How to safely disable unnecessary system apps on Xiaomi: the complete guide

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphone owners often face the problem of pre-installed system applications that take up memory, consume battery power and display annoying advertising. Minimalists and advanced users are eager to get rid of MIUI-bloat — unnecessary services like Mi Video, Mi Music, GetApps or duplicate Google applications. However, simple deletion through the settings menu is not available: the system blocks changes, and careless actions can lead to failures.

This article will help you understand how to disable or remove system applications on Xiaomi without root rights using official and semi-official methods. We will look at safe ways through ADB, hidden MIUI settings, as well as alternative options for users with an unlocked bootloader. Important: all manipulations are carried out at your own risk - some actions can disrupt the work of branded functions (for example, Mi Share or Game Turbo).

Why you can’t just remove system apps from the menu

Smartphone manufacturers, including Xiaomi, are integrating pre-installed apps at the firmware level, which means that:

• 🔒 Protection against changes: application files are stored in the section /system, It's read-only, and even with superuser rights, you need to rewire the partition.
• 🔄 Recovery after removal: system MIUI Automatically restores remote system APK the next update or reset of the settings.
• ⚠️ Instability risk: Some services (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) are critical to the shell, and their removal may result in a cyclical reboot or loss of functionality.

Another reason is licensing agreements: Xiaomi works with partners (e.g. Netflix, Facebook, Tencent) to pre-instal their apps, and removing these APKs may violate the device’s terms of use, although in practice this rarely results in consequences for the user.

Method 1: Disconnect via MIUI settings (without ADB and root)

The easiest and safest method is to disable apps through the standard menu, which won't delete files from the device, but will stop them from working and hide them from the menu, and is suitable for most bloatware applications like Mi Browser or Mi Pay.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Tap three dots in the upper right corner and select Show All Processes (or System Processes in newer versions of MIUI).
3. Find the app you want (e.g. com.miui.video for Mi Video) and tap it.
4. Click Disable (or Remove Updates if the button is active).

⚠️ Note: some system services (e.g. com.miui.securityadd) cannot be disabled via the menu, the button will be inactive. ADB root.

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

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a debugging tool that allows you to manage system packages without obtaining root rights. The method works on all Xiaomi devices with an unlocked bootloader (even if it is blocked, but debugging is enabled over USB).

First, turn on the USB debugging:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone and tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the Developer Mode.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.

Now install ADB on your computer (download Google’s Platform Tools) and execute the commands:

adb devices # Checking the connection


adb shell pm list packages # List of all packages




adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.video # Disconnect Mi Video

The -k key stores the application data, and the --user 0 points to the current user. For complete removal (only for unlocked bootloader!) use:

adb shell pm uninstall com.miui.video

Method 3: Use MIUI Hidden Settings (Hidden Menu)

MIUI 12/13/14 firmware has a Hidden Settings hidden menu that allows you to disable system applications without ADB.

1. Launch the Settings app.
2. Enter the code in the search bar (loop at the top): #######4636##############.
3. Select MIUI Hidden Settings (can be called Testing or Engineering Mode).
4. Go to the App Manager section and find the application you need.
5. Tap Disable or Uninstall for all users.

⚠️ Attention: on certain devices (e.g, POCO F4 or Redmi Note 12) this method may not work due to manufacturer limitations. MIUI The hidden menu may disappear.

Method 4: Remove with root rights (for power users)

If your device has an unlocked bootloader and you have Magisk or another root manager installed, you can use applications like System App Remover or Titanium Backup, which gives you maximum control, but also maximum risk.

• 🛠️ Complete Deletion: Application files are deleted from the device, freeing up space in the section /system.
• 🔄 Recovery after reset: when hard reset or firmware update applications will return.
• ⚠️ Brick risk: Removing critical services (e.g. com.android.phone) will make your phone inoperable.

Recommended course of action:

1. Install System App Remover from Magisk Repo or F-Droid.
2. Backup /system partition via TWRP or OrangeFox.
3. In the app, tick off unnecessary packages and select Uninstall.
4. Restart the device and check for stability.

adb shell dumpsys package com.miui.video

This will show which services are using the selected package.-->

Method 5: Disconnect via Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools (automated method)

For users who do not want to manually enter ADB-There are some utilities like Xiaomi. ADB/Fastboot Tools (Saki-EU developer) provides a graphical interface for managing system packages:

• 🖥️ Support Windows/Linux: It works without emulators.
• 📋 Safe Package Lists: Separated by category (bloat, advertising, Google duplicates).
• 🔄 Recovery: Remote applications can be returned.

Download the utility from XDA Developers and follow the instructions:

1. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the device is off).
2. Select your smartphone model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G) in the utility.
3. Go to Debloat and check for unnecessary apps.
4. Press Execute and wait until it is completed.

💡

Use Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools only on firmware with unlocked bootloader. On locked devices, the utility can cause errors on the next update.

What to do if after removing applications, the phone began to glittle

If you have removed a critical system pack, the device can:

• 🔄 Getting stuck on the boot (bootloop).
• 📵 Stop connecting to the mobile network.
• 🔕 Lose sound or vibration.

Recovery methods:

1. Recovery via ADB: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.video This command will return the application from backup (if it has not been completely erased).
2. Fastboot Firmware: Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website and stream it through the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Reset via TWRP: If custom recapvery is installed, wipe the /system partition and reinstall the firmware.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone doesn't turn on even after flashing, the modem or boot partition may be damaged, in which case a service center with access to the service will be required. EDL-mode (authenticated Qualcomm protocol).

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing system applications on Xiaomi