If you owned a smartphone ZTE or Nubia, then you probably noticed a mysterious app in the application list MiFavor. It comes pre-installed on many devices from these brands, but its purpose is not always obvious. Users often ask questions: what kind of software is this, can it be removed, will it harm the phone? In this article, we will analyze in detail what it is, what functions it performs, and whether it is worth “fighting” it. MiFavor, what functions it performs, and whether it is worth “fighting” it.

Let us immediately note: MiFavor is not a virus or spyware, although its behavior sometimes arouses suspicion. This is a proprietary shell from ZTEwhich replaces the standard interface Android on brand devices. However, its role goes beyond a simple launcher: the app is integrated into the system at a deep level, which gives rise to most of the questions. Next are details about how it works, what pros and cons it has, and what to do if you want to get rid of it.

What is MiFavor: review and purpose

MiFavor (sometimes written as MiFavor UI or simply Favor) is a proprietary shell, developed by the company ZTE for its smartphones based on Android. It replaced earlier versions of the proprietary interface, such as Nubia UI (for the line Nubia) and MiFavor UX. The main goal of the app is to provide a unique user experience, different from “bare” Android or shells from other manufacturers (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS).

Unlike launchers like Nova Launcher or Action Launcher, MiFavor it is deeply integrated into the system. It controls not only the appearance of the desktop, but also:

  • 📱 Settings interface (settings menu, notification panel, control center).
  • 🔋 Performance optimization (memory management, background processes).
  • 🔒 Security functions (permissions for applications, screen lock).
  • 🎨 Theme (icons, fonts, animations).

It is important to understand that MiFavor is not a separate application, but a system component that cannot be completely removed without superuser rights (root)However, some of its modules. (for example, a launcher or widgets) can be disabled or replaced with alternative solutions.

📊 Do you use a ZTE or Nubia smartphone?
Yes, this is my main phone
Yes, but how spare
No, but I heard about the brand
No, and I don’t plan to

MiFavor functions: what the shell can do

Branded shell MiFavor offers a number of functions that may be useful - or, conversely, irritate users. Let's consider the key features:

Function Description Usefulness
Control gestures Support for navigation with gestures (swipes instead of back buttons, “Home”, “Recent”) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (convenient for modern smartphones without frames)
Games mode Blocking notifications and optimizing performance during games. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (useful for gamers, but not everyone needs it)
Double applications Ability to clone instant messengers (for example, two accounts WhatsApp). ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (relevant for work and personal life)
Themes and design Customization of icons, wallpapers, fonts through the company theme store. ⭐⭐⭐ (much depends on the user’s taste)
Battery optimization Automatic closing of background processes to save battery. ⭐⭐ (sometimes too aggressive, kills necessary processes)

One of the most discutable functions is automatic memory clearing. The shell actively closes background applications, which can both save battery and interfere with work (for example, if you listen to music in YouTube Music, and it suddenly stops). Fortunately, this option can be disabled in the settings.

Another feature is built-in store of themes and wallpapers. It offers both free and paid design options, however, many users note that the choice of themes is limited compared to Google Play or third-party ones. launchers.

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If you do not like the aggressive battery optimization in MiFavor, go to Settings → Battery → Optimization batteries and manually add the desired applications to the exclusion list.

MiFavor and security: should you worry?

One of the most frequently asked questions: Is MiFavor spyware? The short answer is no, but there are nuances. Like any proprietary shell, MiFavor collects some data about the use of the device. This is standard practice. for Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and other manufacturers. However, there are a few things to pay attention to:

  • 📊 Anonymous statistics: The shell can send data about what features you use to improve the user experience. This is not personal information.
  • 📍 Access to location: some system services (for example, weather or searching for nearby Wi-Fi networks) request geodata. They can be disabled.
  • 🔗 Advertising in system applications: in some versions MiFavor there are banners in the settings menu or launcher. They can be disabled through the settings.

If you are concerned about privacy, we recommend:

  1. Go to Settings → Privacy → Application permissions and check what rights you have MiFavor.
  2. Disable statistics collection in Settings → About phone → Data collection (the path may differ depending on the version).
  3. Use an alternative launcher (for example Nova Launcher) to reduce interaction with the shell.
How to completely remove MiFavor?

To completely remove the shell, you need rights root and experience working with system files. Without them, you can only disable individual components (launcher, widgets) or reset the phone to factory settings and then install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS).

Attention! Some users try to remove MiFavor via ADB or third-party apps like Debloater. This can lead to unstable operation of the system or “brick” of the device. If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to limit yourself to disabling unnecessary functions.

How to disable or remove MiFavor

If the shell bothers you, there are several ways to reduce its impact on the operation of your smartphone. Let's look at them in order - from the safest to the most radical.

1. Disabling through settings

Many components MiFavor can be deactivated using standard means:

Replace the launcher with a third-party one (Nova, Apex)|Disable battery optimization for key applications|Remove updates for system applications (via Google Play)|Disable statistics collection in settings privacy-->

To replace the launcher:

  1. Install an alternative launcher from Google Play (for example, Nova Launcher).
  2. Go to Settings → Applications → Default applications → Launcher.
  3. Select the installed launcher instead MiFavor Launcher.

2. Uninstall via ADB (for advanced users)

If you have experience with ADB, you can remove some system applications MiFavor without rootrights. To do this:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.zte.heartyservice

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.nubia.launcher

⚠️ Attention! Incorrect use ADB can lead to the phone not working. Before executing the commands, make a backup copy of the data and make sure you know which package you are deleting. You can view the list of packages. command: MiFavor can be viewed with the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep -i favor

3. Installing custom firmware

The most radical way to get rid of MiFavor is to flash the device with alternative firmware, for example LineageOS or Pixel Experience. This requires:

  • 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader (bootloader).
  • 📥 Installing custom recovery (TWRP).
  • 🛠️ Experience with firmware (risk "bricking" the device).

Instructions for firmware are searched on thematic forums like XDA Developers or 4PDA. Please note that this will void your warranty and may result in data loss.

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If you are not willing to risk the stability of your phone, limit yourself to disabling unnecessary MiFavor features through the settings. Complete removal of the shell is only advisable for experienced users.

MiFavor vs other shells: comparison with MIUI, One UI, ColorOS

To understand how good (or bad) is MiFavor compare it with shells of other popular brands:

Shell Manufacturer Pros Cons
MiFavor ZTE/Nubia Lightweight, control gestures, game mode Limited selection of themes, aggressive battery optimization
MIUI Xiaomi Rich settings, many themes, frequent updates Advertising in system applications, data collection
One UI Samsung Intuitive design, good integration with the Samsung ecosystem Heavy for weak devices, a lot of duplication applications
ColorOS Oppo/Realme Smooth animation, "Ultra-Night" mode for games Lots of pre-installed software, not always logical settings

MiFavor compares favorably with MIUI the absence of annoying advertising, and from One UI —less “heaviness” for the system. However, in terms of functionality, it is inferior to the same ColorOS or OxygenOS (from OnePlus). If customization is important to you, it is better to look towards launchers like Nova or Action Launcher.

Interesting fact: in the latest versions MiFavor (for example MiFavor 10.5 and newer) developers are trying to get closer to “pure” Android, removing unnecessary settings and simplifying the interface. This makes the shell less intrusive, but also less unique.

Problems with MiFavor: common errors and their solutions

Like any proprietary shell, MiFavor sometimes behaves unstable. Let's look at the most common problems and ways to fix them:

1. The launcher keeps rebooting

If the desktop suddenly closes or restarts, try:

  • 🔄 Clear the launcher cache in Settings → Applications → MiFavor Launcher → Memory → Clear cache.
  • 📥 Update the shell via Google Play (if available).
  • 🛠️ Install a third-party launcher (for example, Nova Launcher).

2. Aggressive battery optimization kills background processes

If applications (for example, instant messengers or music services) are constantly closed:

  1. Go to Settings → Battery → Battery optimization.
  2. Find the desired application in the list and select Not optimize.
  3. Restart the phone.

3. Navigation gestures do not work

If swipes to return or open the menu do not respond:

  • 🔧 Check the gesture settings in Settings → System → Gestures → System navigation.
  • 🔄 Switch to the navigation buttons and back to gestures.
  • 📱 Make sure that there is no physical damage on the screen (cracks, chips) that would interfere with gesture recognition.

⚠️ Attention! If after the update MiFavor the phone started to slow down or overheat, try resetting the settings to factory settings (Settings → System → Reset settings). Before doing this, do not forget to save important data!

The future of MiFavor: is it worth waiting for updates?

At the time of writing, ZTE continues to support MiFavor, but the pace of updates leaves much to be desired. The latest significant changes were in MiFavor 10.5 (2021), and newer versions are released rarely and more often contain minor corrections.

There are several reasons for this approach:

  • 📉 Decreasing popularity of the brand: ZTE and Nubia they do not compete as actively in the global market as Samsung or Xiaomi.
  • 🤖 Trend to “pure” Android: many manufacturers are abandoning heavy shells in favor of minimalistic solutions.
  • 💰 Saving resources: supporting your own shell requires significant investment.

If regular updates and new features are important to you, you may want to consider smartphones from other brands with more active support (for example, Google Pixel with clean Android or Samsung s One UI).

Attention! Even if ZTE stops support MiFavor, your phone will remain functional. However, new features and security fixes will have to be installed manually (for example, through custom firmware).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about MiFavor

❓ Is MiFavor a virus?

No, it is a proprietary shell from ZTE/Nubia. However, like any system software, it has access to device data. If you suspect an infection, check your phone with an antivirus. (for example, Malwarebytes or Dr.Web).

❓ Is it possible to remove MiFavor without root?

Not completely, but you can disable its main components (launcher, widgets) or replace them with alternative applications. To completely remove it, you need superuser rights.

❓ Why does MiFavor consume so much battery?

The shell actively manages background processes and animations. To reduce consumption:

  1. Disable unnecessary animations in the developer settings (Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times) → Animation).
  2. Replace the launcher with a lighter one (for example, Lawnchair).
  3. Limit background shell activity in the battery settings.
❓ How to update MiFavor to the latest version?

Shell updates usually come along with system updates. Check for updates in Settings → System → Software update. If there are no updates, perhaps your smartphone model is no longer supported.

❓ Is it possible to install MiFavor on another smartphone (not ZTE)?

Technically possible, but extremely unlikely It is recommended. The shell is deeply integrated into the firmware ZTE/Nubia, and porting it to other devices will require significant modifications to the system, which can lead to unstable operation.