How to permanently remove Xiaomi system applications from the desktop: secure methods for 2026

Is your Xiaomi desktop littered with unnecessary system applications? Mi Browser, Mi Video, GetApps and other pre-installed services take up space and interfere with comfortable work? You are not alone - MIUI users regularly face this problem. Unlike Android One or Pixel Experience, Xiaomi firmware is known for an abundance of built-in software that can not be removed by standard methods.

Fortunately, there are legal ways to hide or deactivate system applications without obtaining root rights. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods, from simple hiding icons to deep disabling through ADB. You will learn which applications can be removed safely and which should not be touched so as not to disrupt the stability of MIUI. We will also reveal hidden settings of the Xiaomi launcher, which are not written in the official documentation.

We warn you beforehand that some methods require caution, such as removing service components (such as com.miui.analytics) can cause system failures, so we will describe each step in detail and point out the possible risks.

If you are ready to free your desktop from unnecessary junk, let’s go!

1. Hiding icons through launcher settings (no root)

The easiest and safest way to do this is to hide your system application icons without physically removing them, which works on all versions of MIUI (12 to 14) and doesn’t require any additional tools. The main drawback is that the apps will stay on the system and update through the Play Market, but will no longer be distracting on the desktop.

How to do this:

1. Press and hold your finger on the free space of the desktop.
2. In the menu that appears, select Desktop Settings (or Launcher Settings in older versions).
3. Go to Hide Apps (in MIUI 14, the path may look like Home Screen → Hide Apps).
4. Check boxes for unnecessary system programs (e.g. Mi Pay, Mi Community, Games).
5. Confirm the changes – the icons will disappear from the desktop, but will remain in the menu of all applications.

⚠️ Attention: Hidden applications continue to run in the background and consume resources. For example, Mi Browser can send analytics even without your knowledge. To completely stop their activity, more radical methods will be required (see sections 3 and 4).

This is ideal for those who don’t want to risk the stability of the system, but want to visually clean the desktop.

2. Disable applications through Android settings

A more effective method is to disable system applications through the Settings → Applications menu. Unlike concealment, this stops the background activity of programs and frees up some RAM. However, not all system applications can be disabled this way: Xiaomi blocks the deactivation of mission-critical services (for example, com.miui.home – launcher).

Step-by-step:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 In the search box, type the name of an unnecessary application (for example, Mi Music or Mi Video).
• 🚫 Click on the app. → Disable (if the button is active).
• ⚠️ Confirm the action – the system will warn about possible consequences.

📌 What applications can be safely disabled?

⚠️ Note: Disabling some applications (such as Mi Account) may disrupt your data sync with your Xiaomi account. If you use cloud backup or device search, don’t touch these services.

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Before disabling the application, check it in the Play Market: if there is a button “Delete Updates”, then the program can be safely deactivated.

3. Removal via ADB (no root, but with PC)

For advanced users who are ready to connect their smartphone to their computer, there is an Android Debug Bridge (ADB) removal method, which is Google's official tool that allows you to manage system components without superuser rights. Advantage: apps are removed completely, freeing up space in memory. Disadvantage: when you reset or update MIUI, they can return.

🛠️ What's the matter:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
• 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with enabled debugging USB
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original)
• 📦 Installed drivers ADB and Fastboot

📝 Step-by-step instruction:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your smartphone: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and press 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
4. Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
5. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB and type: adb devices If the device is displayed, type: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browser (replace com.miui.browser with the package of the desired application).

🔍 How to find out the application package?

1. Install the App Inspector app from Play Market.
2. Open it and find the desired application in the list.
3. Copy the value in the Package Name field (e.g. com.xiaomi.scanner for Mi Scanner).

USB | Installed drivers ADB| Smartphone connected in MTP | Downloaded package ADB Tools | App package name checked-->

⚠️ Note: Deleting some system packages (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) can result in a cyclical smartphone reboot.Before experimenting, back up your data via Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

4. Use of third-party launchers (bypass)

If you don’t want to mess with ADB or system settings, you can simply replace the standard launcher with an alternative one (like Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcher).

• 🎨 Completely redesign the desktop to your needs.
• 🗑️ Hide unnecessary icons without restrictions MIUI.
• 🔄 Set up gestures and animations.

📌 How to install a third-party launcher:

1. Download your favorite launcher from the Play Market (we recommend Nova Launcher – it supports deep customization).
2. After installation, click the Home button and select the new launcher as the main one.
3. In the launcher settings, find the Hidden Applications section and tick off unnecessary system programs.

⚠️ Attention: Some functions MIUI (For example, Dual Apps or Child Mode may not work properly with third-party launchers, and note that system notifications (such as from Mi Security) will still come.

💡 Pros of the method:

• ✅ Does not require rooting or ADB.
• ✅ You can return the standard launcher at any time.
• ✅ More opportunities for customization than in MIUI.

5. Removal with root rights (for power users)

If you're willing to take drastic measures, getting root rights will give you complete control over your system applications, a method that allows you to remove any packets, including those that are locked in MIUI.

• 🔴 Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
• 🔴 Possible brick (turning the phone into a brick) in case of an error.
• 🔴 Problems with updates MIUI (You will have to install them manually).
• 🔴 Some features are not working (e.g. Mi Pay or Face Unlock).

🛠️ How to get rooted in Xiaomi:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (requires a Mi Account and wait 7-15 days).
2. Install a custom recap (TWRP) for your model.
3. Sweep Magisk through the Recovery.
4. Use Root Explorer or Titanium Backup to remove system applications.

📌 What applications can be removed from root:

⚠️ Note: After removing system applications from root, do not install updates MIUI through OTA — This can lead to errors. Update only through custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.).

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Root rights give you maximum freedom, but they don't guarantee stability, and use this method only if you're confident in your actions and ready for the consequences.

6. Alternative methods: debloather scripts and custom firmware

If manual removal through ADB or root seems difficult, you can use automatic scripts to clean MIUI from system debris. These tools remove preinstalled applications in batches, saving you time.

🔧 Popular debloater scripts:

📌 How to use it MIUI Debloater Tool:

1. Download the utility from GitHub.
2. Connect your phone to your PC in ADB mode (see Section 3).
3. Launch it. MIUI_Debloater.bat and select a model of your device.
4. Check the removal application boxes (the script will offer a secure list).
5. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

💡 Castomic firmware as a radical solution:

If you are annoyed not only by system debris, but also by the MIUI shell itself, you can install an alternative firmware based on Android:

• 📱 Pixel Experience – pure Android with features from Google Pixel.
• 📱 LineageOS – stable firmware with open source.
• 📱 Havoc-OS – customizable firmware with many themes.

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader and can lead to data loss.Be sure to back up through the TWRP.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing system applications