Mi Video on Xiaomi: What is it and how to remove it completely

Have you noticed that your Xiaomi smartphone has a Mi Video app pre-installed but never used? Or is it constantly hanging in the background, wasting battery power and taking up precious memory space? Many users are faced with this problem - system applications from Xiaomi can not be removed by standard methods, but there are workarounds.

In this article, we will learn about Mi Video, why it is needed by the manufacturer, and how to remove it completely (including residual files), you will learn about three working methods: through smartphone settings, using ADB, and even physical deletion of system files (for advanced users), and we will analyze the risks of each method and give recommendations for security.

If you want to not just disable, but actually get rid of Mi Video forever so it doesn't come back after the updates, this is the guide for you. But remember, some of the actions require the rights of a superuser or a computer, and let's start with the simplest and most secure option.

What is Mi Video and Why You Need It on Xiaomi

Mi Video is a standard multimedia application from Xiaomi, preinstalled on all smartphones of the brand under the MIUI shell, designed for viewing video files, streaming content and integration with the company's services.

• 🎬 Reproduction of local videos (formats) MP4, MKV, AVI etc.)
• 🌍 Access to online content (including affiliate services in some regions)
• 🔍 Built-in search for video files on the device
• 📱 Optimization for Xiaomi screens (support) HDR, high-frequency)

In practice, however, most users prefer alternatives like VLC, MX Player or YouTube.

• 🚫 Intrusive advertising in the free version (in some regions)
• 📉 Increased battery consumption due to background processes
• 📦 It takes up to 100-150 MB of system memory
• 🔄 Update automatically via Google Play or MIUI Updater

Interestingly, the latest versions of MIUI 14+ have made the app less aggressive, but it still can’t be removed without additional manipulation, with the manufacturer arguing that it’s “user experience optimization,” but the real reason is because of content service providers’ partnerships.

Method 1: Disable Mi Video via Settings (without deleting)

If you don’t need drastic measures, you can simply turn off the app so it doesn’t interfere with the system, which does not require superuser rights and is suitable for most Xiaomi models (including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11, etc.).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the list, find Mi Video (or com.miui.videoplayer).
3. Click Disable (the button may be gray).
4. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

After that:

• ✅ The app will disappear from the menu and launcher
• ✅ Background processes will stop
• ❌ Application files will remain in memory (~50–80 MB)
• ❌ After updating MIUI may re-activate

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If the "Disable" button is inactive, try first to clear the cache and app data in the same menu.

This method is safe, but it doesn't solve the problem completely.

Method 2: Remove Mi Video via ADB (without root)

A more efficient way is to uninstall via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), an official tool from Google that allows you to manage system applications without superuser rights. Suitable for all Xiaomi smartphones based on Android 8.0+.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
• 📱 USB-cable (original or quality)
• 🔧 Installed drivers ADB and Fastboot
• ⚙️ Included debugging by USB smartphone

Step-by-step:

1. Download and unpack the platform-tools on your computer.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and enter in the terminal: adb devices Make sure the device is identified (serial number should appear).
3. Execute the command to delete: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer
4. Reboot your smartphone.

If the command is successful, you will see a message Success. After the reboot, the Mi Video app will disappear from the system.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Complete deletion without residual files
• ✅ Doesn't require root rights
• ✅ It works on most Xiaomi models.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ After resetting settings or updating MIUI The app could come back
• ⚠️ Some system functions (e.g., video playback in a gallery) may not work properly

Method 3: Completely delete system files (for advanced ones)

If you are willing to take risks and have root rights, you can delete Mi Video at the system file level, which ensures that the app will not return after updates, but requires caution.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect actions with system files can lead to the inoperability of the smartphone. TWRP Or the Mi Flash Tool before starting.

Instructions:

1. Get root rights (for example, through Magisk).
2. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
3. Click on /system/priv-app/MiuiVideo or (newer versions of MIUI): /system/app/MiuiVideo
4. Delete the MiuiVideo folder completely.
5. Also check and delete (if any) files: /data/app/com.miui.videoplayer-*
6. Clear the cache in /data/dalvik-cache (find files with com.miui.videoplayer in the title).
7. Reset the device.

After that, the application will be removed at the firmware level.

For reliability, you can block the installation of Mi Video via Magisk with the App Systemizer module or Universal GMS Doze.

What happens if you delete Mi Video: the possible consequences

Many users are afraid to delete system applications for fear of breaking the phone, so let's see what the real consequences are and how to avoid them.

Potential problems:

• 🎵 Disruption of the gallery: In some versions MIUI Playing video from the gallery is tied to Mi Video. Solution: install an alternative player (e.g., an alternate player, VLC) and select it by default.
• 🔄 Errors in the update: If MIUI If you try to restore a remote application, there may be a conflict. Solution: before updating, temporarily disable system integrity checks via Magisk.
• 📱 Reset: In rare cases, after a hard reset, the application may return. Solution: Use TWRP Create a clean backup system without Mi Video.

What won't happen:

• ✅ Your phone won’t turn into a brick (unless you delete critical system files)
• ✅ The functionality of the camera or microphone will not be lost.
• ✅ The main services of Google will not be affected.

In our experience, 90% Xiaomi models including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark: Mi Video is deleted without consequences if you follow the instructions, but the main thing is not to delete the associated libraries (for example, the main thing is not to delete the associated libraries, libmiui_video.so), Not to break other multimedia functions.

Mi Video Alternatives: What Apps to Install Instead

If you removed Mi Video, you'll need a replacement to play the video. Here are the best alternatives with a comparative table:

For most users, VLC is the best choice – it supports even rare formats like MKV with AC3 and does not load the system. If you want simplicity, try MX Player (but turn off ads in the settings).

Tip: After installing an alternative player, configure it as the default app for video files:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. In the Video Player section, select your new app.

How to prevent Mi Video from returning after updates

One of the main problems when removing system applications is their automatic recovery after the MIUI update.

Method 1: Blocking through ADB

Follow the command:

adb shell pm hide com.miui.videoplayer

This hides the app from the system and it won’t be updated.

Method 2: Using Magisk

• Install the App Systemizer or Universal GMS Doze module.
• Add com.miui.videoplayer to the list of blocked apps.

Method 3: Disabling updates

1. Go to Google Play → Settings → Auto-Update apps.
2. Choose Not to Update Automatically.
3. Manually check for updates for the desired applications.

Method 4: Installation of custom firmware

Firmware like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or MIUI without Blaatware (e.g. from Xiaomi.eu) initially do not contain Mi Video or other unnecessary applications, and the disadvantage is the loss of some MIUI features (e.g. thematic design).

⚠️ Attention: If you are using MIUI Global Stable, blocking system updates can lead to security issues, recommends regular checks for critical patches manually.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Video removal

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Removing Mi Video doesn’t disrupt your smartphone unless you touch the associated system libraries, but rather using reliable methods (ADB or root) and backups.