The brand's mobile devices Xiaomi are famous for their versatility and aggressive security policy. The built-in protection system MIUI Security (or “Security”) by default scans all installed applications and files for threats. However, in some cases, this function can block the installation of useful software, which the system mistakenly perceives as malicious, or simply interfere with the operation of specific utilities.
Users are often looking for a way to disable the antivirus on Android Xiaomi in order to easily install apps from third-party sources or conduct a deep analysis of the system using other tools. It is important to understand that completely disabling protection requires a conscious approach, as this reduces the level of security of your gadget. In this article, we will look at all the available methods for deactivating the virus scanner, from standard settings to advanced options for developers.
Before you start changing system settings, you need to clearly determine which particular protection component is bothering you. This could be a built-in scanner, protection when installing applications, or a third-party antivirus downloaded from. Each of these elements has its own unique shutdown settings, which we will discuss in detail below. Virus Scan, application installation protection or third-party antivirus downloaded from Google Play. Each of these elements has its own unique shutdown settings, which we will discuss in detail below.
Built-in Virus Scan in the Security application
The main protection tool in the shell MIUI is the “Security” system application. It is this that automatically checks when installing APK files and periodically scans the memory. To temporarily or permanently disable this feature, you will need to go to the corresponding settings menu of the application itself.
Open the application Security on the main screen or in the "Tools" folder. At the top of the interface you will see a gear icon - this is the entrance to settings. Go to section Antivirus. Here is the key switch Scan during installation. If you move the slider to the inactive position, the system will stop scanning new applications at the time of installation.
⚠️ Attention: Disabling scanning during installation makes your smartphone vulnerable to Trojans and spyware disguised as useful apps. Do this only if you are 100% sure of the source of the file.
There may also be an option Auto-updating anti-virus databasesin this menu. Disabling this feature will prevent new virus signatures from being downloaded, effectively rendering the scanner useless against new threats. However, this does not disable the scan module itself, but only reduces its effectiveness. To completely deactivate real-time scanning, sometimes you need to additionally disable the option Security recommendations in the general application settings.
Before disabling protection, take a screenshot of the current settings. This will help you quickly return the configuration back if you forget which items were active.
Configuring installation from unknown sources
Often the problem of installation blocking is not associated with the antivirus itself, but with a system restriction on installing applications from unknown sources. In modern versions Android i MIUI this permission is granted individually for each installer application, be it a browser, file manager or messenger.
When you try to install an APK file, the system will display a warning with a “Settings” button. By clicking on it, you will be taken to the menu Installing unknown applications. Here you need to find the application through which you downloaded the file (for example, Chrome or Explorer), and allow it to install. This action does not disable the antivirus, but allows you to bypass the system ban on launching the installer.
If the built-in scanner still displays a high-risk message and blocks the “Install” button, you will need to temporarily disable the scan described in the previous section. Remember that Google Play Protect can also interfere with the process, even if the MIUI settings are changed. This service works at the Google account level and has its own security priorities.
- 🔍 Go to
Settings → Passwords and security → Confidentiality → Special access. - 📂 Select item
Install unknown applications. - ✅ Activate the switch next to the file manager or browser you need.
There is a nuance: in some regions of the firmware (especially in global versions for Europe), the settings may be hidden deeper or named differently. If you do not find the item you need, use the settings search by entering the query “unknown” or “install unknown”.
Disabling Google Play Protect
In addition to Xiaomi's proprietary protection, the service is active on the device Google Play Protect. This is a cloud-based antivirus that scans applications both in the Play Market and those installed manually. Sometimes it is he who blocks the installation of “hacked” versions of games or specific software, marking them as malicious.
To disable this service, you need to go to the application Play Market. Click on your profile icon in the upper right corner and select Play Protection. In the menu that opens, click on the gear icon in the upper right corner of the screen. Here you will see two main switches: Scan applications using Play Protection and Improve detection of malicious applications.
Disabling the first item will stop regular scanning of your applications. The second point is responsible for sending data about installed apps to Google for analysis. If your goal is to install an application that is being blocked, it is enough to temporarily disable the first option. Immediately after successful installation, it is recommended to return the settings back to maintain security.
⚠️ Attention: Google Play Protect can automatically remove applications that it deems dangerous, even after successful installation. Completely disabling the service deprives you of protection from new types of mobile threats.
It is worth noting that in some cases the system may force protection back on after rebooting the device or updating Google Play services. Therefore, periodically check the status of this function if you deliberately keep it turned off.
Third-party antivirus applications
If third-party solutions from companies like Kaspersky, Dr.Web, ESET or Avastare installed on your smartphone, the procedure for disabling them differs from the system one. Such applications have advanced access rights and often have their own self-defense mechanisms that prevent them from being deleted or disabled by attackers.
To temporarily suspend the operation of such an antivirus, open the application itself and find the item Pause protection or Disable shieldin the menu. Typically, the system will prompt you to select a time interval: 10 minutes, 1 hour, or until reboot. If you need to completely remove the antivirus, you first need to disable the device administrator rights.
Go to Settings → Passwords and security → Privacy → Special access → Device administrator applications. Find your antivirus in the list and uncheck it. Only after this the “Delete” button in the application settings will become active. Without this step, the system will block deletion, considering this an attempt by the virus to neutralize the protection.
| Action | MIUI system antivirus | Third-party antivirus | Google Play Protect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setting location | Security application | Interface of the application itself | Play Market |
| Complexity shutdowns | Low | Medium (requires admin rights) | Low |
| Impact on the system | APK check only | Real-time monitoring | Cloud verification |
| Risk of blocking | Warning | Launch blocking | Automatic deletion |
Some advanced users prefer not to remove third-party antivirus, but to configure exceptions. In the settings of most of these apps there is a section Exceptions or Trusted zones. By adding a folder with the necessary files or a specific application there, you will allow it to work without scanning, maintaining the overall level of system protection.
☑️ Check before disabling protection
Advanced methods: ADB and permissions developer
For users who want to deeply interfere with the operation of the system, there are methods to disable components via USB debugging. Using the interface ADB (Android Debug Bridge) allows you to deactivate system applications without the need to obtain root access, which is a safer way to modify the system.
First you need to activate developer mode. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly click 7 times on the item MIUI version. After the message “You have become a developer” appears, return to the main settings menu, find the section Advanced and go to For developers. Activate the switch USB debugging.
Connect your smartphone to your computer and run the command to disable the scanning component. The name of the package may differ depending on the firmware version, but most often it is com.miui.securitycenter (the security application itself) or specific services within it. The command looks like this:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.securitycenterThis command “freezes” the application for the current user. It will disappear from the menu and all its functions, including the antivirus, will stop working. To return everything back, use the command adb shell pm enable com.miui.securitycenter. This method requires caution: disabling critical system components may lead to unstable operation of the interface.
⚠️ Attention: Using ADB commands requires technical literacy. Incorrectly disabling system services can lead to a cyclic reboot of the device (bootloop). Use this method only if you understand the consequences.
What to do if the phone stops booting after ADB commands?
If the device has been bootloped, you need to enter Recovery mode (Volume Up + Power buttons) and perform a factory reset (Wipe Data). This will delete all data, but will restore system functionality.
Possible risks and alternative solutions
Completely disabling anti-virus protection on a smartphone Xiaomi opens the door to many threats. Ransomware Trojans, bank stealers and miners are common in the Android ecosystem and can operate unnoticed in the background. Without an active scanner, you will not receive a warning about an attempt to steal data or unauthorized access.
Instead of completely disabling protection, experts recommend using more flexible settings. For example, you can leave real-time scanning active, but disable only installation scanning if you often test new software. It is also useful to regularly manually run a system scan to make sure there are no hidden threats.
If your goal is to install an application from China or a specific forum, try first downloading it to your computer, checking it with an online scanner (for example, VirusTotal) and only then transferring it to your phone. This approach allows you to maintain a balance between functionality and security.
- 🛡️ Use a sandbox or virtual environment to run dubious applications.
- 📉 Do not give suspicious apps access rights to contacts and SMS.
- 🔄 Update the system regularly security, even if it is set to manual mode.
Remember that security is a multi-layered process. Disabling one layer of protection (antivirus) does not mean that you are completely defenseless as long as you maintain digital hygiene. However, it is worth taking risks only in extreme cases, when alternative ways to solve the problem have been exhausted.
The optimal strategy is not to completely disable the antivirus, but to properly configure exceptions and temporarily deactivate protection only at the time of installing proven software.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the antivirus turn back on after a reboot?
System security services MIUI and Google Play Protect are designed to automatically restore their functionality after a reboot. This is a self-defense mechanism that prevents viruses that try to disable protection forever. Permanent disabling requires superuser rights (Root) or deep modification of the firmware.
Is it safe to install applications labeled “High Risk”?
No, in most cases it is not safe. A "High Risk" designation means that the file's signatures match those of known viruses or that the application's behavior is suspicious. You can ignore this warning only if you are a developer, know the source code of the app and understand why it triggers protection.
Will an antivirus delete my personal photos or documents?
Standard antiviruses do not delete personal media files (photos, videos, music) unless they have malicious code embedded in them. However, they may quarantine or delete installer APKs and scripts. Before cleaning, always check the list of threats so as not to accidentally delete important work files.
Is it possible to disable only advertising in the Security application, leaving the antivirus?
Yes, this is possible. In the application settings Security there is a section Receive recommendations or Advertising. By disabling these items, you will remove advertising banners and offers, but the virus scanning functionality will remain active and functional.
Does antivirus work affect the speed of a smartphone?
Modern antiviruses are optimized and consume minimal resources in the background. A noticeable slowdown can only be observed during an active scan of the entire device memory. The everyday speed of the interface Xiaomi built-in protection has a minimal impact.