Why Xiaomi users want to get rid of GApps
Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones come with Google’s pre-installed services (GApps) – from Google Play Services to YouTube and Gmail – by default, but some are looking to remove them for three key reasons:
First, privacy: Google services collect location, app activity, and even search history — even if you don’t actively use it. Second, performance: GApps’ background processes consume up to 15-20% of battery power and take up to 1-1.5 GB of RAM on devices with MIUI 14 and later. Third, alternative ecosystems — for example, users of Huawei AppGallery or Aurora Store prefer to do without Google.
However, removing GApps isn’t always a trivial task. On some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or POCO F5), Google services are integrated into the system partition, and simply removing them through settings will lead to critical failures, from the inability to update the MIUI to the complete inoperability of the app store. In this article, we will discuss three working methods for removing GApps, taking into account the risks and nuances for different versions of MIUI.
Method 1: Remove GApps via TWRP (for unlocked bootloader)
The most reliable method is the use of custom TWRP recavator. It is suitable for devices with unlocked bootloader (bootloader) and allows you to remove GApps without the risk of “bricking” the smartphone. Importantly, on Xiaomi models after 2022 (for example, Xiaomi 13T or Redmi Note 12) may require additional unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool.
Algorithm of action:
- 📱 Install TWRP for your model (download the official version from twrp.me).
- 🔧 Load into the recaveri: turn off the phone, then press Volume up + Power.
- 🗑️ From the TWRP menu, select Advanced → File Manager and go to /system/priv-app/ folder.
- 🚫 Delete folders from GApps (lists below) or use the GApps Remover script to automatically delete.
List of key folders and GApps files in /system/priv-app/:
| Folder/file name | Relevant service | Can I remove it? |
|---|---|---|
| GmsCore | Google Play Services | ⚠️ Only if you do not use a Google account |
| PrebuiltGmsCore | Backup copy of the GMS | Yes. |
| GoogleServicesFramework | Google framework | ⚠️ May disrupt some applications |
| Phonesky | Google Play Store | Yes. |
| Velvet | Google Search | Yes. |
⚠️ Warning: Deleting GmsCore or Google ServicesFramework may cause errors in applications using Google API (e.g. Uber, Banking apps or Google Maps).
Make a data backup in MIUI (Settings → About Phone → Backup)
Download TWRP for your Xiaomi model
Check the battery (minimum 70%)
Connect your phone to your PC for backup (optional)
Make sure the bootloader is unlocked (check: fastboot oem device-info)
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Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root rights but with limitations)
If you don't have a bootloader unlocked, but you have access to USB debugging (ADB), you can deactivate GApps via commands, and this method doesn't delete files completely, it only disables them, which is safer for system stability, and it's suitable for MIUI 13/14 devices with USB Debugging enabled.
Instructions:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute commands in the terminal (or Platform Tools):
adb shell
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.gms
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.vending
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.gsf
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchboxThese commands don't delete, but disable GApps for the current user, and to bring them back, you just have to do:
cmd package install-existing com.google.android.gms⚠️ Warning: On some Xiaomi models (e.g., POCO X5 Pro) after disabling GApps via ADB, the MIUI OTA Updater may stop working. Google services will have to be temporarily returned before upgrading.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
Method 3: Install custom firmware without GApps
The radical but cleanest way is to flash custom firmware without GApps. Popular options for Xiaomi:
- 📱 LineageOS supports most models, there are versions without GApps.
- The 🔄 Pixel Experience is a firmware with pure Android, but requires manual MicroG installation to replace Google services.
- 🛡️ GrapheneOS – for advanced users, a focus on security (supports a limited list of devices).
- 🌍 MIUI EU is a modified version of MIUI without Chinese or Google services (but may contain bugs).
Firmware process:
- Unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool (can take up to 7 days to wait on new devices).
- Install TWRP and make a full backup of the current firmware.
- Download GApps-free firmware (like LineageOS for Redmi Note 11) from the XDA Developers website.
- Fly through TWRP by running Wipe → Format Data (this will delete all data!).
Advantages of the method:
- ✅ The complete absence of Google services out of the box".
- ✅ Option to choose alternatives (e.g. F-Droid instead of Play Market).
- ✅ Increased performance due to lack of background processes.
⚠️ Warning: Custom software firmware voids Xiaomi's warranty and may cause problems with Widevine L1 (reduced streaming quality on Netflix or Disney+ to 480p). Some models (e.g., Xiaomi 12 Pro) also stop working IR Blaster (infrared port).
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Before you run your firmware, check the model compatibility on the XDA forum. For example, the firmware for the Redmi Note 10 Pro (sweet) will not work for the Redmi Note 10 Pro 5G (camellian).
What happens after removing GApps: consequences and solutions
Deleting Google services will cause a number of changes to the smartphone, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Push notifications are not working. | Google Play Services (responsible for FCM) | Install MicroG or use alternatives (e.g. UnifiedPush) |
| Applications not updated | There is no Google Play Store. | Use the Aurora Store or F-Droid |
| Geolocation in maps does not work | There is no Google Maps API. | Install OsmAnd or Magic Earth (Use OpenStreetMap) |
| Errors in entering banking applications | Many banks are demanding Google SafetyNet. | Use Magisk with Universal SafetyNet Fix |
To restore some functionality, you can install MicroG, an open-source implementation of Google services.
- 📍 Geolocation via Mozilla Location Service.
- 🔔 Push notifications (compatible with Signal, Telegram).
- 🔒 SafetyNet Basic Verification (for some banking applications)
However, MicroG does not support:
- ❌ Google Pay (no certification for contactless payments)
- ❌ YouTube Vanced (requires original Google services)
- ❌ Widevine L1 for streaming in 1080p+ (remains L3).
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Removing GApps doesn’t mean it’s completely isolated from Google. Many apps (like Chrome or Gmail) can be manually installed via APK, but they’ll work with restrictions without background services.
Alternatives to Google Services for Xiaomi
If you removed GApps, you'll need replacements for key features. Here are proven alternatives:
| Google service | The alternative | Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Play Store | Aurora Store / F-Droid | Anonymous APK Download, No Tracking | Not all apps are available (e.g. Netflix) |
| Google Maps | OsmAnd / Magic Earth | Offline maps, no ads. | Less details for some regions |
| Gmail | FairEmail / K-9 Mail | Encryption, open source | Less user-friendly interface |
| YouTube | NewPipe / LibreTube | No advertising, background playback | No official 4K support |
| Google Drive | Nextcloud / Syncthing | Complete control of data | Requires its own server or hosting |
For convenience, you can use packages of alternative applications:
- 📱 Simple Mobile Tools is a set of open applications (galleries, calendars, contacts).
- 🔒 Shelter – isolating applications in a sandbox to enhance privacy.
- 🌐 Bromite is a Chromium-based browser with ad blocker and tracker.
If you use MIUI without GApps, look for Xiaomi’s built-in services:
- Mi Cloud is an alternative to Google Drive for backups.
- Mi Browser is an ad-blocking browser (but it collects data for Xiaomi).
- Mi Video is a player with support for most formats.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When removing GApps, Xiaomi users often face typical problems, and here’s how to prevent them:
- Error: "App stopped" after removing GmsCore Reason: Many system and third-party apps depend on Google Play Services.Solution: Install MicroG or use Magisk to mask the absence of GApps.
- Time and time zone auto-update is not working Reason: No synchronization with Google servers. Solution: Enable Network Time in MIUI settings or install ClockSync from F-Droid.
- You can't log in to Xiaomi account after deleting GApps Reason: On some MIUI firmware, account verification is tied to Google services Solution: Reset your phone to factory settings and log in to Xiaomi account before deleting GApps.
- Loss of Widevine L1 (no HD in Netflix/Disney+) Cause: Custom firmware or removal of DRM-Z Google components. Solution: Sweat the original partition or use Magisk vendor with L1 Patch module.
⚠️ Warning: On devices with MIUI 14 and later (e.g., Xiaomi 13 or Redmi K60), removing GApps may block access to the Mi Unlock Tool, the bootloader unlocking tool. If you plan to go back to the original firmware, keep a backup copy of the persist partition.
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Before removing GApps, check if you are using apps that depend on Google Play Services. For example, Google Authenticator will stop working without them - transfer the 2FA- codes to Aegis Authenticator or andOTP in advance.