How to completely remove unnecessary tabs on Xiaomi: from the browser to system applications

If you own a Xiaomi smartphone based on MIUI, you probably faced the problem of unnecessary tabs in the browser, duplicate screens on the desktop or system applications that take up space but are not used. Unlike “pure” Android, Xiaomi firmware often adds its own services that can not always be removed by standard methods. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to get rid of unnecessary tabs – from simple settings to deep changes in the system.

It is important to understand that the term “tabs” in the context of Xiaomi can mean different things: 1) tabs in the Mi Browser or Google Chrome browser, 2) additional screens on the main launcher, 3) system applications that create background processes (for example, Mi Video or Mi Music).

Each case requires a different approach, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and we'll look at all options with the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS in mind.

Before you start, make sure you have a backup of important data.Some methods (especially using ADB) can cause crashes if done incorrectly.Also remember: Xiaomi system applications are often linked - removing one can disrupt the other.

1. Removal of tabs in the Xiaomi browser (Mi Browser)

Xiaomi’s standard Mi Browser browser is known for keeping tabs even after the app is closed.This not only takes up RAM, but can also lead to data leaks. To completely remove all tabs (including history and cache), do the following:

• 📱 Open the Mi Browser and tap the icon three dots (menu) in the lower right corner.
• 🗑️ Choose Close all tabs → confirm.
• 🔍 Go to Settings. → Confidentiality → Clear the data.
• ✅ Tick “History”, “Cash”, “Cookies” and click “Clear.

If the tabs continue to recover after the reboot, the problem may be syncing with the Mi Account to disable this feature:

1. Go to the browser settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Turn off the "Tab Sync" option.
3. Perform a re-cleaning of the data (see the instructions above).

⚠️ Note: In some versions MIUI Mi Browser cannot be completely deleted without root rights, but it can be disabled via Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Mi Browser → This will stop background activity, but it won't delete the application files.

2. How to remove unnecessary screens (tabs) on the desktop

The MIUI launcher defaults to creating multiple work screens (tabs), even if they're empty, and you can remove them in two ways:

Method 1: Through launcher settings

• 🖱️ Press the empty space on the main screen before the vibration appears.
• 📊 Slip on the screen settings icon (cog at the bottom).
• 🗃️ In the Screen Management section, swipe left/right extra screens and click Delete.

Method 2: Resetting the launcher settings

If the screens do not delete or return after rebooting, reset:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the MIUI Launcher (or Lawnchair if you use an alternative launcher).
3. Select Warehouse. → Clear the data.
4. Confirm the action - this will return the launcher to the factory settings (tabs will disappear, but you will have to adjust the icons again).

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If after removing the screens there are “empty” places, drag widgets or icons to the main screen – the system automatically optimizes the location.

3. Removal of system applications (tabs) without root

Many of the tabs in Xiaomi are background processes of system applications (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music, GetApps) that cannot be removed in the standard way, but can be disabled or removed through ADB (without loss of warranty).

Method 1: Disconnection through settings

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Find an unnecessary app (e.g. Mi Video).
• ⚙️ Press Turn Off. → confirm.
• 🗑️ For complete cleaning, tap storage → Clear the cache/data.

Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root)

This method requires connecting the smartphone to the PC and using the ADB command. It is safe if you follow the instructions:

1. Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack the archive.
2. Turn on the phone Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in Settings → About phone).
3. Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
4. Connect your phone to your PC, open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux) in the folder with Platform Tools.
5. Enter the command: Adb devices Make sure the device is identified.
6. To uninstall an app (such as Mi Video), follow: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer A list of packages for popular Xiaomi apps, see the table below.

⚠️ Note: Removing system applications through ADB It can lead to errors in the work MIUI, If you delete critical components (e.g. com.miui.home) always check the name of the packet before removing it!

4.Resetting the launcher to factory settings

If you have ghost tabs or duplicate icons on the home screen after all the manipulations, a full launcher reset will help, which does not affect user data, but will return the icons to the standard view.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the MIUI Launcher (or POCO Launcher if you have POCO).
3. Slip the vault. → Clear the data.
4. Confirm the action - the phone will restart, and the launcher will be updated.

After discharge:

• 🔄 All widgets and icons will return to standard places.
• 🗑️ Extra screens (tabs) will disappear.
• ⚙️ Signs and themes will be dropped to the factory.

5. Alternative launchers: how to get rid of tabs forever

If standard methods don't work, the best solution is to install a third-party launcher that allows you to completely control the number of screens, hide unnecessary applications and customize the interface for yourself.

• 🌟 Nova Launcher – flexible settings, gesture support, the ability to hide applications.
• 🎨 Lawnchair is a lightweight open source launcher optimized for MIUI.
• ⚡ Microsoft Launcher – Windows integration, minimalist design.
• 🔧 Action Launcher – unique features like Shutters (fast action for icons).

How to install and configure:

1. Download the launcher from Google Play.
2. After installation, click Home and select the new launcher as the main one.
3. In the launcher settings, find the "Working Screens" or "Home Screens" section.
4. Remove the extra screens with a swipe up/down (depending on the launcher).
5. Hide unnecessary apps through the Hidden Apps menu.

Advantages of third-party launchers:

• ✅ No Advertising and Unnecessary Tabs from Xiaomi.
• ✅ Ability to back up settings.
• ✅ Support for design themes and icons.
• ✅ Optimized work with operational memory.

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The launcher side is the only way to completely get rid of MIUI system tabs without root rights. However, some features (such as the always active Google Discover assistant) may remain.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When you delete tabs on Xiaomi, users often face typical problems. Here's how to solve them:

Another common mistake is to remove critical system applications, such as if you delete com.miui.home, the phone may stop loading, and always check the list of safe packets to remove before using ADB.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3 Pro) GetApps (Mi App Store) cannot be removed via ADB Instead, turn it off in the settings and hide the icon through the launcher.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions