How to permanently delete Google Maps with Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: from system files to alternatives

Why Google Maps Take So Much Space on Redmi Note 9 and Can They Be Safely Deleted?

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 often face a problem: the Google Maps app takes up gigabytes of memory, even if you do not use it. MIUI For example, after a year of use, Maps can "inflate" to 2-4 GB - this is comparable to the weight of several HD-film.

But there's a dilemma: on the one hand, you want to make room, and on the other, you're afraid to disrupt the stability of the system. Indeed, Google Maps on Redmi Note 9 can be both a regular user application (deleted without consequences) and a system component (part of the Google Mobile Services package), which is associated with geolocation, Play Market and other services. On models with MIUI Global firmware, maps are most often sewn into the system, and MIUI China may not have them at all.

In this article, we will analyze 3 proven methods of deleting – from simple disconnection to complete erasure of system files (including ADB), and also tell you how to replace Maps with alternatives like Yandex.Navigator or OSMAnd, which work more stable on budget Xiaomi smartphones.

Method 1: Disabling and removing updates (without root)

If you don't want to risk system stability, start with this method.It won't remove the app completely, but will stop it from sprawling and background activity.It's suitable for the Redmi Note 9 on any version of MIUI (including MIUI 12/13/14).

Steps:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 In search, type Maps (or “Maps”) and select Google Maps.
• ⚙️ Click Disable (if the button is active) – this will stop background processes.
• 🗑️ Tap Remove updates to return the app to the factory version (usually weighs in) ~50 MB instead of 1+ GB).
• 🚫 Stop Auto Updates: Go to Play Store → Profile → Application management → Google Maps → Turn off auto-update.

This method doesn’t remove Maps completely, but it reduces their weight by 10 to 20 times. Minus: the next big MIUI or Google Play Services update, the app may update again. To avoid this, use a package blocker like App Block (available on the Play Store).

⚠️ Note: If other Google services (such as Google Pay or browser geolocation) have stopped working after disabling Maps, return the settings back. This means that on your Redmi Note 9, Maps are integrated into Google Play Services - their complete removal will require you to remove them completely. ADB root.

Method 2: Remove via ADB (without root but with PC)

If Google Maps on your Redmi Note 9 is a regular app (not a system app), it can be removed via the app. ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method doesn't require superuser rights, but it will require a computer and a computer. USB-It's good for firmware. MIUI Global and MIUI Europe.

Instructions:

1. Put the debugging on. USB: 🔧 Go to Settings. → About the phone and 7 times tap on the version MIUI, activate the developer mode. 🔄 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and enable debugging by USB.

Connect your phone to your PC:

• 🖥️ Install ADB Tools on your computer (Windows/macOS/Linux).
• 🔌 Connect the Redmi Note 9 to USB, Select File Transfer mode and confirm debugging permission on your phone screen.
• Follow the commands: adb shell pm list packages | grep maps You should see a line like com.google.android.apps.maps. Copy it. pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.apps.maps.

If the command is executed without errors, the application is removed for the current user (not systemically). To return it, you just need to reinstall Maps from the Play Store.

Download ADB-tools on PC|Enable debugging on USB phone-on|Connect the phone in the mode "Transfer of files"|Check for the package com.google.android.apps.maps|Backup important data-->

Method 3: Complete removal with root rights (for experienced)

If you’re ready for radical measures and you already have root (like Magisk), you can delete Google Maps permanently, including all system tracks, which is suitable for Redmi Note 9 with custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) or rooted MIUI.

Procedure:

• 🛠️ Install Root Explorer (or any file manager with root access).
• 🔍 Go to the folder. /system/priv-app/PrebuiltGmsCore or /system/app/Maps (path may differ!).
• 🗑️ Delete the folders: Maps (main application) GoogleMaps (if any) com.google.android.apps.maps* (all files with such a prefix)
• 🧹 Clear cache and data through Settings → Annexes → Show it all. → Google Maps (if the item is still visible).
• 🔄 Reboot the phone.

After that, Google Maps will disappear completely, including updates through the Play Store.

• ⚠️ Some applications (such as Uber or Uber) 2GIS) You may need a card for work.
• ⚠️ Geolocation in the browser or photo can work slower (you will have to manually select the geodata service).
• ⚠️ After updating MIUI The app could come back.

⚠️ Note: Some versions of the Redmi Note 9 (e.g. Note 9 Pro with the Redmi Note 9) MIUI 12.5) Google Maps may be part of the com.google.android.gms package, its deletion will cause the Play Store and other services to break).

Google Maps Alternatives for Xiaomi Redmi Note 9

If you’ve deleted Maps or just want to save memory, consider these analogs. We tested them on the Redmi Note 9 with MIUI 13 — all work consistently, consuming 2-5 times less resources:

• 🗺️ Yandex.Navigator: ✅ Best alternative for Russia/CIS (current traffic jams, offline maps). ✅ Weight: ~150 MB (versus 1)+ GB at Google Maps). ❌ The disadvantage: weak support for foreign countries.
• 🌍 OSMAnd: ✅ Fully offline maps (downloaded by region). ✅ No advertising or tracking. ❌ The interface is less convenient for beginners.
• 🚗 2GIS: ✅ Ideal for finding organizations (cafes, shops, pharmacies). ✅ It works without internet in busy cities. ❌ No navigation for cars (only walking routes).
• 📱 Maps.me (MAPSME): ✅ Lightweight (50 MB), offline maps with tourist attractions. ❌ No real-time navigation.

For maximum memory savings, combine applications, such as using Yandex.Navigator for driving and OSMAnd for hiking. All of these programs support a dark theme and run on the Redmi Note 9 without lags (provided you clear the cache every 1-2 months).

💡

Before installing alternatives, disable auto-update in the Play Store to save traffic. Go to your Google account profile → Settings → Auto-Update apps → Never

How to Clean Google Maps Cache and Data Before Deleting

If you have decided to simply clear Maps rather than delete them, do it right. It is not enough to click Clear Cache in Settings - you need to delete all temporary files, including offline maps and geolocation data.

Step-by-step cleaning:

1. 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Google Maps → Memory.
2. 🧹 Click Clear cache (this will delete temporary files, but downloaded cards will be saved).
3. 🗑️ Choose Clear the data (⚠️ It'll reset all settings, history and saved places!).
4. 🔍 Go to Settings. → Memory. → Files. → Maps and manually delete folders: OfflineMaps (offline maps) Maps/Downloads (downloaded)

After cleaning the application weight will be reduced to 100-300 MB. If you need offline maps, download only the necessary regions (for example, your city) through the Offline Maps menu in the application itself.

💡

Cleaning up Google Maps not only removes your cache, but also your entire location history, stored addresses, and navigation settings, and if you care about them, back up Google Takeout before clearing.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to remove Google Maps, Redmi Note 9 users often face some problems.

• 🔄 "The application is not removed through ADB": Reason: Maps are embedded in Google Play Services.Solution: Use pm hide instead of pm uninstall (hiding the icon, but not deleting files).
• 🚫 "After removal, Play Store does not work: Reason: the critical package com.google.android.gms was removed. MIUI or restore GMS through Open GApps.
• 📱 "Cards are returned after the update MIUI": Reason: firmware restores system applications. Solution: disable auto-update MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → ⚙️ → Auto-downloading updates.
• 🔋 "The reason: other applications (for example, Yandex.Navigator) are actively using GPS. Solution: Limit background activity in Settings → Battery → Choice of applications.

If you are unsure of your actions, start by turning off Maps (Method 1) and observe the behavior of the phone for 2-3 days.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions