Xiaomi MIUI-based smartphones come pre-installed with a suite of Google services, from the Play Store to Google Play Services, which consume device resources, collect data and sometimes interfere with work. Many users want to get rid of them for reasons of privacy, battery saving or simply because of their hatred of “Google.” But there are pitfalls: incorrect removal of system applications can lead to MIUI malfunctions, loss of functionality (such as push notifications), or even a “brick” of the device.
In this guide, we’ll look at all the possible ways from secure deactivation through settings to radical removal with ADB and custom firmware, which apps can be removed without risk and which shouldn’t be touched, even if they seem useless, and we’ll analyze the consequences of each method and offer alternatives for those who want to keep the functionality of the smartphone.
Important: The instructions are current for MIUI 12-15 (including HyperOS), but may differ on older versions or devices with modified software. Before starting, we recommend backing up data via Settings → About Phone → Backup.
1.What Google apps are installed on Xiaomi by default?
On Xiaomi smartphones with Google services (so-called) GMS-device) a standard set of applications preinstalled, which can be divided into three categories:
- 📦 Critical: Google Play Services, Google Services Framework, Google Play Store. Without them, push notifications, Google authorization, many apps from the Play Store will not work.
- 🔄 Useful but not mandatory: Google Chrome, YouTube, Gmail, Google Maps. These can be replaced by alternatives (e.g. Bromite instead of Chrome).
- 🗑️ Ballast: Google One, Google Podcasts, Google TV, Duo.These apps are almost never used and safely removed.
The full list can be found in the Settings menu → Apps → Application Management by sorting them by System. Note: some applications (such as Google Play Services) may be duplicated – this is normal, since they are responsible for different functions.
| Annex | Can I remove it? | Effects of removal | The alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Play Services | ❌ No. | Failure of push notifications, errors in applications, inability to log in through Google | Turn off auto-update |
| Google Play Store | ⚠️ Partially. | It is impossible to install / update applications through the Play Store | Aurora Store, APKMirror |
| Google Chrome | ✅ Yes. | Loss of synchronization of bookmarks and history (if you used a Google account) | Bromite, Firefox, Kiwi Browser |
| YouTube | ✅ Yes. | No access to an official client (but you can use YouTube Vanced or NewPipe) | NewPipe, Vanced (unofficial) |
| Google One | ✅ Yes. | Loss of access to Google Cloud Storage (if used) | Other Clouds (Mega, Proton Drive) |
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3 Pro) Google Extensions is responsible for weather widgets and other system functions, and its removal may cause malfunctions. MIUI.
Method 1: Deactivation through settings (without root)
The safest method is to disable unnecessary applications without completely removing them, which will not free up disk space, but will stop background activity and save battery life.
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Show System Processes".
- Find the app you want (like Google One) and tap it.
- Click "Disable" (if the button is inactive - the application is critical to the system).
- Confirm the action in the window that appears.
Once disabled, the app will disappear from the menu, but will remain on the system, and it can be activated again through the same settings, a method that works for most ballast applications, but will not help get rid of Google Play Services or the Google Services Framework.
Disable Google One (Cloud Storage)
Turn off Google Podcasts (if you don’t use podcasts)
Turn off Google TV (alternatively SmartTubeNext)
Disable Duo (replaced with WhatsApp or Telegram calls)
Turn off Google Play Games (if you don't play mobile games)-->
If the "Disable" button is not available, try removing the updates for the app first (the "Remove Updates" button in the same menu).
Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root but with PC)
For a deeper cleaning, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which allows you to completely remove unnecessary applications, but requires a connection to your computer and turn on the developer mode.
Advantages of the method:
- ✅ Doesn't require root rights.
- ✅ Remove applications permanently (before resetting to factory settings).
- ✅ It works on most Xiaomi models (including the ones that are used by Xiaomi). POCO redmi).
Disadvantages:
- ⚠️ A team error can cause a system failure.
- ⚠️ Some applications after removal can recover after updating MIUI.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers. Activate USB Debugging.
- Install ADB on your PC: Download Google’s Platform Tools. Unpack the archive into any folder (e.g., C:\adb).
Connect your smartphone to your PC
adb devices(Your device should appear)
adb shellpm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.apps.photos(Replace com.google.android.apps.photos with the package of the desired application).
List of packages of popular Google applications:
- 📷 Google Photo: com.google.android.apps.photos
- 🎵 YouTube Music: com.google.android.apps.youtube.music
- 📺 Google TV: com.google.android.videos
- 📞 Google Duo: com.google.android.apps.tachyon
- 📧 Gmail: com.google.android.gm
⚠️ Note: Do not delete com.google.android.gms (Google Play Services) and com.android.vending (Play Store) via ADB — This will cause most applications, including banking, to fail!
adb shell pm list packages -f > apps_backup.txtThis will help restore remote programs if something goes wrong.-->
Method 3: Using Magisk and the Universal GMS Doze
If you have root rights (installed by Magisk), you can go further and not only remove unnecessary apps, but also limit the activity of those that remain. One of the best tools for this is the Universal GMS Doze module, which:
- 🛡️ Blocks background activity of Google Play Services.
- 🔋 Significantly saves battery power.
- 📡 Reduces the consumption of mobile traffic.
Installation instructions:
- Install Magisk (if not already installed).
- Download the Universal GMS Doze (.zip file).
- Open Magisk, go to the Modules section and click "Install from storage".
- Select the downloaded file and confirm the installation.
- Reset the device.
Once installed, the module will automatically limit Google services activity. You can change the settings in /sdcard/UniversalGMSDoze/config.txt (created after the first reboot). For example, to completely disable Google Play Services, add a line:
PACKAGE=com.google.android.gms
DISABLE=1⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI The module can conflict with system services, causing freezes. If after installation, the smartphone begins to brake, disconnect the module through Magisk and try the alternative - DisableService.
What if push notifications stopped coming after installing the module?
5. Method 4: Install custom firmware without GMS
The most radical way to get rid of Google apps is to install custom firmware without Google services (called GMS-free builds).
- 📱 LineageOS (official and unofficial builds).
- 🔄 Pixel Experience (no versions available) GMS).
- 🛡️ CalyxOS or GrapheneOS (focus on privacy).
- 🇨🇳 MIUI China (official firmware without official firmware) GMS, but with Chinese services).
The installation process shall include:
- Unlock the bootloader (fastboot oem unlock).
- Installation of custom recavery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
- Formatting partitions and installing firmware.
Advantages:
- ✅ Full control of the system.
- ✅ No Google services out of the box".
- ✅ Option to choose alternative app stores (F-Droid, Aurora Store).
Disadvantages:
- ⚠️ Loss of warranty if the device is new).
- ⚠️ Risk of “bricking” in case of error.
- ⚠️ Some features (like Google Pay) won’t work.
| Firmware | Support for GMS | Alternative store | Complexity of installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| LineageOS | ❌ No (can be further established) | F-Droid, Aurora Store | Medium |
| Pixel Experience (GMS-free) | ❌ No. | Aurora Store | Medium |
| CalyxOS | ❌ No (replaced with microG) | F-Droid, Aurora Store | Tall. |
| MIUI China | ❌ No (Chinese services) | No (must be manually installed) | Low. |
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro) POCO F3) Installation of custom firmware can lead to problems with the Widevine module L1, This will stop streaming services in high resolution (for example, Netflix in the Internet). HD).
Method 5: Use of alternative services (without deletion)
If you don't want to risk the stability of the system, but at the same time reduce the impact of Google, you can replace standard applications with open source alternatives or from other developers.
- 🌐 Browser: Bromite (Chrome with tracker locking), Firefox Focus (private default mode). DuckDuckGo Browser (built-in tracking lock).
- 📧 Mail: FairEmail (open source, support) PGP). K-9 Mail (classic client with encryption).
- 🗺️ Maps: OsmAnd (OpenStreetMap-based offline maps) Magic Earth (an alternative to Google Maps).
- 🎵 Music/Video: NewPipe (YouTube without advertising and tracking). VLC (versatile player).
The advantage of this approach is that you don't have to delete or modify anything, but you just need to install alternative apps and disable notifications from Google apps (in the settings of each application).
- Go to Settings → Apps → Google Play Services.
- Select "Notifications" and disable all permissions.
- In the "Battery" section, set "Limited" mode of operation.
This will not shut down services completely, but will significantly reduce their activity.
💡
Replacing Google apps with alternatives is the safest way to reduce Google’s impact without risk to the system, a method that is suitable for users who do not want to lose warranty or engage in complex manipulation.
7. Risks and consequences of disabling Google applications
Before you remove or deactivate Google services, it’s important to understand the consequences, which depend on which apps you touch and how much your smartphone depends on the Google ecosystem.
What breaks most often:
- 📱 Push notifications: without Google Play Services, notifications from instant messengers, social networks and emails will stop working (if they use Firebase Cloud Messaging).
- 🔑 Authorization: You cannot log in to your Google account in other apps (such as Gmail or YouTube).
- 🎮 Games: Many mobile games (especially online) require Google Play Games to keep progress.
- 💳 Banking apps: Some banks (like Sberbank or Tinkoff) check for Google Play Services for security.
- 📡 Geolocation: without Google Play Services, geolocation services (for example, Yandex.Maps or Google Play Services) may not work well. 2GIS).
How to minimize the risks:
- 🔄 Use microG, an open-source implementation of Google services that emulates their work without tracking, installed via Magisk or as part of firmware like LineageOS for microG.
- 📲 For push notifications, configure UnifiedPush (protocol for decentralized notifications, supported by Signal, Telegram) FOSS and other applications).
- 🔋 Before deleting, check which apps are dependent on Google using the App Inspector tool (available in F-Droid).
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Deleting Google Play Services may cause theme and weather widgets to fail, as they are partly dependent on Google’s web designs. API. If the weather on the home screen is gone after removal, return services or install an alternative launcher (for example, Nova Launcher).