How to Remove Xiaomi Apps: A Complete System Cleanup Guide

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a situation where a new device is found a huge amount of pre-installed software. Some of these programs are really useful, but a significant percentage is so-called bloatware — software that not only takes up space, but also consumes the resources of the processor. This is especially true for global versions of MIUI firmware and the new HyperOS, where advertising modules and services can interfere with the comfortable use of the gadget.

There are several effective ways to get rid of excess debris, ranging from standard methods available to every user to advanced techniques using a computer. It is important to understand that the complete removal of some system components can lead to unstable Android, so the process should be approached with caution and a clear understanding of the functionality of the removed packages. In this article, we will discuss all safe cleaning methods.

Standard removal through smartphone settings

The easiest and safest way to get rid of unnecessary programs is to use an integrated application manager. This method does not require a connection to a computer or obtaining advanced rights, which makes it ideal for ordinary users. However, it is worth considering that system applications that are part of the MIUI shell will not be removed this way - the delete button will be inactive or absent.

To start, you need to go to the settings menu of your device. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of the operating system, but the logic remains the same for all models, whether it is the Redmi Note 10 or the flagship Xiaomi 14. Go to the management section of the installed software and find the unnecessary element.

Once you select an application, you will see a screen with information about it. If the program is user-generated or allows uninstallation, there will be a corresponding button. In some cases, the system may suggest that you turn off the application first, which will actually hide it and stop all processes, but will not physically delete the files.

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → All applications.
• 🔍 Find the program you want to remove in the list.
• 🗑️ Press the Remove button and confirm the action.
• ⚙️ If deletion is not available, select the option to disable.

⚠️ Note: When you remove standard applications such as Explorer or Gallery, make sure you have an alternative, otherwise access to files may be difficult.

Using USB debugging for advanced removal

If standard methods do not allow to remove system debris, the developer mode and protocol come to the rescue. ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This tool allows you to control your device from a computer at a deep level, accessing hidden system partitions, requiring a PC and cable to connect, but giving you maximum control over the system without having to obtain root rights.

The first step is to activate the hidden developer menu, and you need to quickly click on the build number in the About section several times, and once activated, a new item will appear in the settings menu where you should enable debugging over USB, without this step, the computer will not be able to send commands to the smartphone.

Next, you need to install drivers for your device and Platform-tools platform on your computer. After connecting the smartphone with a cable and confirming the request on the phone screen (RSA-You can send commands to delete packets, and this is a powerful tool that requires care, because mistakenly removing a critical component can lead to a bootloop).

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name.packet

• 💻 Download and install. ADB Drivers and Platform Tools on PC.
• 📲 Turn on Debugging. USB developer menu.
• 🔌 Connect your phone to your computer and accept a trust request.
• 📝 Find out the exact name of the package through the command adb shell pm list packages.

Removing System Garbage Through ADB AppControl

For those who don’t want to work with the command line manually, there are graphical shells like ADB AppControl.This program automatically scans the connected device, determines the purpose of each packet and offers secure removal options.The interface is entirely in Russian, which greatly simplifies the process for inexperienced users.

The program analyzes installed applications and marks them with color: green indicates safe to remove, yellow indicates that you need to be careful, red indicates critical system components, and you can select several programs from the list and remove them en masse, which saves time when you first set up a new smartphone.

An important advantage of using such software is the ability to create a restore point. Before you start manipulating, the program will offer to back up the list of installed packages. In case of problems, you can quickly roll back changes and return remote applications to their place, restoring the system to work.

⚠️ Note: Do not delete packets associated with com.android.providers or com.miui.daemon unless you are sure of their purpose - this may disrupt telemetry or basic functions.

Disabling Advertising in System Applications

One of the main reasons users want to clean up their Xiaomi is intrusive advertising, which is built into system applications like Explorer, Music, Downloads, and even the standard Security app. Fortunately, modern versions of MIUI and HyperOS firmware can legally disable this ad through settings without resorting to complex manipulation.

The key element here is MSA (MIUI System Ads), which is responsible for displaying banner ads in the interface, and turning it off, combined with a ban on receiving recommendations in each individual application, allows you to completely clear the interface of marketing noise, which takes about 10-15 minutes, but requires consistent passage across all menus.

Also effective is to disable personalized ads through your Mi Account, which prevents you from collecting your preferences for ad targeting, and while this won’t eliminate all banners completely, the number and relevance of banners will decrease significantly, making smartphone use more enjoyable.

• 🚫 Shut down the service. MSA in password and security settings.
• 📉 In each system application, find the item "Receive recommendations" and turn it off.
• 🔒 In the "Security" app, disable "Receive recommendations".
• 🌐 Use it. DNS Ad blocking, for example, dns.adguard.com.

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For fast network-level advertising blocking, you can either prescribe static DNS in your Wi-Fi settings or use the Private DNS app in your Android settings (for version 9.0 and higher).

Cleaning through ADB: step-by-step instructions

Let's take a closer look at the process of removing a particular system application, say you want to remove a built-in browser or store with things you don't use. First you need to get a list of all the packages to find the exact name of the component you want. The adb shell pm list packages command will display a long list, so you'd better use a filter like grep or findstr.

Once a packet is identified (e.g. com.miui.videoplayer), the deletion command is executed. It is important to use the --user 0 flag, as we only delete the app for the current user, without touching the system partition, which allows you to restore the application by factory reset or reinstall it if it is available in the store.

If you notice a system error after deleting it, or if you lose widgets associated with the remote component, you can return the application. The recovery command looks similar, but using the word install-existing. This is a unique feature of the ADB method, making it relatively safe compared to completely cutting from the firmware.

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.videoplayer

⚠️ Warning: After removing system components, system updates may attempt to restore them.Be prepared to re-clean after a major firmware update.

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Using ADB allows you to remove system software without root rights, while maintaining the ability to restore remote components through the install-existing command.

Possible problems and solutions

In the process of deep cleaning the system, users may encounter unforeseen difficulties, most often problems arise when removing components responsible for the operation of the interface or basic communication functions. For example, removing the system framework can lead to permanent pop-ups with an error or inability to run certain applications.

If the phone stops turning on normally and goes into cyclic reboot, you will need to log in to Recovery mode. Depending on the model (Redmi, Poco or Mi), the key combination may differ, but usually this is the pressing of the power and volume button. In the recovery menu, you can try to reset (Wipe Data), which will return the phone to factory state.

In less critical cases, when the system is working but there are failures, cleaning the cache or re-installing deleted packets through ADB, if a copy of them has been saved, will help. Always remember that the balance between the purity of the system and its stability is very fragile, especially in customized shells like MIUI.

• 🔄 At the bootloop, press the volume up. + Meals for entering Recovery.
• 💾 Save a list of deleted packets in a text file for quick recovery.
• 📵 Do not remove applications related to telephony or framework without urgent need.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)