How to Clean Xiaomi of Unnecessary Apps: 5 Ways to Work

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are known for their abundance of pre-installed applications that take up memory, consume battery power, and sometimes even send ads in notifications. Even after being reset to factory settings, much of this junk comes back. In this article, we’ll look at all the possible cleanup methods, from standard MIUI tools to advanced methods using ADB and Fastboot.

It is important to understand that not all applications can be removed without consequences. Some system services are critical to the operation of MIUI, and their removal can lead to a crash of the interface or loss of functionality (for example, Google Play Services will disappear, push notifications or NFC will cease to work).

This article is relevant for all modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones on MIUI 14/15 (including global and Chinese firmware versions).If you have an older model on MIUI 12 or lower, some techniques may not work due to changes in Xiaomi’s security policy.

1. Standard Removal Methods through MIUI Settings

To start with, the basics are the built-in MIUI tools, which don't require root rights and are suitable for most users, but there's a caveat: Xiaomi hides the possibility of removing system applications from global firmware. In China ROM, this functionality is often available out of the box.

To see the hidden options, you need to:

1. Open Settings → The phone.
2. Press the MIUI version 7 times to activate the developer mode.
3. Back to the settings → Additional → for developers.
4. Enable the switch to Allow removal of system applications (if any).

After that, the app menu (Settings → Apps → Application Management) will have a button next to some programs, "Delete" button, but even here Xiaomi limits the user: many applications can only be disabled, but not completely removed.

• 🔧 What can be safely removed: Mi Browser, Mi Music, Mi Video, Notes, Scanner, Mi Pay (if not used) NFC-payment).
• ⚠️ What to do: Security (security center), Mi Account (Xiaomi account), Google Play Services.
• 📱 What to turn off: Mi Community, Themes, Game Turbo, Cleaner.

⚠️ Attention: Global Firmware (Global) ROM) The deletion button may not be available even after the developer mode is activated. This is Xiaomi's restriction for the European and American markets.

2. Removal via ADB (without root rights)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is Google’s official Android debugging tool, which allows you to remove system applications even if MIUI doesn’t allow it, and works on all versions of MIUI 12-15 and doesn’t require superuser rights.

First, prepare your computer:

1. Download Google’s Platform Tools (with Android SDK).
2. Unpack the archive into the root of the disk C:\platform-tools\.
3. Turn on your smartphone debugging over USB in the developer settings.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.

Now open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and do:

cd C:\platform-tools\


adb devices

If the device is identified (its serial number will appear), you can proceed to delete.

adb shell pm list packages | find "miui"

Below is a list of safe packets to remove (for MIUI 15):

To remove, use the command:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.player

Where com.miui.player is the packet name (replace it with the right one). The --user 0 flag means that the application is only deleted for the current user (without affecting system files).

Install Platform Tools on PC|

Turned on debugging on USB on the phone |

Checked the connection with the team. `adb devices`|

Backed up important data |

Recorded commands to remove the desired packages-->

⚠️ Note: Deleting some packages (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) may result in loss of functionality MIUI, including the notification center or security settings. Before experimenting, back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

3. Use of applications for debloat (without root)

If you don’t want to work with ADB, you can use specialized utilities that automate the process of removing unnecessary applications and often have pre-configured lists of secure packages for Xiaomi.

The most popular tools are:

• 🛠️ Universal Android Debloater (UAD): work through ADB, But with a graphical interface. MIUI 14/15 and allows you to selectively remove or freeze applications.
• 📱 App Inspector: shows all installed packets and their status (system/user) useful for identifying "garbage".
• 🔍 Debloater Tool by XDA: console utility with ready-made listings for different brands, including Xiaomi.

Example of Universal Android Debloater:

1. Download UAD and unpack.
2. Connect your phone to ADB (as in the previous section).
3. Launch it. UAD_GUI.bat (Windows).
4. In the interface, select Xiaomi in the brand filter.
5. Check the unneeded apps and click "Uninstall selected".

The advantage of UAD is the ability to roll back. The utility logs deleted packets, and if necessary, they can be restored by the team:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.player

💡

Before you delete packets through UAD, export the list of installed applications (the "Export list" button) to help restore the system if something goes wrong.

4. Manual removal via TWRP (for advanced)

If your Xiaomi has a custom TWRP recap, you can remove system applications directly from the file system, which requires an unlocked bootloader and a TWRP installed, but gives you maximum control.

Step-by-step:

1. Boot to TWRP (hold Power + Volume up when turned on).
2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
3. Open the /system/priv-app/ or /system/app/ folder.
4. Find a folder with an unnecessary app (such as MiBrowser) and delete it.
5. Reboot to the system.

List of folders for safe deletion (for MIUI 15):

• 🔍 CleanMaster – Clean (can be removed but lose optimization feature).

⚠️ Attention: Removal of folders from /system It can lead to bootloop if you remove the critical component. TWRP before the changes (backup button) → System).

5. disable applications through settings (if you can not delete)

If you can't delete it (for example, on Global ROM without ADB), you can disable unnecessary applications, which won't free up disk space, but will stop them from working in the background and remove them from the menu.

How to turn it off:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an unused app (such as Mi Community).
3. Press "Disable" (if the button is active).
4. Confirm the action.

Applications disabled:

• ✅ It does not start automatically.
• ✅ Notices are not shown.
• ✅ Not updated through Google Play.
• ❌ They still have a place in the memory.

List of applications that can be disabled without consequences:

Standard settings MIUI|

Through ADB|

With TWRP|

I'm using custom firmware |

I'm not cleaning. I'm fine.-->

6. Transition to custom firmware (radical method)

If you are annoyed by the built-in MIUI garbage, and standard methods do not help, consider installing custom firmware.

Advantages of custom firmware:

• ✅ No pre-installed garbage.
• ✅ Regular security updates.
• ✅ Possibility of fine tuning.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Requires unlocking the bootloader (resets all data).
• ❌ Widevine may not work. L1 (no HD Netflix).
• ❌ Risk of "bricking" if installed incorrectly.

Instructions for installing Xiaomi.eu:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Download the firmware Xiaomi.eu for your model from the official website.
3. Install TWRP for your model.
4. Download to TWRP and flash the firmware (Install option).
5. Clear the cache (Wipe) → Dalvik/ART Cache).
6. Reboot.

💡

Custom firmware is the only way to get rid of all Xiaomi system applications without consequences, but it requires technical skills and lacks warranty (if it is still in place).

7. How to prevent the return of unnecessary applications

Even after cleaning, some apps (Mi Browser, Mi Music) may return after the MIUI update.

• 📦 Freeze system applications: Use App Quarantine or Ice Box (requires Xposed or Magisk).
• 🛡️ Install a firewall: NetGuard or AFWall+ They can block access to the network for unnecessary services.

If you use ADB to remove, you can block the installation of packets by command:

adb shell pm hide com.miui.browser

This hides the app from the system and it won’t be updated or restored.

For full control over updates, we recommend:

1. Install Magisk and Disable Force Encryption (if you want to disable encryption).
2. Use Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools for mass package management.
3. Regularly check the list of applications through adb shell pm list packages.

⚠️ Attention: Blocking updates MIUI Weigh the risks: sometimes it's better to put up with a couple of unnecessary apps than to stay on an outdated firmware version.

FAQ: Frequent questions