How to remove GITV from Xiaomi TV: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi TVs with MIUI TV or Google TV often come pre-installed with Chinese GITV service, a content streaming platform that automatically starts when the device is turned on. For many users, this application becomes a source of irritation: it takes up space in memory, slows the system and imposes unnecessary content. Unfortunately, standard deletion through the settings menu is usually not available, and disabling does not always work correctly.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to remove GITV from Xiaomi TVs, including hidden settings, disabling via ADB, Factory reset and alternative locking methods. TV 4/4A/4S/4X/5/5X, Redmi Smart TV, and new lines with Google. TV (for example, Xiaomi TV A2/A Particular attention will be paid to security - incorrect actions can lead to a "brick" of the device.

Why GITV cannot be removed by standard methods

The GITV app is built into Xiaomi's firmware at the system services level, which means that:

• 🔹 It is protected from removal as a critical component (even if you do not use it).
• 🔹 Disconnection through Settings → Applications are often reset after rebooting.
• 🔹 On some models (e.g., Mi). TV 5 Pro) GITV Integrated into the launcher and launched with the system.

The manufacturer deliberately limits the ability of users to work with system applications in order to:

1. Comply with license agreements with partners (for example, with Chinese streaming services).
2. Maintain uniformity of the interface on all devices.
3. Prevent unstable TV performance after removing "important" components.

But there are workarounds, and then we'll go from the simplest (disconnect) to the most radical (flash-through).

Method 1: Disable GITV through settings (no root rights)

If you don’t need to completely remove the app, but just hide it and disable auto-start, follow the following steps:

1. Open Settings (cog in the upper right corner of the main screen).
2. Go to the Apps → Installed annexes.
3. Find GITV (may be called com.gitv.tv or com.xiaomi.mitv.gitv).
4. Choose to Disable (if the option is active) or Stop.
5. Uncheck the boxes with AutoRun permission and Show over other windows.

On some firmware, this method only works until the first reboot, to consolidate the result:

Reset the app cache GITV|Disable updates to GITV In the Play Market, if any)|Delete your Xiaomi account (if you don’t use it)|Reboot the TV-->

Limitation: On Google TV models (such as the Xiaomi TV A Pro), this may not work because of a different system architecture.

Method 2: Removal via ADB (no root rights)

A more reliable method is using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which allows you to uninstall the application without obtaining root rights, but requires you to connect the TV to your computer.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📥 Utility. ADB Tools by Google.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on the TV Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About TV. Find the Build Number and press it 7 times in a row. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer Settings. Activate USB Debugging.

USB 3.0

adb devices

You should have a serial number, and if you don't, check the drivers or the cable.

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.gitv.tv

Or for new models:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.mitv.gitv

If the command is executed without errors, the application is removed for the current user (not systemically).

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Before removing through ADB Back up important data (such as saved Wi-Fi passwords or screen settings) and use the adb backup command. -apk -shared -all -f backup.ab

Method 3: Blocking through hosts file (for advanced)

If you can't delete GITV, you can block its access to the Internet by editing the hosts system file, which will prevent content and notifications from downloading.

For this:

1. Get root rights on your TV (like Magisk – but it’s risky and can void the warranty!).
2. Connect to TV via ADB and execute: adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system echo "127.0.0.1 gitv.tv" >> /system/etc/hosts echo "127.0.0.1 api.gitv.tv" >> /system/etc/hosts mount -o ro,remount /system

This method requires technical skills and can lead to unstable operation of the system.

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Editing the hosts file only blocks GITV network activity, but it doesn't delete the app itself. It will remain in memory, but it will stop loading the system.

Method 4: Resetting to factory settings

The last method is to completely reset the TV, which will delete all user data, including the apps installed, but return the system to its original state. GITV will remain, but all its settings will reset.

How to reset:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Reset and Recovery.
2. Select Resetting (sometimes called Factory Resetting).
3. Confirm the action (it may be necessary to enter) PIN-code).

If you do, follow the instructions from the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums for your model, for example, Mi TV 4A has ready-made firmware without GITV, but the installation process includes:

1. Unlock the bootloader via fastboot.
2. Installation of custom recavery (TWRP).
3. Flash firmware via adb sideload.

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Before you run the firmware, check the version's compatibility with your model! Installing the wrong firmware can "brick" the TV.

Alternative Solutions: How to Live with GITV if It Can't Be Deleted

If none of these things worked or you don’t want to take risks, you can minimize the impact of GITV on your TV.

• 📺 Install an alternative launcher (for example, ATV A launcher or a Wolf Launcher from Play Market. This will hide the standard interface with the GITV.
• 🔕 Turn off the Internet for the application through Settings → Annexes → GITV → Mobile data and Wi-Fi (if available).
• 🛡️ Use a router-level ad blocker (such as Pi-hole) to block domains. GITV.
• 🔄 Clean the cache regularly GITV through settings → Annexes → Warehouse.

You can also try to “deceive” the system:

1. Create a second user on the system (if supported) and use it as the primary user – a new GITV profile may be less intrusive.
2. Set up parental controls and block the launch of GITV (in some firmware, this works).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to remove GITV, users often face problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

Warning: If the TV starts to slow down or get out of the way after the GITV manipulation, reset the settings, which restores performance in 90% of cases.

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Never remove system applications that have com.android or com.xiaomi.system names, which can make your TV out of order!

FAQ: Answers to popular questions