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

Replacing standard apps on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones is a challenge many users face. Unlike pure Android, MIUI firmware actively uses branded services that do not always suit owners: from the Mi Browser browser to the Mi Gallery. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways from simple disabling to completely replacing system applications, including nuances for different versions of MIUI 14/15 and models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12).

It's important to understand that not all applications can be removed without consequences. Some are critical to the system's operation - removing them can cause a malfunction or build-up of the device. We'll detail which applications are safe to replace and which are better to disable. We'll also look at alternative methods, from using launchers to installing custom firmware for power users.

Whether you’re looking for a way to get rid of unnecessary software, optimize your phone, or just want to use alternative software (like Google Chrome instead of Mi Browser), this guide will help you get it right – without risking the device.

Which apps can be changed to Xiaomi and which ones can’t

MIUI firmware conditionally divides applications into three categories:

• 🔹 User-generated services: installed by you from Google Play or APK. They can be removed without restriction.
• 🔹 System (no root) – preinstalled by Xiaomi, but not critical to work (e.g. Mi Music, Mi Video) and can be disabled or replaced with alternatives.
• 🔹 Systemic (critical) - kernel MIUI, com.miui.*, Android System, and if you delete them, you'll be inoperable.

Below is a table with examples of applications and possible actions:

Critical information: Deleting applications with com.miui.home packages (launcher), com.android.phone (phone) or com.miui.securitycenter (security) will lead to a reboot cycle or complete inoperability of the phone.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models for the European market (marked) EEA) Some system applications (such as Mi Browser) may be protected from shutdown due to requirements GDPR. In this case, it will only help. ADB root.

Method 1: Disabling standard applications (without root)

The safest method is to disable, not delete, which hides the app from the menu, stops it from running in the background, but doesn't delete files, and is suitable for most pre-installed programs, except critical ones.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want (such as Mi Browser).
3. Click Disable (if the button is inactive – the application is critical).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

After the shutdown:

• 📱 The application will disappear from the menu and list of installed programs.
• 🔄 It will not be updated through Google Play.
• 🔋 Stop using battery and traffic.

Make a backup copy of important data

Check if the application is connected to system functions (e.g. Mi Share for file transfer)

Make sure you have an alternative (e.g. Google Chrome instead of Mi Browser)

Write down the name of the application package (in case of recovery)-->

If the Disable button is not available, try an alternative method via ADB (described below).On some models (e.g. POCO F5), disabling only works for a limited list of applications.

Mi Browser

Mi Gallery

Mi Music

GetApps (Mi App Store)

Security (Security)

Other-->

Method 2: Remove system applications via ADB (without root)

To remove pre-installed apps without obtaining root permissions, you will need ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which works on all Xiaomi models, but requires a connection to a computer.

Step-by-step:

1. Enable Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.

Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.

ADB Tools

adb devices

Make sure the device is identified.

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 title.packet

For example, for Mi Browser:

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

List of popular removal packages:

• 🌐 Mi Browser: com.android.browser
• 🎵 Mi Music: com.miui.player
• 📺 Mi Video: com.miui.videoplayer
• 📱 GetApps: com.xiaomi.mipicks
• 📊 Analytics (data collection): com.miui.analytics

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 15 (for example, on Xiaomi 14), the pm uninstall command may not work due to additional checks.

adb shell pm list packages | grep "miui"

This will show all Xiaomi system applications that can be removed.-->

Method 3: Replace the launcher and standard applications

If you don’t like the standard MIUI Launcher or want to use alternative default programs (like Google Messages instead of Mi SMS), there are two ways to go:

1. Install a third-party launcher (e.g., Nova Launcher, Lawnchair).
2. Assign applications by default in Android settings.

To replace the launcher:

1. Download the alternative launcher from Google Play.
2. When you first start, select it as the default launcher.
3. In the launcher settings, turn off MIUI Launcher (if necessary).

To replace the default applications (such as browser or gallery):

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Select a category (e.g. Browser) and assign an alternative application.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔄 Does not require rooting or ADB.
• 📱 It works on all Xiaomi models, including the new ones (Xiaomi). 13T, Redmi Note 13).
• 🔋 It does not affect the stability of the system.

Method 4: Getting root rights and deep application replacement

Full control of system applications requires root rights, which allows you to remove any program, including critical ones, but carries risks:

• 🚫 Loss of guarantee.
• 🔐 Vulnerability to malware.
• 🔄 Risk of “bricking” with errors.

Instructions for obtaining root on Xiaomi:

1. Unblock Bootloader via Xiaomi’s official website (requires a Mi Account account and wait 7-14 days).
2. Install a custom recap (TWRP) for your model.
3. Sweep Magisk through the Recovery.
4. Use Magisk Manager or Root Explorer to remove system applications.

After getting root, you can:

• 🗑️ Completely remove any applications, including com.miui.*.
• 🔧 Modify system files (e.g., replace) MIUI Camera on Google Camera).
• 📦 Install Magisk modules for deep customization.

⚠️ Note: On models with a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi Note 12) 5G) Unlocking the bootloader can lead to problems with Widevine L1 (Downgrades in streaming on Netflix or Disney+ before 480p).

💡

Getting root rights to Xiaomi is an irreversible process, and even after rooting is removed, some features (such as Mi Pay or Banking apps) may stop working due to SafetyNet.

Method 5: Use custom firmware (for experienced)

If you are not satisfied with MIUI in principle, you can install custom firmware based on AOSP (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS).

• 🧹 Completely get rid of branded Xiaomi applications.
• 🔄 Get updates directly from the community.
• 📱 Use "clean" Android without add-ons MIUI.

Installation process:

1. Unlock Bootloader (as in the root method).
2. Install TWRP or another custom recaveri.
3. Download the firmware for your model from the XDA Developers or 4PDA website.
4. Sweep through the firmware, then GApps (if you need Google services).

Cons of this method:

• 🔋 Possible issues with autonomy (castomy firmware is often worse optimized for Xiaomi iron).
• 📸 The camera may not work (a ported GCam is required).
• 🔄 No guarantee of stability (probable sensor bugs, NFC or 5G).

Popular firmware for Xiaomi:

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When replacing or removing applications on Xiaomi, users often face problems. Consider typical errors and their solutions:

• 🔄 "The application is not removed through ADB" → Check if the package is correctly specified (use adb shell pm list packages). MIUI 15 Some packages are protected – try adding a flag --user 0.
• 📱 "After removing the launcher, the phone does not start" → Install an alternative launcher before removal MIUI Launcher or restore it through ADB: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.home
• 🔋 "Fast battery discharge after shutting down system applications" → Some background services MIUI If you have a Security or Mi Analytics phone that is running out faster after you turn it off, try to return it or use Greenify for manual optimization.
• 🌐 "No push notifications after browser replacement" → V MIUI Notifications are linked to system services: Install Google Play Services manually or use Mi Push Fix (module for Magisk).

If after manipulating the applications, the phone began to brake or overheat, reset the cache through the Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume up to enter Recovery.
3. Select Wipe → Wipe Cache.
4. Reset the device.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions