How To Turn Off 'Enhanced Intelligent Services' On Realme, OnePlus, OPPO Mobiles; Step-By-Step Guide

JE Technology Desk: Chinese smartphone maker Realme, a part of the giant BBK Electronics conglomerate, recently witnessed frowned eyes on the Internet because of a controversial toggle that grabbed the attention of Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister of State for Electronics and IT. The Union Minister replied to a Twitter user who flagged the data collection option - 'Enhanced Intelligent Services' on a Realme smartphone.

Here's What Happened and What The IT Minister Said?

Replying to a Twitter user (@rishibagree), the minister said, "Will have this tested and checked," and tagged the Twitter account on the Ministry of Electronics & IT.

Also Read: 'Will Investigate It,' Says IT Minister On Realme's Contentious Data Collection Feature

"Realme's smartphone has a feature (Enhanced Intelligent Services) that captures the user's data (call logs, SMS, and location info) and it is 'On' by default," Bagree said, highlighting that it is placed within the Settings app.

He goes on to add: "Indian users are kept in dark to share their data without their consent. This is basically forced consent, since it's on by default. Is this data being sent to China?"

What is Enhanced Intelligent Service?

In a screenshot shared by the Indian Express of the description of the service, the text claims it improves user experience by "optimising device functions". 

- To offer optimised charging, the feature requires location permission and collects location information and app usage stats.

- To offer wallpaper and other personalisation features, the service connects to the Internet and collects data on unread messages, missed calls, calendar events and usage data.

The latest Realme phones run on realme UI 4.0, OPPO smartphones have Color OS 13.1, and new OnePlus devices run on OxygenOS 13.0. The feature is switched on by default on these devices. 

Here is a step-by-step guide on how you can disable this service.

Enhanced Intelligent Service: How To Disable?

Step 1: Open the 'Settings' app on your smartphone

Step 2: Find 'Additional settings'

Step 3: Tap on 'System services'

Step 4: Switch 'Off' the toggle next to the 'Enhanced System Services' option

You can also manage permission for the service from the 'Apps' menu in the settings. Head to 'App management' and tap 'Show system apps' and find 'Intelligent Services'. Tap on the service and then tap 'Permissions'. You can toggle off the unnecessary permissions from here.