How to remove unnecessary application from the Xiaomi desktop: from simple to complex

Xiaomi’s desktop is often a dump of icons: pre-installed MIUI services, randomly installed games, duplicate shortcuts. If you’re tired of scrolling through the screen looking for the right app or just want to clean up your mess, this article will help you figure out how to remove unnecessary items. It’s important to understand that removing an icon from the screen and uninstalling a program are different processes, and we’ll look at both options.

The problem is complicated by the fact that MIUI (especially in versions 12-15) actively integrates system services that cannot be removed by standard methods, and after updating the menu interface may change, and the old instructions will stop working. We tested all methods on current firmware (including HyperOS for new models) and collected only working solutions, from basic to advanced, including bypassing the restrictions for system applications.

1. remove the icon from the screen (without deleting the program)

If you just need to hide the label without touching the app itself, use the built-in MIUI tools.

• 📱 Pre-installed services (Mi Video, Mi Music, GetApps)
• 🎮 Games you rarely use but don’t want to delete
• 🔄 Duplicate labels (for example, after updating)

Instructions:

1. Press and hold your finger on the icon of the app you want to remove.
2. At the top of the screen, a panel with options will appear. Select Remove (basket icon).
3. Confirm the action if a request appears. The icon will disappear, but the program will remain in the All Apps menu.

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If the Remove option is inactive, try dragging the icon to the bottom of the screen – it may appear to say Delete or Hide.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 12 Pro)+, Xiaomi 13T) After hiding the icon, the application may disappear from the search MIUI. To return it, go to Settings. → Annexes → Manage applications and enable the display of hidden.

2. Complete removal of user applications

If you have installed the program yourself (for example, from Google Play or Google Play). APK-It can be deleted completely, it will free up space in memory and delete all the data in the application:

Method 1. Through the application menu:

1. Open All Apps (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
2. Find the right application, click and hold its icon.
3. Select Delete (or drag to the cart at the top of the screen).
4. Confirm the uninstallation.

Method 2. Through settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app from the list.
3. Click Remove (if the button is inactive – see the system applications section).

Make sure that the app is not used by other services|Save important data (logins, files)|Check if there are no attached notifications or widgets|Remember the name of the application in case of recovery-->

⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as Facebook or TikTok) leave cache and files in the folder after deleting. Android/data. To clean them, use a file manager or utility. MIUI Cleaner.

3.Working with system applications: what can be removed and what can not

MIUI system applications fall into three categories:

Removing system applications will require root rights or ADB. Let’s look at both methods.

Method 1. Through ADB (without root):

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer (replace com.miui.videoplayer with the desired application package).
3. Reset the device.

Method 2: With root rights:

Use Root Explorer or Titanium Backup to remove APK-file /system/app or /system/priv-app. Deleting critical files (e.g. com.android.phone) will cause network loss or phone failure.

Mi Video|Mi Music|GetApps|Mi Browser|Cleaner|Other-->

4. Recovery of Remote Applications

If after removing the system application there are problems (for example, lost access to the camera or settings), it can be returned:

Method 1. Through MIUI Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
3. Select Connect with MIAssistant (you will need a PC with the Mi Flash Tool installed).
4. Restore the firmware without losing data (Save user data option).

Method 2. Manual installation of APK:

Download the original APK-an application file (e.g. from APKMirror) and install it manually. System applications may require a command:

adb install -r -d --fastdeploy name file.apk

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Before restoring system applications, back up your data through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This will prevent you from losing contacts and messages when you crash.

5. Alternative solutions: hiding icons without removing them

If removal is not possible or risky, use these methods:

• 📂 Desktop folders: Drag unnecessary icons into one folder and hide them on the second screen.
• 🔍 Search MIUI: Turn off the app’s display in search through Settings → Search → Search settings.
• 🎨 Themes and launchers: Install a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher) where you can completely disable icon impressions.
• 🔒 Blocking Notifications: Go to Settings → Notifications → Manage notifications and disable alerts from unnecessary apps.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F5, Redmi K60) After the launcher change, gestures may stop working MIUI. To return them, reset the launcher settings in Settings. → Annexes → Application management → [The name of the launcher] → Warehouse → Clear the data.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When working with applications, users often face these problems:

Mistake 1: "Impossible to delete"

Reason: The application is system-based or protected by MIUI.

• Try disabling it through Settings → Apps → [Application Name] → Disable.
• Use ADB (see Section 3).

Error 2: The icon returns after the reboot

Reason: MIUI restores the shortcuts to system applications.

• Hide the icon through the launcher settings (Settings → Desktop → Icon settings).
• Install firmware updates – sometimes bugs are fixed in new versions.

Error 3: After removal, the functionality is lost

Example: after the removal of Mi Video, the gallery stopped working.

• Restore the application through MIUI Recovery (Section 4).
• Use alternative programs (e.g. Google Photos instead of Mi Gallery).

7. Features for different versions of MIUI and Xiaomi models

The interface and application management capabilities differ depending on the firmware version and model:

On HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14), the uninstall process is simplified: just press the icon and choose to Delete or Archive. ADB.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions