How to permanently disable unnecessary applications on Xiaomi Redmi 8: safe ways

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is a popular model with a balance of price and performance, but even it eventually begins to “slow down” due to accumulated system applications. Many users face the problem of how to remove or at least disable preinstalled services that take up space in memory, consume battery power and work in the background without your knowledge.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can go from standard settings to hidden MIUI features to help you clean your Redmi 8 of unnecessary software. Importantly, not all apps can be removed completely without system consequences, but they can be permanently disabled so they don’t interfere with the device, and we’ll also tell you which programs you shouldn’t touch so as not to disrupt the stability of the MIUI.

Why is Xiaomi Redmi 8 so much unnecessary?

Smartphone makers, including Xiaomi, often install a package of pre-installed programs on their devices, both their own (Mi Browser, Mi Music, Mi Video) and affiliate programs (such as Facebook, Netflix or regional services).

• 📦 Bloatvers are the name given to unnecessary software that takes up space and is not used by most users, such as Mi Pay or Mi Credit in regions where these services do not work.
• 🔄 Duplicate functions: MIUI It often offers its own analogues of standard applications (Gallery instead of Google Photos, Mi Browser instead of Chrome).
• 📡 Background Processes: Some system utilities (such as Security or Cleaner) scan your device continuously, even if you don’t use them.
• 🌍 Regional features: firmware for different countries may include local services (e.g. Mi India Store for Indian market).

According to the tests, on the “pure” Redmi 8 with MIUI 12 firmware, pre-installed applications take up to 3-5 GB of memory, and some of them (Mi Browser, Mi Music) can not be removed by standard means.

• ⚡ Increased battery life (up to 10-15% of battery saving).
• 🚀 Acceleration of the system by freeing RAM.
• 📱 Freeing up space for your files and applications.

What applications can be disabled without risk to the system?

Before you start cleaning, it is important to understand that not all system programs can be touched, some are responsible for the stability of MIUI, communication with Xiaomi servers or basic functions (calls, SMS, Internet).

It is not recommended to turn off:

• 🚫 com.android.phone (phone) - responsible for calls and SMS.
• 🚫 com.miui.securitycenter (Security) – manages permissions and antivirus.
• 🚫 com.android.settings – without it you can not configure your smartphone.
• 🚫 com.miui.home (Luncher) – is responsible for the desktop.

💡

Before disabling applications, back up important data. In rare cases, this can cause the launcher or other system components to fail. Use Settings → System → Backup

Method 1: Disabling applications through standard settings

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which do not require super-user rights (root) and is suitable even for beginners.

1. Open the settings on your Redmi 8.
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Show all applications.
4. Find an unnecessary app (such as Mi Browser) and tap it.
5. Press the Disable button (if it is active).
6. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

After deactivation, the annex:

• ✅ Disappear from the menu and desktop.
• ✅ It will stop updating through the Play Market.
• ✅ It will not consume battery power and RAM.
• ❌ It will be in the memory of the device (it will take up space, but it will not interfere with the device).

Check the list of safe programs to disable (see table above)

Make a backup copy of important data

Charge your phone at least 50%

Close all background applications-->

Limitations of the method:

• 🔒 Not all system applications can be disabled this way (e.g. Mi Security or Mi Account).
• 🔄 After resetting settings or updating MIUI Disabled programs can be activated again.

Method 2: Removing System Application Updates

Many pre-installed programs (Mi Browser, Mi Music, Cleaner) can't be completely removed, but you can return them to the factory version by removing the updates, which will make space and reduce background activity.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want (such as Mi Browser).
3. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Remove Updates.
4. Confirm the action.

What does that do?

• 📉 Reduces the size of the application (updates often weigh hundreds of megabytes).
• 🛑 Stops background processes that started after updates.
• 🔙 Returns the factory settings of the program (sometimes it is more convenient than the user version).

Important: After removing updates, the app may stop working properly (e.g., Mi Browser won’t support modern web standards).

💡

Removing updates is the safest way to reduce the impact of system applications, as it does not affect the MIUI core.

Method 3: Disabling applications via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to manage system components through a computer, which takes a little more effort, but gives you access to programs that you can't disable through settings.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable for the Redmi 8 connection.
• 📥 Installed drivers ADB Fastboot (you can download it as part of Google’s Platform Tools).
• 🔧 Included debugging by USB phone-on.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on Redmi 8: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI until the notification “You’ve become a developer” appears.

Settings → Additional → For Developers

USB debugging

File Transfer (MTP)

CMD

Windows

Terminal

macOS/Linux

Platform Tools

adb devices

The serial number of your device should appear.

Mi Browser

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

Replace com.android.browser with the package of the desired application (see the table above).

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Allows you to disable even those programs that are blocked in the settings.
• ✅ Doesn't require root rights.
• ✅ Changes are reversible (you can re-enable the application with the command adb shell pm enable com.android.browser).

💡

If the app reappears after the reboot after the ADB shutdown, try adding the adb shell pm hide com.android.browser command (requires MIUI 12+).

⚠️ Attention: Do not turn off through ADB applications with com.android. or com.miui. packages, if not sure of their purpose, this can lead to loss of functionality (for example, the settings will disappear or the camera will stop working).

Method 4: Completely remove system applications (root required)

If you're willing to take the risk of taking full control of your Redmi 8, you can remove your system applications permanently with root rights, a method that offers maximum freedom, but has serious drawbacks:

• 🔓 Requires unlocking the loader and installing a custom recavery (TWRP).
• 🚨 Revokes Xiaomi’s warranty.
• 🔄 It can cause unstable system operation if critical components are removed.

How to remove the application from root:

1. Unlock the bootloader on Redmi 8 via the official Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Mi Account binding and a wait of 7-15 days).
2. Install TWRP custom recavers for Redmi 8 (instructions are available on the XDA Developers forum).
3. Download and install Magisk to obtain root rights.
4. Use a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer) and go to /system/app or /system/priv-app.
5. Find a folder with an unnecessary app (like Browser for Mi Browser) and delete it.
6. Reboot the phone.

Recommendations for safe disposal:

• 📌 Before removing, make a full backup through TWRP (Backup → System).
• 📌 Only remove applications that are not related to system services (see table above).
• 📌 After removal, check the stability of the phone (calls, Internet, camera).

⚠️ Note: Deleting system applications can lead to bootloop or loss of functionality. For example, if you delete com.miui.gallery, the camera or photo editor may stop working. Always check the information about the package before deleting!

How do I get the disabled apps back?

If you experience problems after disabling or deleting (for example, notifications or settings have stopped working), you can turn it back.

If you don’t remember which apps you disabled, you can use the command to display a list of all the packages that have been disabled:

adb shell pm list packages -d

Tip: If it doesn’t work properly after returning the application, try:

• Clear its cache and data in Settings → Apps.
• Update through Play Market (if available).
• Reset your phone to factory settings (if the problem is serious).

FAQ: Frequent questions about disabling applications on Xiaomi Redmi 8