How to permanently disable standard messaging on Xiaomi: 5 working ways

The standard Messages app on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones is often a source of annoyance, not only duplicating WhatsApp or Telegram features, but also consuming battery power, sending spam notifications, and sometimes even automatically activating mobile internet to download MMS, which leads to unexpected costs. If you want to get rid of the built-in messenger, this article will help you do it right, without risking disrupting the system.

Unlike most Android stock apps, the standard MIUI messenger cannot be removed in the classic way through the Apps menu. However, there are workarounds: from simply hiding the icon to completely disabling through ADB or editing system files. We will look at all the current methods, including the nuances for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14) and smartphone models – from the budget Redmi Note 10 to the flagship Xiaomi 13 Ultra.

Why can’t you just delete the Messages app?

The built-in MIUI is a system application that is tightly integrated into the shell, and cannot be uninstalled through standard settings for two reasons:

• 🔒 Service dependency: the application is associated with TelephonyProvider modules and MIUI System responsible for processing SMS/MMS job SIM-map.
• 📱 Xiaomi policy: the manufacturer blocks the removal of key applications to ensure the stability of the phone (even if you do not use them).
• ⚠️ Failure risk: Forced removal via root can lead to errors in calls or loss of dual functionality SIM.

However, there are legal ways to disable the messenger so that it does not interfere with the work, and below we will analyze them by the degree of complexity, from the simplest to the most advanced.

Method 1: Hiding the application icon (without disabling)

If you're annoyed by the presence of an icon on your desktop, but you sometimes need SMS functionality (for example, to get confirmation codes), just hide the application. It won't shut it down completely, but it will take away from you.

Instructions for MIUI 12/13/14:

1. Press and hold your finger on the Messages icon.
2. In the menu that appears, select Remove (or Hide, depending on the version).
3. Confirm the action. The icon will disappear from the desktop, but the application will remain on the menu of all applications.

To hide it from the general list:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find “Messages” in the list and tap it.
3. Choose Hide the app (not available on all models).

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If the “Hide” option is missing, try adding the application to the folder on the desktop called “Unnecessary” – so it will not catch your eye.

Method 2: Disabling notifications from the messenger

If the main problem is spam or unnecessary notifications about new SMS, you can turn off notifications, leaving the application itself working, this is true for users who sometimes receive important messages (for example, from a bank).

How to disable notifications:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Messages.
2. Select Notifications.
3. Turn off the Allow Notifications switch.
4. For a complete ban, also disable the options: 🔔 Sound. 📳 Vibration. 💡 LED indicator

Additionally, you can prevent the application from automatically downloading MMS (this saves traffic):

1. Open the "Messages" app**.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to the Supplementary → Autoboot MMS and turn off the option.

Method 3: Prohibit SMS from being sent via operator (for savings)

Many users do not realize that the standard messenger MIUI can send SMS without permission – for example, to confirm registration in Xiaomi services or synchronize data – this leads to unexpected costs, especially if you have unlimited only on the Internet, and SMS is paid.

To prevent the application from sending messages:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-map.
3. Turn off the Sending option SMS (or SMS-center, depending on the model).
4. Return to Settings → Applications → Messages → Permissions and disable access to SMS.

⚠️ Note: After that, you will not be able to send SMS Even through other apps (e.g. Google Messages or banking services). If you need selective blocking, use method 4 or 5.

Method 4: Disconnect via ADB (without root rights)

If previous methods don’t work, you can completely deactivate the Messages app using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which doesn’t require superuser rights, but requires connecting the phone to a computer.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI until the notification “You’ve become a developer” appears.

Settings → Additional → For Developers

USB debugging

ADB

Android Studio

Minimal ADB and Fastboot

Terminal

adb devices

Make sure your phone is on the list.

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.mms

Some versions of MIUI may require an alternative command:

adb shell pm hide com.android.mms

Once you've done the command, the app will disappear from the menu and stop working. To get it back, use:

adb shell pm enable com.android.mms

Method 5: Remove via TWRP (for advanced users)

This is a radical method that requires an unlocked bootloader and a customized TWRP recap. It is suitable for those who already have firmware experience and are prepared for potential risks (such as loss of warranty).

Instructions:

1. Make a backup of your data via TWRP (required!).
2. Download the module for Magisk or find the com.android.mms.apk file in the system section (/system/priv-app/Mms or /system/app/Mms).
3. Boot to TWRP (hold Power + Volume up when turned on).
4. Go to Advanced → File Manager and delete the folder with the application or a specific.apk file.
5. Reboot the phone.
6. Restore the standard messenger: For ADB: run the command adb shell pm enable com.android.mms. For TWRP: run the stock firmware through Fastboot.

If SMS does not come even after the messenger is restored, check:

• 📶 Settings SMS-the operator's center (sometimes they get lost after manipulating system files).
• 🔄 Reboot your phone in Safe Mode (hold the power button) → Reboot in Safe Mode).
• 📱 Update MIUI Up to the latest version (new builds fix bugs with the SMS).

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If you use two-factor authentication (2FA) via SMS, never delete your system messenger without installing an alternative. Otherwise, you may lose access to your accounts!

FAQ: Frequent questions about disabling the Xiaomi messenger