How to completely remove unnecessary applications on Xiaomi: from system to user

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones come with pre-installed software that is not always in demand. Embedded MIUI services, advertising modules and duplicate applications take up memory, consume battery power and can slow down the device. However, a simple click on “Delete” in the menu is often not available, many programs are protected by the system from uninstallation.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to remove unwanted applications on Xiaomi (including the models of 2023-2026 on MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS): from standard methods through settings to advanced techniques using ADB and root rights.

Importantly, the procedure is different for custom applications (installed from Google Play), system utilities (such as Mi Video or Mi Music) and service modules (such as com.miui.analytics), and we will analyze each case separately, taking into account the risks and consequences.

1. Standard removal through MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which are suitable for custom applications and some pre-installed programs that the manufacturer has allowed to be removed without additional manipulation.

How to do this:

• 📱 Open the Settings menu → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 In the list, find the app you want (such as Mi Browser or Facebook).
• 🗑️ Click “Delete” (if the button is active). For some applications, it will be “Disable” instead, which means that the complete deletion is blocked.
• ⚙️ Confirm the action if the system requests a password or PIN.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It does not work for system applications (e.g., Security or Mi Account).
• ❌ Some programs are restored after the update MIUI.
• ❌ Does not clean cache and residual files (this requires Cleaner or manual cleaning).

⚠️ Note: Removing apps like Google Play Services or Miui System UI This will cause critical malfunctions in your smartphone.

2. disabling system applications (without deletion)

If the Delete button is inactive but the app interferes (e.g. shows ads or works in the background), it can be disabled, which hides the program from the user and stops its activity, but does not free the memory completely.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select your target app (such as Mi Video or Mi Pay).
3. Click “Disable” (if the button is gray – administrator rights are required).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

What the blackout does:

• ✅ The app disappears from the menu and stops running.
• ✅ Battery and Internet traffic are being cut off.
• ✅ Application data is saved (when re-enabled, everything will be restored).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Memory is not released – application files remain on the device.
• ❌ Some processes may continue to work in the background (e.g. com.xiaomi.mipicks).

Backup of important data |

Check the name of the packet on the network (for example, on 4PDA) |

Turn off MIUI auto-update in Settings → About Phone → System Update |

Write down a list of disabled applications for rollback changes-->

3. Removal via ADB (without root rights)

Removing secure system applications (e.g., com.miui.analytics or com.xiaomi.midrop) will require ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method doesn’t require root rights, but it does. USB-debug.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About the phone. Press 7 times on Version. MIUI. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers. USB-debugging.

Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.

ADB Tools

Command line.

Terminal

adb devices

(The serial number of the device must appear).

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 title.packet

For example, for Mi Browser:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser

List of safe packets to remove (for MIUI 14/15):

⚠️ Note: Deleting packages like com.google.android.gsf or com.miui.home will cause the system to fail. Before experimenting, review the list of secure packages on thematic forums (for example, for example, for the first time in the world, 4PDA or XDA Developers).

adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab

This will save all applications and data to the backup.ab file on PC.-->

4. Removal by root rights (advanced method)

If your Xiaomi has customized recaps installed (such as TWRP) and obtained root rights (via Magisk), you can remove any system applications, including those that are blocked even for ADB.

Methods of disposal:

• 📁 Through a file manager with root access (e.g., Root Explorer or Root Explorer) FX File Explorer: Go to the folder /system/app or /system/priv-app. Find a folder with the name of the app (e.g. MiBrowser). Delete the folder or rename it (add.bak at the end).
• 🤖 Terminal Emulator: Su mount -o rw,remount /system rm -rf /system/app/Title: Folders mount -o ro,remount /system
• 🛠️ Through Titanium Backup (requires Magisk): Freeze or uninstall the application through the program interface. Create a backup before action.

Risks of the method:

• ❌ Improper removal can lead to bootloop ( looped boot).
• ❌ Some applications are related to MIUI — Deleting them will break the interface.
• ❌ After updating MIUI Deleted files can be restored.

5. Use of third-party utilities (without root)

If ADBs seem complicated, you can use specialized software to remove system applications, which automate the process and often have databases of secure packages.

Popular utilities:

• 🛡️ Debloater Tool (for PC): Works through ADB, It has a user-friendly graphical interface, allowing you to disable packets in groups (e.g., all Google or Xiaomi apps).
• 📱 App Inspector (for Android): Shows a list of all export packages installed, helps identify unnecessary services before being removed via the app. ADB.
• 🔧 Universal Android Debloater (GUI PC: Supports multi-device profiles, has a database of "safe" and "dangerous" packages.

Example of Universal Android Debloater:

1. Connect your phone to a PC with it on USB-debugging.
2. Start the program and click Read Device Packages.
3. Check the boxes for unnecessary packages (green – safe, red – dangerous).
4. Click Apply and select the action: Uninstall or Disable.

⚠️ Note: Third-party utilities may contain advertising or collect data. download them only from official sources (for example, GitHub developer). XDA or 4PDA.

💡

Even without root rights, you can remove up to 70% of pre-installed Xiaomi apps through ADB or specialized utilities, the main thing is not to touch packages related to the operation of MIUI and Google Services.

6. How to return a remote application

If you have problems after deleting (e.g., Google Services or MIUI Launcher stopped working), the application can be restored.

For applications removed via ADB:

adb shell cmd package install-existing name.packet

For applications removed through root:

• Restore the folder from the backup (if you did backup).
• Download the APK applications from the APKMirror website and install them manually.
• Reflash MIUI via Fastboot (extreme case).

If the application has been disabled:

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Show all apps."
3. Find the disabled application and click "Enable".

7. How to prevent the return of remote applications

After the MIUI update, many system applications are restored to avoid this:

• 🔄 Turn off auto updates: Go to Settings → The phone. → Update the system. Press three dots. → «Settings» → Turn off "Automatic Booting».
• 📦 Use Magisk modules: Install Universal Debloater or MIUI Debloater via Magisk. It blocks the recovery of deleted packets after updates.
• 🔒 Freeze packets: Instead of deleting, use the command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 This will prevent them from running, but save files on the device.

For Xiaomi models on HyperOS (2026):

• The new shell is more aggressively restoring system applications.
• It is recommended to use Magisk Delta to block packet updates.

FAQ: Frequent questions