How to permanently disable the application on Xiaomi: from removal to deep freeze

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are known for their abundance of pre-installed apps that users don’t always need. Many of them can’t be removed by standard means, but there are several ways to disable, hide, or freeze them. This article will help you figure out how to get rid of unnecessary software without harming the system, from simple methods through settings to advanced ADB solutions.

It's important to understand that not all applications can be turned off without consequences. Some system services are critical to the stable operation of MIUI. For example, disabling com.miui.system can lead to a cyclical reboot of the device. We will discuss in detail which applications are safe to remove and which are better left alone.

Why you can’t just remove all your apps from Xiaomi

MIUI firmware is closely integrated with Xiaomi’s branded services, many of which are responsible for:

• 🔄 System Update (com.miui.updater)
• 🔒 Security and Permits (com.miui.permcenter)
• 📱 Work of gestures and interface (com.miui.home)
• 📶 Communication with Xiaomi servers (com.xiaomi.account)

Removal or disabling of such components may result in:

• 🚨 Loss of functionality (for example, the notification panel will disappear)
• 🔄 Infinite Reboots (Bootloop)
• 📵 Problems with connecting to a mobile network or Wi-Fi
• 🔧 Inability to update the firmware through standard means

However, there are also safe to remove applications, including:

• 🎬 Mi Video, Mi Music (media players)
• 🎮 Mi Game Center, Mi Game Turbo (Game Utilities)
• 📱 Mi Browser, Mi Pay (alternative browsers and payments)
• 📦 Cleaner, Security (if you use third-party analogues)

Method 1: Standard shutdown through settings

The easiest way is to disable the application without deleting it, and it will stay in the system, but it will stop working and consume resources, and it is suitable for most pre-installed programs.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app from the list (such as Mi Video).
3. Click Disable (the button will appear if the application can be deactivated).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

Make a backup copy of important data

Check if the application is system-based.

Make sure you have enough battery power (minimum 30%)

Close all background processes-->

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) cannot be disabled through the standard menu.

After the shutdown:

• 📥 The app will disappear from the menu and launcher
• 🔄 It will not be updated through the Play Market.
• 📵 Stop sending notifications and using the Internet
• 🔋 Will not consume battery power in the background

Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root rights)

To remove system applications that cannot be disabled in the standard way, you will need an ADB (Android Debug Bridge) method, which does not require root rights, but requires connecting the smartphone to the computer.

Steps:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Download ADB Tools and unpack it into a separate folder.
4. Open the command line (cmd) in this folder and type:

adb devices

(The name of your device should appear.)

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.name.packet

Examples of disposal packages:

⚠️ Warning: Deleting com.miui.securitycenter or com.android.phone will cause your phone to fail. Always check the name of the package before you delete it.

💡

Before mass removal of applications via ADB, back up your data using adb backup -apk -shared -all -f backup.ab. This will allow you to restore the system in case of an error.

Method 3: Using Freeze Applications (without root)

If you don't want to connect your smartphone to your PC, you can use third-party tools to freeze applications, which block software but don't delete it completely.

• 🧊 App Quarantine (requires) ADB for initial setting)
• ❄️ Shelter (working through the Work Profile)
• 🔒 Island (to create an isolated environment)

Example of the App Quarantine setting:

1. Install an app from the Play Market.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command:

adb -d shell pm grant com.ramdroid.appquarantine android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS

1. In the application, select programs for freezing.
2. Press Freeze.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔄 Ability to quickly defrost the application
• 📵 No risk of damage to the system
• 🔋 Savings in battery charge

Method 4: Hiding applications through launcher

If you just interfere with the application icon in the menu, but you need functionality (for example, Mi Remote for managing equipment), you can hide it through the launcher settings.

Instructions for the standard MIUI launcher:

1. Press and hold the empty space on the main screen.
2. Select Launcher Settings (Icon) ⚙️).
3. Go to Hidden Apps.
4. Check the boxes of the programs you want to hide.

For the POCO Launcher launcher:

1. Swipe right on the main screen.
2. Select Hidden Apps.
3. Add the programs you need to the list.

⚠️ Warning: Hiding an application does not turn off its background processes. It will still consume resources and can send notifications.

Method 5: Complete removal with root rights (for experienced)

If you have root rights, you can completely uninstall any application, including system ones.

• 📦 Root Explorer (manually delete files from the site) /system/app)
• 🗑️ Titanium Backup (delete with backup)
• 🔪 System App Remover (specialized utility)

Step-by-step instructions for System App Remover:

1. Install the application and provide root access.
2. In the list, check the boxes for unnecessary programs.
3. Press Uninstall.
4. Reset the device.

Removing root-righted system applications can cause permanent firmware damage. Always back up the /system partition before making changes.

💡

Even with root rights, don’t delete apps with packet names that contain miui, android, or google unless you’re sure they’re there.

How to return a disabled or deleted application

If you encounter problems after disabling or deleting, the application can be restored.

For applications disabled:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Press three points (⋮) top-right.
3. Select Show all Apps.
4. Find the disabled application and click Enable.

For those remote via ADB:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC.
2. Follow the command:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.xiaomi.name.packet

For those with root rights:

• Restore your backup via Titanium Backup.
• Or reflash the device via Fastboot or Recovery.

FAQ: Frequent questions about disabling apps on Xiaomi