Owning a Xiaomi smartphone with a MIUI shell based on Android 11 opens up a lot of opportunities for the user, but rigid system optimization and intrusive advertising often create a sense of digital shackles. System restrictions are introduced by the manufacturer for a reason: they are designed to extend battery life and protect the inexperienced user from accidental errors. However, for enthusiasts and advanced users, these barriers become an obstacle to the full use of the functionality of the device.
Unlocking Android 11 is a process that requires careful and understanding the risks of interfering with the operating system. Unlike previous versions, Android eleven has tightened security policies, making standard methods for obtaining extended rights more difficult, and you will have to face an ad blocker, aggressive management of background applications and binding to a Mi Account when unlocking the bootloader.
In this article, we will go into detail all aspects of freeing your gadget from unnecessary frames. We will not use dubious programs that promise a โmagic boostโ, but we will look at proven methods that allow you to gain complete control of the hardware platform.
Analysis of MIUI system limitations on Android 11
Before we take action, we need to be clear about what we're fighting: MIUI is famous for its functionality, but it's also known for its aggressive policy on background processes. It seeks to put to sleep any application it thinks is using up battery power, leading to notification problems in messengers and email clients.
Additionally, users often encounter intrusive advertising in standard applications such as Explorer, Music, or Security.The Advertising Identifier (OAID) allows the system to target content, which not only annoys but consumes CPU resources.Removing these restrictions begins with an understanding of the security architecture of Android 11.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Any interference with system files or unlocking the bootloader will void the manufacturer's official warranty.
Importantly, Android 11 has introduced new restrictions on file system access, making it harder to work with system partitions through third-party file managers without root rights.
Preparation of devices and tools for modification
Effectively removing the restrictions is impossible without proper preparation, the first step is to activate the developer mode, which is hidden from the eyes of the average user, you need to go to the settings, select About phone and quickly click on the MIUI build number seven times.
When you're notified that you've become a developer, a new item will appear in the settings menu, and that's where the key switches are, which are necessary for the future. USBยป and โFacilities releaseยป.
โ๏ธ Checklist of preparation for modification
The process of removing restrictions can lead to a complete reset of data (Wipe Data), so saving contacts, photos and important documents in the cloud or on your computer is a must.
Youโll also need a computer running Windows, macOS or Linux, as well as an installed Android SDK Platform Tools suite, a set of adb and fastboot utilities that lets you interact with your phone at a low level.
Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock
Unlocking the bootloader is a fundamental step without which it is impossible to install a customized Recovery or obtain superuser rights. On Xiaomi devices, this process is strictly regulated and requires binding the Mi Account to the device.
To start the procedure, you must apply in the application โMi Unlock Statusโ in the developer settings. Once you link the account and the device, you must wait for the mandatory waiting period, which usually ranges from 7 to 168 hours.
โ ๏ธ Warning: While waiting for the timer, you can not leave the Mi Account on your phone or reset the settings, otherwise the countdown will begin again.
After the waiting time, you need to transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode (clamping the volume button when the device is turned off) and connect it to the computer. By running the Mi Unlock Tool utility and logging into the same account, you can initiate the unlock process.
What happens when the loader is unlocked?
Successful completion of the operation is confirmed by the message in the program and vibration of the device, from which point the system partition becomes available for recording, which opens the way for further modifications.
Removal of system advertising and unnecessary applications
Once the bootloader is unlocked or even without it (using USB debugging techniques), visual noise can be significantly cleaned out of the interface. Advertising in MIUI is regulated by separate switches that are often hidden deep in the menu or require certain services to be disabled.
One of the most effective ways is to use the ADB AppControl utility or manually remove packets through the command line, by connecting a USB debugging phone and entering commands to remove or freeze system packages responsible for analytics and advertising.
Consider the basic packages that can be safely deaktivated to improve the experience:
- ๐ข com.miui.misys is the main service responsible for collecting statistics and displaying advertising in the system.
- ๐ com.miui.analytics โ an analytics service that transmits application usage data to Xiaomi servers.
- ๐ต com.miui.player is a built-in music player that often contains banner ads (if you use a third-party one).
- ๐ฐ com.miui.newmidrive is a Mi Cloud cloud storage that can be removed if you use Google Photos or Yandex.Disk.
To perform these actions, use the command in the adb shell pm uninstall format. -k --user 0 Be very careful: removing critical system components can lead to a cyclic bootloop).
๐ก
Before removing system applications, always check the purpose of the package on the Internet. Use the search term "android package name remover" to safely identify the features of the component.
In addition to deleting packages, it is recommended to disable personalization of ads in the settings of the Mi Account and in the phone itself. Go to Settings โ Passwords and Security โ Access to personal data and disable the Receiving Recommendations slider.
Obtaining Superuser Rights (Root) on Android 11
Obtaining Root (super user) rights gives you full control of the Android file system. 11 Classical method through installation ZIP-The archive in the recovery is unstable because of the introduction of dynamic partitions. boot.img utility-wise