How to change the app on Xiaomi phone: remove, replace and install

Replacing applications on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones is a task that every user sooner or later faces. Whether you want to get rid of pre-installed software (the so-called bloatver), install an alternative launcher or simply update the program through a third-party source - the process has its nuances due to the features of the MIUI firmware. Unlike "pure" Android, there are additional security restrictions, and some system applications can not be removed by standard methods.

In this guide, we will look at all the current ways to replace applications on Xiaomi devices in 2026, from basic uninstalling through the settings menu to using ADB to uninstall system software. Particular attention will be paid to security issues (for example, the risks of installing APKs from unknown sources) and legal methods to circumvent the restrictions of MIUI. If you are looking for a way to optimize your smartphone by getting rid of unnecessary programs, or want to install a modified version of the application (for example, Google Camera for Xiaomi), this guide will help you get it right.

Why Xiaomi can’t just remove any app

Xiaomi’s MIUI firmware differs from standard Android by having two types of applications:

• 📱 Custom - installed by you from Google Play or other sources, and can be removed without restriction.
• 🔧 System – preinstalled by Xiaomi (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Video, Security) and cannot be removed through the standard menu, as they are integrated into the firmware.

Besides, MIUI block APK-The default default file is from unknown sources (configure Unknown Sources in the security menu) and is designed to protect against malware, but makes it difficult to replace applications. For example, if you want to install a modified YouTube Vanced or an alternative client for Telegram, you will first have to allow the installation from external sources.

Another feature is that system applications are linked to MIUI services, for example, deleting Mi Account can cause cloud backup or synchronization to fail, so it’s important to understand which features might be affected before uninstallation.

Method 1: Remove user applications through settings

The easiest method is to remove programs you installed yourself, and it's suitable for applications from Google Play or downloaded manually (APK). The instructions are relevant to MIUI 12/13/14:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select the Application Management tab.
3. Find the desired application in the list (you can use the search).
4. Click on it and select Delete.

If the Remove button is inactive (grey), then the application is system, in which case move on to the following methods.

Check if the application is system-based

Create a backup copy of important data

Disable Auto Update in Google Play

Make sure there is enough free space on the phone.-->

Method 2: Disabling system applications (without root)

If you can't delete the system application, you can turn it off, and this hides the program from the menu and stops it from running in the background, but it doesn't free up space on the disk.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select a system app (such as Mi Music or Mi Browser).
3. Click Disable (the button will appear if the application can be deactivated).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling some system applications (such as Security or Finder) may disrupt the operation MIUI. Before deactivating, check for reviews about a particular app in forums (e.g, 4PDA or XDA Developers).

List of relatively safe to disable system applications on Xiaomi:

• 🎵 Mi Music is a standard music player.
• 📺 Mi Video – video player from Xiaomi.
• 📖 Mi Reader – an app for reading books.
• 🎮 Game Turbo – If you don’t use the game mode.

Method 3: Remove system applications via ADB (without root)

To completely remove system applications without obtaining root rights, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting the phone to the computer, but does not violate the warranty. Importantly, after removal through ADB, the application will disappear from the system forever, and it can only be restored through a full reset or flashing.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (including ADB) on your computer.
2. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI until the notification "You've become a developer" appears.

Settings → Additional → For Developers

USB debugging

File transfer

ADB

adb devices

(Your device should appear)

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

(Replace com.miui.browser with the desired application package).

List of packages of popular system applications Xiaomi:

adb shell pm list packages > apps_backup.txt

This will help restore remote programs if something goes wrong.-->

Method 4: Replace applications through third-party stores (APK)

If you want to install an alternative version of the app (e.g. Google Camera instead of the standard camera or YouTube Vanced instead of the official client), you will need to:

1. Allow installation from unknown sources: Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Settings (cog at the top). Enable Installation from unknown sources and select the browser or file manager you will install APK through.

APKMirror

4PDA

Open the file through a Explorer or browser and follow the installer’s instructions.

⚠️ Attention: Installation of modified APK (For example, hacked versions of paid applications violate the terms of use of Google Play and can lead to the blocking of the account (MD5/SHA-1) specialized sites.

Popular alternatives to standard Xiaomi apps:

• 📷 Camera: Google Camera (GCam) for improved shooting (requires a config for a particular model).
• 🌐 Browser: Firefox, Brave or Kiwi Browser (with Chrome extensions).
• 🎵 Music: Poweramp, Musicolet or VLC audio.
• 📱 Launcher: Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Hyperion for customization of the interface.

Method 5: Using Magisk for deep modification (requires root)

If you're ready to get root rights, the options for replacing apps are expanding, and Magisk is a way to:

• 🔄 Remove any system applications without restrictions.
• 🛠 Modify system files (e.g., replace) framework-res.apk thematically).
• 🚫 Block ads and trackers at the system level (modules like AdAway or Blokada).

Instructions for installation of Magisk:

1. Unlock the bootloader on the Xiaomi website (requires account binding and waits 7-14 days).
2. Install a custom recap (TWRP) for your model.
3. Fly Magisk through the Recovery (Magisk-v26.4.zip file).
4. Install modules through the Magisk Manager app.

⚠️ Note: Getting root rights voids the warranty and may result in a brick device in case of firmware errors.In addition, some applications (for example, banking or other applications) Pokémon GO) Stop working on rooted devices due to SafetyNet check.

💡

Magisk allows you to manage system applications flexibly, but requires technical skills and lacks guarantees. For most users, root-free methods (ADB or disable) are enough.

What to do if after removing the application the phone is unstable

If you have a failure after uninstalling or disabling your system application (for example, MIUI is constantly restarting or issuing errors), follow the following steps:

1. Restore the application via ADB: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.browser (replace com.miui.browser with the remote application package).
2. Reset: Go to Settings → About Phone → Reset. Select Reset All Settings (does not delete user data).

You can call the phone again.

Mi Flash Tool

4PDA

If the problem occurs after installing a modified APK (like Google Camera), try:

• 🔄 Remove conflicting applications.
• 📥 Install another version APK (For example, for GCam, select a config to your Xiaomi model).
• 🔧 Clear the cache in Settings → Annexes → [Title of the annex] → Memory. → Clear the cache.

FAQ: Frequent questions about replacing apps with Xiaomi