How to disable the app on Xiaomi phone: the complete guide

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones often come with pre-installed apps that the user doesn’t always need, some of which can’t be removed by standard means, but can be turned off so they don’t consume battery power, take up memory space, or appear on the menu. In this article, we’ll look at all the available ways, from simple to advanced, including hidden MIUI features and working with ADB.

It is important to understand the difference between deleting, disabling and stopping an application:

• 🗑️ Delete – complete erasure of the program from the device (possibly not for all system applications).
• ⚙️ Disconnection – the application remains in memory, but stops working and does not update.
• ⏸️ Stop – temporary pause of the background, but the application can start again when restarted.

If you want to just hide the app from the menu, but keep it working, that's also possible. Let's look at each method in detail, taking into account the features of the latest versions of MIUI 14 and MIUI 15 (including the Redmi, POCO and Black Shark models).

1. Standard disconnection through settings

The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI tools. It is suitable for most pre-installed applications (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Music, GetApps), but does not work for mission-critical system services.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the app you want (use the search at the top if it’s not in the visible area).
3. Slip by name, then select Disable (or Delete if the button is active).
4. Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

Check if the application is system-based (e.g., Services & feedback is best left unattended)

Backup important data (if the application stores user files)

Make sure you have enough rights (some firmware requires unlocking the bootloader)

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⚠️ Note: Disabling some applications (such as Security or Mi Account) may cause system failures. Xiaomi specifically blocks such components from being disabled.

2. Hiding applications without disabling

If you just need to remove an app from the menu but leave it working (for example, to save space on the home screen), use the hide feature. This does not turn off the app, but makes it invisible in the list.

How to hide it:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Main screen screen.
• 🔍 Choose Hide Apps (in some versions) MIUI This item is called Application Management. → Hide).
• ✅ Tick the apps you want to hide and click Ready.

To return the hidden app:

1. Click the empty space on the main screen.
2. Select Settings → Show hidden applications.
3. Take the boxes off the right programs.

💡

Hidden applications can still be run through a system search (swipe down on the home screen) or through the All apps menu in the settings.

3. Disconnection via ADB (for power users)

Some system applications (e.g. mipay, miui.analytics) cannot be disabled via the standard interface, but this can be done using Android Debug Bridge (ADB).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. tap on MIUI Version 7 times. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and activate Debugging over USB.

File transfer

ADB Tools

adb

adb devices


adb shell




pm list packages | grep 'miui' # list of Xiaomi packages




pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipay # example of Mi Pay shutdown

⚠️ Warning: Incorrectly disabling system packages can cause the phone to reboot cyclically or not be logged in.Before experimenting, back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

4. Stopping application background activity

If an application can't be turned off, but it's using up battery in the background, it can be forcibly stopped and activity restricted, and it won't delete the program, but it will reduce its impact on performance.

How to limit background work:

• 🛑 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Select the desired application.
• 🔋 Slip the battery. → Limit background activity.
• 🚫 Enable the Autostop option (if available).

You can also turn off auto-start:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Autorun.
2. Find the app in the list and deactivate the switch.

💡

Stopping the application does not delete its data. To reset the program completely, use the Clear Data in its properties button.

5. Remove system applications without root (via ADB)

To completely remove pre-installed applications (deblotting) will require ADB and the command pm uninstall -k --user 0. This method does not require root rights, but removes the application only for the current user (it will remain in the system, but will not be visible and will not work).

Example of Mi Browser removal:

adb shell


pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser

To return the application, use the command:

cmd package install-existing com.android.browser

⚠️ Note: Deleting some packages (e.g. com.google.android.gsf) may disrupt Google Play Services and other dependent apps.

6.Alternative methods: Launcher and third-party utilities

If standard methods don’t work, you can use third-party launchers (like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher) that allow you to hide applications without turning them off, and there are utilities like App Inspector or Package Disabler (require root or ADB).

Advantages of third-party launchers:

• 🎨 Flexible configuration of the appearance.
• 🔒 Ability to hide system applications without risking stability.
• 🔄 Easy recovery of hidden programs.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Some functions (such as gestures) MIUI) They may not work properly.
• 🔋 Additional battery consumption (launcher runs in the background).

7.What to do if the application does not turn off?

If you see a message that says “It’s impossible to disable” or “This is a system application” when you try to disable the application, try the following steps:

1. Update MIUI: Newer versions of firmware sometimes unlock the disabling of previously protected applications. Check the updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update.
2. Use ADB: As described in Section 3, some applications can only be disabled via the command line.
3. Try custom Recovery: Installing TWRP and modified firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu) allows you to remove system applications without restrictions.

If nothing helps, you can only accept the presence of the application or consider the option of switching to custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), where there is no pre-installed software from Xiaomi.

FAQ: Frequent questions