What Xiaomi system apps can be removed without harming your phone

Why are there so many unnecessary apps on Xiaomi?

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are famous for their rich functionality, but with them, users get dozens of pre-installed apps, from branded services to affiliate software, many of which are never used, but occupy precious space in memory and background resource consumption, especially on budget models with 32-64 GB of storage, where every megabyte is in the account.

To make matters worse, MIUI is actively integrating system services into the shell, with some applications responsible for synchronizing, updating, or even basic functions like calls. Removing the “extra” can make room and lead to critical failures such as not being able to connect to a mobile network or use a camera.

In this article, we will discuss:

• 🔍 How to distinguish safe to remove applications from critical
• ⚙️ Step-by-step removal instructions (including hidden techniques for power users)
• ⚠️ The consequences of careless actions and how to correct them
• 📱 Some recommendations for popular models (Redmi Note 10, POCO X3, Mi 11 and others.)

What Xiaomi System Apps Can Be Uninstalled Without Risk

The first rule is, don't delete everything. Even if the app name seems useless (e.g., com.xiaomi.mipicks), it may be related to the theme or update store, and we've compiled a list of trusted, secure candidates that don't affect system stability, and they're all divided into 3 categories:

• 📱 Xiaomi branded services (can be removed if not used): Mi Video, Mi Music, Mi Browser, Mi Pay, Mi Credit (India only), Mi Community.
• 🤝 Partner apps (installed under agreements with the manufacturer): Facebook, Netflix (if you do not use), LinkedIn, Amazon Shopping, Booking.com.
• 🔄 Duplicate system utilities: Calendar (if you use Google Calendar), Email (if you configure Gmail), FM Radio (if you don't listen to the radio).

For convenience, we have compiled a table with an assessment of the risk of removal and alternatives:

Important! Apps with risk 3 or higher should only be removed if you are sure they are not useful. For example, com.miui.cleanmaster is responsible for automatic cache cleaning - without it, the phone can start to "brake" over time.

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Before deleting, check if the application is connected to the function you are using. for example, com.xiaomi.scanner is responsible for the application. QR-Scanner in the notification curtain – without it, this option will disappear.

How to Uninstall System Apps on Xiaomi: 3 Ways

The method of removing depends on your level of training and phone model, and we will look at the options from the simplest (without root) to the most advanced (using ADB).

1. Disconnect via settings (without root)

The safest method is not to delete, but to disable unnecessary applications, which will free up RAM and prevent auto-run, but the files will remain in the system.

Open Settings → Applications → Application Management

Select an unneeded app (e.g. Mi Music)

Click Disable (if the button is inactive – the application is critical to the system)

Confirm the action.-->

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. com.xiaomi.misettings) cannot be turned off, which will cause errors in the settings menu.

2. Removal via ADB (without root but with PC)

For power users, the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is suitable, allowing you to remove applications without superuser rights, but requires a connection to a computer.

Instructions:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the adb.exe folder.
3. Enter the command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks (replace com.xiaomi.mipicks with the desired application package).

3. Removal with root rights (for advanced)

If you have Magisk or another root management system installed, you can remove applications directly through a file manager (such as Root Explorer).

1. Open the manager and go to /system/app or /system/priv-app.
2. Find a folder with the name of the application (for example, MiBrowser).
3. Rename it by adding.bak at the end (e.g. MiBrowser.bak).
4. Reboot the phone.

Warning: Deleting files from /system can lead to bootloop.Always backup the system partition before making changes!

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Removal through ADB (pm uninstall -k --user 0) It is safer than root because it does not affect system files – the application simply “hidden” to the current user and can be recovered by resetting.

What happens if you remove an important system application?

The consequences depend on which part of MIUI you've touched on, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:

• 📵 Mobile network or Wi-Fi is not working: applications like com.android.phone or com.xiaomi.connectivity are to blame. Solution: Restore a remote application via the Internet. ADB: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.phone
• 🔒 Settings do not open: com.android.settings is deleted or com.xiaomi.misettings is deleted. Solution: reset your phone to factory settings or reflash through the Mi Flash Tool.
• 📷 Camera is not working: com.android.camera or com.xiaomi.camera is missing.Solution: install custom firmware or return the app via backup.
• 🔄 The phone is constantly rebooting: a critical error in com.xiaomi.finddevice (device search service) or com.lbe.security (security). Solution: only complete flashing.

💡 Tip: Before mass removal, backup through adb backup or TWRP. This will allow you to restore the system in 10-15 minutes instead of the hours spent on flashing.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 8 Pro, POCO F1) Deleting com.xiaomi.xmsf (Push Notification Service) makes it impossible to receive SMS. This is due to the peculiarities of the implementation of the communication module in MediaTek chips.

Features for popular Xiaomi models

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are the same, even within the same lineup, for example, POCO often does not have branded Mi Credit or Mi Pay services, but there are its own “chips” like com.poco.launcher.

🔍 For owners. POCO F3 Xiaomi 12: These models use dynamic memory allocation (RAM Expansion), so deleting com.xiaomi.gamecenter.sdk.service can lead to lower gaming performance.

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On smartphones with AMOLED-Do not delete com.xiaomi.ambient (for example, Mi 11 Lite) – this application is responsible for the Always-On Display function.

How to Restore a Remote System Application

If the phone starts to behave unstable after cleaning, don't panic - in most cases, the apps can be returned. Here are 3 proven ways:

• 🔧 Through Mi Flash Tool: Complete phone flashing from the official Xiaomi website (instructions: link).

⚠️ Warning: If the phone doesn’t turn on after uninstalling the app (hangs on the logo), try going to Fastboot (click Power). + Vol−) execute:

fastboot flash system system.img

(Pre-download the official firmware for your model.)

For devices with a locked bootloader (Redmi Note 11, Xiaomi 12T) you may need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool – this erases all data!

Removal Alternatives: How to Optimize Xiaomi Without Risk

Removing system applications isn't the only way to free up space and speed up your phone. Here are 5 safe alternatives:

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache. This will free up 1-3 GB without removing applications.
• ❄️ Freeze through Greenify: Greenify app (requires root) allows you to “sleep” unnecessary services without removing them.
• 🔄 Transfer to SD-Map: In Settings → Apps select the application and click Transfer to SD (It does not work on all models).
• 📁 Removing duplicates: Use Files by Google or SD Maid to find duplicate files.
• 🚫 Disabling Autostart: In Settings → Permits → Auto-run disable unnecessary applications.

💡 For models with MIUI 13/14: In the new versions of the shell appeared the function "Light mode" (Settings) → Special facilities → Light mode), which disables animations and background processes, saving up to 20% charge and resources.

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If your goal is to just free up space, start by cleaning up the cache and deleting user data (photos, videos, downloads). System applications take up an average of only 1-2 GB, whereas user garbage takes up 10-15 GB.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing system applications on Xiaomi