How to completely disable Google on Xiaomi smartphones: 5 proven ways

Google services are deeply integrated into MIUI firmware on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, even if you don’t use a Gmail or Google Play account. They consume traffic, drain battery and collect data about your activity. According to Digital Content Next, Google’s background processes can send up to 1MB of data per hour even on inactive devices — that’s ~240MB per month to telemetry alone.

In this article, you will find 5 working methods – from simply disabling unnecessary applications to completely removing Google services (de-Googling) without losing MIUI functionality. All the instructions are relevant for the MIUI 14/15 firmware versions and Xiaomi 13/14 models, Redmi Note 12/13, POCO F5/X5. If you are looking for a way to save battery power or protect privacy – read on.

1.Why Google is working for Xiaomi without an account

Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to not log into a Google account to stop services from working, in fact, MIUI includes pre-installed system applications that run automatically:

• 🔍 Google Play Services is the primary background process responsible for push notifications, geolocation and synchronization.
• 📱 Google Play Store – Even if you don’t use the store, it updates in the background.
• 📍 Google Location History – Collects Location Data to Improve Maps.
• 🔄 Google Sync syncs your contacts, calendars, and notes (even if you haven’t added an account).

According to Android Authority, Xiaomi with MIUI, these services consume up to 5-7% of battery life per day in moderate use, and can slow down the device due to constant activity in the background.

Yeah, that's obvious.|No, I only thought about it when I logged in.|I suspected, but I wasn't sure.|I don't care.-->

Another problem is automatic updates, and even if you manually disable them, MIUI can secretly download updates to system applications through the Google Play System Update, which leads to unexpected traffic consumption (especially at Internet-limited rates).

2. Method 1: Disabling unnecessary Google apps manually

The safest method is to deactivate (do not delete!) unnecessary services through the MIUI settings. This will not require root rights or disrupt the system.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show System.
3. Find an app called Google (e.g. Google Play Store, Google Play Services).
4. For each application, click Disable (if the button is inactive, click Stop first).
5. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

⚠️ Note: Do not disable the Google Services Framework, it will cause a malfunction MIUI (For example, push notifications from instant messengers will stop working. Also avoid deactivating Google Play Protect if you use banking applications, this can block their launch.

📱 Google Play Store (if you don’t install apps)|📍 Google Maps (if you use alternatives)|🎵 Google Play Music|📺 YouTube (if you are viewing through your browser)|📊 Google Analytics (Gathering Statistics)-->

After turning off, check battery consumption in Settings → Battery → Battery Use. After 1-2 days, you will notice that background activity has decreased by 10-15%. If some features (for example, geolocation in Google Maps) stop working, just turn on the desired application back.

Method 2: Limiting background activity through ADB

If manual shutdown didn’t work, you can block background activity on Google services using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that doesn’t require root, but requires connecting the phone to a computer.

First, turn on the USB debugging:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Turn on USB debugging and confirm the permission.

Now connect your phone to your PC and execute commands in the terminal (or PowerShell for Windows):

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.gms


adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.gsf




adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox




adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.vending

⚠️ Attention: These commands will be completely shut down:

• 📱 Google Play Store (cannot install/update apps).
• 🔄 Synchronize your contacts/calendars with Google.
• 📍 Accurate location in some applications.

If you need to return functionality, use the command:

adb shell pm enable com.google.android.gms

💡

Before execution ADB-Some applications (e.g. banking) may require reinstallation after changes.

Method 4: Google Removal via TWRP (for Advanced)

If you’re willing to take drastic measures, you can completely remove Google apps using the custom TWRP recap.

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader.
• 📱 Established TWRP Recovery.
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 70%.

Steps to remove:

1. Download Universal De-Googler (for example, NikGapps Core in negative version).
2. Reboot your phone to TWRP (clip Power + Volume up).
3. Choose Install and point the way to the downloaded ZIP-file.
4. Swipe for confirmation and wait for completion.
5. Run the Wipe. → Dalvik/ART Cache and reboot.

⚠️ Note: After Google is completely deleted:

• 🚫 All apps that depend on Google Play Services will stop working (e.g. Uber, Google Pay, many games).
• 🔄 Some system functions MIUI (For example, push notifications may fail.
• 🔒 Some of the banking applications will not be launched due to the lack of Google SafetyNet.

If you’re not prepared for such restrictions, consider partial deGoogling – removing only unnecessary components (e.g. Google Chrome, YouTube, Google Duo) via Titanium Backup or App Inspector.

5. Method 4: Use of alternative firmware (without Google)

The most radical way is to install custom firmware without Google services.

For installation:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Install TWRP for your model (see instructions on XDA Developers).
3. Download firmware and GApps (if you need minimal Google services) or choose a version without them.
4. Write through TWRP (don’t forget to make Wipe System, Data, Cache).

💡 Useful: Firmware MIUI EU Without Google, it's the best option for those who want to keep Xiaomi's branded interface but get rid of surveillance. OTA-Updates and is more stable than most custom ROM.

6. Method 5: Blocking Google traffic through a firewall

If you don't want to remove apps but want to block them from the Internet, use a firewall.

• 🔥 NetGuard (no root, but more efficient with root).
• 🛡️ AFWall+ (It requires root, maximum control).
• 🌐 Blokada (blocks trackers at the level) DNS).

Instructions for NetGuard:

1. Install the application from F-Droid.
2. Open Settings → Apps and find all Google services.
3. Turn off Wi-Fi and mobile data for them.
4. Activate the option to Block when roaming.

⚠️ Blocking traffic for Google Play Services may lead to:

• 🚫 Stop Google Pay and other payment systems.
• 📍 Imaculate location in Google Maps.
• 🔔 Loss of push notifications in some instant messengers (for example, Viber, Skype).

💡

Blocking traffic is the safest way to restrict Google without deleting system files, and is suitable for users who want to keep functionality but reduce data collection.

7 How to Check if Google is Truly Disabled

After using any of these methods, check that Google services are no longer active.

1. Battery Check: Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Use. Make sure Google apps don’t consume charge.
2. Traffic Checker: Open Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Traffic: See if data is being sent by Google Play Services or Google Play Store.
3. Process Check: Install Simple System Monitor from F-Droid. Check if com.google processes are running.

Data breach test:

• Use Exodus Privacy or ClassyShark3xodus to analyze applications.
• Check if your data is being sent to Google trackers.

If you notice that some services are still active, repeat the steps from the chosen method or try another method, for example, if after ADB processes continue to work, they may have been automatically enabled after the MIUI update.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)