How to Stop System Apps on Xiaomi Redmi: 5 Proven Ways

System applications on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones often take up precious space in memory, consume battery power in the background and interfere with the user’s experience. Despite the fact that MIUI offers limited settings for managing pre-installed software, many applications (for example, Mi Browser, Mi Music or GetApps) can not be removed by standard means.

In this article, we will learn how to safely stop, disable or remove system applications on Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 and other models, both without root rights and using them. You will learn what methods work on the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 (including HyperOS), and how to avoid typical errors that lead to system failures. Importantly, not all methods are equally safe – some can disrupt the services of Google or Xiaomi, so we will specify the level of risk for each method.

Why you can’t just remove system applications through settings

Unlike custom software, system applications in MIUI are integrated into firmware and protected from accidental removal.

  • πŸ”„ OS Stability – some services (e.g. com.miui.system) are critical to the interface.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Security – Removing Google Play Services components can break push notifications or app store access.
  • πŸ“± Compatible with Xiaomi features – applications like Mi Share or Security provide the work of branded chips (for example, transfer files over Wi-Fi Direct).

If you attempt to remove such an application through Settings β†’ Applications, system or:

  • 🚫 Blocks the β€œDelete” button (only β€œDisable” will be activeΒ»).
  • ⚠️ It will give you a warning about possible failures.
  • πŸ”„ Automatically restore the application after restarting or updating MIUI.

⚠️ Attention: Removal of system APK-Manual files (e.g., through a root file manager) can lead to bootloop, which is a never-ending reboot of the device, especially for applications called com.android. or com.miui..

Method 1: Disabling system applications without root (embedded MIUI)

The safest method is to deactivate unwanted applications through standard settings, which requires no additional tools and is suitable for most Redmi models (including the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and Redmi K50).

  • ❌ Not all system applications can be disabled (e.g. Google Play Services or Google Play Services). MIUI Security).
  • ❌ After updating MIUI Some applications may be activated again.
  • ❌ Background processes can still be triggered (for example, to check for updates).

Step-by-step:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Slip on the three points in the upper right corner and select Show System Processes.
  3. Find the app you want (such as Mi Browser or Mi Video) and open the page.
  4. Click Disable (if the button is active) and confirm the action.

Check if the application is critical (e.g. Android System)

Update MIUI to the latest version – sometimes restrictions are lifted

Try alternative methods (ADB or debloate)

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For mass shutdown, you can use the developer mode:

  1. Activate Developer Options (7 times tap the MIUI version in Settings β†’ About Phone).
  2. Go back to the Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Developer settings.
  3. Find the option to Do Not Save Actions (or Do Not Stay Activated) and turn it on, which will prevent background processes from starting after closing.

πŸ’‘

If notifications or sync stop working after disabling the application, check your Google account settings in Settings β†’ Accounts. Sometimes deactivation of system services knocks down authorization tokens.

Method 2: Using ADB to deep shut down (no root)

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a tool from Google that allows you to manage system components without obtaining superuser rights, with the help of which you can completely remove or freeze system applications, but with the reservations:

  • βœ… It works on all versions. MIUI (including HyperOS).
  • ❌ Requires PC connectivity and basic command line knowledge.
  • ❌ Some applications (e.g. com.google.android.gsf) cannot be removed, only disabled.

Preparation:

  1. Download ADB Tools for Windows/macOS/Linux.
  2. Enable USB Debugging in Developer Settings.
  3. Connect Redmi to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer on your smartphone screen.

Teams for managing applications:

View the list of all packages (look for the right application)


adb shell pm list packages




Disabling the application (freezing)



adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.browser




Removal of the application (irreversible!)



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




Restoration of the annex



adb shell pm enable com.miui.browser

AnnexPacket nameCan I remove it?Risk to the system
Mi Browsercom.android.browser or com.miui.browserβœ… Yes.Low.
Mi Musiccom.miui.playerβœ… Yes.Low.
GetAppscom.xiaomi.mipicksβœ… Yes.Medium (can break MIUI updates)
MIUI Securitycom.miui.securitycenter❌ No (only shutdown)High-pitched
Google Play Servicescom.google.android.gms❌ No.critical

⚠️ Note: Deleting com.xiaomi.finddevice will make it impossible to use the smartphone search function through your Xiaomi account. If you lose your phone, it will be more difficult to restore access.

Disconnection through settings MIUI|ADB (rootless)|Getting root rights|I'm using custom firmware.|I don't touch system applications.-->

Method 3: Debloat with Magisk (for advanced users)

If you're willing to take risks, getting root permissions through Magisk will give you access to deep customization.

  • 🧹 Remove any system applications without restrictions.
  • πŸ”„ Recover Remote Components Through Backups.
  • πŸ› οΈ Use modules for automatic debloat (e.g. Universal Debloater).

Step-by-step:

  1. Unlock bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi (requires a Mi Account binding and waits 7-30 days).
  2. Install Magisk via fastboot or TWRP.
  3. Download Universal Debloater or MIUI Debloater from the Magisk repository.
  4. In the module, tick off unnecessary applications and restart the device.

Popular modules for debloat:

  • πŸ“¦ Universal Debloater – supports most brands, including Xiaomi.
  • πŸ“± MIUI Debloater - Specialized for MIUI, It removes even hidden services.
  • πŸ” App Systemizer – allows you to convert user applications to system and vice versa.
What happens if you remove critical system applications?
If you remove components like com.miui.home or com.android.phone, the smartphone will not boot or lose basic functions (calls, SMS, Wi-Fi), and you can only restore the functionality through fastboot or EDL flashing.

Method 4: Use of custom firmware (for enthusiasts)

If you are not satisfied with MIUI with its pre-installed software, you can switch to custom firmware like:

  • 🌐 LineageOS – pure Android without bloat.
  • πŸ”₯ Pixel Experience – firmware with Google Pixel interface.
  • ⚑ ArrowOS – Optimized for Performance.
  • πŸ“± Xiaomi.eu – modified MIUI without Chinese services.

Advantages:

  • βœ… No unnecessary system applications Xiaomi.
  • βœ… Regular security updates.
  • βœ… Possibility of fine tuning through Magisk.

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ Loss of Xiaomi branded features (like Game Turbo or Second Space).
  • ❌ Risk of β€œbrick” when incorrect installation.
  • ❌ Possible camera or sensor issues (more fixes required).

Where to download firmware:

  • πŸ”— Official website of LineageOS.
  • πŸ”— Forum XDA Developers (Look for themes for your Redmi model).
  • πŸ”— Telegram chats, sort of. @miuiru or @xiaomi.eu.

πŸ’‘

Custom firmware is the most radical way to get rid of bloat, but it is only suitable for advanced users. ADB or Magisk will suffice for most tasks.

Method 5: Alternative methods (without root and ADB)

If you don’t want to mess with ADB or Magisk, you can try workarounds:

1.Using Launchers with App Hiding Function

Some launchers (like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher) allow you to hide system applications from the menu without physically removing them, which won’t stop background processes, but at least remove the icons from the screen.

Limitation of background activity

In Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Battery Mode, select the option to limit background activity for an unnecessary application. This will reduce resource consumption, but will not turn off the application completely.

3. Freeze applications (require root or ADB)

Utilities like App Quarantine or Bloatware Remover can freeze system applications, making them inactive until they are restarted, but they need root rights to work properly.

4. reset to factory settings with automatic installation disabled

After reset (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Settings Reset), some system applications do not recover if:

  • πŸ“΅ Turn off the internet during the first setup.
  • 🚫 Skip the step of entering your Mi Account.
  • βš™οΈ Manually disable automatic update of applications in Google Play.

What to do if after removing system applications, the smartphone stopped working

If you have removed a critical app and Redmi is not loading or crashing, try the following steps:

1.Recovery through ADB

Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute a command to return the remote packet:

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

2. Flashing through Fastboot

Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website and thread it through the Mi Flash Tool:

  1. Turn off your phone and press the power. + Volβˆ’ for the entrance to the Fastboot.
  2. Connect to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
  3. Select the downloaded firmware file (.tgz format) and press Flash.

3. Recovery via TWRP (if installed)

If you have a custom recavΓ©rie, you can:

  • πŸ“‚ Restore the backup (Backup) β†’ Restore).
  • πŸ“¦ Ask me again. ZIP System applications (see for the following: XDA).

⚠️ Warning: If your smartphone is stuck on the Redmi logo (bootloop), don’t try to get out of this state through a hard reset (Power). + Vol+). This can lead to data loss. Instead, immediately go to the firmware via Fastboot or EDL.

FAQ: Frequent questions about managing system applications on Xiaomi Redmi

Can Google Play Services be removed without consequences?
No, deleting com.google.android.gms will lead to: 🚫 Google Play Market Shutdown. 🚫 Loss of push notifications (VK, Telegram, Gmail). 🚫 Unable to use Google services (Maps, YouTube, Drive) The most you can do is disable auto-update this package in Settings β†’ Annexes.
Why do remote applications return after the MIUI update?
It's got to do with the mechanism. OTA-Updates when you install a new build MIUI The system checks the list of system packages against the reference and restores the missing ones: πŸ”„ Use it. ADB Disable (not remove) applications. πŸ“΅ Turn off automatic update checks in Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system. πŸ› οΈ Install Disable Force Encryption in Magisk (helps on some firmware).
How do I know which system application can be safely removed?
Before deleting, check the package using the following criteria: The package name does not start with com.android., com.google.android. or com.miui. (except for an explicit bloat like com.miui.browser). The application is not related to telephony, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or security. XDA Developers or 4PDA has confirmation that its removal does not break the system. Use the Debloater Tool utility (available on GitHub) to automatically verify the package.
Will NFC and Google Pay work after system apps are removed?
NFC depends on the com.android.nfc package β€” removing it will turn off contactless payments. For Google Pay, critically important are com.google.android.gms (Google Play Services). com.google.android.gsf (Google Services Framework). If you remove these components, Google Pay will stop working even if Google Wallet itself remains installed.
Can you roll back changes if notifications stop working after debloat?
Yes. Most common causes of the problem: Deleted com.google.android.gms β†’ Restore via ADB: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.google.android.gms Disabled com.miui.securitycenter β†’ turn back: adb shell pm enable com.miui.securitycenter Distracted Google account settings β†’ reauthorize to Settings β†’ Accounts. If notifications don’t recover, check battery settings for the problematic application (e.g., Do not optimize in Battery settings). β†’