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

Why users want to get rid of Google on Xiaomi and when it really is necessary

Google services are deeply integrated into MIUI firmware and the new HyperOS, but not all owners of Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones are willing to put up with their work. The main reasons for wanting to turn off Google are data collection (including geolocation and search history), background activity that drains the battery, and intrusive notifications from services like Google Play Services or Google App.

But before we start taking drastic measures, it’s important to understand that completely removing Google services will deprive you of access to the Play Market, Gmail, YouTube and other apps linked to your Google account, which is critical if you use Google Pay for contactless payments or Google Photos for backup, and in such cases it’s wise to limit yourself to a partial shutdown, such as banning background syncs or removing unnecessary apps.

In this article, we will discuss 5 ways – from the safest (disconnect synchronization) to extreme measures (delete via ADB or flash to custom firmware without GApps). Each method is tested on the current versions of MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS (for models Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12/13, POCO F5/X5).

Method 1: Disabling synchronization with Google account

The easiest and safest method is to suspend syncing with your Google account, which will not delete services, but will reduce their activity in the background and reduce battery consumption, which is suitable if you want to keep access to the Play Market, but do not need to back up contacts, calendar or photos.

To turn off synchronization:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Sync (the HyperOS path may differ: Settings → Memory and Sync → Accounts).
2. Select your Google account (usually displayed as your email).
3. Click Account Sync and turn off all switches (Contacts, Calendar, Disc, Photos, etc.).
4. Go back and click Delete Account – don’t be afraid, it will only remove the device’s binding, but not the data from the cloud.

⚠️ Note: After deleting your account, some apps (such as Gmail or YouTube) will require re-signing in, and apps from the Play Market will stop updating unless you add your account back.

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If you only need app updates without data synchronization, add your account back, but disable all sync points in its settings.

Method 2: Remove unnecessary Google apps manually

Many Google services can be removed as regular apps if they are not system-based, such as Google Duo, Google Podcasts or Google TV are often installed by default but are not critical to the system's operation.

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 In the search box, type the name of an unnecessary application (for example, Duo or Podcasts).
• 🗑️ Click Delete (if the button is active). If you turn it off instead, it means the application is system (see Method 4).

Below is a list of Google apps that can be safely removed without any system consequences:

⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to remove Google Play Services, Google Services Framework or Google Play Store through standard settings, which will result in critical system failures. ADB (see method 4).

Method 3: Turn off background activity of Google services

If you don’t want to delete apps, but they drain your battery or load your CPU, you can limit their background work, especially for Google Play Services, which often consumes up to 10-15% of its charge per day.

Instructions for limitation:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Google Play Services (or another problem app).
3. Choose the Battery. → Limit background activity.
4. Activate the Limit option and confirm the action.

In addition, it is possible to:

• 🚫 Disallow AutoRun: In the application settings, select AutoRun and disable it.
• 📵 Limiting Mobile Traffic: Mobile Data → Limit background traffic.
• 🔔 Disable notifications: Notifications → Shut it down.

💡 Useful tip: After restricting Google Play Services, some apps (like Google Maps) may run slower or require manual updates.If critical, return settings back.

Disable account synchronization|Remove unnecessary applications (Duo, Podcasts, etc.)|Limit background activity of Google Play Services|Prohibit Auto-Run for Google App|Disable notifications from Google services-->

Method 4: Remove Google System Applications via ADB (for Advanced)

If previous methods have failed and Google system applications (such as Google Play Services or Google Play Store) are disruptive, they can be removed via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a risky method that can lead to unstable system operation, but it gives maximum control.

🔧 What's the matter:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

📌 Step-by-step instruction:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must display the serial number of your device.
4. Remove an unnecessary application (example for Google Play Services): adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.gms Other packages: com.google.android.gsf - Google Services Framework com.android.vending - Google Play Market com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox - Google App (search)

⚠️ Attention: Deleting Google Play Services could break Google Pay, Gmail, YouTube and other apps that depend on it.If there are problems after deleting, restore the app with a command:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.google.android.gms

Method 5: Firmware on custom firmware without Google (for experts)

If you are willing to take drastic measures and completely get rid of Google services, you can install custom firmware without GApps.

• 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary services.
• 🔄 Pixel Experience – Google Pixel-style firmware, but with the ability to remove GApps.
• 🛡️ GrapheneOS – privacy-focused (requires Project Treble support).

⚠️ Note: Flashing resets all data and may result in a loss of warranty. L1 for Netflix HD) They may stop working before they start:

1. Make a full backup through TWRP or adb backup.
2. Unlock Bootloader (instructions on the official Xiaomi website).
3. Install custom Recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox).

🔗 Where to download firmware:

• LineageOS (official builds for many Xiaomi models)
• Pixel Experience (unofficial builds with or without GApps support)
• GrapheneOS (only for Project Treble-enabled devices)

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Custom firmware without Google is only suitable for advanced users, and for most tasks, it is enough to disable synchronization or remove unnecessary applications through ADB.

What to do if key functions stop working after Google shutdown

If you’ve removed critical services (like Google Play Services) and experienced problems, here are some ways to get things back up:

💡 Alternatives to Google Services:

• 📧 Mail: FairEmail or K-9 Mail (supported) IMAP).
• 🗺️ Maps: OsmAnd or Yandex.Maps.
• 📁 Cloud: Nextcloud or Mega.
• 🎵 Music: VLC Poweramp (local files).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Google’s disabling on Xiaomi