How to safely remove system applications on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi smartphones are packed out of the box with dozens of pre-installed apps, from MIUI-branded services to affiliate software like Facebook, Netflix, or LinkedIn. Many of them can't be uninstalled by standard means, but they take up space in memory, use up battery power in the background, and can collect data. If you want to make room or get rid of unnecessary software, this guide will help you do it without harming the system.

It is important to understand that removing system applications is an interference with firmware that can lead to unstable device operation, MIUI update errors or even a "brick" (complete failure).We will look at methods of varying degrees of risk, from safe shutdown to complete removal with root rights. Choose a method commensurate with your technical skills and readiness for possible consequences.

Why you can’t just remove system applications through settings

In MIUI (as in other custom Android shells), system applications are protected from accidental removal, not for the whim of the manufacturer, but for the stability of the OS.

• 🔗 Dependencies between components: For example, the com.miui.analytics application is associated with update and security services. MIUI Updater.
• 📱 System functionality: Services like com.android.phone are responsible for mobile communications, and their removal will lead to the loss of the network.
• 🔄 Firmware updates: After update MIUI remote-system APK They can be automatically restored and their absence will cause errors during installation.

Even if you managed to delete the application through Settings → Apps, chances are you just disabled it for the user and the files remained in the system.

⚠️ Note: On devices with HyperOS (the new shell Xiaomi, which has replaced the new model) MIUI) The system application protection system became more stringent. MIUI 12-14, It can be blocked in HyperOS.

Method 1: Disable system applications without root rights (the safest)

If your goal is simply to hide unnecessary applications and prevent them from working in the background, just disable them through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires no root rights and reversible:

1. Turn on USB debugging on your smartphone: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the item to activate Developer Mode. Then go back to Settings → Additional → Developer Tools and enable debugging.
2. Connect your phone to your PC, install it. ADB-Drivers and open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is displayed, execute the deactivation command (replace package.name to the application package name): adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 package.name

Examples of deactivation packets:

• 📺 com.miui.video — Mi Video
• 🎵 com.miui.player — Mi Music
• 📊 com.miui.analytics – analytics service (disable gently!)

Download platform-tools from the official Android website

Enable debugging over USB on Xiaomi

Connect your phone to your PC and confirm trust

Check the list of packages by the command `adb shell pm list packages | grep miui`

Create a backup copy of important data-->

To return the application, use:

adb shell cmd package install-existing package.name

⚠️ Note: Disabling services like com.xiaomi.finddevice (device search) or com.miui.securitycenter (security) may disrupt Xiaomi Cloud and virus protection functions.

Method 2: Remove via TWRP (unlocked bootloader required)

If you’re willing to go further than just disabling, you can remove system APKs through custom recovery TWRP. This method is suitable for users who:

• 🔓 Bootloader has been unlocked (the procedure erases all data!)
• 📱 Installed. TWRP for their Xiaomi model
• 🔄 Backup of Nandroid (full system backup)

Instructions:

1. Boot to TWRP (clip Power + Volume up when turned on).
2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
3. Open the folders: /system/app – custom system applications, /system/priv-app – critical services (remove carefully!).
4. Find a folder with the name of the application (for example, MiBrowser) and delete it with a swipe.
5. Reboot. If the device doesn't start, restore the backup via TWRP.

💡

Before removing through TWRP copy the deleted APK-PC files can be restored manually if something goes wrong.

Method 3: Magisk and App Systemizer

If you have root rights (installed by Magisk), you can move system applications to the user area and then remove them as normal APKs.

Steps:

1. Install the App Systemizer module via Magisk.
2. In the module settings, select the application from the system list and click Convert to User App.
3. Restart the device. Now the application can be removed in a standard way through Settings → Applications.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ No need to edit system sections
• ✅ Easy to roll back (just reset it). APK)
• ✅ The app can be updated through the Play Market

⚠️ Note: Not all system applications can be converted to custom ones, for example, com.android.settings or com.miui.home will remain system-based.

Disconnection through ADB

Removal via TWRP

Transfer to the user area (Magisk)

Do not risk removing system applications-->

Method 4: Manual firmware editing (for experienced)

This is a method that is suitable for those who know how to work with a firmware image and are ready for possible errors, the essence is to unpack the official MIUI firmware, remove unnecessary APKs, and then flash the modified version.

Tools:

• 🖥️ MIUI ROM Editor – for editing firmware
• 📦 What happens if you flash a modified firmware with errors? The device can get stuck on the Mi logo (bootloop), not turn on at all (hard brick), or lose functionality (for example, the camera or mobile network will stop working). To restore the working capacity will only help the firmware of the original MIUI This method allows you to permanently get rid of unnecessary applications, but requires deep knowledge. An error in the editing or firmware stage can lead to irreversible damage to the device. Method 5: Alternative to removal – replacement with lightweight versions If the risks of removing system applications scare you, consider replacing them with lightweight analogues. For example: System application Alternative Benefits of Mi Browser Firefox Focus Lock trackers, less battery consumption Mi Music VLC Support for all formats, no advertising Gallery MIUI Simple Gallery Quick work, no data collection How to replace: Disable the system application via ADB (See Method 1. Install an alternative from Play Market. Assign it as the default app in Settings → Annexes → By default. 💡Replacing system applications with analogues is the safest way to free up resources without risking stability. MIUI. What to do if after removing system applications Xiaomi does not turn on If after manipulating system files the device: 🔄 It hangs on the logo (bootloop), 📵 It does not respond to the buttons (hard brick), ⚠️ Issues errors when booting, act on the following algorithm: Hard reboot: pinch Power + Loudness down for 10-15 seconds. Sometimes it helps to get out of bootloop. TWRP: Boot in. TWRP. Choose Restore and restore the backup (if you did). If you don't have a backup, run the original firmware through Install. → Select Image. Fastboot firmware (if) TWRP Unavailable: Download the official firmware for your model. Unpack it and run it through the Mi Flash Tool in clean all mode. If the device doesn't respond at all (hard brick), you will need to: 🔌 Connect the phone to the PC in mode EDL (flash-fix). 🖥️ Use tools like Mi Flash Pro or QFil to run through the 9008 port. ⚠️ Attention: Firmware in mode EDL Requires an authorized Xiaomi account (for new models) on devices with a locked bootloader, this method may not work without an official unlocker. FAQ: Frequent questions about removing Xiaomi system applications Can system applications be removed without root rights? Yes, but only disable them for the current user through ADB (see Method 1). Complete removal without root rights is impossible, as it requires access to the system partition. /system. What Xiaomi system applications can be removed without risk: 📺 com.miui.video — Mi Video, 🎵 com.miui.player — Mi Music, 📰 com.miui.notes - Notes, 📧 com.android.email - Mail. Do not delete: 🚫 com.miui.home - launcher, 🚫 com.android.phone – phone calls, 🚫 com.miui.securitycenter: Security center: Will remote applications recover after update MIUI? Yeah, I'm fine (OTA) Update through Settings → Update Remote System Updates APK To avoid this, update through TWRP, Remove unnecessary packages from the firmware. Use Magisk modules to block recovery (e.g., Disable Flag Secure). How do you know which system application is responsible for what? Use utilities: 🔍 App Analyzer – Shows Dependencies and Resolutions. 📊 📖 Read also How to prevent Xiaomi and Android from killing apps in the background: 7 working ways Step-by-step instructions, how to disable automatic termination of programs in the background on Xiaomi, R How to remove a task from the Xiaomi calendar: 5 Ways (2026) Step-by-step instructions for removing events from the standard Xiaomi calendar (MIUI). How to change Google Assistant to Alice to Xiaomi: Full instruction Detailed guide to replacing Google Assistant with Yandex Alice in Xiaomi smartphones. How to transfer applications from Xiaomi to Xiaomi: full instruction Step-by-step guide to transfer applications and settings between Xiaomi smartphones via Mi Mover. Soh How to go to Yandex on Xiaomi TV: Full instruction Detailed instructions on how to install Yandex on a Xiaomi TV. Installation of a browser, widgets and serv How to turn Android Auto on Xiaomi: Full instruction 2026 Learn how to turn Android Auto on Xiaomi. Detailed guide to MIUI and HyperOS: wired and 📱 XiaoMaster 🔓 Reset and release · ⚙️ System setup · 💾 Memory and files · 🔊 Sound and vibration · 📸 Camera and photo · 📡 Communication and network Home · About the project · Contacts · Privacy © XiaoMaster, all rights reserved. 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