Why do users want to get rid of Google on Xiaomi?
Xiaomi’s MIUI-powered smartphones out of the box feature a full range of Google services, from Google Play Services to the Google Play Store. However, many users are eager to remove or restrict their work. The reasons range from wanting to save battery power to privacy concerns. Google services consume up to 15-20% of CPU resources in the background (data from the Redmi Note 10 Pro tests), and turning them off can extend battery life by 10-15%.
Another powerful argument is geo-blocking: In some regions (like China), Xiaomi smartphones are sold without Google pre-installed services, but in international versions they are integrated at the firmware level, which creates problems for users who prefer alternative ecosystems like Huawei AppGallery or Aurora Store. Finally, customization enthusiasts want to gain full control over the device, which is impossible without removing embedded components.
But before we take action, it's important to understand that completely deleting Google is not the same as disabling or deactivating; the former requires profound changes to the system and can cause key features (such as push notifications) to fail; the latter is safe and reversible.
Method 1: Disabling Google Services without Deletion (Secure)
If your goal is to reduce resource consumption or limit data collection, start with this method. It doesn't require root rights or disrupt the system.
- 🔧 Disabling Auto Updates: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Google Play Store → Auto Update and select “Do not update automatically».
- 🚫 Stop background activity: in the same app management menu, search Google Play Services, click Battery and select Limit Background Activity».
- 📵 Disable notifications: Go to the notification settings for each Google application (Google Chrome, Gmail, etc.) and deactivate them.
- 🔄 Resetting advertising ID: In Settings → Google → Advertisements click “Reset Advertising ID” and turn off “Personalized Advertising».
These actions will reduce the system’s load, but not remove the applications themselves, and more radical measures will require access to the developer’s settings or ADB.
⚠️ Warning: Disabling Google Play Services Could Disrupt Google-dependent Apps API (For example, Uber, Banking apps, or Google Maps, check which programs you use every day before you take action.
Method 2: Removal via ADB (for power users)
If you don't shut down enough, you can uninstall unwanted apps using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which doesn't require root, but requires command line work.
- 💻 Computer with installed ADB Tools.
- 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with enabled debugging USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers).
- 🔌 USB-Type C Cable (preferably original).
After connecting the phone to the PC, execute commands in the terminal:
adb devices(checks device connection)
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.gms(Removes Google Play Services for current user)
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.vending(Google Play Market Deletes)
The complete list of Google packets to remove:
| Annex | Packet name | Effects of removal |
|---|---|---|
| Google Play Services | com.google.android.gms | Push notifications, geolocation in some applications, authorization through Google will not work |
| Google Play Store | com.android.vending | It is impossible to install/update applications through the official store |
| Google Chrome | com.android.chrome | The pre-installed browser will disappear (alternatives can be used) |
| Gmail | com.google.android.gm | You can’t use Google email through a standard app. |
| Google App (Search) | com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox | Search widget and voice assistant will disappear |
⚠️ Note: Deleting com.google.android.gms may result in a cyclical reboot on some Xiaomi models (e.g. Poco) X3 NFC). Before mass removal, test one app and restart your phone.
USB debugging enabled
Installed ADB Tools on PC
Data backup created
Battery charge > 50%
Original cable connected-->
Method 3: Install custom firmware (complete removal of Google)
The most radical way is to flash the device onto custom firmware without GApps (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), which gives you complete control over the system, but requires unlocking the bootloader and carries risks:
- ⚠️ Loss of warranty (on most Xiaomi models, unlocking bootloader is officially allowed, but voids warranty).
- 🔧 The ability to “brick” the device when firmware error.
- 📱 Some features of Xiaomi, for example, IR Blaster or Game Turbo may not work properly.
The firmware process includes:
- Unlock bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires Mi Account binding and waits 7-14 days).
- Installation of custom recavery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
- ROM without GApps (e.g. LineageOS for microG)
For Xiaomi models with Qualcomm processors (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro+) most firmware will be suitable, and for devices on MediaTek (for example, Poco M4 Pro) the choice is limited due to the closed source driver code.
List of firmware without Google for Xiaomi
What to do after Google is removed?
Without Google, many apps will stop working. Here's how to adapt:
- 📥 Install apps: Use the Aurora Store (an anonymous client for Google Play) or F-Droid (an open source store).
- 📍 Geolocation: Replace Google Maps with OsmAnd or Magic Earth (using OpenStreetMap data).
- 🔑 Authorization: For logins, instead of Google Sign-In, set up Nextcloud or local accounts.
- 🔔 Push Notifications: Use UnifiedPush (for example, with ntfy or Gotify servers).
For synchronization of contacts and calendar, services like DAVx⁵ (Works with Nextcloud, OwnCloud or Radicale.If you need cloud backups, consider Syncthing for local backup or Proton Drive for encrypted storage.
💡
Before deleting Google, export your data from Google Takeout (https://takeout.google.com) to save your contacts, photos and documents even after you have completely abandoned the services.
Risks and how to avoid them
Deleting Google has consequences, especially if you rely on the Android ecosystem.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Banking applications are not working | Many banks require Google Play Services to verify security (SafetyNet) | Use web versions or alternative banks (e.g. Revolut) |
| No push notifications | Most applications use Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) | Set up UnifiedPush with a self-hosting server |
| Geolocation is not working. | Many applications depend on the Google Location API | Install microG (partial replacement of Google services) |
| Cyclical reboot | Removing critical packets (e.g. com.google.android.gsf) | Restore a remote packet via ADB or reflash the device |
To minimize problems, before removal:
- Create a full backup with TWRP or Mi Backup.
- Check the compatibility of your applications with alternative services.
- Make sure you have access to fastboot in case of recovery.
💡
If you're not prepared for radical action, start by turning off Google services instead of removing them.
Alternatives to Google Services on Xiaomi
A complete abandonment of Google requires replacement of key services. Here are proven alternatives:
- 🌍 Maps and navigation: OsmAnd is an offline map with route support. Magic Earth is an alternative to Google Maps with voice navigator. Organic Maps is an easy client for OpenStreetMap.
- 📧 Mail and Calendar: FairEmail is an open email client with support PGP. DAVx⁵ — synchronization CalDAV/CardDAV. Proton Mail – Open Source Encrypted Mail.
- 🛡️ Security and backups: Syncthing is a decentralized file synchronization. Nextcloud is a self-hosted cloud with support for contacts, calendars and documents. Seedvault is a backup of applications and data (built into some custom firmwares).
To replace Google Play Services, you can use microG, an open source project emulating key features of the Google API, which allows many applications (such as Uber or Signal) to work, but does not guarantee 100% compatibility, you can install microG through F-Droid or as part of firmware like LineageOS for microG.