How to completely remove unnecessary apps on Xiaomi smartphone: from standard methods to hidden features

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a problem: even on a new device, part of the memory is occupied by pre-installed applications that cannot be removed in the standard way. MIUI, the brand’s brand shell, is known for an abundance of embedded software, from system utilities to advertising services. But what if these programs interfere with work, consume battery power or just take up space?

In this article, we’ll look at all possible removal methods, from simple (disable via settings) to advanced (using ADB and root rights), which apps can be safely uninstalled and which ones are better left to avoid disrupting system stability, and we’ll also uncover the hidden MIUI mechanism that allows you to “hide” unnecessary programs without completely removing them – this is relevant for users who do not want to risk smartphone performance.

Why Xiaomi can’t remove some apps in the standard way

Xiaomi divides the apps into three categories:

• 📱 Third-party apps are those you installed yourself from Google Play or other sources, and can be removed without restriction through the Settings menu. → Annexes.
• 🔧 System utilities like Camera, Phone, Settings, and if you delete them, you'll lose your smartphone.
• 📦 Pre-installed services: Mi Browser, Mi Music, GetApps, and others, not critical, but protected from removal by the manufacturer.

The latter category is the one that raises the most questions, and Xiaomi is blocking their removal for several reasons:

1. Marketing agreements with partners (e.g. pre-installed games or services).
2. Providing proprietary MIUI functions (e.g. Mi Account is needed for synchronization).
3. Protect against inexperienced users who may accidentally remove important components.

But that doesn't mean that you can't do anything about them, but we'll go over all the methods available, from the safest to the most radical.

Method 1: Disable applications via MIUI settings (without deleting)

If you don't have to get rid of the program completely, but rather, it doesn't work or appear on the menu, use the built-in shutdown feature. It's the safest method that doesn't require any additional knowledge and doesn't affect the warranty.

How to do this:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the app you want (such as Mi Browser or Mi Music) and tap it.
3. Press the Disable button (if it is active).
4. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

After the shutdown:

• 🚫 The app will disappear from the menu and stop running.
• 📵 It will not receive updates and waste resources.
• 🔄 You can turn it back on at any time through the same settings.

⚠️ Note: Some system applications (such as Mi Security or Mi Cloud) will not be disabled, the button will be inactive.

Method 2: Remove via ADB (for power users)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is an Android debugging tool that allows you to execute commands from your computer, and it can remove many preinstalled applications that are not removed by standard methods.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔧 No root rights (but activation of debugging is required) USB).
• 🗑️ Remove applications completely, not just disable.
• 🔄 The ability to restore remote software through the same ADB.

Instructions:

1. Enable USB debugging on your smartphone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (tap 7 times to unlock the developer menu) Settings → Additional → For developers → Debugging over USB (enable)
2. Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB and type in the command line: adb devices (the name of your device should appear).
4. Find out the name of the package of the unwanted application (for example, for Mi Browser it is com.android.browser).A list of all packages can be obtained by the command: adb shell pm list packages
5. Delete the application by command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name packet For example: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browser

⚠️ Note: Deleting some packages (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) may cause malfunctions MIUI. Before you execute commands, be sure to check the list of safe to remove packages for your Xiaomi model (it can be found on thematic forums, for example, in the case of the new Xiaomi model, 4PDA or XDA Developers).

Method 3: Using root rights to remove completely

If you're willing to take drastic measures, getting root rights will open up unlimited possibilities for managing system files, but this method has serious drawbacks:

• 🚨 Reset warranty (if the device is warranty).
• 🔐 Security risk (some banking applications will stop working).
• 💥 The ability to “brick” the smartphone with the wrong actions.

If you do decide, follow the instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (requires a Mi Account and wait 7-30 days).
2. Install a custom recap (TWRP) for your model.
3. Please use Magisk to obtain root rights.
4. Use a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer) or Titanium Backup to remove unnecessary programs.

⚠️ Note: On new Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 or Xiaomi 13), unlocking the bootloader may result in the blocking of the Mi Account if the device was purchased in official stores with a region-specific reference.

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Before you get root rights, make a full backup via TWRP or Mi Flash Tool. This will help restore the smartphone in the event of a crash.

Method 4: Hiding applications without deleting (alternative method)

If you don't want to take risks, but you don't want to see unnecessary programs on the menu either, use the concealment feature, which doesn't remove apps physically, but it takes them out of sight.

How to hide applications:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired application and tap on three dots in the upper right corner.
3. Choose Hide (if the option is available).

You can also use third-party launchers (such as Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher) that allow you to:

• 📂 Hide apps from the menu.
• 🔒 Block their launch.
• 🎨 Customize the appearance of icons.

This method is suitable for those who do not want to interfere with system files, but want to get rid of visual clutter.

Comparison of removal methods: which to choose

To make it easier for you to determine, we have compiled a comparative table of all ways:

For most users, the best solution is to combine disabling through settings and hiding through the launcher, which will allow you to get rid of intrusive programs without risk to the system. ADB-Method – it takes a little more effort, but gives a noticeable result.

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Removing system applications via ADB or root does not affect MIUI updates, but may lead to errors when resetting settings.

What to do if after removal of the smartphone began to work unstable

If you have removed a critical application (e.g. com.miui.home) MIUI), smartphone:

• 🔄 Reboot in cycle.
• 📵 Don't run the desktop.
• 🚨 Errors when trying to open the settings.

In this case:

1. If you have a backup, restore it via TWRP or Mi Flash Tool.
2. If there is no backup, try to return the remote application via ADB: adb shell cmd package install-existing name packet
3. In extreme cases, reset to factory settings (but it will delete all your data!).

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO F5 or Redmi K60) After removing system applications, Face Unlock may stop working or NFC. Before experimenting, check the reviews of other users of your model on the forums.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing apps on Xiaomi