How to completely remove applications on Xiaomi: from disabling to removing system programs

Xiaomi MIUI-based smartphones often come with dozens of pre-installed apps, from useful services like Mi Home to intrusive games and advertising utilities. Even after manual removal, many programs return after a system update or reset. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to get rid of unnecessary applications, from standard shutdown to deep removal of system APKs through ADB and hidden settings.

It is important to understand the difference between the terms: Disable - the program remains in memory, but does not work and does not update. Delete for the user - the application is hidden, but its files are stored in the system (returned after reset). Complete deletion — APK-The file is deleted from the device (requires rights) ADB root).

We will look at the methods for all three cases, including bypassing MIUI restrictions on removing system applications.

1. Standard removal through MIUI settings

The easiest way is to use the built-in system tools, which are suitable for custom applications (installed from Google Play or.apk files) and some pre-installed utilities that Xiaomi allows to be removed.

To remove the program:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired application from the list (use a search by title).
3. Click Remove (if the button is active) or Disable (if deletion is blocked).

⚠️ Limitations of method:

• 🚫 It does not work for system applications (Mi Browser, Mi Video, Security, etc.).
• 🔄 After updating MIUI Some applications may return.
• 📱 On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO F3) The “Delete” button is hidden behind a long click on the app icon.

2. disabling system applications without deleting

If the Remove button is inactive, but there is an option to Disable, use it.

• 🛑 Stops running (including background processes).
• 🔕 No updates are received via Google Play.
• 📥 Frees up some of the RAM (but not the internal memory!).

How to turn it off:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (such as Mi Pay or Mi Community).
3. Click Disconnect → Confirm the action.

🔹 Hidden life hack: Some firmwares can hide disabled applications from the menu. To do this, after turning off, restart your phone and execute the command:

adb shell pm hide com.mi.android.globalFileexplorer

(Replace com.mi.android.globalFileexplorer with the desired application package).

💡

To find the name of the application package, install App Inspector from Google Play or use the command adb shell pm list packages | grep "mi" in the terminal.

3. Removal via MIUI Hidden Settings (no root)

MIUI hides the advanced settings, but they can be accessed through MIUI Hidden Settings, an informal menu that unlocks additional options.This method works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices with MIUI 12/13/14 firmware.

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI Version. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and enable USB Debugging.

adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1

QuickShortcutMaker

MIUI Hidden Settings

App Manager

com.miui.securitycenter

In the menu that opens you can:

• 🗑️ Remove system applications (even those that are normally blocked).
• 🔧 Disable Auto Start for any Programs.
• 📊 View the full list of root rights packages.

4. Complete removal via ADB (no root)

Metod ADB (Android Debug Bridge) allows you to permanently remove system applications without getting root permissions. This is the most effective way, but requires caution: removing critical components can lead to system failure.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Platform Tools on PC (or use Minimal ADB and Fastboot).
2. Connect your phone via USB, enable debugging via USB and confirm your trust in the PC.
3. Open the command line in the adb.exe folder and execute: adb devices (you should display your device).
4. Get a list of all packages: adb shell pm list packages -f
5. Remove the unnecessary app (example for Mi Browser): adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser

📌 List of safe packet removal:

⚠️ Note: Do not delete packages with the names com.android., com.qualcomm., com.miui.home or com.xiaomi.updater, this will lead to the system crash or the inability to update.

Download Platform Tools from the official Android website|Enable debugging on USB developer-setting|Connect your phone to the original cable|Check the list of packages before deleting|Make a backup copy of important data-->

5. Removal by Magisk (for stitched devices)

If your Xiaomi has root installed (via Magisk), you can use modules to deep clean the system, a method suitable for advanced users, as it requires unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom recovery.

The most popular modules for removing system applications:

• 🧹 Universal Debloater – Removes most of Xiaomi’s Bloatware apps.
• 🔪 MIUI Debloater – a specialized module for MIUI.
• 🛠️ App Systemizer – allows you to convert user applications to system and back.

How to install the module:

1. Download the.zip file of the module (for example, with XDA Developers).
2. Reboot to TWRP or another custom recap.
3. Install the module via Install → Select the file → Swipe to Confirm.
4. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Warning: After installing Magisk modules, some features may stop working, such as:

• 📱 Google Pay (due to SafetyNet trigger).
• 🔒 Banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff).
• 🎮 Gambling services (MIUI Game Turbo can be a conflict).

💡

Use Magisk modules only if you are sure they are compatible with your Xiaomi model. Before installing, check the reviews on the forums (XDA, 4PDA).

6 Recovery of Remote Applications

If errors start to occur after the system is removed (e.g., com.android.phone stopped), you will have to return the deleted components in several ways:

Method 1: Through ADB (if the application has been removed for the user)

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.xiaomi.mipicks

(Replace com.xiaomi.mipicks with the desired package).

Method 2: Resetting settings

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Resetting settings.
• 📱 Select Reset All Settings (does not delete files, but returns system applications).

Method 3: Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fast Fastboot Fastboot Fast

If the system does not boot, you will have to flash the phone again:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website.
2. Unpack the archive and launch the script flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for Linux/Mac).

⚠️ Attention: Fastboot flashing erases all data on the device, including photos and contacts. SD-card and make a backup copy on the PC.

7. How to prevent the return of remote applications

Even after successful removal, some applications (Mi Browser, GetApps) may return after the MIUI update.

• 🛡️ Turn off automatic updates to system applications: Go to Settings → Annexes → App management. Select the Google Play Store → Notifications → Turn off Auto Update.
• 🔄 Block updates through ADB: adb shell dpm set-device-owner com.google.android.gms/.mdm.receivers.MdmDeviceAdminReceiver (Requires pre-configuring Android Enterprise).
• 📦 Use alternative firmware: 🌍 LineageOS – pure Android without Bloatware. 🔧 Pixel Experience – firmware with Google Pixel interface. 📱 MIUI EU — European MIUI Chinese-based apps.

🔹 Advice for advanced: If you frequently reflash the device, create a script to automatically remove unnecessary packets after each firmware. ADB:

@echo off


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




adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer




adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks




pause

Save it as deblotter.bat and launch after each update.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing apps on Xiaomi