The MSA (Mi Account Services) system in Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones is responsible for synchronizing data with a Mi Account, but often becomes a source of problems, from excessive battery consumption to collecting telemetry. Many users want to turn it off, but face a return to service after a reboot or update. In this article, current methods for completely disabling MSA on MIUI 14/15 without root rights and loss of warranty, including hidden settings and bypassing manufacturer restrictions.
It's important to understand that Xiaomi has integrated MSA deep into the system, so standard disconnection through the app menu does not have a long-term effect. We tested all methods on Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 and Poco F5 models, the results are summarized in the comparison table below. If you are willing to sacrifice some of the features (for example, a cloud backup), you can achieve 100% shutdown. For the rest, there are compromise options.
What is MSA and why it should be turned off
MSA (Mi Account Services) is a system application that:
- 🔄 Syncs contacts, notes and settings with the Mi Cloud
- 📊 Collects anonymous telemetry about device usage (even if disabled in settings)
- 🔋 It works in the background, consuming before 5-15% weekly battery charge
- 🚫 Blocks certain features when the internet is not available (e.g. access to topics)
The main reasons for disconnection:
- Privacy: MSA sends data to Xiaomi servers even with telemetry turned off (confirmed by Wireshark traffic analysis).
- Performance: On weaker models (Redmi 9A, Poco M3), the service takes up to 300 MB of RAM.
- Autonomy: Tests have shown that turning off MSA increases operating time by 8-12%.
⚠️ Attention: After disconnection MSA stop working: 🔄 Synchronize notes and contacts with Mi Cloud 🎨 Access to official themes and wallpaper 🔑 Recovery of data when resetting via Mi Account
Method 1: Standard shutdown via settings (temporary effect)
This method works on all models, but the MSA will turn back on after a restart or system update.
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show all apps.
- Find Mi Account Services (or MSA in the newer versions).
- Click Disable, then confirm the action.
To turn off background activity:
- 📱 In the same app menu, select the Battery. → Limit background activity.
- 🚫 Disallow Auto Start: Settings → Battery → Auto-start → find MSA and turn it off.
⚠️ Attention: MIUI 15 after blackout MSA You may not be able to access your account settings in the phone menu. → About the phone and 5 times tap on the version MIUI — There will be a hidden recovery menu.
☑️ Preparation for shutdown MSA
Method 2: Disconnect via ADB (no root rights)
It requires a computer, but it doesn't violate the warranty. MIUI 12-15:
- Turn on USB Debugging: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (Tap 7 times) Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging on USB
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute commands: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.account adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution
To verify status:
adb shell pm list packages -dBoth services should appear on the list.
| Model | MIUI 14 | MIUI 15 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | ✅ It's working. | ✅ It's working. | Reboot required |
| Redmi Note 12 | ✅ It's working. | ⚠️ Partially (returned after update) | Repeat the command after updates |
| Poco F5 | ✅ It's working. | ✅ It's working. | Can block access to topics |
💡
If, after the execution, ADB-team MSA It's still active, check for updates for Google Play Services. Sometimes a version conflict brings the service back.
Method 3: Deep Shutdown through Hidden Settings (for Advanced)
This method uses Xiaomi’s engineering menu and works on 80 percent of devices, with minimal risk but neatness:
- Enter the dialer in ##4636##
- Go to Phone Information → Menu (three-point) → Show EPST.
- Enter the password: 123456 (standard for Xiaomi).
- Choose. MSA Config → Disable All Services.
For models on Qualcomm Snapdragon (e.g. Xiaomi 12T):
- 📱 In the Engineering Menu, select Hardware Testing. → Modem Settings.
- 🔧 Find a point. MSA Control and set the value 0.
⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek (Redmi) 10C, Poco M4 Pro) this method may cause a mobile network failure. Create a restore point in the TWRP (if established).
What to do if the mobile Internet is lost after the disconnection?
Method 4: Remove MSA via TWRP (for sifters)
Radical method, requiring unlocked bootloader and installed TWRP. Suitable for MIUI 13-15:
- Download the MSA Remover ZIP (proven version for your model).
- Reboot to TWRP (hold Power + Volume up).
- Install. ZIP-file via Install → Select a file.
- Clear the cache (Wipe) → Dalvik/ART Cache).
For manual removal:
- 📁 V TWRP Go to Advanced. → File Manager.
- 🗑️ Delete the files: /system/priv-app/MiAccount/ /system/priv-app/MSA/
- 🔄 Reboot.
| Action. | Risks. | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Removal via TWRP | ❌ Loss of access to Mi Cloud | Create a backup copy of the data |
| Clearing the cache | ⚠️ Slowdown of the system | Reboot 2-3 times |
| Deletion of system files | ❌ Brick (brick) | Use only proven ZIPs |
💡
Removing MSA via TWRP is the only way to permanently get rid of the service, but requires unlocking the bootloader and takes away the warranty. For most users, 1-3 is enough.
Method 5: Locking through a firewall (without root rights)
If you only need to restrict MSA’s access to the internet, use firewall apps:
- Install NetGuard or TrackerControl from F-Droid.
- Turn it on. VPN-firewall settings.
- Find Mi Account Services in the app list and block all traffic.
For complete lock-down:
- 🌐 Block the domains: api.account.xiaomi.com ssl.google-analytics.com data.mistat.xiaomi.com
- 📡 In NetGuard, activate the option to Block System Applications.
⚠️ Note: Blocking ssl.google-analytics.com may disrupt some Google apps.If you have problems with the Play Market, add this domain to the exceptions.
What to do if the MSA is back after an update
After the MIUI update, the system automatically restores the services that are disabled.
- 🔄 For ADB-Repeat commands after each update.
- 📵 For Firewall: Set up automatic blocking of new applications.
- 🛡️ For TWRP: Install Magisk and module MSA Disabler (updated automatically).
To prevent automatic activation:
- Turn off automatic updates: Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → ⚙️ → Auto-update (off)
- Remove the application System Update via ADB: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.updater
💡
If the MSA is back after the update and doesn't turn off, try resetting the app: Settings → Apps → MSA → Storage → Clear the data. This will reset all the service settings to factory.