MSA (Mi Service Framework) is a system application on Xiaomi smartphones that is responsible for data synchronization, push notifications and the operation of the company’s cloud services. For most users, it is useful, but some face problems from increased battery consumption to failures in third-party applications. Moreover, MSA actively collects telemetry even when tracking permissions are disabled, which raises questions about privacy.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to disable MSA on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices running MIUI 12-14 (including global and Chinese firmware versions). You will learn how to deactivate the service through standard settings, ADB commands, as well as radical methods for power users. Importantly, some actions require unlocking the bootloader or root rights - we will explain the risks and consequences in detail.
Before you start, check the version of MIUI in the Settings → About Phone menu. This depends on the availability of some methods. Also note that completely removing MSA can disrupt branded features like Mi Cloud, Find Device or Game Turbo.
What is MSA and why it should be turned off
MSA stands for Mi Service Framework, a system framework integrated into MIUI firmware.
- 🔄 Synchronization of data between devices (contacts, notes, browser)
- 🔔 Deliver push notifications from Xiaomi apps and third-party services
- ☁️ Operating cloud functions (Mi Cloud, backup)
- 📊 Collecting anonymous telemetry (according to the company - to improve the software)
However, independent research (including traffic analysis from Xiaomi Eu and XDA Developers) shows that MSA continues to send data to the company’s servers even after all tracking permissions are disabled.
- 📍 Geolocation (when GPS is turned on)
- 📱 Device model, version MIUI and IMEI
- 🔋 Battery usage statistics
- 📊 List of installed applications
In addition to privacy concerns, MSA is often the cause of:
- ⚡ Increased charge consumption (up to 5–10% per day due to background activity)
- 🐢 Slowdowns (especially on budget models like Redmi 9A or POCO M3)
- 🚫 Conflicts with VPN and firewalls (e.g., NetGuard or AdGuard)
- 🔔 Spam notifications from Mi Community and other services
⚠️ Warning: Completely deleting MSA will render the following features inoperable: 🔍 Find Device ☁️ Backup to Mi Cloud 🎮 Game Turbo and game optimization 📱 Synchronization of notes, calendar and Mi Browser If you use at least one of them, consider alternative ways to limit MSA instead of completely disabling.
Method 1: Disable MSA via standard MIUI settings
It is the most secure method, requiring no additional tools, and is suitable for users who want to reduce MSA activity but are not willing to sacrifice all cloud features.
The instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-14 (Global and Chinese versions):
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Show All Apps.
- In the search box, enter the MSA or Mi Service Framework.
- Select the app from the list (commonly called com.miui.msa.global for global firmware or com.xiaomi.msa for Chinese).
- Click Stop (if the button is active), then Disable.
- Go back to the app menu and select Permissions. Turn off all available permissions (especially Location, Storage, and Auto Run).
- Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Management, find the MSA and select Limit Background Activity.
After this, the MSA will stop using the battery and sending most data, but will continue to operate in minimal mode for critical functions (such as push notifications).
There are no msa processes in Settings → About phone → Status → Processes
MSA App Doesn't Appear in Active List in Settings → Battery
No notifications from Mi Community and other Xiaomi services
Battery charge is used more slowly (check in 1-2 days)-->
Method 2: Disconnect via ADB (without root)
If standard settings don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which does not require root rights, but requires connecting the smartphone to your computer.
Preparation:
- Download ADB Tools for your OS (Windows, macOS or Linux).
- Unpack the archive in a convenient folder (for example, C:\adb).
- On your smartphone, activate Developer Mode: go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
Instructions for disabling the MSA:
- Connect your smartphone to your computer via USB (select File Transfer mode).
- Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
- Run the command to disable MSA: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.msa.global For Chinese firmware use: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.msa
- Reboot your smartphone: adb reboot
To return the MSA to working condition, use the command:
adb shell pm enable com.miui.msa.global⚠️ Warning: On some devices (e.g., Xiaomi 12 Pro or POCO F4) after disabling MSA via ADB, all push notifications, including messages from WhatsApp or Telegram, may stop working. To return notifications, install an alternative client like Notify for Telegram or set up a Firewall app (e.g., NetGuard) to unlock traffic.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
Method 3: Remove MSA via TWRP (unlocked bootloader required)
This method is suitable for advanced users who are willing to sacrifice the warranty and the ability of OTA- updates. It allows you to completely remove MSA from the system, but requires unlocking the bootloader and installing the custom recavator TWRP.
Pre-launch warnings:
- 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader will reset all data on the device.
- 🚫 Xiaomi may refuse warranty service after unlocking.
- 🔄 OTA- updates will stop working (you will have to install firmware manually).
Step-by-step:
- Unlock the bootloader through the official tool (requires a Mi Account and wait 7-15 days).
- Install TWRP for your model (download from twrp.me).
- Download the Magisk MSA Removal Module (such as MSA Disabler or Universal MSA Remover).
- Reboot to TWRP (clip Power + Volume up when turned on).
- Make a backup copy of the System partition (just in case).
- Install the downloaded module via Install in TWRP.
- Reboot to the system.
After deleting the MSA, check for its absence from the application list (Settings → Applications). If you have problems with the system, restore the backup through TWRP.
💡
Before unlocking the bootloader, back up your data via Mi Cloud or Google Drive. After the procedure, the device will be completely reset, including photos, contacts and messages.
Method 4: Blocking MSA through a firewall or DNS
If you don’t want to delete the MSA but want to block its access to the Internet, use a firewall or change the DNS. This will prevent telemetry from being sent, but will preserve the basic functionality of the service.
Option 1: NetGuard App (without root)
- Install NetGuard from Google Play.
- Open the app and give access to the VPN (necessary for work).
- Find the Mi Service Framework or com.miui.msa.global.
- Turn off both switches (Wi-Fi and mobile data).
- Activate the option to Lock when you start the system.
Option 2: Change the DNS (for advanced)
MSA uses domains api.mi.com, data.mistat.xiaomi.com, and others to send data, and you can block them at the DNS level:
- Install Shadowsocks or 1.1.1.1.
- Set up a custom DNS- server that blocks Xiaomi domains. For example, use: 176.103.130.130 # AdGuard DNS 94.140.14.14 # AdGuard DNS (alternative)
- Add to the blacklist domains: api.mi.com data.mistat.xiaomi.com sdkconfig.ad.xiaomi.com tracker.ai.xiaomi.com
| Locking method | Root is required. | Efficiency | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| NetGuard | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Can conflict with VPN |
| AdGuard DNS | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐⭐ | Does not block all domains |
| AFWall+ (with root) | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Tough setup |
| Hosts file (from root) | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Requires domain list updates |
Method 5: Using Magisk modules (for root users)
If you already have root rights and Magisk installed, you can use special modules to deactivate MSA. This method is more reliable than manual removal, since the modules take into account the dependencies of the system.
Popular modules:
- 🔧 MSA Disabler – completely disables MSA without deleting.
- 🧹 Universal MSA Remover — removes MSA and related services.
- 🛡️ Xiaomi Debloater – removes MSA along with another bloatware.
Installation instructions:
- Download the selected module (file with.zip extension).
- Open Magisk Manager and go to the Modules section.
- Click Install from Storage and select the downloaded file.
- Reset the device.
- Check the absence of MSA in Settings → Apps.
If you have problems after installing the module (e.g. notifications or Mi Cloud are not working), try another module or go back to the ADB method.
💡
Magisk modules are the safest way to remove MSA for root users, as they automatically restore system dependencies after MIUI updates.
What to do if MSA notifications stop working after disconnection
One of the most common problems with deactivating MSA is the disappearance of push notifications from messengers and social networks, which is because many applications (including WhatsApp, Facebook, and VK) use Google Play Services or Mi Push Service to deliver notifications, and MSA is integrated into this chain.
Decisions:
- 🔔 Use alternative clients: Notify for Telegram (for Telegram), Fermata (for WhatsApp) Hermit (for creating lightweight web apps with notifications)
- 📱 Set up Firewall: Allow traffic for com.google.android.gms (Google Play Services) and block only MSA.
If the notifications never appear, check:
- 🔋 Is the power saving mode for messengers turned off?
- 🚫 Does NetGuard or another firewall block them?
- 🔄 Does the application need to be reinstalled?