Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is one of the most popular smartphones of the brand, but its owners often face the problem of unnecessary system applications, they take up space in memory, consume battery power and can interfere with the operation of the device. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to disable or remove embedded software, from standard methods without root rights to advanced solutions for power users.
It is important to understand that system applications fall into two categories: critical (responsible for Android and MIUI) and conditionally deleted (branded Xiaomi services that can be deactivated). Wrong actions can lead to malfunctions in the phone, so it is recommended to create a backup copy of data before any manipulations.
We'll look at the different levels of training, from simply turning off through settings to using ADB to getting root permissions, and we'll look at which apps can be removed without risk and which ones are better left behind, and if you're a beginner, start with the first sections, and experienced users can jump right into advanced ways.
Why system applications interfere with the work of the smartphone
Embedded software from Xiaomi and Google performs many functions, but often runs in the background, consuming resources. Here are the main problems faced by users of the Redmi Note 7:
- 🔋 Battery Consumption: Some services (such as Mi Push Service or Google Play Services) are constantly active and drain the battery.
- 📱 Busy memory: Pre-installed games, duplicate applications (e.g., two browsers or two calendars) take up space in internal storage.
- 🚀 Slowdown: Background processes load the Snapdragon 660 processor, leading to lags.
- 📡 Data traffic: Some system applications (such as Mi Video or Mi Music) are updated and synced without the user’s knowledge.
According to the tests, disabling unnecessary services can increase battery life by 15-20% and free up to 1-2 GB of memory (depending on the number of remote applications), but not all system programs can be safely deactivated.
⚠️ Note: Removing critical components (e.g., Android System WebView or Android System WebView) MIUI System UI) Before any action, check the list of safe applications to remove (see table below).
What system applications can be disabled on Redmi Note 7
Not all embedded programs are equally useful. Below is a table that categorizes them by risk. Green zone is applications that can be turned off without consequences. Yellow zone is programs that can affect individual functions if removed. Red zone is critical components that cannot be touched.
| Risk category | Annex | Appointment | Can I turn it off? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safe. | Mi Browser | Branded browser Xiaomi | Yes (there are alternatives) |
| Safe. | Mi Music | Music player | Yes (you can use others) |
| Careful. | Mi Push Service | Responsible for MIUI notifications | You can, but some warnings will be missing. |
| Dangerous. | MIUI System UI | Interface of the MIUI shell | No (will cause the system to collapse) |
| Careful. | Google Play Movies | Google's Movie Service | You can if you don't use it. |
Check before you turn off the app functionality. For example, if you are actively using Mi Cloud for backup, deleting it will result in loss of sync. For most users, it is safe to disable duplicate services (for example, two calendars or two gallery applications).
Method 1: Disabling system applications without root rights
The safest method is deactivation via Android settings, which is not specialized and is suitable for beginners, and the application is not removed completely, but only stops working and consumes no resources.
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- In the top menu, select All Apps (to see system ones).
- Find the right app (like Mi Browser) and tap it.
- Press the Disable button (if the button is inactive – the application is critical).
- Confirm the action in the window that appears.
Once you turn off the app, it will disappear from the menu and stop updating, its data will remain in memory, but it will not affect the system. To return the application, repeat the steps and click Enable.
Create a backup copy of important data|Check the battery charge (minimum 50%)|Remember the name of the disabled applications|Check the phone after each change-->
⚠️ Note: Some system applications (e.g. Google Play Services) cannot be disabled through the standard menu and will require alternative methods (see the following sections). Also, after disconnecting, the functionality associated with this application may disappear (for example, synchronizing contacts when you turn off Google Contacts Sync).
Method 2: Using ADB to remove system applications
If you don't have enough to turn off your settings, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which allows you to completely remove unnecessary applications, but requires a computer connection and basic command line knowledge.
Advantages of the method:
- 🔧 Remove applications that cannot be disabled through settings.
- 📉 Freeing up memory (unlike disabling, application files are deleted completely).
- 🔄 The possibility of recovery through the same ADB, if something goes wrong.
The work will require:
- 💻 Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
- 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) → Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
- 🛠️ Installed drivers ADB Android platform SDK Platform-Tools.
Step-by-step:
- Download Platform-Tools from the official Google website and unpack the archive.
- Connect the Redmi Note 7 to your computer and select MTP file transfer mode.
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with the platform-tools.
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
- Get a list of all packages (applications): adb shell pm list packages
- Find the name of the package of the desired application (for example, com.miui.browser for Mi Browser).
- Delete the application by command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browser Flag --user 0 means deletion only for the current user (no root rights).
Once you've run the command, the application will disappear from the device. To return it, use the command:
adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.browser💡
Before deleting via ADB, take a screenshot of the packet list or save it to a text file, which will help you quickly restore the deleted application if you have problems.
Method 3: Removing system applications using root rights
Getting root-access gives maximum opportunities for managing system files, but it is associated with risks:
- 🚨 Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
- 🔐 Vulnerability to malware (root opens access to system folders).
- 🔄 Risk of “bricking” (turning the phone into a “brick”) with incorrect actions.
If you are prepared for these risks, follow the instructions:
Step 1: Unlock the bootloader
- Go to the Mi Unlock website and download the Mi Unlock Tool.
- Register a Xiaomi account and link it to your phone in Settings → Mi Account.
- Turn it on. OEM-unlocking → For developers.
- Reboot your phone to Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume Reduction).
- Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool. Follow the instructions on the screen.
Step 2: Install a custom recaveri (TWRP)
Once you unlock the bootloader, install TWRP Recovery, an alternative restore menu that allows you to get root rights. For Redmi Note 7 (codename lavender), download the current version of TWRP from twrp.me.
Step 3: Getting root rights through Magisk
- Download the latest version of Magisk from GitHub.
- Move the Magisk.zip file to the phone’s internal memory.
- Reboot to TWRP (click Power + Volume Up).
- In TWRP, select Install, specify the path to Magisk.zip, and confirm the installation.
- Restart your phone. After downloading, check for root through the Magisk Manager app.
Step 4: Removing System Applications
With root rights, you can use a file manager (like Root Explorer) or System App Remover to remove unnecessary programs. The main rule is: do not delete files from /system/bin, /system/lib or /system/priv-app folders unless you are sure of their purpose.
What if the root phone doesn’t turn on after receiving the root?
How to Restore Remote System Applications
If the phone is unstable after deleting the applications (errors are flying out, communication is lost, the camera is not working), you need to return the deleted components.
| Deleting method | Recovery method | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Disconnection through settings | Including in the application menu | Go to Settings → Applications, find the disabled application and click Enable. |
| Removal via ADB | Recovery team | Use the adb shell cmd package install-existing command. |
| Removal with root rights | Flashing or manual installation of APK | Download the original firmware for Redmi Note 7 and run through TWRP or Fastboot. |
If you have removed an app through ADB or root but don’t remember its name, use the following tips:
- 🔍 Check the deletion logs in the command line (if used) ADB).
- 📋 See the lists of system applications for Redmi Note 7 on the forums (for example, XDA Developers).
- 🔄 Make reset to factory settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and reset, but note that this will delete all user data.
💡
If problems persist after restoring applications, check the integrity of system files through the Mi Flash Tool (select Clean All mode when running firmware).
Alternative ways: Hiding and freezing applications
If removing or disabling system applications seems risky, alternative methods can be used:
1. Hiding through the launcher
Some launchers (like Nova Launcher or POCO Launcher) allow you to hide apps from the menu without turning them off.This doesn't save memory or charge, but it does remove visual clutter.
2 Freezing with Greenify
The Greenify app (requires root or special permissions on Xiaomi) can freeze background processes, preventing them from starting, which reduces battery consumption but does not free up space.
3.Using the Light mode in MIUI
MIUI 12/13 has a Light Mode feature (Settings → Special Options → Light Mode) that disables some animations and background processes. It doesn't remove applications, but it reduces the load on the system.
4. Installation of custom firmware
Firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience doesn’t contain Xiaomi’s branded apps, but installing them requires unlocking the bootloader and experience with custom software.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When working with system applications, users often make mistakes that lead to failures, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
- 🚫 Uninstall Unknown Packets: Do not delete applications that you do not know the name of. For example, packages with the prefix com.qualcomm are responsible for the operation of the Snapdragon 660 processor.
- 🔄 Interruption of the process ADB: If you interrupt your phone during adb, it can cause a malfunction. Always wait until the operation is complete.
- 🔒 Ignoring backup: Before any manipulations, backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup or TWRP.
- 📱 Removal of applications related to SIM-Map: Packets like com.android.phone are responsible for mobile communications, and if they are deleted, they will cause the network to be lost.
- 🔋 Low battery life: If the phone runs out during firmware or root, it can lead to irreversible consequences%.
⚠️ Note: If the Google Play Store stopped working after the system application was removed, geolocation services or mobile Internet were most likely removed, in which case only the phone’s flashing will help.