Removing Viruses from Xiaomi: Checking and Cleaning the System
Modern Xiaomi devices, running on MIUI and the latest HyperOS systems, are powerful machines based on Android architecture. Their popularity, however, makes them a frequent target for malware creators. Although these systems have built-in protective shields, users often unknowingly let intruders in by installing APK files from unreliable sources or granting apps overly broad permissions. This guide will walk you through the process of fully decontaminating your Xiaomi phone or tablet.
Understanding the threat: What infects Xiaomi devices?
Before you begin removal, you need to know what you are fighting. On tablets from the Xiaomi Pad series and Redmi and Xiaomi smartphones, we most often encounter three types of infection. The first is Adware – annoying scripts that bombard the user with ads, even when the browser is closed. The second, far more dangerous one, is Spyware, meaning surveillance software that can record keystrokes (keyloggers) or steal SMS codes used for bank authorization. The third type is so-called PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs), which slow down the processor by using the tablet’s resources to mine cryptocurrency in the background.
The first line of defense: Security Panel
Xiaomi is one of the few manufacturers to integrate a powerful security suite into the system. You will find it under the green shield icon labeled "Security". Every cleaning process starts here.
• Security scan: Open the app and select "Security scan". The system will check the integrity of system files and verify the signatures of installed applications.
• Choosing the antivirus engine: In the scan settings (gear icon), you can choose the virus database provider. Xiaomi works with Avast and AVL. If one scan shows no issues, switch to the other engine and repeat the process, the virus databases differ from each other.
• Payment scan: Especially important on tablets used for work. This function checks whether the environment of banking apps has been compromised by malicious overlays (overlay attacks).
Removing adware and cleaning Chrome
Very often, what we think is a system virus is merely an infected browser session. If notifications pop up on your tablet saying "a virus has been found in the battery", do not click them. This is classic phishing.
To get rid of it, go to Settings > Apps > Manage apps > Chrome. Choose "Clear data", then "Manage space" and "Clear all data". Also remember to disable notifications for suspicious websites in Chrome’s own settings (Section: Site settings -> Notifications). This action eliminates 90% of problems with annoying pop-up windows.
Safe Mode – Deep diagnostics
If the virus blocks your ability to uninstall it in normal mode, you must use Safe Mode. In this state, the system disables all third-party apps, allowing you to remove malicious code that would normally defend itself.
How to enter Safe Mode on Xiaomi/Redmi?
1. Turn the phone or tablet completely off.
2. Press the power button. When the startup logo appears, release the Power button and immediately hold Volume Down.
3. Hold the button until the system loads. In the bottom-left corner of the screen, you will see the words "Safe mode".
While in this mode, go to the list of apps and remove those you do not recognize or that were installed just before the problems began. When finished, simply restart the device.
System-level blocking: Disabling MSA services and Private DNS
Xiaomi has system advertising services that can sometimes become an attack vector or simply be annoying. The msa service (MIUI System Ads) should be restricted. Go to Settings > Passwords & security > Authorization & revocation and uncheck "msa".
An additional layer of protection for your tablet and smartphone is changing the DNS servers to ones that filter malicious domains. In the "Connection & sharing" settings, find "Private DNS" and enter: dns.adguard.com. This is a powerful shield that blocks ads and malware scripts at the network level before they even reach your browser.
When nothing helps: Factory reset
If the device still sends suspicious data packets, heats up for no reason, or antivirus tools report a deep infection in the system partition, a so-called "Hard Reset" is necessary.
Warning: Before performing the reset, sign out of your Xiaomi Account and Google Account. Otherwise, after formatting, FRP (Factory Reset Protection) will activate, which may prevent the device from starting without the password.
Go to Settings > About phone > Factory reset. Select the option to erase all data. This is the final solution, restoring the tablet or phone to its “out-of-the-box” state and removing all traces of malicious software.
Prevention: How not to get infected again?
To keep your device clean, follow a few rules. First, never install apps from APK files found on forums or in unofficial stores, that is where 99% of Android viruses hide. Second, regularly update the security patches in HyperOS/MIUI. Third, on Xiaomi Pad tablets, which are often used for watching movies online, use browsers with strong content filters. Your vigilance is the best antivirus you will ever have.
