomi services, for example, the voice assistant on the remote is the default Xiao. AI, It's not Google Assistant, and it's also pre-installed in the firmware:

• 🎬 Mi Video - player with access to Chinese streaming services (does not work in Russia)
• 🎵 Mi Music – a music app with limited content
• 📺 TV Manager - utility for setting up the picture and sound

Many users complain about the over-advertising on PatchWall, especially on the home screen, which can be reduced by:

1. Go to Settings. → Account and security → Advertising
2. Turn off the option of "Personalized Advertising"
3. In the section "Content Recommendations" disable unnecessary sources

Xiaomi Hidden Programs: What Works in the Background and How It Affects the Device

Beyond the visible applications, Xiaomi devices run many background services that users often don't know they have, which collect data, optimize performance, or run an ecosystem, among the most important of which are:

• 🔍 com.miui.analytics – collects data about the use of the device (you can disable it)
• 🔄 com.xiaomi.market – app update service (analogue of Google Play)
• 📡 com.xiaomi.midrop – responsible for the Mi Drop function)
• 🔒 com.miui.securitycenter – the core of the security system
• 🌐 com.xiaomi.xmsf – push notification service for Xiaomi applications

Some of these services can't be turned off without root rights, but they can be limited, for example, to reduce battery consumption:

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management
2. Select “Background Limitations” and add unnecessary system applications to the list of restrictions
3. Turn off auto-start for applications in Settings → Permits → Auto-start

⚠️ Warning: Disabling com.xiaomi.xmsf will stop pushing notifications from branded apps (e.g., notifications about new devices in Mi Home).

For advanced users, there is a way to completely disable telemetry through ADB. You have to execute the command:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.analytics

But remember that this can disrupt some features, such as air updates (OTA).

4 How to Update Xiaomi Programs: OTA, Mi App Store and Manual Methods

Updating Xiaomi’s branded apps is different from updating regular programs from Google Play. There are three main ways:

1. Through the Mi App Store (Xiaomi app store):

Through system updates (OTA):

Some applications (such as Security or Mi Home) are only updated with the firmware. → The phone. → Updating the system.

Hand-mounted APK:

For critical applications (for example, Mi Home for smart home management), you can download the latest versions APK official sources:

• 🌍 Official repository APK Xiaomi
• 🔗 Download page MIUI

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browser

Replace com.miui.browser with the batch name of the desired application (you can find out through the App Inspector application).

⚠️ Note: Removing the following applications may disrupt the system: com.miui.securitycenter – security center com.android.settings – system settings com.miui.home – launcher MIUI

Method 3: Disconnect (if you can't delete)

If the application cannot be removed, it can at least be disabled:

1. Go to Settings → Applications
2. Select the program and click "Disable"
3. Confirm the action (the application will disappear from the menu, but will remain in the system)

6. Myths and truths about “spyware” in Xiaomi devices

Recently, the topic of data collection by Xiaomi devices has been actively discussed on the Internet, and let's figure out what is true and what are myths:

If you are concerned about privacy, follow the following steps:

1. Turn off "Sending Usage Data" in Settings → The phone. → Reviews and analytics
2. Remove or disable Mi Browser, Mi Music and other unnecessary apps
3. Use it. VPN to block suspicious connections (e.g. with domains *.miui.com)
4. Regularly check the permissions of applications in Settings → Confidentiality → Permits

For maximum protection, you can install custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, but this will require unlocking the bootloader and void the warranty.

7. Xiaomi Smart Home Programs: Mi Home, Mi Fit and Others

One of Xiaomi’s key areas is the smart home ecosystem, and the company has developed several specialized software to manage the devices:

• 🏠 Mi Home is the main application for managing lamps, sockets, sensors and other Mi Ecosystem devices. Supports automation scenarios and voice control via Alice or Google Assistant.
• 🏃 Mi Fit (now Zepp Life) is an app for Mi Band fitness bracelets and smart scales.
• 🔊 Mi AI Speaker – a program for customizing Xiaomi smart speakers (for example, Mi Smart Speaker).
• 🚪 Mi Smart Door Lock – Xiaomi Electronic Lock Control.

The feature of these programs is mandatory binding to the Xiaomi account, without authorization, you will not be able to connect devices or control them remotely, while some functions work without the Internet (for example, local lamp management via Bluetooth Mesh).

If you use smart home devices, pay attention to the following nuances:

• 🔄 Firmware updates for devices (such as Mi Robot Vacuum) come via Mi Home.
• 🌍 To work in Russia, you may need to change the region in the application to Russia (otherwise, some devices will not be found when connecting).
• 🔒 If you are selling a smart home device, remember to untie it from your Mi Home account. → Profile → My devices.

⚠️ Note: When you change region to Mi Home, some devices may stop working, for example, Chinese versions of the Mi Band do not support Russian in firmware.

8.Alternatives to Xiaomi proprietary programs

If you don't like the standard Xiaomi apps, you can replace them with other developers' apps. Here are the best alternatives:

When replacing applications, consider the following points:

• 🔧 Some features (such as Game Turbo or Second Space) only work with proprietary software.
• 📱 For Xiaomi TVs, alternative launchers (e.g, ATV Launcher) may not support voice search via remote.
• 🔒 When using third-party smart home apps (such as Home Assistant), you may need to manually configure integrations.

If you’re going to abandon the Xiaomi ecosystem entirely, consider installing custom firmware. For example, LineageOS without Google services (LineageOS for microG) will get rid of all proprietary software, but it will require technical skills.

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Before removing branded applications, back up your data through Settings → System and device → Backup and reset, which will help you reset if something goes wrong.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi programs