How to completely disable Mi Messages on Xiaomi Redmi 7: all working methods

Xiaomi Redmi 7 is still a popular budget smartphone, but its owners often encounter the intrusive system application Mi Messages (Mi Messages), which automatically installs on all devices with MIUI firmware, takes up memory, consumes battery power and sometimes sends notifications even to those who do not use it. In this article, we will examine all possible ways to disable or remove this application – from standard settings to radical methods for experienced users.

It’s important to understand that Mi Messages is closely integrated into Xiaomi’s ecosystem: it’s not only responsible for SMS/MMS, but also for synchronizing messages between devices (if you use a Mi Account). However, if you prefer third-party messengers like Google Messages or WhatsApp, the system application can be safely deactivated, the main thing is to do it correctly so as not to disrupt the other functions of the smartphone.

Why Mi Messages Are Hiding Redmi 7 Users

At first glance, the standard messaging app seems harmless, but it has a few annoying features:

  • πŸ“± Auto Start: Notification arrives – the app opens itself even if you haven’t used it in months.
  • πŸ”‹ Battery consumption: background processes com.android.mms and com.miui.mms can consume up to 5-7% day-load.
  • πŸ“€ Unnecessary notifications: Spam from the operator or system alerts are duplicated in Mi Messages, even if you have already read them in another messenger.
  • 🚫 Inability to delete: In standard mode, the Remove button is inactive – only β€œDisableΒ».

According to the tests on Redmi 7 with MIUI 12, the Mi Messages app takes up about 150-200 MB of memory (along with a cache) and can run up to 3-4 background processes at a time. For a budget smartphone with 2/3 GB of RAM, this is critical β€” every megabyte counts. Besides, if you use Google Messages as the main messenger, duplication of functions only creates chaos.

πŸ“Š Which messenger do you use most often?
Mi Messages
Google Messages
WhatsApp
Telegram
Other

Method 1: Disabling notifications from Mi messages

If you don't have to completely uninstall the app, but you want to get rid of the annoying alerts, you just have to disable the notifications, which is the safest method and doesn't require super-user rights.

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Find the Mi Messages (or Messages) list and tap it.
  3. Go to the Notifications section.
  4. Turn off the Display Notifications switch.
  5. For full effect, also deactivate the Sound, Vibration and Floating Notification options.

After that, the app will stop bothering you, but will remain in the system.

πŸ’‘

If you have MIUI 14, you have Categories in your notification settings, and you can turn off SMS and MMS separately, which will reduce background activity.

Method 2: Forced Stop and Disable Applications

A more radical step is to completely stop Mi Messages from working through Android settings.This won't remove the app, but will prevent it from running until the next smartphone reboot.

How to do this:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management β†’ Mi Messages.
  2. Press the Forced Stop button (if the button is inactive, first turn off notifications as in Method 1).
  3. Then tap Disable (or Deactivate in new versions of MIUI).
  4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

Once disabled, the app icon will disappear from the menu and all associated processes will be stopped.

  • ⚠️ SMS-Messages will not arrive until you turn the app back on or install an alternative messenger (e.g. Google Messages).
  • ⚠️ After updating MIUI The application can be activated again – check the settings after updates.

Install an alternative messenger (Google Messages, Textra)

Save important SMS (export to XML)

Turn off notifications in Mi Messages

Forcedly stop the app

-->

Method 3: Delete Mi Messages via ADB (without root)

If you're willing to take more serious steps, you can completely delete Mi Messages without superuser rights using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which works on all versions of MIUI, including Redmi 7, but requires a connection to a computer.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn on the Developer Mode on your smartphone: go to Settings β†’ About phone and 7 times tap on the item MIUI version.
  2. Return to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
  3. Connect Redmi 7 to your PC via USB-Cable (use the original cable for stability).
  4. Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
  5. Open the command line (Win + R β†’ cmd) and type:
adb devices

(Series numbered device should appear. If not, check the drivers or cable.)

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.mms


adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.mms

After the commands are executed, the Mi Messages application will be deleted for the current user (not systemically, so after resetting the settings, it will return).

  • βœ… Doesn't require root rights.
  • βœ… Releases until 100-150 MBT memory.
  • βœ… Does not break the work of other system applications.

⚠️ Note: If after deleting you want to return Mi Messages, you will have to reset your smartphone settings or install the application manually through the APK. Also some Mi Account features (e.g. synchronization) SMS between devices will stop working.

Method 4: Removal with root rights (for experienced)

If you have root access (like Magisk), you can completely erase Mi Messages from the system, which is the most radical method, but also the most effective one, because the app won't come back even after the updates.

Instructions:

  1. Install any file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
  2. Go to /system/priv-app/MiuiMms or /system/app/Mms.
  3. Delete the MiuiMms folder (or the Mms.apk and Mms.odex files).
  4. Also check the /data/app folder for residual files.
  5. Reboot your smartphone.

After that, the application will be deleted forever, and free up to 200-250 MB of memory.

AdvantagesRisks.
Complete removal without possibility of recoveryDisruption of system functions (e.g, SMS-bank alert)
Freeing up maximum memory capacityProblems with OTA-Updates (may require manual firmware)
No background processes and battery consumptionLoss of Mi Account features associated with messages

⚠️ Note: Before deleting system files, be sure to backup through TWRP Or Orange Backup. Wrong actions can lead to a bootloop ( looped boot), and then you need to flash the firmware.

Method 5: Replace Mi Messages with Google Messages

If you want SMS but don’t want to use a standard app, the best option is to install Google Messages and make it the default app, an official solution from Google that supports RCS (Extended Messages).

How to go to Google Messages:

  1. Download Google Messages from Google Play.
  2. Open the app andfollowing the setup instructions.
  3. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management β†’ Mi Messages.
  4. Click Disable (as in Method 2).
  5. Now, when receiving SMS, Google Messages will be opened.

The benefits of Google Messages are:

  • πŸ”’ Encryption of messages (including RCS).
  • 🌐 Sync between devices via Google account.
  • πŸš€ Less battery consumption than Mi Messages.
  • πŸ“Š Convenient interface with support for dark theme.

Important: If you use two-factor authentication (2FA) via SMS, make sure Google Messages accepts the codes correctly before disabling Mi Messages. Some banks (for example, Sberbank) can block messages in third-party messengers.

What to do if Mi messages are not turned off

Sometimes, even after all the manipulations, the application continues to work or reappears after the update.

Problem.Decision
The "Disable" button is inactiveTurn off notifications first, then try again.
The application is back after the MIUI updateUse ADB to remove (Method 3) or roll back the firmware.
No SMS will be sent after the shutdownInstall an alternative messenger and make it standard.
Error "Can't stop the application"Reboot your smartphone and try again.

If neither method works, there are two options:

  1. Manual removal via TWRP: requires custom recap and backup.
  2. Flashing to custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) where there are no Xiaomi system applications.
How to check if Mi Messages are working in the background?
Open Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Battery Use and find the process com.android.mms or com.miui.mms. If it consumes charge, the application is active. You can also use Greenify for forced hibernation.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Messages on Redmi 7

Can I disable Mi Messages without losing SMS functionality?
Yes, if you install an alternative messenger (like Google Messages) before you turn it off and make it a standard SMS application, however, some system notifications (like from banks) can only come to a standard application.
Why does the application return after being deleted via ADB?
This is due to MIUI updates that restore system applications.To avoid this, disable automatic firmware updates or use Magisk to block recovery.
Is it safe to delete Mi messages with root rights?
Yes, if you backup and you're confident in your actions, it could disrupt the Mi Account functionality that synchronizes messages. OTA-Updates may not be installed.
How to return Mi messages if you need them?
If you deleted through ADB (Method 3), just follow the command: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.mms If removed with root rights, you will need to flash or restore from the backup.
Is there a way to hide Mi messages without turning them off?
Yes, you can hide the app icon with a launcher (like Nova Launcher or POCO Launcher). To do this: Hold your finger on the Mi Message icon. Drag it up to say "Hide" (or "Remove from the screen"). The app will remain on the system, but will not appear in the menu.

πŸ’‘

If you are not sure about your actions, start with the safest method (disabling notifications) and then move on to radical measures (ADB or root).