How to Hide or Disable System Apps on Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

Owners of Xiaomi smartphones often face a problem: the operating shell of MIUI installs dozens of system applications that can not be removed by standard methods. among them are Mi Browser, Mi Video, GetApps, Mi Pay and other services that take up space in memory, consume battery power and display in the application menu.

There are several ways to hide or disable system applications on Xiaomi – from simple interface settings to use. ADB-In this article, we will discuss all the current methods for versions. MIUI 12–15, including nuances for different models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, It is important to understand that not all methods are equally safe: some can lead to system failures if performed incorrectly.

Before you start hiding applications, we recommend you back up your data to avoid losing important information in the event of a crash, and note that disabling critical system services (such as Google Play Services or Miui System) can disrupt the stability of your smartphone.

In this article you will find:

• 🔹 Ways to hide without root rights (through settings and ADB)
• 🔹 Instructions for MIUI 12-15, taking into account the features of new versions
• 🔹 Risks and consequences of disabling system applications
• 🔹 Alternative methods (e.g., freezing through Titanium Backup)

1. Hiding system applications through MIUI settings (no root)

The easiest and safest way to do this is to use the built-in MIUI features, which are suitable for most users and require no technical skills, but it has a limitation: it only hides apps from the menu, but it doesn't remove them completely.

To hide an unnecessary system application:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to hide (such as Mi Browser).
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Hide.

After that, the app icon will disappear from the main menu, but it will remain on the system and will be updated via Google Play or Mi App Store. To return it back, repeat the same steps and click Show.

⚠️ Note: Some system applications (e.g. Security or Miui Daemon) cannot be hidden in this way. Trying to disable them through settings can lead to shell errors.

Double check the name of the app

Create a backup copy of important data

Make sure the battery is more than 50% charged.

Close all background processes-->

2. disable system applications via ADB (without root)

If the concealment is not enough, you can disable system applications using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that does not require superuser rights, but requires connecting the smartphone to a computer.

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi and ADB-tools drivers.
• 📱 Smartphone with enabled debugging USB (In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI Press 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings → For developers).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command prompt (or Terminal on macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is displayed, go further.
4. To disable an application (e.g. Mi Browser), use: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser Replace com.android.browser with the desired application package (see package list below).

List of popular packages of system applications Xiaomi:

⚠️ Note: Disabling some applications (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) may result in loss of virus scanning, garbage cleaning and permission management features.If you experience problems after disconnecting, return the application with the command:

adb shell pm enable com.miui.securitycenter

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To find out the name of any application package, install App Inspector from Google Play or use the adb shell pm list packages | grep "miui" (for Linux/macOS).

3. Removal of system applications using root rights

If you're willing to take the risk, you can completely remove unnecessary system applications by getting root access, a method that requires unlocking the bootloader and installing a customized backup (such as TWRP), which voids the warranty and can lead to a device blink if errors occur.

Removal will require:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (instructions on the official Xiaomi website).
• 📱 Established recaveri TWRP Or OrangeFox.
• 🛠️ Root Explorer or Titanium Backup app for removal via interface).

Step-by-step action:

1. Install Magisk to manage root rights.
2. Download and install Titanium Backup (or similar app).
3. In the application, find unnecessary system software, select Remove and confirm the action.

⚠️ Note: Removal of critical components (e.g. com.android.systemui) will cause system failure. Before removal, check the list of safe packets on forums. 4PDA or XDA-Developers.

4. Freezing applications via Titanium Backup

If deleting seems too risky, you can freeze system applications, which will shut them down, but save files on the device, and you can defrost the application if necessary.

For this:

1. Install Titanium Backup and provide root access.
2. In the list of apps, find the one you want to freeze (for example, Mi Music).
3. Click on it and select Freeze.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔹 The ability to return the application with one click.
• 🔹 No risk of damaging system files.
• 🔹 Stored space on the device (as opposed to concealment).

Disadvantages:

• 🔸 Root rights required.
• 🔸 Some apps may “unfreeze” after updates MIUI.

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Freezing is the safest way to disable root-righted system applications, as it does not affect system files and allows you to quickly return everything back.

5.Using third-party launchers to hide icons

If you just need to remove the icons of system applications from view, but not disable them completely, you can use third-party launchers. This method requires no root rights and is safe for the system.

Popular launchers with the function of hiding applications:

• 📱 Nova Launcher (Paid version allows you to hide icons).
• 📱 Apex Launcher (Hide Apps").
• 📱 Microsoft Launcher (you can remove unnecessary applications from the feed).

How to hide icons in Nova Launcher:

1. Install the launcher and make it the main one.
2. Press your finger on the desktop → Settings Nova.
3. Go to App Settings → Hide Apps.
4. Check the unneeded programs and save the changes.

This way, it doesn't delete or disable apps, it just removes them from the home screen and menu, and they'll still work in the background and take up space in memory.

6. Risks and consequences of disabling system applications

Before you hide or remove system applications, it is important to understand the possible consequences, and some components of MIUI are critical to the stable operation of the device.

Possible problems:

• 🔴 Disabling the Miui System or Security may cause interface errors, inability to change settings, or sensor failures.
• 🔴 Loss of functionality: For example, removing Mi Pay will disable contactless payments, and disabling Google Play Services will disrupt many apps.
• 🔴 Update issues: Some system applications are updated with MIUI. Removing them can lead to errors when installing new firmware versions.
• 🔴 Increased battery consumption: Paradoxically, shutting down some services (such as Miui Battery Saver) can lead to accelerated discharge as the system tries to restore them.

⚠️ Warning: If after disabling or removing the app, the smartphone starts to overheat, brake or reboot, immediately return it back.In some cases, you may need to reset to factory settings or flash it through Fastboot.

To minimize the risks:

• 🔹 Before any manipulations, create a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
• 🔹 Start by hiding or freezing, not removing.
• 🔹 Disable one application and check the stability of the work.
• 🔹 Keep an eye on updates. MIUI — After the update, some applications may be disabled again.

7. Alternative methods: custom firmware and debloaters

If built-in methods don’t help, you may want to consider installing custom firmware or using specialized de-bloat removal tools.

Custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience) completely replaces MIUI and does not contain Xiaomi system applications.

• 🔓 Unlocked loader.
• 🔧 Custom recaveri installations (TWRP).
• 📥 Compatible firmware for your model.

Popular tools for debloat:

• 🛠️ Universal Android Debloater (GUI) — A PC utility that works through ADB.
• 🛠️ Debloater Tool for MIUI — Script to automatically remove unnecessary packets.
• 🛠️ SD Maid – a system cleaning application (requires root).

⚠️ Note: Using custom firmware deprives you of official Xiaomi support and can lead to problems with the company:

• 🔹 Banking applications (due to lack of SafetyNet).
• 🔹 Camera (some functions may not work).
• 🔹 Updates by air (OTA).

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Before installing custom firmware, check its compatibility with your model on the XDA-Developers or 4PDA forum. Incompatible firmware can lead to a "brick" of the device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hiding system applications on Xiaomi