How to Remove Android App on Xiaomi: 5 Ways + Clean Up Residues

Removing unnecessary apps on Xiaomi smartphones seems like a simple task — until you encounter system programs that are not deleted by standard methods, or with residual files that occupy memory. Unlike “pure” Android, MIUI firmware has its own nuances: hidden settings, restrictions on removing preinstalled services and the peculiarities of working with root rights. This article will help you understand how to completely remove an application with Redmi, POCO or Black Shark — from basic methods to advanced ones, including cleaning the cache and data.

We will look not only at the obvious ways through the settings menu, but also at little-known tricks: how to get around the limitations. MIUI, What to do with undeleteable applications (such as Mi Browser or GetApps), and why sometimes after removal, the program continues to appear in the list. MIUI 14/15 (Android 13/14) and adapted to models 2020–2026 year-end.

1. Standard removal: when it works and why it doesn't

The most obvious way is to uninstall apps or settings through the menu, which is suitable for most user programs (like WhatsApp, TikTok, games), but is often blocked for system utilities.

• 📱 Through the launcher: press the application icon → Choose "Delete" (or "Deinstall (POCO F5, Redmi Note 12 may require password confirmation.
• ⚙️ Through Settings: Go to Settings → Annexes → Manage applications, find what you need and click "Delete".
• 🗑️ Through the basket: MIUI Remote programs are included in the Recycle Bin (available for 30 days) and to clear it completely, go to Settings. → Warehouse → Basket.

Why doesn't this always work? It's about application rights: system programs (e.g., com.miui.securitycenter) are protected from being deleted without root. MIUI can also block uninstallation because:

• 🔒 Links to a Mi Account (e.g., Mi Cloud).
• 🛡️ Protection against accidental removal (relevant for Redmi with factory firmware).
• 📦 Embedded in the shell (for example, Mi Video or Mi Music).

⚠️ Note: If the Remove button is inactive and it displays "Disable" or "Remove Updates" instead, the application is system-based, and its complete removal will require the rights of the superuser or ADB-teams (see section 4).

2. Disconnection instead of deletion: when it is an exit

If an application cannot be removed, it can be disabled, which hides it from the menu and stops background processes, but does not free up memory completely.

• 📱 Pre-installed services (Mi Pay, Mi Roaming).
• 🔄 System utilities that are rarely used (e.g, FM Radio on models without antenna).
• 🚫 Apps that interfere with the work (for example, User Feedback sends data to Xiaomi).

How to turn it off:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired application → click “Disable”.
3. Confirm the action (a password may be required).

Application disabled:

• ✅ It won't be on the menu.
• ✅ It will not consume battery and traffic.
• ❌ It will not free up space in memory (files will remain).
• ❌ Can be restored after the update MIUI.

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You can return the disabled applications: go to Settings → Apps → Show All (three dots at the top) → select “Disabled” and click “On”.

3. Cleaning up residues: why "Delete" is not enough

Even after uninstallation, the app leaves behind cache, data and configuration files, such as:

• 🗃️ Image cache (folder) /Android/data/com.facebook.katana/cache).
• 📄 Database files (*.db in /data/data/com.facebook.katana).
• 🔑 Authorization Tokens (can be used to restore a session).

How to completely clean the remains:

For automated cleaning, use utilities like SD Maid (requires root) or the built-in MIUI function:

1. Go to Settings. → Warehouse.
2. Click "Clean" → select "Deep Cleaning".
3. Confirm the removal of unnecessary files.

4. Removal of system applications without root: ADB-method

If the standard methods don’t work and you don’t want to get root rights, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to remove most system applications, except for mission-critical ones (for example, com.android.phone).

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press to unlock the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

Install ADB PC-only|Enable debugging on USB Xiaomi|Connect your phone to your PC and confirm trust|Open the command line in the folder with ADB-->

1. Connect the phone to your PC and type in the command line: Adb devices Make sure the device is identified (serial number should appear).
2. Get a list of all applications: adb shell pm list packages Find the name of the package of the desired application (for example, com.miui.browser for Mi Browser).
3. Delete the application by command: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 [name packet] For example, for Mi Browser: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.browser

What this method does:

• ✅ Remove the application for the current user (does not affect other accounts on the device).
• ✅ Doesn't require root rights.
• ❌ When resetting settings or updating MIUI The app could come back.
• ❌ Not all system programs are removed (e.g. com.android.settings).

⚠️ Attention: Do not remove through ADB applications with packages containing Android, google or miui.core – this can cause a system failure or a boot cycle. → The phone. → Backup.

5. Complete removal with root rights: risks and opportunities

Getting root permissions gives you access to the deep MIUI settings, but it gives you no guarantees and increases the risk of system disruption.

• 🗑️ Remove any applications, including system.
• 🔍 Edit files in /system.
• 🛠️ Use tools like Titanium Backup to clean up completely.

How to get root on Xiaomi:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Mi Account account and wait 7-15 days).
2. Install custom recaps (TWRP) for your model (see instructions on XDA Developers).
3. Sweep Magisk through the Recovery to manage root rights.

After getting root, remove apps through:

• 📁 Root Explorer (delete folder) /system/priv-app/[package /data/app/[packet]).
• 🛠️ Titanium Backup (Delete! function with all data cleansing).
• 💻 Terminal Emulator with command: su rm -rf /system/priv-app/[packet]

Risks of using root:

• ❌ Loss of warranty (even after root rollback, Xiaomi can determine interference).
• ❌ Possibility of "bricking" (turning into a "brick") in case of errors in editing system files.
• ❌ Problems with updates MIUI (You will have to manually sew custom firmware).
• ❌ Vulnerability to malware (root access opens access to all data).

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Before getting root, be sure to create a full backup through TWRP or Mi PC Suite. System recovery without a backup may not be possible!

6. Alternative methods: from debloating to custom firmware

If removing individual applications doesn’t solve the problem (e.g. MIUI is too overloaded with unnecessary services), consider radical methods:

• 🧹 Debloating: Removing pre-installed software through specialized scripts (e.g. Universal Android Debloater) works without root, but requires ADB.
• 🔄 Custom firmware: Install LineageOS, Pixel Experience or crDroid instead MIUI. Completely removes all Xiaomi system applications, but requires an unlocked bootloader.
• 📦 MIUI Bloat-free: some developers release "light" versions MIUI (for example, MIUI EU), where Chinese services and advertising are removed.

An example of debloating through Universal Android Debloater:

1. Download the utility from GitHub.
2. Connect your phone to USB with debugging enabled.
3. Run the script and select the packets to delete (e.g. com.miui.analytics to disable statistics collection).

Advantages of custom firmware:

• ✅ No pre-installed Xiaomi apps.
• ✅ More frequent security updates.
• ✅ Ability to fine-tune the interface.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Loss of branded functions MIUI (Second Space or Game Turbo).
• ❌ Risk of unstable performance (especially on new models).

7. How to return a remote application

If you realize that the application was needed after deleting, you can restore it in several ways:

• 🔄 Through the basket MIUI: If less than 30 days have passed, go to Settings → Warehouse → Recycle bin and recover file.
• 📥 Reinstallation from APK: download APK-file from a reliable source (e.g. APKMirror) and install manually.
• 🔧 Through ADB: If the application was system, restore it by the command: adb shell cmd package install-existing]
• ⚙️ Resetting: the extreme method - reset to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting settings), but it will delete all data.

For Xiaomi system applications (such as Mi Browser or GetApps) the easiest way to do this is to:

1. Download the latest version of MIUI for your model from the official website.
2. Extract APK from firmware (use an archiver for a.tz or.zip file).
3. Install APK via Mi File Manager or Adb install.

⚠️ Attention: Installation APK System applications from another version MIUI or models can cause conflict. Always check compatibility!

Frequently asked questions