Embedded apps on Xiaomi smartphones often take up precious space in memory, consume battery power in the background and display annoying advertising. Even after a complete reset, MIUI returns them back, and standard Android tools only allow you to “disable” some services. But what if you want to completely remove unnecessary programs like Mi Video, Mi Music or GetApps?
The problem is complicated by the fact that the manufacturer integrates many applications at the firmware level. → Applications usually end with the message "Delete is impossible." But there are workarounds to hidden functions. MIUI beforehand ADB-In this article, we will discuss all current methods, including nuances for different versions of the shell (from the MIUI 12 to MIUI 14) and models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T etc.).
⚠️ Attention: Deleting system applications can cause unstable phone performance, and it is especially dangerous to touch services called com.android., com.miui. or com.xiaomi.* – they are critical to the functioning of the phone. MIUI.
1. Standard shutdown via MIUI settings
The safest way is to temporarily deactivate an application without deleting it, a method that requires no superuser rights and is suitable for most embedded programs, except for mission-critical services.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
- 🔍 Find the app you want (such as Mi Browser or Mi Pay) and tap it.
- ⚙️ Press "Disable" (if the button is active). MIUI The option may be called “Remove Updates” or “Reset Settings".
- ✅ Confirm the action in the dialog window.
Once you turn off the app, it will disappear from the menu, but it will remain in the device's memory, its data (cache, settings) will also be stored, and to return the program, you just need to re-enter its settings and click "Enable".
⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g., Security or Mi Account) cannot be disabled, the system will not show the corresponding button. ADB lead to error.
2. Removal via ADB (without root rights)
The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool allows you to remove system applications without getting root access.The method works on all Xiaomi smartphones, but requires a connection to a computer and enable debugging mode.
Step-by-step:
- Activate debugging on USB: 🔧 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI and tap 7 times on this item to unlock Developer Mode". 🔙 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include "Debugging by" USB".
Connect your phone to your PC:
- 🖥️ Install. ADB-computer-driver (Windows/macOS/Linux).
- 🔌 Use the original USB Type C cable to connect.
- Start the command line: adb devices If the device appears in the list, type: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.name.applications
Examples of commands for popular applications:
| Annex | Package name (package name) | Delete command |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Browser | com.android.browser | adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser |
| Mi Music | com.miui.player | adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.player |
| GetApps | com.xiaomi.mipicks | adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks |
| Mi Video | com.miui.videoplayer | adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer |
| Cleaner | com.miui.cleanmaster | adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.cleanmaster |
The -k flag stores the application's data and cache, and --user 0 indicates the current user. If you want to completely erase the program (including its files), delete -k from the command.
Install ADB-PC drivers|
Enable debugging over USB on your phone |
Connect the phone with the original cable |
Check the visibility of the device with the command `adb devices`|
Download the list of packages by the team `adb shell pm list packages`-->
3. How to find the package name of the application
Without the exact name of the package (com.xiaomi.example), ADB teams won't work. There are three ways to know it:
Method 1. Through ADB:
adb shell pm list packages | grep 'miui'This command will display a list of all applications with miui in the title. Replace miui with the part of the name of the desired program (for example, browser for the browser).
Method 2. Through the App Inspector application:
- 📲 Install App Inspector from Google Play.
- 🔍 Open the application, find the desired program in the list and copy it Package Name.
Method 3. Through MIUI settings (for some applications):
- 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
- 📝 Slip on the application and scroll down to the "Package Information" block".
⚠️ Note: Some system packages (e.g., com.miui.home) cannot be removed, resulting in a cyclical restart of the phone or complete inoperability of the interface.
4. Delete with Magisk (for root users)
If your Xiaomi has Magisk installed (root access), you can use modules to uninstall system applications, which gives you more freedom, but requires an unlocked bootloader and an installed recap (TWRP or OrangeFox).
Instructions:
- Install Magisk Module: 📱 Download the System App Remover module (compatible with the MIUI 12-14). 🔧 Move the.zip file to your phone’s memory.
- Activate the module: 🔄 Reboot to Magisk (or TWRP) Install the module through the "Modules" section". 🔁 Reset the device.
Delete the annexes:
- 🗑️ After the reboot, open Magisk, find it in the System App Remover module list and run it.
- ✅ Check the unneeded apps and confirm the removal.
Advantages of the method:
- 🔧 The ability to remove even those applications that are blocked in ADB.
- 🔄 Easy recovery by disabling the module in Magisk.
- 📦 Support for backup before deletion.
Disadvantages:
- ⚠️ Risk of disrupting work MIUI Removing Critical Components.
- 🔓 Requires unlocking the bootloader, which resets the phone to factory settings.
💡
Before you uninstall your system applications through Magisk, back up the /system partition in TWRP to help you recover your phone if something goes wrong.
5. List of safe and dangerous applications to remove
Not all embedded programs can be removed without consequences. Below is a table divided into "Secure" (can be removed), "Conditionally safe" (can affect functionality) and "Dangerous" (deletion will cause failures).
| Category | Annex | Package name (package name) | Effects of removal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safe. | Mi Browser | com.android.browser | The standard browser will disappear (you can use Chrome). |
| Safe. | Mi Music | com.miui.player | The music player (alternatively VLC) will be removed. |
| Safe. | Mi Video | com.miui.videoplayer | The video player will disappear (you can install the MX Player). |
| Conditionally safe. | GetApps | com.xiaomi.mipicks | Branded applications will cease to be updated through the Mi Store. |
| Conditionally safe. | Themes | com.android.themes | There will be no opportunity to change the themes of the design. |
| Dangerous. | Security | com.miui.securitycenter | Antivirus, Wi-Fi scanner and other security features will be disabled. |
| Dangerous. | Mi Account | com.xiaomi.account | It will not be possible to log into the Xiaomi account. |
| Dangerous. | System Launcher | com.miui.home | The phone will hang on the MIUI logo. |
If you are not sure about the consequences, it is better to turn off the application through the settings first, rather than delete it completely, and we recommend that you test the operation of the phone before mass removal after removing 1-2 programs.
What if the phone doesn’t turn on after removal?
6.Alternative methods: hiding and replacing applications
If deleting seems risky, consider alternative ways to get rid of intrusive programs:
1. Hiding through the launcher:
- 📱 Install an alternative launcher (e.g. Nova Launcher or Lawnchair).
- 👁️ In the launcher settings, find the option “Hide apps” and add unnecessary programs there.
Replacement with lightweight versions:
- 🔄 Some system applications (such as Mi Browser) can be replaced with Lite versions via Google Play.
- 📦 To do this, first disable the original program, then install an alternative (e.g. Bromite instead of Mi Browser).
Restriction of background activity:
- ⚡ Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → [Select the application] → Battery → Limit background activity.
- 📵 Also turn off auto-start: Settings → Annexes → Auto-start.
These methods will not free up memory, but will reduce battery load and reduce the amount of advertising.
💡
If you are not sure about your actions, start with the least risky methods: first limit background activity, then try to disable the application, and only as a last resort resort to uninstall via ADB or Magisk.
7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
When working with embedded applications, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:
Error 1: "Command Not Found" in ADB
- 🔧 Make sure that ADB installed correctly. Check the path to the folder with the platform-tools in the environment variables.
- 🔁 Reconnect the phone and re-enter the adb device command.
Error 2: The app returns after the MIUI update
- 🔄 It's normal behavior, because the firmware restores the remote system programs. Solution: Repeat deletion through ADB post-refresh.
- 📦 Alternative: Turn off automatic updates MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → ⋮ → Settings → Deactivate "Car Update".
Error 3: The phone stopped turning on after deleting
- 🚨 Most likely, a critical package (e.g. com.miui.home) was removed. Solution: Fastboot your phone (spoiler instructions above).
Error 4: Cannot connect to ADB
- 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).
- 🔧 Turn on "Debugging by" USB (security parameters) in the developer settings.
- 🖥️ On Windows, install Mi drivers PC Suite.