How to remove unnecessary applications on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are known for their abundance of pre-installed apps, from branded services (Mi Browser, Mi Video) to affiliate programs (Facebook, Netflix). Many of them can’t be removed by standard methods, but that doesn’t mean they have to take up space in memory and background. According to Xiaomi, up to 30% of users disable or delete at least 5 embedded apps in the first month of use.

The problem is not just the space: redundant software consumes battery power, collects data for analytics, and can conflict with user applications. This article highlights the current ways Xiaomi (including Redmi, POCO, and Black Shark models) clean up MIUI 14/15, as well as hidden methods for power users. All instructions are tested on firmware from 2023-2026.

1. Standard removal through settings

The safest way is to use the built-in MIUI tools. It is suitable for most third-party applications and some system utilities (such as Mi Pay or Mi Community).

How to do this:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 In the list, find the unnecessary app (use a search at the top of the screen).
• 🗑️ Click Remove (if the button is active) or Disable (for system programs).
• ⚠️ Confirm the action in the dialog window.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It does not work for mission-critical services (Mi Security, System) UI).
• ❌ Some apps (Google Play Services) are only disabled but not removed completely.
• ❌ After resetting the settings, the disabled programs can return.

⚠️ Attention: Deleting Google Play Services or Mi Account will cause the app store to fail and sync data.

2. disable system applications without root

If the Remove button is inactive, try to disable the program, which will stop it from working, free up RAM, and prevent background activity, while the application files remain in the device's memory.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select your target app (e.g. Mi Browser).
3. Click Disable (if the button is grey, administrator rights are required).
4. Confirm the action by clicking Disable the application.

List of apps that can be safely disabled on most Xiaomi devices:

• 🌐 Mi Browser (replace with Chrome or Firefox).
• 🎬 Mi Video (unless you use the built-in player).
• 💬 Mi Community (support forum, rarely in demand).
• 🎵 Mi Music (alternatives: Spotify, YouTube Music).
• 📊 Analytics (statistics collection service, not critical for work).

3. Removal via ADB (for power users)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool allows you to remove system applications without root rights.The method requires connecting a smartphone to a PC and basic command line knowledge.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Android computer SDK Platform-Tools.
• 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with enabled debugging USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings → For developers).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices must appear serial number of the device.
4. Get a list of all packages: adb shell pm list packages
5. Remove the unnecessary app (example for Mi Browser): adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser

Popular removal packages:

⚠️ Note: Deleting com.google.android.gms (Google Services) or com.xiaomi.account (Mi Account) will cause key features to fail. Before experimenting, back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

4. Use of third-party utilities (without root)

If ADB seems complicated, you can use specialized programs that automate the removal process and provide a user-friendly interface.

Top.-3 Verified utilities for Xiaomi:

• 🛠️ App Inspector – shows all installed packages and allows you to disable system applications without ADB. Download it to Google Play.
• 🧹 Debloater Tool - runs over PC, supports mass removal.GitHub official.
• 🔍 Package Name Viewer – Helps you find the names of manually deleted packages ADB. Reference.

The advantages of third-party utilities:

• ✅ Visual interface (no need to remember commands).
• ✅ Ability to create a backup before removal.
• ✅ Filtering of safe/hazardous packets.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ PC connection required (for most tools).
• ❌ Risk of installing malware when downloaded from unverified sources.

💡

Before using third-party utilities, check reviews on 4PDA or XDA Developers – some programs may contain advertising modules or collect data.

5. Removal using TWRP and root rights

For users with an unlocked bootloader and TWRP installed, the most radical method available is to remove system applications through root access, which allows you to get rid of even the most “corrupt” services, but requires caution.

What needs to be done:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (can take up to 72 hours).
2. Install TWRP Recovery for your model (see instructions at twrp.me).
3. Please use Magisk to obtain root rights.
4. Use Root Explorer or Titanium Backup to remove packets.

Examples of safe to remove system packages (for power users only!):

• 📱 /system/priv-app/MiBrowser — browser.
• 🎥 /system/priv-app/MiVideo — videoplayer.
• 📊 /system/priv-app/Analytics — statistics.
• 💰 /system/priv-app/Pay — Mi Pay (unless you use contactless payments).

⚠️ Note: Delete files from the folder /system If you don't have a backup, you can make a device "brick." Always backup through the backup. TWRP → Backup before changes.

💡

Root access gives you maximum freedom, but it gives you no security and it increases security risk, and you can only use this method if you're confident in your actions.

6. How to prevent the return of remote applications

Even after successful removal, some programs may return after the MIUI update.

• 🔄 Turn off automatic updates to system applications: Settings → Annexes → Application management → ⚙️ → Auto-update of system applications → Turn it off.
• 📵 Block the installation of unnecessary programs through Google Play: Play Store → Settings → Auto-update of applications → Never.
• 🛡️ Use it. ADB to permanently disable: adb shell pm hide com.name.packet (hiding the application from the system, but does not delete files).

If the app does come back:

• Check the list of recently updated programs in Settings → Apps → Latest updates.
• Repeat the removal/disconnection procedure.
• Consider switching to custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) that doesn’t have Xiaomi preinstalled software.

7. Alternative methods: concealment and freezing

If deleting seems risky, you can simply hide or freeze unnecessary apps, which will stop them from working, but will keep the ability to recover quickly.

Ways of concealment:

• 👁️ V MIUI Launcher: Press the app icon → Take it off the screen. → Hide.
• ❄️ Using Ice Box (freezing app): Download.
• 🔒 App Hider (Hides icons and notifications).

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ No risk of damage to the system.
• ✅ It is easy to return the application in one click.
• ✅ Does not require rooting or ADB.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ The application remains in memory (takes up space).
• ❌ Some programs may continue background activity.

FAQ: Frequent questions