How to disable unnecessary system applications on Xiaomi without ROOT: 3 working ways

Why Xiaomi system applications interfere with the smartphone

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are known for an abundance of pre-installed apps, from branded services (Mi Browser, Mi Video) to underutilized utilities like Mi Pay or GetApps. These programs take up space in memory, consume battery power in the background, and can send analytics data — even if you never use them.

Compounding the problem, standard removal methods (via the application menu) for system programs are blocked, and the manufacturer argues that this is necessary to maintain the shell, but in practice, many users successfully disable up to 70% of the embedded software without consequences, the main thing is to do it competently so as not to disrupt the MIUI.

In this article, we will discuss 3 proven ways to disable system applications on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO without obtaining ROOT-rights. All methods work on current versions of MIUI 14/15 (including HyperOS) and do not require unlocking the bootloader.

Method 1: Disconnect via ADB (without deleting)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is the most reliable and versatile method, which doesn't remove apps physically, but freezes them, which is safer for the system, and the advantage is that you can bring it back at any time.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
• 📱 USB-cable (original or quality)
• 🔧 Utility. ADB Tools (download from the official Google website)
• 🔒 Included debugging by USB smartphone

Steps:

1. Activate USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on this item to unlock Developer Settings. Return to Settings → Additional → Developer and enable USB Debugging.

Connect your smartphone to your PC

Open the command line.

adb.exe

adb devices

If the device appears on the list, go ahead. If not, check the drivers or the cable.

adb shell pm list packages | grep 'miui'

This command will display a list of all system packages. Find the one you want (for example, com.miui.browser for Mi Browser).

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.browser

Replace com.miui.browser with the name of your app package, and once executed, it will disappear from the menu and stop working.

Download ADB Tools from Google's official website

Enable debugging by USB on a smartphone

Connect your phone to the original cable

Check the visibility of the device by the team `adb devices`

Backup of important data-->

List of safe to disable system applications

⚠️ Warning: Do not disable packages with the names com.android., com.miui.home or com.miui.securitycenter – this can lead to a system crash or the inability to boot your smartphone.

Method 2: Using MIUI Optimizer (without PC)

For those who don’t want to connect a smartphone to a computer, there is an alternative, the MIUI Optimizer app (formerly MIUI Hidden Settings), which allows you to disable system programs directly from your phone, but requires care.

Instructions:

1. Download. MIUI Optimizer (available on the 4PDA Or through the developers' Telegram channels. APK-file by allowing installation from unknown sources.
2. Open the app and provide all the permissions you request (including Special Access in Android settings).
3. Go to App Manager (or Application Management).
4. Find the system application you want in the list and tap it. Select Disable.

Method 3: Hidden MIUI settings (for power users)

MIUI has hidden menus that allow you to disable some system services without third-party tools, a method that is less versatile, but does not require the installation of additional programs.

Algorithm of action:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three points in the upper right corner and select Show System Processes.
3. Find an unneeded app (such as Mi Music or Mi Calendar) in the list.
4. Click Disable (if the button is active). Some applications may be protected, requiring ADB.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It only works for non-critical system applications (e.g. Mi Calculator or Mi Notes).
• ❌ It does not allow you to disable deeply integrated services (such as Mi Share or Security).
• ❌ After updating MIUI Some applications may be activated again.

What applications can be turned off without risk?

Not all system programs are equally useful. Here is a list of safe apps to disable (tested on Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5):

Here's what you can't turn off:

• 🚫 com.miui.home – launcher (desktop will disappear).
• 🚫 com.android.settings – System settings.
• 🚫 com.miui.securitycenter – security center (can block the smartphone).
• 🚫 com.google.android.gsf – Google services (account will be disrupted).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50) Disabling com.miui.analytics (analytics collection) may lead to errors in the MIUI Optimizer. If you notice a bug, bring this app back.

What to do if after disabling applications, the smartphone began to glittle?

If after manipulations with system programs there are freezes, reboots or errors, follow the following steps:

1. Check the error logs: Install Logcat Extreme and see what processes are falling, most often the problem is with the com.miui.systemAdSolution service that has been disabled.
2. Return disabled packets: Use the adb shell pm enable command (see spoiler above) or reinstall the application via MIUI Optimizer.
3. Reset: If your smartphone doesn’t boot, go to Recovery Mode (press Power + Volume Up) and select Wipe Data.

In 90% of cases, the problem is solved by returning 1-2 critical packets, and if you are not sure which one is to blame, turn it back on and turn it off one at a time, testing stability.

💡

Before mass shutdown of system applications, make a backup through Settings → Google → Backup or Mi Cloud. This will quickly restore the health of the smartphone if it crashes.

FAQ: Frequent questions about disabling system applications