Disabling system applications on Xiaomi Redmi 9: a complete guide with risks and solutions

Why users want to get rid of pre-installed applications

Xiaomi Redmi 9 comes with dozens of built-in services, many of which duplicate Google features or simply go unused. According to Counterpoint Research, up to 40% of MIUI users try to remove at least one system application in the first three months of using the device. The reasons range from saving battery power to freeing up 1-3 GB of memory, which is eaten by unnecessary bloatwar apps like Mi Browser, Mi Music or GetApps.

However, the manufacturer blocks the standard removal of such programs - the "Delete" button in the application menu is simply absent. MIUI For example, the Security app is responsible not only for antivirus, but also for managing permissions, and Mi Share is used to quickly transfer files between Xiaomi devices. However, there are several legal ways to disable or remove unnecessary components, from simple concealment to deep interference through the use of a device. ADB.

In this article, we will analyze all current methods, evaluate their security and give a checklist for preparing the device. Importantly, the procedure requires care - an error when removing critical services (for example, com.android.phone) can lead to loss of network connection or "perpetual" system load.

Device Preparation: What to Do Before Disabling Applications

Before you start manipulating system components, you need to follow a number of mandatory steps, which minimizes risks and makes it easier to restore the health of the smartphone in the event of a failure.

First, back up your data. Use the built-in function. MIUI (Settings → The phone. → Backups or third-party solutions like Swift Backup (requires root:

• 📱 Contacts and messages (export to.vcf and.xml)
• 📷 Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud)
• 🔑 Logins and passwords (use Google Smart Lock or Bitwarden)

Second, check the MIUI version and the device model. Some methods (e.g., through ADB) may not work on firmware newer than MIUI 13 due to tightening security policies. You can find out the version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. The following designations are relevant for Redmi 9:

⚠️ Note: If your device is working on MIUI 14 or newer, some teams ADB This will require a rollback to an earlier version or the use of alternative methods (see the section on Xiaomi). ADB/Fastboot Tools).

Third, activate the developer mode and enable debugging over USB:

1. Go to Settings → About phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Activate the USB Debugging and OEM Unlock switches.

Make sure the battery is charged. >50%|Create a backup copy|Write down the version MIUI and codename|Enable debugging on USB|Install drivers ADB PC-only-->

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

The safest way to get rid of unwanted apps is to hide them through built-in MIUI features, which doesn’t physically remove programs, but stops displaying them on menus and stops background processes, and is suitable for most bloatware services like Mi Browser, Mi Video or Games.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want (e.g. GetApps).
3. Click Disable (if the button is inactive, the application is critical to the system).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔄 Reverse: The application can be turned on again at any time.
• 🛡️ Security: Does not affect system files.
• ⚡ Speed: It takes less than a minute.

Disadvantages:

• 📦 The application remains in the device memory (does not free up space).
• 🔄 Some services (e.g. Security) automatically restart after restarting.
• 🚫 It does not work for deeply integrated components (e.g. Mi Share).

⚠️ Note: Disabling applications like com.miui.analytics (statistics collection) or com.xiaomi.ab (advertising module) can lead to errors in the work MIUI. We recommend you to first disable one application and check the stability of the system within 24 hours.

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If the "Disable" button is inactive, try to clear the cache and application data first. Sometimes this will unlock the possibility of disabling.

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

For users who are willing to connect Redmi 9 to a computer, the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method offers more features, allows you to completely remove unnecessary applications, rather than simply hide them. Importantly, this method requires care - a mistake in the command can remove a critical service.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Google’s Platform Tools (includes adb.exe).
2. Connect Redmi 9 to your PC via USB-Cable (original or certified).
3. In the command line (Windows: Win + R → cmd) do:

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, enter:

adb shell

Then use the command to delete (example for Mi Browser):

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

List of popular removal packages:

To return the application, use:

cmd package install-existing com.android.browser

⚠️ Note: Deleting packages like com.miui.securitycenter or com.android.phone will result in broken calls, SMS Before experimenting, check out the full list of safe packets for removal on forums. XDA Developers or 4PDA.

Method 3: Using Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools

Users who do not want to manually enter commands ADB, There is a utility Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools. is a graphical interface that automates the process of removing system applications and offers ready-made lists of safe packets to remove.

The advantages of the utility:

• 🖥️ Visual interface (no need to remember commands).
• 📋 Pre-verified lists of packages for different Xiaomi models.
• 🔄 Ability to create a backup before removal.

Instructions:

1. Download the utility from the official GitHub repository.
2. Connect Redmi 9 to your PC and allow debugging over USB.
3. Run XiaomiADBFastbootTools.exe and select ADB Mode.
4. In the Uninstall section, tick off unnecessary applications.
5. Press Uninstall Selected and confirm the action.

Important nuances:

• 🔧 The utility supports MIUI 12-14, but may not work on custom firmware.
• 🛠️ Before removing, create a backup through the Backup tab.
• 🔄 To restore, use the Restore tab.

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Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools is the best choice for beginners, as it minimizes the risk of errors when entering commands manually.

Method 4: Root rights removal (for power users)

If you're willing to take drastic measures, getting root permissions will give you complete control over your system files, so you can not only delete any application, but you can also modify MIUI at a deep level.

Risks:

• 🔐 Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
• 🛡️ Security breach (some banking applications will stop working).
• 🔄 Possibility of "bricking" the device in case of error.

If you do, follow the algorithm:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a binding Mi Account and wait 7-30 days).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP) for your model (Lancelot for Redmi 9).
3. Please use Magisk to obtain root rights.
4. Use Root Explorer or Titanium Backup to remove system applications.

Popular tools for working with root:

• 📂 Titanium Backup – Backup and Remove Applications.
• 🔍 Root Explorer – manually delete files from the /system/app.
• 🛠️ SD Maid – Cleaning Residual Files.

⚠️ Note: After obtaining root rights, some functions MIUI It can be incorrect, like Mi Cloud fails or push notifications stop coming. OTA-Updates – You will have to install them manually.

What to do if the phone is unstable after removing applications

Even with careful removal of system components, failures can occur, from accidental reboots to complete failure of the device.

If the phone is turned on but glitching:

1. Try to return the remote application via ADB:
2. Clear the system cache: Settings → Memory → Cleanup → Cash.
3. Perform a reset (Settings → Additional → Reset), but select Save My Data.

If the phone is not turned on or stuck on the logo:

1. Press Power + Vol Up to log in to Recovery Mode.
2. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (full reset).
3. If that doesn’t work, run your device through Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool.

List of recovery tools:

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If Google services have stopped working after uninstalling apps, try reinstalling Google Play Services via APKMirror, which often solves sync and push notification problems.

FAQ: Frequent questions about disabling system applications