Xiaomiโs MIUI-based smartphones often come with pre-installed apps that cannot be removed by standard methods. These programs take up memory, consume battery power in the background, and can show annoying ads. However, even those apps you installed yourself sometimes behave incorrectly: freeze, slow down the system or send notifications at the wrong time.
In this article, you will find 5 working ways to disable or remove unwanted applications on Xiaomi, from simple methods through settings to advanced solutions using ADB. We will understand how the processes for system and user programs differ, what restrictions MIUI imposes, and what to do if the application does not turn off. All instructions are relevant for Redmi, POCO and Mi models on MIUI 12-14 firmware versions (including HyperOS).
1. Standard shutdown via MIUI settings
The safest and easiest way is to use the built-in tools of the system, which is suitable for most user applications and some preinstalled services, and the important thing is that this method does not remove the program completely, but only suspends it and hides it from the menu.
To disable the application:
- Open Settings โ Applications โ Application Management.
- Select the app you want from the list (use search if itโs not in the visible area).
- Click Disable (the button will appear if the program supports this function).
- Confirm the action in the dialog window.
After deactivation, the annex:
- ๐ด Disappear from the main menu and search MIUI.
- ๐ต Stop sending notifications and working in the background.
- ๐ฆ No updates will be made via Google Play or App Store.
- ๐ You can turn it back on at any time through the same settings.
โ ๏ธ Note: Some system applications (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter or com.android.phone) cannot be disabled - the button will be inactive. ADB This can cause unstable phone operation.
2. Forced stopping and cleaning of the cache
If the application doesn't shut down but interferes with work (e.g., it's constantly hanging in the background or showing errors), it can be forcibly stopped and cleared of data. This won't delete the program, but it will reset its settings and free up space.
Instructions:
- Go to Settings โ Applications โ Application Management.
- Select the problem app.
- Press Forced Stop (if the button is grey, the application has already stopped).
- Then select Warehouse โ Clear the cache and Clear the data.
This method is useful for:
- ๐ฑ Apps that freeze when you launch (such as Google Play Store or Mi Video).
- ๐ Programs with broken updates (after cleaning the data, they will be restored to the factory version).
- ๐ Services that collect too much data (e.g. Mi Analytics).
โ ๏ธ Warning: Cleaning up the data will delete all the app settings, including logins and saved files, for example, on WhatsApp this will lead to logging out of your account, and on Google Chrome it will lead to the removal of history and bookmarks.
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If the โDisableโ button is inactive, try to force the app to stop first โ sometimes this will unlock the possibility of disabling.
3. Delete applications via Google Play (for custom programs)
Applications you install through Google Play can be removed in the standard way, but MIUI has a caveat: some programs (such as Facebook or Netflix) may be pre-installed as system, and the uninstall button will be missing.
How to remove the user application:
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Go to the menu โ My apps and games โ Installed.
- Find the right application and click Delete.
- Confirm the action.
If no button Remove:
- ๐ Check if the application is system-based (see Section 4).
- ๐ฆ Try to delete through Settings โ Annexes.
- ๐ง Use it. ADB (5) if other methods have not worked.
| Type of application | Can I remove it through Google Play? | Alternative method |
|---|---|---|
| User-generated (installed by you) | โ Yes. | Settings โ Applications โ Remove |
| Pre-installed (but not systemic) | โ No. | Disconnection through settings or ADB |
| System (e.g. com.miui.home) | โ No. | Only shutdown (risk of unstable work) |
| Updated system (e.g. YouTube) | โ ๏ธ Partially (rolling back to the factory version) | ADB or reset to factory settings |
4. disable system applications without root rights (via ADB)
To remove or disable system applications that cannot be touched through the MIUI, you will need the ADB tool (Android Debug Bridge), which is an official tool from Google that allows you to control your phone through a computer.
Warning: Misuse of ADB can result in data loss or phone inoperability. make a backup before you start!
Instructions:
- Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings โ About Phone. Press 7 times on the MIUI Version until the notification appears.
USB-debugging
- Back to Settings โ Additionally. โ For developers.
- Turn on USB debugging.
- Connect your phone to your computer and start the ADB.
- Enter the command to disable the application: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name.package For example, to disable Mi Music: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.player
List of popular packs to disable:
- ๐ต com.miui.player - Mi Music (music player).
- ๐บ com.miui.videoplayer - Mi Video (videoplayer).
- ๐ com.miui.analytics - Mi Analytics (collection of statistics).
- ๐ com.xiaomi.shop - Mi Store (branded store).
- ๐ฐ com.miui.bugreport - Error Report.
Install drivers for Xiaomi on PC| Download ADB platform (e.g. from Google)|Enable developer mode on phone |Connect phone to PC with original cable |Confirm connection with adb devices command
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โ ๏ธ Caution: Disabling critical system applications (e.g. com.android.phone or com.miui.home) can result in a cyclical phone reboot or loss of functionality (launcher will disappear, calls will stop working, etc.). Before experimenting, check out the list of safe packets to remove.
5. Complete removal of root-right applications (for power users)
If you have root access, you can uninstall any application, including system ones, without restrictions, but this method requires unlocking the bootloader and installing a customized Recovery (such as TWRP), which is unwarranted and may not be safe for beginners.
Removal methods with root rights:
- Root Explorer: Install Root Explorer or FX File Explorer. Go to /system/app or /system/priv-app. Find a folder with the packet name (e.g. MiBrowser). Delete the folder or rename it (add.bak at the end).
Through Terminal Emulator:
su
rm -rf /system/app/packet name
or
pm uninstall --user 0 name.packageAdvantages of the method:
- ๐งน Complete removal without traces (unlike the ADB, where the application stays in the system).
- ๐ฆ Frees up the maximum amount of memory.
- ๐ง It allows you to remove even protected system packets.
Risks:
- ๐จ Loss of warranty (bootloader unlocking is fixed by Xiaomi servers).
- ๐ Possible errors in the update MIUI.
- ๐ต Risk of โbrickโ (turning the phone into a โbrickโ) with incorrect actions.
What if after removing the system application, the phone does not turn on?
6. How to return the disabled application back
If you have disabled the application through settings or ADB, it can be easily returned.
If you turned off through settings:
- Go to Settings โ Applications โ Application Management.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Show All Apps.
- Find the application that is disabled (it will be marked in gray).
- Press Enable.
If you've been off through ADB:
- Connect your phone to your PC and start the ADB.
- Enter the command: adb shell cmd package install-existing name.packet
If deleted with root rights:
- ๐ Restore deleted files from backup.
- ๐ฆ Check the phone (if the remote application is critical).
- ๐ง Install the upk file manually (if possible for this package).
โ ๏ธ Note: Some system applications may require an update via Google Play or a phone reboot to earn properly after being turned on. for example, after returning Google Play Services, a reboot may be required.
๐ก
Disabling an application through MIUI settings is the safest method, but it doesn't free up disk space. It will require ADB or root rights to completely remove system programs.