How to Remove Embedded Apps on Xiaomi: Safe and Radical Techniques

Embedded apps on Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often take up precious space in memory, slow down the system and show annoying ads. Even after resetting, they come back like stubborn weeds. But the good news is that removing system applications is possible even without superuser rights (root).

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways: from simple disabling to complete removal through ADB, including nuances for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14), you will learn which applications can be removed without risk, and which cannot be touched categorically, and we will also reveal hidden MIUI functions that will help hide unnecessary services without consequences for the system.

⚠️ Warning: Removing critical system components (e.g. com.android.phone or miui.system) will cause your phone to fail!

1. Which embedded applications can be removed and which cannot be removed

Not all system applications are equally useful, some are responsible for basic MIUI functionality, and the other is just garbage that you can safely remove.

• 🚫 com.android.phone – phone calls
• 🚫 miui.system - the core of the interface MIUI
• 🚫 com.miui.securitycenter – Security Center
• 🚫 com.android.settings – System settings

Here is what you can safely delete (the list is relevant for MIUI 13/14):

• 🗑️ com.miui.analytics – Xiaomi Analytics Collection
• 🗑️ com.xiaomi.ab – advertising services
• 🗑️ com.miui.bugreport - error reports
• 🗑️ com.miui.miservice – Mi Account services (if not used)
• 🗑️ com.miui.player - standard video player

Before you delete, check if you are using the app indirectly, for example, com.miui.gallery can be linked to the camera, and if something stops working after you delete it, you will have to restore the application through the firmware.

2. Method 1: Disabling embedded applications (without deleting)

The safest method is to disable, not delete, and the app will remain in memory, but will not waste resources and display notifications, suitable for those who do not want to risk the stability of the system.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an unneeded app (such as Mi Video or Mi Browser).
3. Click Disable (if the button is inactive, the application is protected).
4. Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

⚠️ Note: Disabled applications can automatically turn on after the update MIUI. Check their status after each update.

This method doesn't free up memory space, but it reduces battery consumption and stops background activity.

Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is Google’s official tool that allows you to manage system files without superuser rights.The method works on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Poco X3/F3 and flagship models.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 📱 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔧 Included Debugging by USB (How to turn it on - see below).
• 📦 Utility. ADB (download from the official website).

Steps:

1. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in the computer on your smartphone screen.
3. Open the command prompt (or Terminal on macOS/Linux) in the ADB folder.
4. Check the connection: Adb devices must show the serial number of your device.

✅ Pros of the method: does not require root, works on all versions MIUI, Applications can be restored using the same command with the install option.

❌ Cons: After resetting settings or updating the application can return.

💡

Before mass deletion, back up the list of installed packages with the command adb shell pm list packages > packages.txt. This will help restore the deleted applications if something goes wrong.

4. Method 3: Removal with Magisk (for stitched phones)

If you have Magisk installed on your Xiaomi (or you are ready to install it), then the process of removing system applications becomes easier and more reliable. Magisk allows you to modify system files without risking losing the warranty (if you hide root correctly).

Instructions:

1. Install Magisk (instructions are available on XDA Developers).
2. Download the System App Remover or App Systemizer module from the Magisk repository.
3. Install the module via Magisk Manager and restart the phone.
4. Open the system app to remove system app (e.g. System App Remover) and select unnecessary programs.

⚠️ Note: Some Magisk modules may conflict with MIUI, If you're going to freeze or reboot, check the reviews on the forums before you install them.

The advantage of this method is that applications are removed completely, not just for the current user (as in the case of ADB), but an unlocked bootloader and an installed Magisk are required, which voids the warranty.

5. Method 4: Hiding applications through MIUI settings

MIUI has a built-in app hide feature that doesn’t remove apps, but removes them from menus and search, useful for those who want to “get out of sight” of unnecessary services without risking system stability.

How to hide the application:

1. Press the app icon on the home screen.
2. Choose Hide the app (or Remove from the screen in new versions of MIUI).
3. Confirm the action.

To return the hidden app:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Show Hidden Apps.
3. Find the right app and click Show.

🔹 Limitation: Hidden applications still take up space and can work in the background. ADB magisk.

Method 5: Flashing with Remote Applications (for experienced)

The most radical method is to install custom firmware with pre-removed system applications, suitable for users who are willing to sacrifice official firmware for the sake of cleanliness of the system.

Popular firmware for Xiaomi:

• 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary services.
• 📱 Pixel Experience – firmware with Google Pixel features.
• 📱 MIUI by Xiaomi.eu - official MIUI Advertising-free and Chinese-based.

⚠️ Note: Flashing requires an unlocked bootloader and may result in data loss, IR-blaster NFC) They may not work properly.

If you're a beginner, it's better to start with ADB or disable apps. Flashing is an extreme method for power users.

7. How to Restore Remote System Applications

If something goes wrong after you delete it (e.g., your calls or Wi-Fi stop working), don't panic. You can restore the apps in a number of ways:

🔹 Tip: If you are not sure which application caused the crash, restore all system packages by the team:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0  && adb shell cmd package install-existing

8. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When you remove system applications, users often face typical problems, and here's how to prevent them:

• 🔄 The phone will not turn on after removal: → Problem: Critical package (e.g. com.android.systemui) removed). → Solution: Reflash the phone via Fastboot.
• 📱 Applications are returned after update: → Problem: MIUI Restores standard packages when upgrading. → Solution: Repeat deletion through ADB or disable auto-updates.
• 🔌 It's not working. Wi-Fi/Bluetooth: → Problem: com.android.wifi or com.android.bluetooth services removed. → Solution: Restore them through ADB.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro or Poco) X3 NFC) Deleting com.miui.securityadd results in loss of access to security settings. Check the consequences on forums before deleting!

💡

Before you delete your system applications, always back up your phone via TWRP or Mi Cloud, which is the only way to quickly restore your phone if something goes wrong.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions