MI Apps on Xiaomi: what are these applications, how to remove and configure them

Introduction: why MI Apps raise so many questions

If you own a Xiaomi, Redmi or a smartphone POCO, I'm sure you've had a package. MI Apps are a set of pre-installed apps that come in as soon as you buy a device, and for some users, it's a convenient tool to get off the ground, for others, it's a waste of memory and resources?

Unlike standard Google services, which are installed on all Android devices, MI Apps is an exclusive development of Xiaomi, closely integrated into the firmware MIUI. The company describes them as “useful user experience utilities,” but in practice, many of them duplicate the features of Google or third-party apps, which is annoying. This is especially true for users who prefer minimalist interfaces or who already use alternative programs.

In this article, we will understand which applications are included in the MI Apps, whether they can be safely removed, how to do it without harming the system, and what hidden features they offer, and you will also learn why Xiaomi is so stubbornly unwilling to let them get rid of them completely and what to do if after removal there are problems.

What is it? MI Apps: Official Explanation and Reality

According to Xiaomi documentation, MI Apps are a set of proprietary applications designed for the ecosystem. MIUI. They are designed to:

• 📱 Simplify setting up a new device (e.g., Mi Mover for data transfer).
• 🔒 Security enhancements (such as Security or Cleaner).
• 🎵 Multimedia Extensions (Mi Music, Mi Video).
• 🌍 Xiaomi Services (Mi Cloud, Mi Community).

However, in practice, many users are faced with the fact that these applications:

• 🚫 Not removed by standard means (only switched off).
• 🔄 Automatically update through the Play Market, even if you don’t use them.
• 📊 Collect data (including for personalized advertising).
• 🛑 Can conflict with third-party counterparts (e.g. Mi Browser and Chrome).

In some regions (e.g. Europe), Xiaomi is forced to offer users the choice of installing a new device. MI Apps or not, due to the requirements GDPR. In Russia and CIS countries, there is no such choice yet.

List of annexes MI Apps: What can be removed and what can not

Not all apps from the package MI Apps are equally useful or safe to remove. Below is a table divided into categories:

Security and Cleaner are particularly important, and these applications are deeply integrated into the environment. MIUI and are responsible for:

• 🛡️ Malware protection (including scanning of downloaded files).
• 🗑️ Automatic cache cleaning (prevents system slowdown).
• 📵 Block spam calls (number database updated via Xiaomi cloud).

⚠️ Warning: Deleting Security may cause the system to stop recognizing malicious files and some features (such as App Lock or Second Space) to stop working.

How to remove MI Apps: step-by-step instructions

There are several ways to get rid of unnecessary apps. MI The choice of method depends on your technical skills and willingness to risk the stability of the system.

Method 1: Standard shutdown (without root)

The most secure method that does not require superuser rights is:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the right app (like Mi Browser) and tap it.
3. Click Disable (if the button is inactive, the application is protected).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

Once disabled, the app will disappear from the menu, but will remain in the system and take up space.

Method 2: Remove via ADB (without root but with PC)

This method requires a computer and enabled debugging. USB:

Enable Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in Settings → About phone)

Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For Developers

Download and install ADB Tools on PC

Connect your phone to your computer and confirm trust in the device-->

Then execute commands in the terminal:

adb devices


adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser # Example for Mi Browser

A complete list of removal packages can be found online (e.g. com.miui.videoplayer for Mi Video).But beware: removing system components can cause crashes!

⚠️ Note: If after removal through ADB The phone has started to restart or errors have appeared, restore the application by command: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.browser

Method 3: Complete removal with root rights

This method gives maximum freedom, but requires unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk or TWRP. After obtaining root, you can use it:

• 📱 Apps like Titanium Backup (for freezing or deleting).
• 🖥️ File managers with root access (e.g., Root Explorer).

Example of a path to system applications: /system/priv-app/ or /system/app/. Only remove the folders that are sure of the name!

💡

Before removing system applications, make a backup through TWRP Or OrangeFox, which will allow you to restore the system if something goes wrong.

How to disable automatic updates MI Apps

Even if you have disabled or removed apps from the package MI Apps may reappear after update MIUI. To avoid it:

1. Open the Google Play Market.
2. Go to your profile (the icon in the upper right corner).
3. Select Settings → Auto-Update applications.
4. Set Do Not Update Automatically.

For individual applications (e.g. Mi Browser):

1. Find the app in the Play Market.
2. Slip three points in the top right corner.
3. Uncheck the auto update box.

If the app is updated via System Updater (not Play Market), then the only way to stop it is to disable automatic update downloads in Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system → Settings (⚙️) → Auto-downloading updates.

Alternatives MI Apps: How to replace standard applications

If you delete or disconnect MI Apps, but want to keep the functionality, consider these alternatives:

You can use the following to replace Security:

• 🛡️ Malwarebytes – to protect against viruses.

However, no alternative can completely replace security in terms of integration with the security system. MIUI. For example, only a company application can:

• 🔐 Unlocking Second Space.
• 📱 Manage permissions for applications at the system level.
• 🔄 Optimize battery life for specific Xiaomi models.

💡

If you have removed Security but want to keep basic security, install Google Play Protect (includes in Play Market settings). → Play Protect).

Frequent problems after removal MI Apps and their solutions

Removing or disabling applications from the package MI Apps can have unexpected consequences. Here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:

1. Permanent error notifications

If you delete Mi Browser or Mi Video and you get messages like "App is stopped," the system tries to start them.

• 🔧 Turn off notifications for these apps in Settings → Notifications.
• 📵 Use it. ADB for complete removal (see section above).
• 🔄 Reset the application settings in Settings → Annexes → [Name of name] → Warehouse → Drop it.

2.The IR port is not working after Mi Remote is removed

The IR port on Xiaomi devices is managed exclusively through Mi Remote. Removing this app makes the port useless even if you install a third-party remote (like AnyMote).

• 🔙 Restore Mi Remote through ADB or-reset.
• 📥 Install a modified version of Mi Remote (available on forums like 4PDA).

3.The system brakes after the Cleaner shutdown

Cleaner not only cleans the garbage, but also optimizes the background processes, and after it is turned off, you can experience:

• 🐢 Slowing down animation.
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge.
• 🗃️ Filling memory with cachem.

Decision:

• 🔄 Regularly clean the cache manually through Settings → Warehouse.
• 📱 Use Greenify to Freeze Background Apps.
• ⚡ Enable Performance Mode in Settings → Battery.

4. Themes or wallpapers don't work

If after removing Mi Themes, wallpaper or icon styles have ceased to apply, restore the application or install an alternative:

• 🎨 Nova Launcher + Icon Packs.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (such as Xiaomi Mi 11 or Redmi Note 10 Pro), removing Mi Themes may result in wallpaper resetting to standard after each reboot.

FAQ: Answers to frequent questions about MI Apps