How to disable Mi messages on Xiaomi forever: the full guide

Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners often face intrusive adoption of proprietary applications, one of which is the Mi Messages app, which replaces the default interface for sending SMS and MMS, which is annoying for users who are used to pure Android or want to use more functional analogues from Google.

The problem is not only the modified design, but also forced synchronization, which can consume traffic and battery power. RCS-In our regions, chat is incorrect or requires complex setup.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all ways to deactivate the built-in messenger. You will learn how to completely remove the application, how to disable its functions in the system settings and what to do if standard methods do not help. MIUI HyperOS of various versions.

Why you should abandon the standard Mi Messages app

The main reason users are looking to remove Mi Messages is because of redundancy in features that are rarely used in everyday life: The MIUI shell tries to integrate cloud services where they are often not needed, which leads to inflated system processes and potential conflicts with other messaging programs.

Another important aspect is privacy: Unlike simple SMS applications, Mi Messages can request access to contacts, gallery and location for advanced features to work. Data security is becoming a priority, and minimizing the number of active system services is the right step to protect personal information.

⚠️ Before disabling system components, make sure you have an alternative way to receive SMS, such as the Google Messages app, or you may temporarily lose access to confirmation codes from banks.

Also worth noting is the impact on autonomy: Background synchronization and verification of new messages through Xiaomi servers can quietly drain the battery. By disabling unnecessary services, you will extend the device’s life without recharging.

Preparing the device before changing system settings

Before you start radical measures, such as removing system applications through ADB or hidden menus, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps, which will protect your data and allow you to quickly restore the phone to work in case of an error.

First, back up important emails if they contain critical information. While standard SMS rarely store anything valuable, it's best to be safe. Use Xiaomi's built-in backup tool or third-party utilities to save history.

• 📱 Make sure the battery is at least 50% so that the device does not turn off during the adjustment process.
• 💾 Save important contacts to your Google account, not just your phone or phone. SIM-map.
• 🔌 Connect your smartphone to a stable Wi-Fi network to download the necessary components or replacement applications.

It is also recommended to install an alternative messaging app if you plan to completely remove the standard one. The best option is Google Messages, which provide stable operation and support for modern communication protocols.

Disconnection through standard Android and MIUI settings

The easiest and safest way to get rid of intrusive service is to use the built-in capabilities of the operating system. In the latest versions of the HyperOS shell and MIUI, it became possible to disable some system applications without obtaining superuser rights.

To start, go to your device's settings menu. Find the section that manages installed programs. The path may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains the same for all Redmi and Poco models.

In the list that opens, look for the Messages or Mi Messages app. Click on it to open the app information page. Here you are interested in the "Disable" or "Remove Updates" button, after which the full-switch button will be available.

⚠️ Note: If the “Disable” button is inactive (gray), it means that the system considers the application to be critical, and in this case, the use of more advanced methods described below will be required.

Once confirmed, the app icon will disappear from the desktop and the system will stop running its processes. All incoming SMS will now come to the notification that the application is disabled, or redirected to the default communication tool you choose.

Using Google Messages as an Alternative

Once you’ve solved the problem with a native app, you need to choose a reliable replacement. Google Messages is the de facto standard for the modern Android ecosystem. The application supports the RCS protocol, which allows you to send high-quality messages over the Internet, similar to instant messengers.

To make Google Messages the main one, download them from the Play Market store if they are not already installed. Once installed, open the app and follow the instructions on the screen. The system will suggest making it the default SMS and MMS application.

Using Google products ensures that you get security updates and new features regardless of the Xiaomi shell version, which is especially important for older smartphone models that are no longer getting system updates.

💡

Use the “Web Messages” feature in the Google app to easily type SMS from your computer without being distracted by your phone.

Delete via computer and ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not allow you to completely get rid of the system component, the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool comes to the rescue. This method requires a computer and a USB cable, but gives maximum control over the system without the need to obtain Root rights.

First, you need to activate the developer mode on your smartphone. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on the build number seven times, and then a new option will appear on the menu "Additional" or "Extended settings", where you need to enable "Debugging by USB".

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

Executing this command will remove the Mi Messages app for the current user. It is important to understand that files will remain in the system partition, but they will not download and consume resources.

⚠️ Be very careful when putting commands into ADB. Removing critical system packages can result in a cyclical device reboot (bootloop).

If you want to return it as it was, the reinstall command is used. So write down the names of the packets you delete. To return the functionality, you just need to run the command adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.messaging.

💡

The ADB method allows you to remove any system applications that cannot be disabled through settings, making the system cleaner and faster.

Problem Solving and Frequently Asked Questions

Users may encounter various difficulties in disabling embedded services, sometimes blocking third-party applications as primary applications, and other times causing synchronization errors, and understanding the causes of these problems will help avoid wasting time.

One common mistake is to try to remove an application that is deeply integrated into the MIUI shell and responsible for notification pop-ups, in which case it is better not to delete the packet completely, but simply to limit its background activity in the battery settings.

And it's also worth remembering that once you reset to factory, all the changes will be reversed. The system will return to its original state, and you'll have to repeat the procedure of disabling Mi Messages again. This is normal behavior of Android smartphones.

To sum up, it is a smart move for any Xiaomi owner to move away from Mi Messages in favor of lighter and more functional ones, which improves interface performance and privacy.

💡

Check the list of SMS-accessing apps regularly in your privacy settings to make sure that only the programs you need have access.