How to completely remove the device administrator application on Xiaomi: instructions for MIUI

Administrator rights on Xiaomi smartphones are a two-way sword, on the one hand, they give applications extended control over the system (for example, for antivirus or antivirus software). MDM-On the other hand, these programs often block their uninstallation through standard methods, even if you no longer need their functions. The application is the administrator of the device, this article will help you understand the reasons and offer working solutions - from simple to technically complex.

The problem is particularly relevant for Redmi, POCO and Mi users on MIUI 12-14, where the administrator interface is hidden deeper than in pure Android. We will look at official methods through system settings, workarounds using ADB, and nuances for enterprise devices with Mobile Device Management (MDM).

Why the app is not removed in the standard way

When you try to uninstall a program through Settings → Applications, the system can block the action for two key reasons:

• 🔒 Active Administrator Rights: The application is registered in the Device Administrators list and controls functions such as screen locking, encryption or remote control. MIUI will not allow it to be uninstalled until the rights are revoked.
• 🏢 Corporate policy (MDM): On work phones, the administrator can block deletion via Android Enterprise or Mi Work. IT-department.
• 🛡️ Deletion protection: Some antiviruses (e.g. Avast, Kaspersky) or password managers intentionally complicate uninstallation to prevent accidental deletion.

In MIUI, the list of administrators is hidden deeper than in standard Android. For example, in Samsung or Google Pixel, you just need to go to Settings → Security → Device Administrators, and in Xiaomi, the path is different, which we will discuss in the next section.

⚠️ Note: If the application was installed through Google Play for work (portfolio icon), its removal may violate corporate policies. → Accounts. → Working profile.

Method 1: Disabling Administrator Rights through MIUI Settings

The safest method is to revoke the administrator's rights manually, and here is a step-by-step guide for MIUI 12-14:

1. Open the Settings. → Passwords and security.
2. Scroll down and select Additional Settings (some firmwares call Advanced Settings).
3. Tapping on Device Administrators (or Administrator Privileges).
4. In the list, find the problem app and uncheck the checkbox next to its name.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Deactivate or Disable.

Once you disable the permissions, go back to Settings → Applications, find the program and uninstall it in the standard way. If the Device Administrators item is missing, try an alternative path:

Settings → Special features → Device administrators

On some models (such as the POCO F3 or Redmi Note 11), the menu may be called Device Management or Privacy. If neither path worked, move on to the next one.

Disconnect the app from your Google account (if linked)

Make sure there is no important data on the device (in case of reset)

Battery charge > 50%

Make a backup copy through Mi Cloud-->

Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root)

If the app does not appear in the list of administrators or its rights are not disabled, Android Debug Bridge will help (ADB). This method does not require root rights, but requires a computer and USB-That's what we need to do:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI until the notification “You’re a developer” appears. Return to Settings → Additional Settings → Developer. Activate USB Debugging and Allow OEM Unlock.

ADB-driver

platform-tools

adb devices

(Your device should be displayed)

adb shell pm list packages -f | grep "name packet"

(Replace the name of the package with the app name, such as kaspersky)

adb shell dpm remove-active-admin "name packet/full path to administrator"

Example for Avast:

adb shell dpm remove-active-admin com.avast.android.mobilesecurity/.deviceadmin.MdAdminReceiver

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name packet

If dpm remove-active-admin returns Operation not allowed, the application is protected by the system, in which case only root rights or factory resets will help.

Method 3: Resetting settings (last chance)

If the previous methods didn't work and the application is critically disruptive, it's a factory reset. It's a radical solution, but it's guaranteed to delete all administrators and associated data. Importantly, before reset, back up through Settings → About Phone → Backup or Mi Cloud.

Instructions for MIUI:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose to Erase All Data (not to be confused with Settings Reset, which doesn’t affect the app!).
3. Enter the password from the Mi Account (if linked) and confirm the action.
4. Wait for the process to be completed (it will take 5-10 minutes).

Once reset, the phone will reboot to its original state, and all applications, including administrators, will be deleted. MDM-Profile – after reset, the policy can be automatically restored.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi 11 Ultra or Redmi) K50) After reset, you may need to re-activate through your Mi Account. Make sure you remember your login and password!

Features for Enterprise Devices (MDM)

If your Xiaomi was issued by an employer or connected to Mobile Device Management (MDM), deletion of the administrator may be blocked at the policy level.

• 📱 Check if your work profile is available in Settings → Accounts. If you have a portfolio icon, the device is managed. MDM.
• 🔑 Contact me. IT-A self-interference may violate corporate rules.
• 🔄 If your phone is used for work, reset (see Method 3). MDM-Politics may disappear.

Popular MDM-Xiaomi solutions that block removal:

If you bought a used phone with a MDM tied, contact the seller to unblock. In extreme cases, you may need to unlock the bootloader and flash through Fastboot.

Yeah, with corporate MDM.

Yeah, but no MDM (personal)

No, just for personal reasons.

I don't know how to check.-->

What to do if nothing helps

If all of these methods fail, radical measures remain:

1. bootloader unlock and flash: Suitable for power users. Requires unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool (can take up to 720 hours to wait). After unlocking, flash the device through the Mi Flash Tool with official firmware.
2. Root rights: Use Magisk to obtain superuser rights. Using Root Explorer or ADB, manually delete application files from /data/app/.

Both methods void warranty and can lead to data loss.In addition, on new Xiaomi models (such as Xiaomi 13 or Redmi Note 12), unlocking the bootloader is associated with binding to the Mi Account, which complicates the process.

💡

Before unlocking the bootloader, check if it is locked by IMEI. Some carriers (for example, MTS or Beeline) sell phones with a locked bootloader. Check this with the seller or through the command fastboot oem device-info (look for the line Device unlocked: false).

How to avoid problems in the future

To avoid the impossibility of removing administrators, follow the following simple rules:

• 🔍 Before installing the application, check if it requests administrator rights (this is indicated in the list of permissions for installation).
• 🛡️ Use alternatives to popular antivirus software that do not require extended rights (e.g. Bitdefender Mobile Security instead of Kaspersky).
• 📱 Regularly check the list of administrators in Settings → Passwords and security → Device administrators.
• 🔄 If you buy a used phone, immediately reset to factory settings.

For enterprise devices:

• Check with IT-Department of Policies Applying to the Phone.
• Use a separate device to work if the MDM is too restrictive.

💡

Even legitimate apps (like Google’s Find My Device) can become administrators, disable unnecessary rights after use to avoid conflict.

FAQ: Frequent questions