A Strange Malware Affects Xiaomi Phones
A peculiar malware has been reported to be affecting Xiaomi phones, as numerous users have shared their experiences on platforms such as Reddit, X (Twitter), Xiaomi Community, and even the Google support page. It appears that this malicious software is specifically targeting mobile devices with MIUI.
Malware, typically a computer program or application, operates discreetly and often carries out functions that are harmful to the user, usually with the intention of scamming them.
A New Malware Spreads Among Xiaomi Phones
According to Gizmochina, a new malware is spreading among Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO mobiles, which all run on MIUI.
The modus operandi of this malware is quite straightforward: it alters the default homepage of Google Chrome and replaces it with a suspicious website called “Mintnav.” Although the purpose of this website remains unknown, it is believed to be involved in fraudulent activities.
Most affected users have reported that this malware only changes the homepage of the Google browser, without performing any other functions. Nevertheless, it is advisable to check if your Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO device has been compromised and conduct a security analysis to detect any malicious software.
Removing the Modified Homepage
To remove the homepage modified by the malware, follow these simple steps:
- Open the Google Chrome browser.
- Access the configuration options by clicking on the three dots in the upper right corner.
- Select “Homepage” and change it to a known website or the default Chrome homepage.
If the modified homepage persists, there is a more complex method that is recommended for expert users:
- Download the ADB AppControl PC App.
- Connect your mobile device to a PC in USB debugging mode.
- Using the ADB AppControl application on your PC, uninstall the following three applications:
- com.android.bookmarkprovider (Bookmark provider)
- com.android.providers.partnerbookmarks
- com.google.android.partnersetup (Google Partner)
It is worth noting that Xiaomi has not yet commented on this matter, leaving doubts as to whether it is indeed a malware or a method employed by Xiaomi to introduce more advertising on their smartphones. We will closely monitor the situation and keep you informed of any updates.
