How to delete the folder Russia on Xiaomi Redmi Note: the complete guide

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note smartphones often face a situation when after buying or updating the system on the desktop appears folder called “Russia”, which usually contains applications from Yandex, Mail.ru, OK.ru and other services that are not systemically necessary, but take up space and annoy users. This folder is part of the marketing strategy of localization, but it can be easily removed by returning the interface to its usual appearance.

Deleting this folder doesn't require root rights or complex system file tampering if you do it right. MIUI However, some firmware versions may require additional steps, such as disabling system applications or using the software. ADB-It's important to understand the difference between simply moving icons and completely uninstalling packages.

In this article, we will take a look at all the techniques, from the simplest to the most advanced, that will help you clean your desktop and free up your device’s RAM. You will learn how to permanently get rid of intrusive software and prevent it from reappearing after a reboot. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid accidentally removing important system components.

What is the folder Russia and why it appears

The Russia folder is a pre-installed set of applications that Xiaomi developers add to firmware designed for the Russian market. IT-It looks like a set of shortcuts to the user, but technically, these are often full-fledged system applications integrated into the shell, and their presence can slow down the device, especially on models with little RAM, such as older versions of the Redmi Note.

The main problem is that some of these applications are system-based, which means that just by pressing long and selecting the Remove button, you can't get rid of them. The delete button can be simply inactive or not on the menu. The MIUI system constraints protect these packages from accidental deletion, considering them important for regional services.

⚠️ Note: Before any manipulation of system applications is initiated, we strongly advise you to create a complete backup of data.

Understanding the nature of these applications helps you choose the right way to deal with them, so if the application is just a stub or a shortcut, it can be removed as standard. APK-file embedded in the section system/app, We'll take a little bit more radical action, and here's a table that will help you classify the type of application by its behavior.

Importantly, newer versions of HyperOS have softened their pre-installation policy, but the folder can still appear when you first turn on or after resetting. Localization remains a key factor influencing the makeup of your smartphone's software.

Standard method of removal through the desktop

The easiest and safest way to get rid of the Russia folder on the Xiaomi Redmi Note is to use a standard shell interface, which is suitable for those cases where the applications inside the folder do not have deep system integration. First, unlock the device screen and find the offending folder on the home screen or in the application menu.

Make a long tap on the folder itself. In the context menu that appears, select the "Delete" option or drag the folder to the top of the screen where the basket icon that says "Delete" appears. If the folder has disappeared but shortcuts remain inside, repeat the procedure for each application separately. Sometimes the system requires confirmation of action, especially if the application was used recently.

If standard removal doesn't work, try the following action algorithm. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications. Find an application in the list that is in the folder (e.g. Yandex.Browser or OK). Click on it and look at the Remove button. If it is active, delete safely. If only the "Disable" or "Stop" button is active, then the application is protected by the system and you will need a different approach.

Often users forget that the folder can be part of the theme of the design. If you use a third-party theme from the Themes store, the folder can be part of it, in which case changing the theme to a standard one (Classic or Default) automatically removes unnecessary interface elements, the themes take precedence over standard desktop settings.

Disabling system applications without Root rights

When standard deletion is not possible, the shutdown function comes to the rescue: it doesn't physically delete the application files from memory, but completely hides its icon, stops all processes and prevents startup. For a device, this is equivalent to deletion: the application does not consume battery and does not take up space in RAM.

To turn off the app from the Russia folder, go to Settings → Applications → All apps. Find the app you want in the list. Click on the "Disable" (or "Switch Off") button. The system will issue a warning that the app will stop working. Confirm the action. The icon will disappear from the desktop and the application will disappear from the active list.

⚠️ Warning: Do not disable system components with names like System Framework, Security, or Google Services. Only remove or disable applications you are confident in functionality (browsers, social networks, stores).

This method is especially relevant for users who are afraid to break the warranty or get a “brick” when using complex methods.System security remains high, as application files are stored in the factory partition and can be recovered by factory reset.

But there's a drawback to this method: there's no room for internal storage, it's just not visible, and if you want to free up gigabytes of space, it's not going to work, and you're going to have to use deeper cleaning techniques.

Complete removal through ADB-Teams (for advanced teams)

For those who want to completely clean the memory of the smartphone from garbage, there is a method of using Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This tool allows you to control your device from a computer at a deep level. You will need a PC (Windows, Mac or Linux), USB-cable and on-line debugging USB smartphone.

First, activate Developer Mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly press 7 times on MIUI Version (or OS Version). In the Additional → Developer menu, turn on the USB Debugging Toggle. Connect your phone to your computer and install ADB drivers if they are not already installed.

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 ru.yandex.searchplugin


adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 ru.ok.android




adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.mailru.cloud

The example above shows commands to remove Yandex Search, Odnoklassniki and the Mail.ru cloud. You need to know the exact package name. You can find it through analytics apps or in the debugging menu. Be extremely careful: removing the wrong packet can lead to system failure.

The advantage of ADB is that it removes the application for the current user, effectively making it non-existent on the system, without requiring root rights. Root rights are not required, which preserves the warranty on the device. However, after resetting to the factory settings (Hard Reset), all the applications removed in this way will return, since they physically remain in the system partition.

Use of specialized utilities for cleaning

If you think it's too hard to work with the command line, there are graphical shells for ADB that automate the process. One of the most popular and secure utilities is Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools or Universal Android Debloater. These programs have an interface with buttons and checkboxes, which minimizes the risk of error.

Download the utility to your computer, plug in your smartphone, and launch the program. It automatically determines your Redmi Note model and installed app list. The list will label safe to remove apps. Find the apps that match the contents of the Russia folder in the list, and click Uninstall or Debloater.

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Use Universal Android Debloater (UAD) utility – it has a built-in database of secure packages for Xiaomi and highlights in red those applications, the removal of which can lead to system failure.

It's important to choose only those apps that you don't really use. Some utilities may suggest removing MIUI system components, such as Mi Video or Mi Music. If you use alternatives, they can be removed, but if you're not sure, it's best to leave. The graphical interface makes it easier to do but doesn't take responsibility for the end result.

Once the cleaning process is complete, restart the device. Check the desktop — the Russia folder should disappear with its content. If any shortcuts remain, try removing them using the standard method, as once the main package is removed, they can become normal non-working links.

How to prevent folder appearance during update

Even after a successful cleanup, there is a risk that the Russia folder will return, often after a major MIUI or HyperOS update, when the phone is reset, and to minimize this risk, you need to change some settings at the very beginning of the device's use.

When you first activate your smartphone or reset your settings, the system will prompt you to select a region. Sometimes choosing a region "Russia" will automatically activate the download of regional software. Try selecting an Andorra or Greenland region when you first set up, and then changing the region to the one you want in the settings, which can bypass the folder installation trigger.

Also, you should disable the automatic installation of recommended applications. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Access to data (the path may vary depending on the OS version) and prevent system installers from accessing the network during the initial setup. Network restrictions will prevent the phone from downloading advertising packages in the background.

⚠️ Warning: Changing the region during the initial setup phase may affect some local services such as Mi Pay or weather widgets.

Another method is to use Global ROM instead of the Chinese or Indian version. Global firmware tends to contain less regional garbage, although the trend to add it persists.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Removing the folder “Russia” is a safe customization procedure that returns the user full control over the interface of his Redmi Note, getting rid of the imposed software.