How to Disable or Remove Home Apps on Xiaomi: The Complete 2026 Guide

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are known for their abundance of pre-installed applications, from useful services to software that most users don’t need. These programs take up space in memory, consume battery power in the background and sometimes even show ads. But can they be safely disabled or removed? In this article, we’ll look at all the working methods for MIUI 14/15, including hidden settings, ADB commands and alternative methods without obtaining root rights.

It is important to understand the difference between disabling (the application stays in the system but does not work) and deleting (completely erasing the program files). The first method is safer, but does not free up memory. The second requires caution - removing critical system components can lead to the phone inoperability or loss of warranty. We have collected proven instructions that are relevant to the Redmi Note 12/13, POCO X5/F5, Xiaomi 13/14 and other devices on MIUI.

Why are there so many pre-installed apps in Xiaomi?

The MIUI shell is developed taking into account several factors that explain the abundance of built-in software:

• 🌍 Localization for different markets: In China, India and Europe, the set of pre-installed programs is different, for example, in the global versions, Google Duo, Netflix, LinkedIn are often found, and in the Chinese versions, Baidu, Weibo, Tencent are often found.
• 💰 Partnering Agreements: Xiaomi collaborates with developers (e.g. Facebook, Amazon) to earn revenue for installing their apps.
• 🔄 Ecosystem MIUI: Some programs (Mi Home, Mi Cloud, Mi Video) are needed for the work of proprietary functions - synchronization, management of smart devices, photo editing.
• 📱 Duplicate functionality: Xiaomi often offers its analogues of standard Android services – for example, Mi Browser instead of Chrome, Mi Music instead of Google Play Music.

According to a study by Counterpoint Research (2023), up to 30% of the memory on new Xiaomi smartphones is occupied by preinstalled applications, and 40% of them users never run, while some of the software (Mi Security, Cleaner) can not be removed by standard means – they are protected by the system.

Method 1: Disconnect via MIUI settings (without root)

The easiest and safest method is to disable unnecessary programs through the settings menu. This will not delete the application files, but will stop it from working, hide the icon from the menu and prevent auto-start. MIUI 12 and newer.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Show all applications.
3. Find an unnecessary app (such as Mi Browser or Facebook) and tap it.
4. Press the Disable button (if it is active).
5. Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

⚠️ Note: Not all system applications can be disabled this way, such as Mi Security, Settings or System. UI Some programs (Google Play Services) may be automatically enabled after the system update.

The app icon disappeared from the menu

The application does not appear in the list of running processes

No errors when restarting the phone

MIUI functions (themes, synchronization) work normally

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Method 2: Remove via ADB (without root but with PC)

If you don't have enough shutdowns, you can remove unnecessary apps using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which doesn't require root rights, but you need to:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux;
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original);
• 📱 Included debugging by USB phone-on;
• 🛠️ Installed Xiaomi drivers and tool ADB.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Turn on USB Debugging.

File Transfer (MTP)

CMD

adb devices

There should be a device with a serial number.

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.example.app

Replace com.example.app with the batch name of the program (see table below).

⚠️ Note: Removing system components (e.g. com.miui.home) will cause your phone to fail. Before experimenting, back up through Settings → System system → Backup.

💡

Before deleting, check the packet name with the command adb shell pm list packages | grep "miui" - this will show all Xiaomi system applications.

Method 3: Using applications for uninstallation (with root)

If you have root rights, the process of removing system applications is simplified.

• 🔧 Titanium Backup – allows you to backup and delete any programs, including protected ones.
• 🗑️ System App Remover – a specialized tool for uninstallation of system software.
• 🛠️ SD Maid – Clears residual files after deletion.

Examples of Titanium Backup:

1. Open the application and provide root access.
2. Go to the backup tab.
3. Find an unnecessary app (such as Mi Browser) and tap it.
4. Choose Delete! and confirm the action.

⚠️ Attention: root removal is irreversible! If you remove a critical component (e.g. com.miui.home), the phone may stop loading.

List of safe to remove Xiaomi apps

The following is a list of programs that can be removed without risking system stability, and are relevant to MIUI 14/15 (2026).

🔹 It is not recommended to remove:

• com.miui.securitycenter – Mi Security (System Protection)
• com.miui.home - MIUI launcher;
• com.android.settings - Settings;
• com.google.android.gsf – Google Services Framework (required for the Play Market)

💡

Before you delete applications, check them for dependency on other services, for example, deleting Mi Account (com.xiaomi.account) can disrupt cloud sync.

How to return a remote application?

If you have removed a program through ADB or root and want to restore it, there are a few ways to do this:

1. Reinstallation through APK: Download. APK-Application file from a trusted source (e.g. APKMirror) Manually install it, allowing installation from unknown sources (Settings) → Annexes → Special access → Installation of unknown applications).

Recovery through ADB

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.example.app

(Replace com.example.app with a batch name)

Reset to factory settings

• Reversing the phone back to its original state will bring all system applications back.
• User data will be erased, so make a backup copy first.

⚠️ Note: If the application was removed via root with data clearing (rm) -rf /system/app/AppName), You can only restore it by flashing the phone.

Alternative methods: hiding and replacing applications

If removal seems risky, consider alternative options:

• 🔍 Hiding icons: Use launchers like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair, which allow you to hide unnecessary apps from the menu. MIUI You can hide programs in the folder "Hidden applications" (click the icon). → Hide).
• 🔄 Replace Mi Browser with Chrome or Firefox. Instead of Mi Music, use Spotify or VLC. Turn off Mi Video and install it. MX Player.
• ⚙️ Restriction of activity: C Settings → Annexes → Permissions disable auto-run, notifications and background activity for unnecessary programs. Use Greenify (requires root) to "freeze" background processes.

💡 Tip: If you do not want to mess with the removal, but want to free up space, transfer some applications to the SD-map (Settings) → Annexes → Warehouse → This doesn't work for all programs, but it will save internal memory.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing Xiaomi apps