Why Xiaomi users want to get rid of Google and can it be done completely?
Xiaomi Android smartphones out of the box come with a pre-installed Google service package โ from Google Play Store to Google Play Services. For most users, this is convenient, but some are looking to remove these components for reasons of privacy, battery saving or the desire to use alternative ecosystems. It is important to understand that the complete removal of Google from Xiaomi without root rights or custom firmware is impossible โ Android is closely integrated with Google services at the core level.
However, there are legal ways to disable, remove updates or replace Googleโs core apps without disrupting the phoneโs performance. In this article, weโll look at all the available methods, from simple (deactivate your account) to radical (flash to MIUI without GMS), each one tested on Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO X5 Pro and Xiaomi 13T models with current MIUI 14/15 versions.
We warn you that some actions can lead to loss of warranty (if it is a matter of unlocking the bootloader) or unstable operation of individual functions (for example, push notifications).
Method 1: Disabling sync and deleting your Google account
The safest and most reversible way is to remove Googleโs account from the system, which will not remove the apps themselves (like YouTube or Gmail), but will stop synchronizing data, geolocation and background activity of services, suitable for those who want to minimize interaction with Google, but are not ready for radical measures.
How to do this:
- ๐ฑ Open the Settings. โ Google accounts.
- ๐ Select your account and tap Delete account (bottom of screen).
- ๐ Confirm the action with a password or pattern lock.
- ๐๏ธ The system will offer to save data on the device โ choose Delete everything if you want a complete cleanup.
โ ๏ธ Note: After deleting your account, you will lose access to: ๐ง Gmail emails (unless another client is configured). ๐ Google Drive files (local copies will remain). ๐ฎ Save in games linked to Google Play Games. To return access, just re-add the account in the settings.
This method does not require superuser rights and does not affect the warranty. However, it does not remove the Google apps themselves - they will remain on the system, but will cease to update and sync.
Method 2: Remove updates and disable Google apps
If you're getting in the way of background processes or automatic updates to Google apps, you can bring them back to the factory version and disable them. This won't remove them completely, but it will reduce the system load. It works without root and is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models.
Instructions:
- Go to Settings โ Applications โ Application Management.
- In the search bar, type the name of the application (for example, Google Play Store).
- Slip on three dots in the top corner and select Remove Updates.
- Then click Disable (if the button is active).
List of applications that can be disabled without consequences:
- ๐ Google Play Store (app updates will be impossible).
- ๐ก Google Play Services may disrupt some applications).
- ๐ต YouTube Music and Google Podcasts (if not used).
- ๐ Google Maps (can be replaced by Yandex.Maps or OSMAnd).
| Annex | Can I turn it off? | Effects of consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Google Play Services | โ ๏ธ Partially. | Some apps will stop working (e.g. Uber or Banking apps) |
| Google Play Store | โ Yes. | It is impossible to update applications through the official store |
| Google Chrome | โ Yes. | You can use any other browser. |
| Gmail | โ Yes. | The emails will only be available through the web version or third-party clients. |
Important: Donโt turn off the Google Services Framework, which can cause your phone to reboot cyclically, and remember that when you reset your settings, all the apps youโve disabled will return to their original state.
Make a backup copy of important data|Record the login/password from your Google account|Install alternative applications (browser, maps)|Check the operation of key services (banking, messengers)-->
Method 3: Using ADB for deep removal (without root)
If standard methods don't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to remove system applications without superuser rights, which is suitable for power users and requires connecting your phone to a PC.
What you need:
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
- ๐ฑ Included Debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) โ The phone. โ Version. MIUI โ Tap 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings โ For developers).
- ๐ Cable USB (preferably original).
Step-by-step:
- Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
- To remove the app (e.g. YouTube), follow: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.youtube
A list of popular Google packages to remove via ADB:
com.google.android.gm # Gmail
com.google.android.apps.maps # Google Maps
com.google.android.music # YouTube Music
com.google.android.videos #Google Play Movies
com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox #Google App (search)โ ๏ธ Note: Deleting com.google.android.gms (Google Play Services) will cause most applications to fail, including banking and some system features. MIUI Remote applications can return.
If you accidentally delete a critical packet, you can only return it through a reset or flashing. So make a backup through Settings โ System โ Backup before experimenting.
How to return the deleted application via ADB?
Method 4: Install custom firmware without GMS (for advanced)
The most radical way to get rid of Google is to install an alternative firmware that is devoid of Google services (GMS).
- ๐ฑ LineageOS without GApps (official and unofficial builds).
- ๐ MIUI EU or MIUI Pro with removal option GMS.
- ๐ก๏ธ CalyxOS or GrapheneOS (focus on privacy).
The installation process shall include:
- Unlocking the bootloader (results in a data reset and loss of warranty on most Xiaomi models).
- Installation of custom recavery (for example, TWRP).
- Firmware alternative OS via fastboot or recovery.
Advantages of this method:
- โ Complete lack of Google services (if you choose firmware without GApps).
- โ MicroG is an easy alternative to Google Play Services.
- โ Increased confidentiality and control over the system.
Disadvantages:
- โ Installation difficulty (technical skills required).
- โ The risk of โbrickingโ the phone in case of an error.
- โ Some features (such as Google Pay or Widevine) L1 for Netflix HD) They may stop working.
For Xiaomi models with Qualcomm processors (such as the Redmi Note 11 Pro+), the process of unlocking the bootloader takes 72 hours to wait after sending a request through the Mi Unlock Tool. On devices with MediaTek (such as the POCO M5), unlocking can be easier, but requires caution.
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Before you run your firmware, check your modelโs compatibility on the XDA Developers forum. Look for themes marked โ[ROM][UNOFFICIAL]โ for your device.
Method 5: Replacing Google Services with Alternatives
If your goal is not so much to remove Google as to replace its services with peers, this method is for you.Most of Google's features have open or third-party alternatives that can be used on Xiaomi without losing functionality.
| The alternative | Advantages | |
|---|---|---|
| Google Play Store | Aurora Store, F-Droid | Anonymous APK Download, No Tracking |
| Google Maps | OSMAnd, Yandex.Maps, Magic Earth | Offline maps, less advertising |
| Gmail | FairEmail, K-9 Mail | Open source, encryption |
| Google Chrome | Bromite, Firefox Focus | Blocking trackers, private mode |
| Google Drive | Nextcloud, Syncthing | Self-hosting, full control of data |
How to identify alternatives:
- Download. APK-files from official websites (for example, F-Droid for open source software).
- Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings โ Applications โ Special Access โ Install unknown applications.
- Install the app and set it up as your primary (for example, make FairEmail the default email client).
To replace Google Play Services, you can use MicroG, an open source project that emulates key GMS features (such as push notifications and geolocation), but it requires root rights or custom firmware to configure.
๐ก
Replacing Google services with alternatives is the safest way to reduce reliance on Google without risk to the system, with most alternative apps consuming fewer resources and not collecting data.
What if your phone is not working properly after Google is deleted?
If youโve removed critical Google components (like Google Play Services) and encountered problems, hereโs the algorithm for how to proceed:
- Check error logs: Install Logcat Extreme from F-Droid. Launch the app and find errors with the AndroidRuntime or GmsCore tag.
- Restore Remote Packages: Use ADB-command from spoiler above. Or reset settings (Settings) โ System system โ Resetting settings).
- Install MicroG (if you deleted the GMS): Download MicroG from the official website. Install it via TWRP or adb sideload. Configure FakeStore and UnifiedNlp to work geolocation.
Typical issues after Google has been deleted and solved:
- ๐ Apps not updated: Use the Aurora Store or download APK manually.
- ๐ Geolocation is not working: Install MicroG or use it GPS networkless (Settings) โ Location โ Regime. โ Only the device).
- ๐ No push notifications: Set up UnifiedPush (for example, via ntfy or Gotify).
โ ๏ธ Warning: If the phone doesnโt turn on or gets stuck on the logo after manipulation, try logging into Fastboot Mode (click Power). + Vol Down) and run the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.Instructions for your model, look at xiaomiflashtool.com.