Modern Xiaomi smartphones running on MIUI or HyperOS shells are often overflowing with pre-installed software. Users used to call it "bloatware" - software that takes up space in memory, consumes processor resources and does not bring real benefit to the owner. Standard removal methods are often limited: many system components cannot be uninstalled through a conventional settings interface.
This is where Android Debug Bridge, or ADB, comes to the rescue. It's a powerful command-line tool that allows you to control your device from a computer at a deep level. Using adb shell pm uninstall, you get the ability to remove even those packages that are hidden from the eyes of the average user, turning an overloaded gadget into a clean and household system.
It is important to understand that interfering with system processes requires care. Incorrect removal of critical components can lead to unstable operation or a “boot” (cyclical reboot). However, with a competent approach and a backup of data, the method through ADB remains the safest way to deep clean without obtaining Root rights.
⚠️ Note: Before you start manipulation, be sure to create a full backup of important data. The author is not responsible for possible malfunctions in the software of your device.
Preparation of the working environment and smartphone
The first step is to install the necessary drivers and platform tools on your personal computer. Without the right ADB driver, the computer simply won’t see the connected smartphone, and all further actions will be meaningless. download “Platform Tools” from the official Android developer site or use proven builds that include adb.exe and fastboot.exe.
After unpacking the archive with tools, you need to activate the debugging mode on the device itself. To do this, go to the Settings → About phone menu and quickly press 7 times on the MIUI Version or OS Version until you notice that you have become a developer. Then, in the advanced settings, find the Debugging by USB option.
When you first connect the cable to your computer, you'll see a request for debugging permission on your smartphone screen, and you'll check "Always allow from this computer" and confirm the action, and this will create a unique RSA key that will connect your device to a particular PC, providing a basic level of security for the connection.
☑️ Checking readiness for work
Connection installation and basic commands
Open the command prompt or PowerShell in the folder with the ADB tools installed. To check the connection, enter the command adb devices. If everything is configured correctly, you will see your device's serial number and device status. If it appears unauthorized, check the phone screen and confirm access.
Now you can check the list of all packages installed. The adb shell pm list packages will display a long list of all applications. To find a specific application, such as Google services, use the filter: adb shell pm list packages | findstr google (for Windows) or adb shell pm list packages | grep google (for macOS/Linux), which will help identify the exact name of the package that you want to delete.
For those who are afraid of getting the command syntax wrong, there are graphical shells like Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools or Universal Android Debloater.They automatically define the device model and offer lists of safe apps to remove, minimizing the risk of system damage.
adb shell pm list packages -sThis command will only display system applications, which will significantly reduce the list for analysis. Learning the list of packages is a critical step, since names are often not obvious (for example, com.miui.weather2 instead of just "Weather").
The process of removing system applications
The uninstallation process itself is performed by the adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 packet name. The -k flag stores the data and the app cache in case you want to restore it, and --user 0 indicates deletion for the main user, making the application invisible and inactive.
Consider the example of removing the standard Mi Browser browser. Its package is usually called com.android.browser or com.miui.browser. By entering the deletion command, you will instantly see the Success message in the terminal, and the application icon will disappear from the desktop and from the settings list.
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Use the copy-paste command for packet names to avoid typos. One extra letter in the title will lead to a runtime error.
Some users try to remove apps for all users at once using the --user all flag, but on modern versions of Android this can cause serious errors. It is safer and more correct to work only with the profile of the main user (user 0), since this does not violate the integrity of system files, but only hides their use.
⚠️ Warning: Never delete packets associated with com.android.providers, com.miui.securitycenter or com.xiaomi.finddevice unless you are 100% sure of their purpose.This may block access to files or the device's search function. To avoid getting confused by hundreds of system processes, we have compiled a table of the most frequently removed components that do not affect the basic functionality of the phone. However, remember that the application set may vary depending on the regional version of the firmware (Global, China, EEA). Application Package (example) Removal Risk Comments Mi Browser com.mi.global.browser Low Replaced with Chrome or Firefox Mi Video com.miui.videoplayer Low Standard Player, there are analogues of GetApps (App Store) com.xiaomi.mipicks Average Application Store Xiaomi, you need to those Analytics com.miui.analytics Low Statistics, you can remove MSA (Ads) com.mi.msa.global Responsible for advertising in the system Special attention-that the pansite, but they can not accidentally remove from such services.com and remove them. Because we used the flag. --user 0, The application is not physically erased, but only disabled for your profile. To restore, just enter the command adb shell cmd package install-existing name packet, and the application will return to its place. If after removing the applications, the phone stopped booting, try logging into Recovery Mode (Loudness up). + Power) and make Wipe Data. If that doesn't work, you'll need to flash the device through the Mi Flash Tool. Process automation and scripts For those who don't want to manually type dozens of commands, there are ready-made scripts based on Bash or PowerShell. These scripts contain lists of packets to delete and execute commands sequentially. A popular solution is the Xiaomi project. ADB/Fastboot Tools from developer Szaki, which has a graphical interface. Using scripts greatly speeds up the process, especially when configuring multiple devices. remove_bloat.bat (For Windows, you can write a sequence of commands adb shell pm uninstall... for every unnecessary application, and run it with a single click. But automation also carries risks. Ready lists may not be relevant to your version. MIUI. Always check the contents of the script before running. Make sure that the list does not include critical system components such as telephony or input services. 📊 What is your preferred method of cleaning?Manual removal ADBGraphical Utilities (Xiaomi) ADB Root and system cleaners Nothing removed, use as there are Possible problems and their solution Frequent problem – the computer stops seeing the device after a few minutes of downtime. It's about energy conservation. USB-The solution is simple: reconnect the cable, unlock the screen, and switch mode if necessary. USB From "Charge Only" to "Transfer of Files (MTP)". Another problem is the Failure error. [not installed for 0] If you try to delete, it means you're trying to delete an application that's already been removed, or it's part of a system image that you can't touch, in which case you just skip the package. If you upgraded your firmware over the air, some remote applications may return, which is normal behavior, as the update restores the original state of the system partition. You will have to re-clean the procedure, so save the list of deleted packets in a text file for a quick replay of the operation. ⚠️ Note: New versions of HyperOS may require additional authorization to your Mi Account to perform some of the following: ADB-commands, although basic packet removal usually works without it. ADB, There are less radical ways to combat bloating, such as in application settings, you can force the process to stop and turn it off if the button is active, and this won't delete files, but it will prevent the application from starting and consuming RAM. It's also effective to use Special App Permissions to limit background activity. You can disable auto-runs for most applications, leaving that privilege to messengers only. This often gives you a greater boost in autonomy than physical deletion. For advanced users, the method is available using Shizuku in conjunction with uninstallation applications. ADB directly from your phone without a PC connection, which is very convenient for quick cleaning on the fly". 💡ADB — It's a powerful tool that gives you complete control of the system, but it requires care. Always check the name of the package before you delete it, so you don't disrupt your smartphone. ADB? Technically possible, but highly discouraged for ordinary users: Deleting Google Play Services will render most third-party apps, maps, contact syncs and push notifications inoperable. Do this only if you understand how to live without Google's ecosystem. Will removing apps reset the guarantee? Using ADB to remove user and system applications is not a bootloader modification or flashing, so the warranty is not formally reset. However, if you put the system down by inept actions, the service center may refuse free repairs, citing a software failure due to the user's fault. Can you delete Mi Cloud and Find Device? Deletion of com.xiaomi.finddevice is possible, but this will disable the search function for the lost phone. Removal of Mi Cloud (com.miui.cloudservice) can disrupt the synchronization of photos and contacts.