How to remove unnecessary apps by default on Xiaomi Redmi: disable, remove and hide

Why are there so many pre-installed apps on Xiaomi Redmi?

Xiaomi Redmi’s MIUI-based phones are notoriously rich in functionality, but many users face a problem: dozens of pre-installed apps that cannot be removed by standard methods. This not only takes up memory, but also consumes battery power in the background. Unlike “pure” Android, where most system applications can be deactivated, MIUI aggressively protects its services — from Mi Browser to Mi Video.

The reason for this approach is rooted in Xiaomi’s business model: it monetizes the ecosystem through advertising and partner services. For example, GetApps shows banners, and Mi Pay is integrated with China’s payment systems. However, for users outside Asia, most of these services are useless, and fortunately, there are legal ways to get rid of them, from simple shutdowns to deep cleaning through ADB.

In this article, we will look at 7 proven methods, including hidden MIUI settings, development teams and even alternative launchers. All instructions are relevant for the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/11 models and flagships of the K series on MIUI 12-14 (including global and Chinese firmware).

Method 1: Disable applications through settings (without root)

The safest method is to deactivate unnecessary applications, which will not remove them completely, but will stop background activity and hide icons from the menu, suitable for most system utilities, except for mission-critical ones (such as Services & Feedback).

How to do this:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Type the name of an unwanted app in the search (for example, Mi Music or Mi Pay).
• ⚙️ Press it. → Disable (button will appear if the application can be deactivated).
• ✅ Confirm the action in the dialog window.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Security or Finder) cannot be disabled, they are responsible for security and file retrieval. MIUI, such as virus scanning or device search.

Mi Browser|Mi Video|Mi Music|GetApps (App Store)|Mi Pay|Themes|Games|Yellow Pages-->

Method 2: Remove via ADB (without root but with PC)

If you don't shut down enough, you can completely remove system applications using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that doesn't require root rights, but requires a computer and enabled USB debugging, suitable for power users.

Step-by-step:

1. 🖥️ Install. ADB Tools on PC.
2. 📱 On your phone, turn on Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times to activate the developer mode).
3. 🔌 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and enable debugging by USB.
4. 🔗 Connect the phone to the PC and type in the command line:

adb devices

(A device with a serial number must appear).

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browser

(Replace com.miui.browser with the desired application package).

💡 Useful Tip: To find out the exact package names, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep 'miui'

⚠️ Note: Deleting some packages (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) may disrupt the notification center or lock screen. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Method 3: Hiding icons with an alternative launcher

If you can't remove apps and you can't shut them down enough, you can just hide their icons, and third-party launchers like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher, which allow you to hide apps without removing them, are suitable.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

• 📥 Install Nova Launcher from Play Market.
• 🖼️ Click the empty space on the main screen → Settings Nova.
• 🔍 Go to Apps and Widgets → Hide applications.
• ✅ Check out unnecessary apps (such as Mi Community or Mi Home).

The advantage of the method is that the applications stay on the system, but do not interfere with everyday use, and the disadvantage is that they can still expend resources in the background.

💡

Nova Launcher not only hides icons, but also replaces them with empty shortcuts. Create an Activity Label → select any action (like “Do Nothing”) and assign it a transparent icon.

Method 4: Use of the Light mode (MIUI Lite)

A little-known feature called MIUI Lite allows you to switch to a simplified version of the shell, where many system services are disabled, a mode originally intended for weak devices, but also suitable for cleaning up unnecessary applications.

How to activate:

1. 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. 🔄 Press 5 times on the version MIUI (A notification should appear "Developer Mode activated").
3. 🔧 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. 🔍 Find the option. MIUI Lite and turn it on.
5. 🔄 Reset the device.

⚠️ Attention: In mode MIUI Lite disables not only unnecessary applications, but also some functions:

• 🎨 Animations and transitions disappear.
• 🔒 Some gestures don’t work (like swiping down to search).
• 📊 Battery consumption monitoring by application is disabled.

🔄 To return the standard mode, turn off again. MIUI Lite in the developer settings and reboot the phone.

Method 5: Reset to factory settings with a selection of applications

If the phone is full of unnecessary software, you can do a clean reset, which allows you to abandon pre-installed apps, which is suitable for new devices or before selling.

How it works:

1. 🔄 Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Resetting settings.
2. ⚠️ Select to erase all data (make sure important files are saved!).
3. 🔄 After the reboot, the Recommended Applications window will appear at the initial setup stage.
4. ❌ Uncheck all unnecessary programs (for example, Facebook, Netflix, LinkedIn).

💡 Key conclusion: This method allows you to get rid of most affiliate applications (for example, from TikTok or Agoda), but does not affect Xiaomi system utilities (such as Mi Browser or Themes).

💡

Factory reset is the only legal way to remove affiliate apps (e.g. Booking.com or Amazon Shopping) that are installed by the manufacturer.

Method 6: Using Magisk (for advanced users)

If you're prepared for more radical measures, you can root through Magisk and manually remove system applications, which gives you complete control of the device, but it's not warranty and can lead to unstable operation.

Instructions:

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a Mi Account and wait 7-15 days).
• 📱 Install. TWRP For your Redmi model.
• 🔧 Get Magisk through Recovery.
• 🗑️ Use Root Explorer or Titanium Backup to remove system APK.

⚠️ Warning: Removing the following packages may cause your phone to fail:

• com.android.systemui is the system interface.
• com.miui.home is a standard launcher.
• com.miui.securitycenter is a security center.

🔧 Alternative: Instead of completely removing apps, you can freeze them via Magisk using the App Systemizer module, which will allow you to return them in case of problems.

Method 7: Switching to custom firmware (for enthusiasts)

The most drastic way is to install alternative firmware, such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience, which are built without pre-installed Xiaomi apps and offer a “pure” Android.

Pros and cons:

🔗 Where to download firmware:

• 🌐 XDA Developers – a forum with custom builds.
• 📱 LineageOS - Official website.
• 🔍 Telegram channels with firmware for Redmi.

⚠️ Note: Installing custom firmware will void warranty and may result in data loss.Pre-prove compatibility with your Redmi model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G differential!).

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing apps on Xiaomi Redmi