Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones often face the problem of pre-installed software that takes up precious space in memory and consumes CPU resources. Many users wonder how to remove system applications on Xiaomi Redmi Android to speed up the gadget and get rid of intrusive advertising. Fortunately, modern versions of the MIUI shell and HyperOS provide several ways to solve this problem without requiring deep programming knowledge.
The process of cleaning a system can range from simply disabling unnecessary services to completely removing them through a computer using USB debugging. It is important to understand that interfering with system files requires caution, as removing critical components can lead to unstable device operation or loss of warranty. In this article, we will detail secure cleaning methods and provide lists of applications that can be removed without risk to the system.
Before you start taking action, you need to back up your important data and make sure the battery is at least 50% charged. Even if you plan to use only your smartphone settings, preparation is always a key step in any maintenance. Below we will look at all the available methods, from the simplest to advanced tools for power users.
Analysis of embedded applications and removal risks
The first step in Xiaomi optimization is to understand what is installed on your device. Android, in conjunction with the MIUI shell, contains hundreds of processes, many of which are hidden from the eyes of the average user. System applications fall into three categories: vital to the operation of the OS, functional add-ons of the manufacturer and third-party software (bloatware), which often does not bring any benefit.
Removing critical components such as the System Framework or Task Manager will result in a cyclical reboot of the device known as bootloop, in which case the smartphone will stop turning on and the recovery will require flashing through the computer, which can be a difficult procedure for a beginner, so you need to clearly know the purpose of each package before any manipulations.
β οΈ Note: Removal of system components through ADB or third-party programs may void the warranty. Always check the purpose of the package online before forced removal.
To navigate the installed list safely, it is recommended to use special directories or identifiers that allow you to know the real name of the package, which often differs from the displayed name. For example, the application "Music" may have the system name com.miui.player, and "Gallery" - com.miui.gallery.
Preparing a smartphone to remove system software
To perform deep cleaning, the device needs to activate hidden developer functions, which will allow access to debugging over USB, which is a prerequisite for using computer deletion methods. Without this step, the computer will not be able to gain sufficient rights to manage the system files of the smartphone.
The activation process takes only a few minutes and is done through the settings menu, you need to find the About Phone section and quickly click on the MIUI version or OS version seven times. After that, a new Developer section will appear in the settings menu, where the desired switches are located.
βοΈ Checklist of preparations
After the debugging is activated, USB When you connect the cable to your computer, you'll see a request for confirmation of access on your smartphone screen. You'll need to click "Allow" and preferably "Always Allow" from this computer, so you don't confirm the action every time you connect"USB-Debugging (security settings)" if available in your firmware version.
Remove applications through MIUI settings without Root
The safest, though less effective, method is to use the operating systemβs regular tools, with the latest versions of HyperOS and MIUI allowing you to remove some pre-installed applications directly from the memory management menu, eliminating obvious debris without risking damage to the system.
To do this, go to Settings β Applications β All applications. Find an unnecessary program (for example, "Mi Store" or "Travel"). If the application can be removed, the "Delete" button will be active. If only the "Disable" button is available, then the system considers this component to be important, and standard methods do not remove it.
Disabling an application is a good alternative to deleting it: When you turn it off, it stops running, updating and using up the battery, but its files remain on the disk, which is ideal for those who are afraid of disrupting the system, but want to stop the background processes.
- π± Disable applications that you do not use through the settings menu to keep the system stable.
- ποΈ Remove only those programs that have an active remove button in the app menu.
- βοΈ Use search in settings to quickly find a specific system service by name.
Itβs worth noting that itβs impossible to remove key components of Xiaomiβs ecosystem, such as in-system advertising or deep analytics services, through a standard interface, and this will require more powerful tools, which will be discussed below.
Using ADB for Advanced Program Removal
The most effective way to clean up is to use the Android Debug Bridge tools (ADB). This method allows you to remove any applications, including those that are hidden from the user), USB-cable and installed drivers ADB.
After connecting your smartphone and enabling debugging, open the command line or terminal on your computer in the folder with ADB. Enter the command adb devices to check the connection. If the device is determined, you can go to the list of installed packages.
adb shell pm list packagesThis command will display a list of all packages. To find a specific application, use a filter such as adb shell pm list packages | grep miui. If you find the name of an unnecessary package (for example, com.miui.system for some services, but be careful), use the delete command.
List of safe to remove Xiaomi packages
For direct removal, enter the command:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 <name packet>Important: the --user 0 option removes the application only for the current user, without affecting the user.
This allows you to return the application back in case of an error by simply resetting the settings.
Alternative utilities for cleaning the system
If you find the command line too complicated, there are graphical shells for ADB that make it much easier. Programs like Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools or Universal Android Debloater provide a user-friendly interface with checkboxes where you can choose from applications to remove.
These utilities often have built-in databases that color-code applications based on the risk of deleting them. Green areas are usually safe, yellow areas require caution, and red ones are strongly discouraged, which reduces the likelihood of accidental system damage.
| Name of utility | Platform | Difficulty | Security |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools | Windows/Mac/Linux | Low. | Tall. |
| Universal Android Debloater | Windows/Mac/Linux | Medium | Tall. |
| ADB AppControl | Windows | Low. | Medium |
| Command line (ADB) | All right. | Tall. | Depends on the user. |
Using third-party software speeds up the process, but always download programs only from official repositories such as GitHub. Modified versions may contain malicious code that will steal your data.
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Use the Freeze feature in the utilities before uninstalling it, which will shut down the app for a few days, and if the system is stable, it can be permanently removed.
Recovery of Remote System Components
If you delete something that is superfluous during the cleaning process and the system starts to malfunction (no sound, no camera or menu), don't panic. Since we used the deletion method for user 0, these applications are not physically erased, but only hidden. They can be easily restored.
To return the remote package, use the installation command via ADB:
adb shell cmd package install-existing <name packet>This command will return the application to its original state. If you don't remember the name of the remote package, the fastest way to restore full functionality is to reset to factory settings. However, before you do, try simply restarting the device to Safe Mode to see if another factor is causing the failure.
β οΈ WARNING: A full Wipe Data reset will delete all your personal files, photos and contacts. Be sure to back up before restoring your system.
If the phone goes into an endless bootloop immediately after turning on, it may not be possible to restore the system via ADB, in which case you will need to log into Recovery mode and execute a Wipe Data command or flash the device through Fastboot mode using official firmware.
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Method of removal through ADB flag-headed --user 0 is reversible and does not require flashing to restore removed components.