Google Play Services is an Android system component that is responsible for syncing accounts, push notifications, geolocation and most applications. On Xiaomi smartphones, it is pre-installed even on models for the Chinese market (China ROM), where Google services are officially not available. Many users want to remove it for reasons of privacy, battery saving or conflicts with MIUI. However, simple deletion through the application menu is not available - the system protects the component as critical.
In this article, we will discuss 4 ways to uninstall Google Play Services on Xiaomi, Redmi and Google Play Services. POCO, including methods without root rights and using ADB. You will also learn what irreversible consequences this will have on the operation of the device and how to minimize them. ROM) Chinese and Chinese versions also depend on the MIUI (12–14).
Why you can’t just delete Google Play Services through your settings
Unlike regular apps, Google Play Services is integrated into the system at the /system/priv-app/ level.
- 🔒 Protection against removal: MIUI Blocks the “Delete” button in the app menu, suggesting only “Disable” or “Stop».
- 🔄 Auto-Recovery: After a Reboot or Update MIUI Google services can be restored automatically.
- 🛡️ Systemic Dependence: Many Functions MIUI (For example, Mi Cloud or Find Device API Google, even if you don’t use its services.
The situation is different on Chinese firmware (China ROM): Google Play Services is often installed as a regular application (for example, through Google Installer), but their removal can still disrupt the GMS Core, a basic component for all Google services, and trying to remove it manually without preparation will lead to a cyclical restart (bootloop) or loss of functionality of the camera, app store and even mobile network.
⚠️ Note: On devices with Global ROM (For example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12, completely removing Google Play Services will deprive you of access to the Play Market, Gmail, YouTube and most applications using Google. API (including banking apps and social media).
Method 1: Disable Google Play Services without deleting (the safest)
If your goal is to save battery power or limit background activity, you can turn off services instead of completely removing them, which is reversible and does not require root rights:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show all apps.
- Search for Google Play Services (could be referred to as Google Play Services).
- Click Disable (if the button is inactive, select Stop first).
- Confirm the action in the dialog window.
After the shutdown:
- ✅ Stop working: synchronize contacts / calendar, geolocation in Google Maps, push notifications from Gmail and other Google applications.
- ✅ Preserve: Access to installed apps (except those required by Google) API), basic functionality MIUI.
- ⚠️ Risks: Some banking apps (SberBank, Tinkoff) may stop running due to Google SafetyNet.
Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root but with limitations)
The ADB (Android Debug Bridge) tool allows you to remove system applications without superuser rights, which works on most Xiaomi devices with an unlocked bootloader, but has nuances:
Enable debugging by USB in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (7 times tap)
Install ADB drivers on PC (download from the official website)
Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in the device
Download the App Inspector utility for the exact packet name (usually com.google.android.gms)
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Instructions:
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with the platform-tools.
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear serial number of your device.
- Remove Google Play Services command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.gms Flag --user 0 removes the app only for the current user (without affecting the system).
What happens after the execution:
| Action. | Global ROM | China ROM |
|---|---|---|
| Access to the Play Market | ❌ It's not working. | ❌ It does not work (if it is installed) |
| Push notifications | ❌ Not present (except MIUI Push) | ✅ It works (if you used Mi Push) |
| Geolocation | ❌ Inaccurate (without Google) API) | ✅ It works through Baidu Maps. |
| MIUI updates | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
| Banking applications | ❌ Not running (requires SafetyNet) | ⚠️ They can work with errors. |
⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F5, Xiaomi 12T) after removal ADB Services are restored after the update MIUI. To avoid this, before updating, follow the command: adb shell pm hide com.google.android.gms This hides the package from the system, but does not remove it completely.
Method 3: Complete removal with root rights (for power users)
If you have a bootloader unlocked and you have Magisk or another root manager installed, you can delete Google Play Services permanently.
- 📱 Devices with China ROM, where services are installed as a regular application.
- 🔧 Advanced users ready for possible disruptions.
- 🛠️ Devices with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
Instructions:
- Install a root-access file manager (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
- Go to /system/priv-app/PrebuiltGmsCore/ or /system/app/GmsCore/ (the path may be different).
- Delete the files: PrebuiltGmsCore.apk GmsCore.apk libgmscore.so (names may vary depending on the version of MIUI).
- Clear the cache and data to /data/data/com.google.android.gms/.
- Reset the device.
On devices with Global ROM, this will result in the failure of 90% of applications, including:
- 🚫 Google Play Market, YouTube, Gmail.
- 🚫 Applications with SafetyNet verification (banks, payment systems).
- 🚫 Functions MIUI, Google-dependent API (For example, Mi Video or Mi Browser).
What if the phone doesn’t turn on after removal?
Method 4: Install alternative firmware without GMS
The most radical, but also the most reliable way to get rid of Google Play Services is to reflash the device on firmware without GMS.
- 🇨🇳 Xiaomi buyers from China (models without Google out of the box).
- 🔒 Users who care about privacy (for example, firmware CalyxOS or GrapheneOS).
- 🛠️ Enthusiasts willing to sacrifice compatibility for productivity.
Popular options for firmware without Google:
| Firmware | Features | Xiaomi support |
|---|---|---|
| LineageOS for microG | Replacing Google API with microG (anonymous services) | ✅ Many models (list on the official website) |
| Havoc-OS | Custom firmware with the option to disable GMS | ✅ POCO F1, Redmi Note 10 Pro and others. |
| MIUI China ROM | Official firmware without Google (requires a change of region) | ✅ All models, but without the Play Market |
| CalyxOS | Maximum privacy, blocking trackers | ❌ Limited list (e.g. limited list, POCO F3) |
Firmware process:
- Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Mi Account binding and a wait of 7-30 days).
- Download firmware and TWRP for your model from the XDA-Developers forum.
- TWRP via fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
- In TWRP, run Wipe → Format Data (delete all data!).
- Install. ZIP-Firmware and microG file (if required).
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Before you run your firmware, save persist and modem partitions via TWRP to help restore IMEI and mobile network in the event of a crash.
What problems will arise after the removal of Google Play Services
Even if you successfully remove Google services, be prepared for the following consequences:
- 📱 The applications are not working: 🚫 Google Maps, YouTube, Gmail and other Google services. 🚫 Banking applications (SberBank, VTB, Tinkoff) due to the lack of SafetyNet. 🚫 License Checker Games (such as Genshin Impact or License Checker) PUBG Mobile).
- 🔋 Battery problems: ⚠️ Some apps will start consuming more power while trying to connect to missing services. ⚠️ MIUI Optimization may be in conflict with Google’s lack of API, languishing.
- 📡 Network and geolocation errors: 📍 Maps (2GIS, Yandex.Maps will determine the location less accurately. 📶 Mobile data may be lost due to failures in the Telephony Framework.
How to minimize problems:
- 🔧 Install microG (an alternative to Google Services) via F-Droid.
- 🔄 Use the Aurora Store to download apps without Play Market.
- 📲 For banking applications, try Magisk Module Universal SafetyNet Fix.
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Removing Google Play Services from Xiaomi with Global ROM makes the device virtually unusable for everyday use, a method only suitable for China ROM or custom firmware.