What to delete on Xiaomi: a secure list of applications, files and system debris

Xiaomi MIUI-based smartphones are known for their functionality, but users often face memory problems. Even on new 128GB devices, the freer space is melting away because of pre-installed apps, cache, duplicate files and system debris. In this article, we will discuss what can be removed on Xiaomi without harming the system, and what is better to abandon, so as not to disrupt the stability of MIUI.

It’s important to understand that not all files and programs are equally useful. For example, removing standard Google services can cause Google Play to crash, and cleaning the cache of some system applications can slow down the interface. We analyzed Xiaomi’s official recommendations, user reviews and tests on Redmi, POCO and Mi devices to make an up-to-date list of safe items to remove.

Xiaomi apps: What can be removed

The manufacturer installs dozens of apps on smartphones, many of which duplicate features or are not used at all, and here is a list of apps that can be removed without consequences:

• 📱 Mi Browser – Xiaomi browser (can be replaced with Chrome or Firefox).
• 🎵 Mi Music - standard player (alternatives: Spotify, YouTube Music).
• 📺 Mi Video - Video player (replaced with video player) VLC or MX Player).
• 📖 Mi Reader – a book reading app (few people use it).
• 💬 Mi Community – Xiaomi forum (useful only for brand enthusiasts).
• 🛒 GetApps - a branded app store (duplicates Google Play).
• 🎮 Game Turbo – utility for gamers (you can turn off if you do not play).

To remove these programs, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management, select the right one and click “Delete.” If the button is inactive, then the application is system – it can only be disabled (more about this below).

⚠️ Note: Do not delete Mi Security (antivirus), Mi Account (Xiaomi account) and Services & Feedback – this may disrupt updates and syncs.

On some models (such as the POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12), some applications are hidden from the user. To see them, turn on the system processes display in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times).

System applications: what can be disabled (but not removed)

Some programs can't be removed, but you can turn them off so they don't waste memory or run in the background. Here's a list of safe systems to disable:

• 📡 Mi Roaming – roaming service (needed only abroad).
• 🔊 Mi Sound Recorder – voice recorder (unless you use voice recording).
• 📍 Mi Location – geolocation service (disable if you don’t use Xiaomi cards).
• 📦 Download Manager – Download Manager (can be replaced by a third-party manager).
• 📱 Second Space – Second Desktop function (useful only for separating personal and work data).

To turn off, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three dots (menu) → Show all the processes. Find the right application, click “Disable.” It will disappear from the menu and stop consuming resources.

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Before disabling system applications, check if you are using associated features. For example, disabling Mi Location can disrupt navigation in Google Maps if it depends on Xiaomi services.

On devices with MIUI 14 and newer system applications are protected from shutdown. ADB-team:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.package.name

Replace com.xiaomi.package.name with the real name of the package (you can find out through the App Inspector app from Google Play).

Cache and temporary files: how to clean up without harm

Cache speeds up applications, but over time it takes up gigabytes of memory, and you can safely clear the cache to:

• 📱 Social networks (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) – they accumulate up to 1-2 GB of cache).
• 🎮 Games, especially PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact – Cache can weigh 3-5 GB).
• 📺 Media players (YouTube, Netflix – store temporary video files).
• 🗺️ Maps (Google Maps, Yandex.Maps – cache of cards takes hundreds of megabytes).

Clearing the cache does not delete important data (saves, logins, settings), and this can be done in two ways:

1. Through settings: Settings → Storage → Cleanup → Cache of applications.
2. Manual for each application: Settings → Applications → Select the application → Storage → Clear the cache.

⚠️ Note: Do not clear the cache of system applications (Android System, MIUI System, Google Play Services – this can lead to slowdown of the interface and update errors.

On devices with MIUI 13/14 There is a function "Deep cleaning" (Settings) → Warehouse → Deep cleaning. It removes not only the cache, but also the unnecessary cache. APK-files, duplicate photos and residual data from remote applications. Use it once in a while. 1–2 month.

Files and folders: What can be manually deleted

In the memory of the smartphone accumulate unnecessary files that can be deleted through Explorer or Google Files. Here is a list of safe folders and files for deletion:

To delete, use Explorer (preinstalled in MIUI) or Google Files. Be careful with Android/obb folders, which store game data. Only delete the files of games that have already been deleted.

On devices with MIUI 14+, there is a built-in storage analyzer (Settings → Storage → Analysis) that shows which files take up the most space and suggests removing them. Use this feature to avoid missing large, unnecessary files (such as old videos or APKs).

Autoboot Optimization: What You Can Disable

Many apps run automatically when you turn on your phone, consuming memory and battery power. MIUI has a tool to manage autoboot: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Autostart.

List of applications that can be disabled in the autoload:

• 📱 Social media (Facebook, VK, Twitter – They are already updated in the background).
• 🎮 Playing games (if you don’t play daily).
• 🛒 Stores (AliExpress, Wildberries – not needed in the boot).
• 📰 News applications (Yandex.News, Google News).
• 📊 Fitness trackers (Google Fit, Mi Fitness – if you don’t use them all the time).

Turning off autoboot does not remove applications, but only prevents them from automatically starting.This reduces the load on RAM and increases battery life.

⚠️ Note: Do not turn off auto-start for Google Play Services, MIUI System and Telecom – This can disrupt calls and updates.

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Disabling autoboot for 10-15 unnecessary applications can increase the battery life of the smartphone by 15-20% (according to the tests on the Redmi Note 11 and POCO X5 Pro).

Removing duplicates and unnecessary media files

Photos, videos and music are often duplicated, taking up extra space. MIUI has a built-in tool for finding duplicates: Gallery → Albums → Duplicates. You can also use third-party apps:

• 📸 Google Photos – Looks for similar photos and suggests removing them.
• 🗃️ Files by Google – Finds duplicate files and large, unnecessary media.
• 🎵 Duplicate Files Fixer – a specialized application for searching for duplicates.

Before removing duplicates, check:

1. Quality of images (sometimes the duplicates have different resolution).
2. Date of creation (may be important for memories)
3. Storage location (some duplicates are stored in the cloud, not on the device).

On devices with MIUI 14, there is a function called Storage Optimization, which automatically finds:

• 📸 Blurred photos.
• 🎥 Repeated videos.
• 📄 Screenshots over 30 days.
• 🎵 Unclaimed music.

To use it, go to the Gallery → Settings → Storage optimization.

What can not be deleted on Xiaomi (critical files and folders)

Some files and folders can't be deleted, or the smartphone will stop working or lose important functions.

Also, you cannot remove:

• 📱 Applications with Administrator Rights (e.g. Device Policy).
• 🔒 Files with.odex extension (required for system applications).
• 📋 folder Android/secure (Stores secure application data).

If you accidentally delete a critical file, try recovering it via MIUI Backup (if backup was enabled) or reflash your phone through the Mi Flash Tool.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi cleanup