Xiaomi Video (formerly Mi Video) is pre-installed on most of the brand’s devices, from Redmi and POCO smartphones to Mi TVs and Mi Box set-top boxes. For many users, it becomes unnecessary: takes up space in memory, consumes traffic in the background and can even automatically play ads when connected to Wi-Fi. However, simply remove it through the standard menu is not always possible – the manufacturer often blocks this option.
In this article, we will look at all the working ways to disable Xiaomi Video on different devices, from hidden settings to radical methods like reset to factory settings. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances for Mi TV Stick, Mi Box S and TVs on Android TV, where the application is integrated into the system deeper than on smartphones.
Why Xiaomi Video Cannot Be Just Deleted
Xiaomi Video is a system service that the manufacturer protects from accidental removal, and here are the key reasons:
- 🔒 Integration with MIUI/Android TV: On smartphones, the app is associated with a gallery and media player, and on TV boxes – with the main screen and content recommendations.
- 📦 Pre-loading: Removal may disrupt other functions (e.g., video playback via video) DLNA Miracast).
- 🔄 Auto Update: Even if you disable the service, it can come back after a firmware update (especially on Mi). TV 4A/4S).
- 💰 Monetization: Xiaomi earns from displaying ads in the application, so blocks its removal at the software level.
On some devices (e.g. Mi TV Q1/Q2), the application does not appear in the installed program list at all, it works as a system process.
⚠️ Warning: Disabling system applications could cause device malfunctions.Mi TVs TV This sometimes causes problems with video playback through HDMI or USB. Before experimenting, make a backup of settings!
Method 1: Disconnect via settings (for smartphones and TV boxes)
The safest method is to deactivate the app without completely removing it, and it is suitable for most Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO smartphones and Mi Box TVs:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find Xiaomi Video (or Mi Video) in the list. If it's not, tap three dots in the top right corner and select Show System.
- Click on the App → Disable (or Remove Updates if the button is active).
- Confirm action. Some devices will require you to enter a password for your Mi Account.
On Android TV (such as Mi Box S or Mi TV Stick), the path is a bit different.
- Go to Settings → Applications → See all applications.
- Select Xiaomi Video → Stop (if the button is active), then Disable.
- If the option to Disable is not available, try Clear Data and Clear Cache.
Once disabled, the app will disappear from the menu, but will remain in the system, and it can be activated again through the same settings.
Backup of important data
Check out the MIUI/Android TV version
Make sure the device is charged (for smartphones)
Remember the username/password from the Mi Account (may be required)
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Method 2: Remove via ADB (for power users)
If the standard shutdown didn’t work, you can uninstall the app via Android Debug Bridge (ADB).This method works on all Xiaomi devices, but requires a computer connection and basic command line knowledge.
You'll need:
- 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB (You can download from the Android Developers website).
- 📱 Included Debugging by USB on the device (in Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI Press 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings → For developers).
- 🔌 USB-cable (for smartphones) or Wi-Fi connection (for TV boxes).
Instructions:
- Connect the device to your computer and open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
- To disable Xiaomi Video, run: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer For TV boxes (Mi Box) use: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.mitv.tvvideo
- Reset the device.
If the command doesn’t work, try stopping the app first:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware after removal through ADB The application is restored after restarting. In this case, only unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware will help (see Method 5).
Smartphone (Redmi/POCO/Mi)
Television (Mi TV)
TV set-top box (Mi Box/Stick)
Smart watch or bracelet
Other
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Method 3: Resetting settings to factory
If Xiaomi Video is not deleted and interferes with the device, the radical method is a complete reset, which will delete all data, including accounts and installed applications, but return the system to its original state.
On smartphones:
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Choose to erase all data and confirm the action.
- After the reboot, skip the Mi Account login (unless you want the app to be activated again).
On TVs and TV boxes:
- Open Settings → Device → Reset (or Settings → System → Reset on Android TV).
- Choose Delete all data or Restore factory settings.
- Wait 5-10 minutes (the device will restart several times).
After the reset, Xiaomi Video will remain in the system, but will be in the original state - without cache and unnecessary updates. It can be disabled through the settings (see Method 1).
| The device | Time to reset | Removing Xiaomi Video? | Does a Mi Account need to be accounted for? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11 | 3-5 minutes | No (only resets) | No. |
| Mi TV 4A/4S | 5-8 minutes | No (returns) | Yes (for recovery) |
| Mi Box S | 2-3 minutes | No (can be turned off after) | No. |
| POCO X3/F3 | 4-6 minutes | No (only clears the data) | No. |
⚠️ Attention: On Mi TVs TV After the reset, you may need to reset your Wi-Fi and log in to your Google account. Without this, some features (such as Google Play) will not work.
Method 4: Lock through the hosts file (for TV boxes)
If Xiaomi Video on Mi Box or Mi TV Stick is constantly downloading ads or updates, you can block its servers through the hosts file.This method does not delete the application, but stops its interaction with the Internet.
Instructions:
- Install a file manager with access to system folders (for example, FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer) on the TV box.
- Go to /system/etc/hosts (root rights will be required if they are not unlocked – see Method 5).
- Open the hosts file in the text editor and add the lines: 127.0.0.1 video.mi.com 127.0.0.1 api.mitv.tv 127.0.0.1 ad.mi.com
- Save the file and restart the device.
After that, the application will not be able to:
- 📥 Download updates.
- 🎬 Reproduce advertisements.
- 🔄 Synchronize data with Xiaomi servers.
If Xiaomi Video is used to play local files, some features (such as subtitles or online search) may stop working.
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Before editing the hosts file, back it up! Just copy the original file to /sdcard/Backup/.
Method 5: Install custom firmware (for advanced)
If all previous methods failed, unlocking the bootloader and installing an alternative firmware will completely remove Xiaomi Video and other system applications, but will deprive you of official support and warranty.
What will be required:
- 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (instructions on the Mi Unlock website).
- 📥 LineageOS firmware, Pixel Experience or other custom build for your model.
- 🖥️ A computer with a Fastboot installed and ADB.
- 🔋 Charge of the device at least 60%.
Instructions:
- Unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool (can take up to 72 hours due to Xiaomi restrictions).
- Install custom recovery (TWRP).
- Download the right firmware (for example, LineageOS without Google services for maximum system cleanliness).
- Flip the device through fastboot or TWRP.
After installing custom firmware Xiaomi Video will disappear forever, but:
- ❌ Some functions will stop working (for example, IR Blaster on smartphones or Miracast on TV boxes).
- ❌ Updates will have to be installed manually.
- ❌ The guarantee will be cancelled.
⚠️ Attention: On Mi TVs TV Installation of custom firmware is fraught with "brik" (breakdown of the device). Without experience, it is better not to take risks - consult the specialists.
What if the device does not turn on after the firmware?
Alternative solutions: how to replace Xiaomi Video?
If you have disabled Xiaomi Video but need a media player, consider these alternatives:
| Annex | Pluses | Cons | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| VLC | Supports all formats, no advertising | The interface is not optimized for TV | Smartphones, TV boxes |
| Kodi | Convenient library, plugins for online content | A complex setup for beginners | Android TV, Mi Box |
| MX Player | Light, supports gestures. | Advertising in the free version | Smartphones, tablets |
| Plex | Remote access to the media library | Requires a server on a PC | All devices. |
Android TV can also use the built-in Google TV (formerly Android TV Launcher), which offers content recommendations without Xiaomi ads.
To play local files from a flash drive or hard drive, even a standard file manager from Google is suitable - it can open videos and music without additional applications.
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Disabling Xiaomi Video does not affect the playback of video through third-party apps (YouTube, Netflix, etc.).