How to permanently disable or remove unnecessary apps on Xiaomi Redmi Note 4

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is one of the most popular smartphones of the brand, but even after years, its owners face a problem: dozens of preinstalled applications that can not be removed by standard methods, they take up memory, consume battery power and interfere with the menu. In this article, we will examine all the working ways to disable or completely remove unnecessary programs, from secure methods without root rights to radical solutions for power users.

It's important to understand that not all applications can be removed without consequences. MIUI, We'll explain in detail which programs can be deactivated and which ones should not be touched, and we'll also look at alternatives, from hiding icons to using them. ADB-deep-cleaning teams".

Why are there so many unnecessary apps on Redmi Note 4?

Xiaomi preinstalles not only branded services (Mi Browser, Mi Music, Mi Video) on its smartphones, but also affiliate programs - from Facebook to local services like Mi Pay or Mi Credit. On the Redmi Note 4 (model mido), the situation is aggravated by the fact that:

• 📱 The smartphone was released in several regional versions (global, Chinese, Indian), each of which had its own set of pre-installed applications.
• 🔄 Updates MIUI They often add new services, but never remove old ones.
• 🛠️ Part of the programs are integrated into the system and does not have a button "Delete" - only "Disable" or "Hide".

According to firmware analysis, Redmi Note 4 has 30 to 50 apps out of the box, of which the user actively uses an average of 10-15. The rest either duplicate functions (for example, two browsers – Mi Browser and Google Chrome), or are not in demand at all (for example, Mi Drop for file transfer if you use Bluetooth or instant messengers).

⚠️ Note: Applications with names starting with com.android., com.xiaomi. or com.miui. are often responsible for operating the system.

Method 1: Standard shutdown through settings

The safest method is to deactivate applications through the settings menu, which does not require superuser rights and is reversible: the program can be turned on again at any time.

• 🎵 Mi Music, Mi Video – if you use YouTube Music or Spotify.
• 🌐 Mi Browser – if you prefer Chrome or Firefox.
• 💳 Mi Pay, Mi Credit – if you do not use Xiaomi payment services.
• 📱 Du Apps (e.g. Cleaner, Booster) – duplicate the functions of standard Android tools.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the top menu, select All Apps (to see system ones).
3. Slip on an unneeded app (like Mi Browser).
4. Click Disable (if the button is active) or Remove Updates → Disable.
5. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

After deactivation, the annex:

• ✅ Disappears from the menu and list of recently opened.
• ✅ Stop using battery and traffic.
• ❌ But it will remain in the memory of the device and will take up space (from 10 to 100 MB depending on the program).

⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as Mi Security) may automatically turn on after a reboot or update is disabled. MIUI. To avoid this, use the method of ADB (described below).

Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root rights)

If a standard shutdown is not enough, you can completely remove unnecessary applications using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that does not require superuser rights, but requires connecting the smartphone to the computer.

• 🧹 The app is deleted permanently, freeing up space in memory.
• 🔒 There is no risk of losing the warranty (unlike getting root rights).
• 🔄 You can return the program by reinstalling it from APK.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
2. On your smartphone, turn on Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times)
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
4. Connect Redmi Note 4 to your PC via cable and select File Transfer mode.
5. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB and type: adb devices If the device is displayed, type: adb shell
6. To remove the application, use the command: pm uninstall -k --user 0 name.pack For example, to delete Mi Browser: pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser

List of safe packets to remove on Redmi Note 4:

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Before deleting, back up the application list with the adb shell pm list packages > apps.txt command. This will help restore deleted programs if something goes wrong.

On the Redmi Note 4 with MIUI 11+ firmware, the pm uninstall command may not work for some system applications.

adb shell cmd package uninstall -k --user 0 name.packet

Method 3: Hiding icons without removing them

If you don't want to risk the stability of the system, but you don't want to see the apps that you don't want to see on the menu, you can just hide their icons. This method doesn't free up memory, but makes the interface cleaner.

• 📁 Use folders: Drag unnecessary icons into the folder on the last screen (for example, call it "Do not use" or "Do not use").
• 🔍 Disable display in search: in Settings → Main screen screen → Search applications disable unnecessary programs.
• 🎨 Install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher) that allows you to hide icons:

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Press your finger in the free seat of the main screen → Nova settings.
3. Go to App Settings → Hide Apps.
4. Check the boxes of the programs you want to hide.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ No risk to the system.
• ✅ Icons can be returned at any time.
• ✅ It works even for applications that cannot be disabled in standard ways.

⚠️ Note: Hiding icons does not stop background processes. If the application is actively consuming the battery (for example, Mi Security scans files), it is better to disable or delete it.

Method 4: Removal with root rights (for experienced)

If you're willing to take drastic measures, getting root permissions will give you access to completely removing any applications, including system ones.

• 🚫 Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).
• 🔐 Security Risk: Root Access Makes Malware Installation Easy.
• 🔄 Possible failures after updates MIUI.

If you do decide, follow the instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a Mi Account and wait 7-30 days).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP) for the Redmi Note 4 (model mido).
3. Please use Magisk to obtain root rights.
4. Use Root Explorer or Titanium Backup to remove unwanted applications from /system/app or /system/priv-app.

List of apps that can not be removed even with root rights:

• com.android.settings – system settings.
• com.miui.home is a standard launcher.
• com.android.phone – phone calls.
• com.miui.securitycenter – Security Center (deletion will lead to a reboot cycle).

How to return a remote application?

If you realize that you needed the application after you delete it through ADB or with root rights, you can restore it.

• 🔄 For applications removed through ADB: adb shell cmd package install-existing title.packet For example: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.browser
• 📥 For system applications: Download APK from a reliable source (e.g. APKMirror) and install manually.
• 🔧 If the deletion caused a failure: reset settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and reset) or re-question MIUI via Fastboot.

Important: Some system applications (such as Mi Security) are automatically restored after an update. MIUI. To avoid this, disable automatic firmware updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Settings (⚙️) → Auto-update.

Alternative ways to optimize

If you do not want to delete applications, but you need to free up space and reduce battery consumption, try these methods:

• 🗑️ Cache cleanup: Settings → Annexes → Select a program → Clear cache.Google Play Services, for example, can take up to 1GB of cache.
• 📉 Limitation of background activity: Settings → Battery → Choice of applications → Limit background activity.
• 🔄 Disabling Autostart: Settings → Permits → Auto-start and disable unnecessary programs.
• 📦 Use of Lite versions of applications (for example, Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite).

For Redmi Note 4, the following are also relevant:

• 🔋 Battery Optimization: Settings → Battery → Battery mode → Saving charge.
• 📡 Disabling unnecessary connections: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Mobile Internet (Switch off 2nd) SIM, if not used).

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On the Redmi Note 4 with MIUI 10-12, the most effective way to free up space is by combining disabling unnecessary apps through settings + cleaning up cache + removing debris through Files by Google.

FAQ: Frequent questions