How to safely disable system applications on Xiaomi smartphones: 5 working methods

Why users want to remove system applications on Xiaomi

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are known for their abundance of pre-installed apps, from branded services like Mi Browser and Mi Music to affiliate software like Facebook or Netflix. Many of them can’t be removed by standard means, but they continue to consume RAM, consume traffic in the background, and even display ads. According to research by XDA Developers, up to 30% of Xiaomi users try to get rid of unnecessary system programs in the first months of using the device.

The main reasons for disabling: 1) Resource savings – some applications (such as Mi Video or Game Turbo) are automatically launched and slow down the system. 2) Privacy – services like Mi Cloud or Analytics collect user data even without explicit consent. 3) Elimination of advertising – embedded programs are often integrated with advertising SDKs that show banners in notifications.

However, uninstalling system applications without preparation can cause MIUI malfunctions, loss of functionality (for example, disabling Mi Share will disrupt file transfer), or even a device brik. In this article, we will discuss safe ways to disable that do not require root rights, and also consider radical methods for power users.

Method 1: Standard shutdown via settings (without root)

The easiest and safest method is to deactivate applications through the settings menu, which does not remove programs completely, but stops them from working and hides them from the menu, and is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models on MIUI 12-14.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show All Applications (or System Processes).
3. Find an unnecessary app (such as Mi Browser) and open the page.
4. Click Disable (or Remove Updates if the button is active).

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Security or Settings) cannot be disabled, the system will block the button. Also, after disabling Mi Account or Find Device, you will lose access to cloud functions and phone search.

Make a backup copy of important data

Check if the app is linked to key features (NFC, Bluetooth)

Remember the name of the application for possible inclusion back

Reboot your phone after disabling several programs-->

Method 2: Use ADB (without root but with PC)

If a standard shutdown is not available, Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for controlling a device through a computer, will help.The method works on all versions of MIUI and does not require superuser rights, but requires accuracy.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB-tools, and open the command line in the adb.exe folder.
4. Enter the commands in turn: adb devices (your device should appear) adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser (replace com.android.browser with the desired application package).

🔹 List of popular packages for Xiaomi:

• 🌐 com.android.browser — Mi Browser
• 🎵 com.miui.player — Mi Music
• 📺 com.miui.videoplayer — Mi Video
• 🎮 com.xiaomi.glgm — Game Turbo
• 📱 com.facebook.appmanager — Facebook Services

💡

Before uninstalling via ADB, check if the application is critical to MIUI. For example, deleting com.miui.home will make it impossible to use the phone!

Method 3: Removal with Magisk (root required)

Removing system applications completely requires superuser (root) rights, and the most reliable way to get them is to install Magisk via custom recap (TWRP), a method that is suitable for advanced users, as improper actions can lead to a device’s “brick”.

Algorithm of action:

1. Install Magisk Manager and get root access (see XDA Developers or 4PDA for instructions for your model).
2. Download the System App Remover or Debloater module from the Magisk repository.
3. In the module menu, mark unnecessary applications and confirm removal.
4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Removing the following packets will cause the system to fail:

• com.android.settings - Settings
• com.miui.home - Launcher
• com.android.phone - Phone calls
• com.miui.securitycenter - Security

After removing such applications, you will need to flash the phone.

Method 4: Use of custom firmware (for advanced)

A radical but effective way to get rid of system debris is to install custom firmware like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or HavocOS, which lacks pre-installed Xiaomi apps and offers a clean Android, but only for models with an unlocked bootloader and requires technical skills.

The advantages of custom firmware:

• 🚀 Absence of system debris and advertising.
• 🔄 Regular security updates (unlike older versions) MIUI).
• ⚡ Ability to fine-tune the interface.

Cons:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the bootloader is unlocked).
• 🔧 Risk of "brike" in case of improper installation.
• 📱 Some features of Xiaomi, for example, IR Blaster or Game Turbo may not work.

📌 Popular firmware for Xiaomi:

💡

Custom firmware is the most radical way to get rid of system applications, but it requires unlocking the bootloader and installing via TWRP. Suitable only for advanced users.

Method 5: Hiding applications through launcher

If you don’t need to delete apps, but just want to remove them from the screen, use the Hiding feature in the MIUI launcher. This will not turn off programs, but will make them invisible on the menu.

How to hide applications:

1. Click on the empty space on the home screen and select Settings (or Launcher Settings).
2. Go to Hidden Apps.
3. Check the unneeded programs and click Ready.

🔹 Limitations of method:

• Apps continue to work in the background.
• They can be found through a search on the system.
• Some launchers (like Nova Launcher) offer more flexible hideout settings.

Risks and consequences of disabling system applications

Even if you've used safe methods, disabling or uninstalling system programs can lead to unexpected problems.

Misconduct of MIUI:

• Disabling com.miui.analytics may cause errors in settings.
• Deleting com.xiaomi.midrop will disrupt the transfer of files over Wi-Fi Direct.

Problems with updates:

Some system applications are updated via Google Play or MIUI Updater, and their removal can cause conflicts when installing new firmware versions.

Loss of functionality:

⚠️ Note: Deleting com.qualcomm.qti.telephonyservice on devices with Snapdragon processor will result in loss of mobile communications. Similarly, deleting com.miui.voiceassist will disable Xiao voice assistant AI.

📊 Problem statistics after removal of system applications (according to data) XDA):

FAQ: Frequent questions about disabling system applications on Xiaomi