This post will show you how to prevent Xiaomi from spying on you and stealing your data.
Xiaomi is a high-end budget smartphone producer with popular phone brands to its credit. However, there have been controversies about data theft and accusations of Xiaomi spying on users' activities.
Cybersecurity researchers Garbi Cirlig and Andrew Tierney have reported several data breaches associated with the Redmi Note 8 and the Mi Browser. The browser collects users' data while browsing in Incognito mode.
Although Xiaomi denied allegations of it collecting users' data and spying on their browsing activities, it mentioned that data are collected with users' consent, such data are collected as anonymous data and used for internal analysis, and no Personally Identifiable Information is linked to collected data.
If you're a Xiaomi phone user, here are ways to protect your data and privacy on Xiaomi and Mi browsers.
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Table of Contents
How To Stop Xiaomi From Stealing Your Data And Spying On You
Data collection is turned on by default for most default apps on the Xiaomi smartphone brand. Hence, to prevent Xiaomi from collecting your data, you have to turn off default data collection for each of the pre-installed apps on your Xiaomi smartphone. That way, you can prevent Xiaomi spying activities.
Xiaomi phones offer great features at competitive prices, but concerns linger about data collection practices. While Xiaomi claims anonymized data collection, many users prefer to minimize the amount of information their phone sends back to the company's servers.
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Here are some steps you can take to reduce data collection on your Xiaomi phone:
During Initial Setup
- Scrutinize Permissions: Pay close attention to app permissions when setting up your phone. Only grant apps the permissions they need to function. Deny access to unnecessary features like location tracking for apps that don't require it.
- Disable Personalization Services: Xiaomi offers personalization services that collect data to tailor recommendations and features. If you're uncomfortable with this level of data collection, opt out of these services during setup.
Within MIUI Settings
- Privacy Protection: Dive into the MIUI privacy settings menu. You'll find options for managing app behavior, location tracking, and data access here.
- Location Services: Control which apps have access to your location and when. Consider disabling location services for apps that don't require it.
- System Apps: Review system app permissions and disable access for features you don't use, such as targeted advertising or app recommendations.
- Usage Data & Diagnostics: This setting allows Xiaomi to collect data about your app usage patterns. If you're privacy-conscious, disable this option.
- Mi Cloud Sync: Xiaomi Cloud offers cloud storage and backup features. If you don't use it, disable syncing to prevent unnecessary data upload.
Beyond Settings
- Use Alternative Apps: Consider replacing Xiaomi's pre-installed apps (like browser or security app) with open-source alternatives that offer more control over data collection.
- Custom ROMs (Advanced Users): For experienced users, installing a custom ROM can replace MIUI with a different operating system that may offer more privacy controls. However, this process carries risks and requires technical expertise.
- Be Mindful of App Choices: When installing new apps, be mindful of their permissions requests. Research the app's privacy policy to understand its data collection practices. Choose apps with strong privacy reputations whenever possible.
By following these steps to prevent Xiaomi spying, you can significantly reduce the data your Xiaomi phone transmits. While achieving complete isolation is difficult, these measures offer more control over your privacy and can help you feel more secure using your Xiaomi device.
Editor's Note: Recover Lost Data With UltData Android Data Recovery
How To Stop Mi Browser From Collecting Data Even In Incognito Mode
- Launch the Xiaomi Mi Browser app on your phone
- Tap on the hamburger menu icon at the top-right of your screen
- Tap on the ‘Settings’ icon in the menu options
- Search for ‘Advanced’ in the ‘Settings’ menu
- In the Advanced menu, tap on ‘Privacy & Security.'
- Toggle off the ‘Personalized services’ button to prevent the Mi browser from collecting and sending your data to Xiaomi’s server.
If you do not trust the Mi browser to collect your data remotely, you can disable Mi Browser in the app settings.
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How To Prevent Xiaomi From Spying On You
While ultimately preventing any data collection might be difficult, here are some steps you can take to significantly limit Xiaomi's ability to “spy” on you:
Taking Control During Setup
- Permission Patrol: Don't rush through the initial setup. Scrutinize app permissions carefully. Only grant access to features essential for the app to function. Ask yourself, “Does this flashlight app really need access to my location?” Deny permissions that seem excessive.
- Nix Personalization: Xiaomi offers personalization services that gather data to tailor features and recommendations. If this level of data collection makes you uncomfortable, opt out during setup.
MIUI Privacy Settings Deep Dive
- Privacy Champion: Dive into the MIUI privacy settings menu. This is your central hub for controlling data collection. Here you can manage app behavior, location tracking, and data access for various features.
- Location Lockdown: Control which apps have access to your location and when. Consider disabling location services entirely for apps that don't inherently require it (like a photo gallery).
- System App Scrutiny: Review system app permissions and disable access for features you don't use. This could include targeted advertising or app recommendations.
- Data Detox: The “Usage Data & Diagnostics” setting allows Xiaomi to collect data about your app usage patterns. If you're privacy-conscious, disable this option to prevent this data transfer.
- Cloud Control: Xiaomi Cloud offers cloud storage and backup features. If you don't use it, disable syncing to prevent unnecessary data upload to their servers.
Going Beyond Settings
- App Alternatives: Consider replacing Xiaomi's pre-installed apps (like browser or security app) with open-source alternatives. These often offer more control over data collection and may prioritize user privacy.
- Custom ROM Caution (Advanced Users Only): If you're comfortable with technical tinkering, installing a custom ROM can replace MIUI with a different operating system that might offer more granular privacy controls. However, proceed cautiously as this process can be risky and requires technical expertise.
- App Selection Awareness: Be mindful of app permissions when installing new apps. Don't just blindly accept everything. Research the app's privacy policy to understand its data collection practices. Choose apps with strong privacy reputations whenever possible.
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How To Disable Xiaomi’s MIUI From Collecting Your Data
Xiaomi's MIUI (Mi User Interface) collects your data to serve you with personalized ads. You can prevent MIUI from collecting your data by revoking MIUI's data collection privileges by taking the following steps.
- Launch the Settings app on your Xiaomi phone
- Scroll through and tap on ‘Additional Settings.'
- In the ‘Additional Settings’ page, tap on ‘Authorization & revocation
- Toggle off the MSA (MIUI System Ads) button.
- Follow the prompt and wait for 10 seconds, after which you can now tap on ‘Revoke.'
- If you get a ‘Couldn’t Revoke Authorization’ message, ensure your data is turned on and retry again.
To disable ad services and data usage collection,
- Returning to step iii, in the ‘Additional Settings' page, tap ‘Privacy.'
- In the ‘Privacy menu,’ toggle off the ‘User Experience Program’ and ‘Send diagnostic data automatically’ to prevent Xiaomi from sending your data remotely to its server.
- Also, tap on ‘Ad Services' in the ‘Additional Settings' and ‘Disable' ‘Personalized Ad Recommendations' to prevent Xiaomi from collecting your data to serve you with ads.
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How To Disable Mi Security From Sending Data Usage Report
- Launch the Mi Security app on your phone
- Tap the Mi Security ‘Settings’ app (a gear-shaped icon at the top-right of your screen).
- In the Security Settings menu, disable ‘Receive Recommendations.’
- Head to the main Security Settings menu and tap ‘Data Usage.'
- Toggle off the ‘Report data usage info button.’
To improve your privacy and data security, disable or turn off data collections and recommendations for the following apps.
- Cleaner
- File manager
- Lockscreen Ads
- Mi downloads
- Music and Video players
- Home screen ads in MIUI
- Disable spammy notifications from apps by long-pressing and toggling off the app notification.
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Conclusion – How To Prevent Xiaomi Spying
Following the steps above is a surefire way of preventing Xiaomi from collecting and sending your data remotely to its servers while you enjoy a fantastic User Experience on your Xiaomi device.
By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the amount of data your Xiaomi phone transmits to Xiaomi's servers.
While achieving complete isolation might be difficult, these measures empower you to regain control of your privacy and use your Xiaomi device more confidently.
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About the Author:
Daniel Segun is the Founder and CEO of SecureBlitz Cybersecurity Media, with a background in Computer Science and Digital Marketing. When not writing, he's probably busy designing graphics or developing websites.
Meet Angela Daniel, an esteemed cybersecurity expert and the Associate Editor at SecureBlitz. With a profound understanding of the digital security landscape, Angela is dedicated to sharing her wealth of knowledge with readers. Her insightful articles delve into the intricacies of cybersecurity, offering a beacon of understanding in the ever-evolving realm of online safety.
Angela's expertise is grounded in a passion for staying at the forefront of emerging threats and protective measures. Her commitment to empowering individuals and organizations with the tools and insights to safeguard their digital presence is unwavering.
