How to remove Google from Xiaomi: 5 proven ways (without root and with root)

Xiaomi MIUI-based smartphones are packed out of the box with Google services, from search and maps to Play Market and sync. For many users, this is redundant: someone prefers alternative services, someone worries about privacy, and someone just doesn’t need unnecessary background processes that eat up battery power. But here’s the problem: simply remove Google applications through standard MIUI settings, the system blocks the uninstallation of system components.

In this guide, we’ll look at all the current ways to remove Google services from Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, from secure methods for beginners (disconnect and hide) to radical methods (complete removal via ADB and custom firmware). Each method is tested on MIUI 14/15 and is compatible with most models released after 2020.

Why you can’t just delete Google through your settings

When you try to remove Google Play Services, Google Play Market or Google App in the standard way (Settings → Apps → Delete), you will see one of two:

• 🔄 The Remove button is inactive – the service is marked as system.
• ⚠️ Warning of possible failures in the operation of the device.
• 🔒 There is no uninstallation option, only "Disable" or "Remove Updates."

This is because Xiaomi, like other manufacturers, integrates Google Mobile Services (GMS) at the firmware level.

• 📱 Apps that rely on Google Play Services (e.g. YouTube, Gmail, Maps) will not work.
• 🔄 Automatic synchronization of contacts, calendars and backups will cease.
• 🛠️ Errors in MIUI may occur, especially if critical components are removed (e.g., com.google.android.gms).

⚠️ Warning: Deleting Google services completely without replacing them with alternatives (e.g. MicroG) will make it impossible to use most banking applications, as they require Google SafetyNet to verify the security of the device.

Method 1: Disabling Google Services (without deletion)

If your goal is to save battery power or limit data collection but not to lose functionality, you just need to turn off unnecessary services. This method does not require root rights and is reversible.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search, type the name of the service (for example, Google Play Services).
3. Click on the application → Disable (if the button is active) or Stop.
4. To completely disable background activity, go to Permits and deny access to Location, Contacts, Warehouse.

What's it gonna do?

• ⚡ Reduced battery consumption (5-15% depending on the model).
• 🛡️ Your activity will no longer be collected (but not completely, some services will be limited).
• 📱 Play Market and other apps will remain available (unless you turn off Google Play Services completely).

Disable AutoRun for Google App| Disable background activity of Google Play Services| Remove updates for Google Chrome|Block notifications from Google Discover-->

⚠️ Note: Disabling Google Play Services will cause malfunctions in applications using Google API (e.g. Uber, 2GISBefore you do that, check what programs you have installed and whether they depend on you. GMS.

Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root)

If you don't shut down enough, you can uninstall some of your Google apps through Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that doesn't require superuser rights, but allows you to uninstall system packages, and is suitable for users willing to work with the command line.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 📱 Cable USB Type-C (original to avoid connection issues).
• 🔧 Utility. ADB (You can download from the official Android website).
• ⚙️ Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press to activate the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phone to your computer and confirm the trusted device on the smartphone screen.
2. Open the terminal (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and check the connection command: adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
3. To see a list of all Google packages installed, type in: adb shell pm list packages | grep 'google'
4. To remove a specific packet, use the command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name.packet For example, to delete Google Chrome: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.chrome

List of safe packets to remove (not critical for MIUI operation):

💡

Before deleting packets through ADB, back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This will help restore the system if something goes wrong.

⚠️ Warning: Do not remove com.google.android.gms (Google Play Services) and com.google.android.gsf (Google Services Framework) packets, which will cause critical failures in MIUI and most applications. If they interfere, it is better to disable them as described in Method 1.

Yes, through ADB|Yes, root.|No, but I want to try.|No, and no planning.-->

Method 3: Remove with root rights (for power users)

If you're willing to take drastic measures and have full control of the system, you can get root rights and manually remove Google services, which gives you maximum freedom, but also maximum risk.

• 🔓 Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
• 🛡️ Risk of disrupting SafetyNet, which blocks banking applications.
• 🔄 Possible malfunctions MIUI (especially if critical packets are removed).

How to get root on Xiaomi:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a Mi Account and wait 7-15 days).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox) via fastboot.
3. You can run Magisk (a popular root rights manager) through recovery.

After receiving root:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Go to /system/priv-app/ or /system/app/.
3. Delete folders with Google applications (eg, GmsCore, Google ServiceFramework).
4. Clear the cache and restart the device.

An alternative way is to use the Magisk Module to deactivate the GMS. For example, the Universal GMS Doze module limits the activity of Google services without completely removing them.

Method 4: Install custom firmware without GMS

The most radical, but also the cleanest way to get rid of Google is to flash an alternative firmware that initially does not contain GMS.

• 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary services.
• 🔄 Pixel Experience is a firmware with Google Pixel interface, but without Google apps preinstalled (you can install them separately).
• 🛡️ GrapheneOS is a firmware with a focus on security and privacy (supports a limited number of devices).
• 🌍 MIUI without GMS are modified versions of MIUI for the Chinese market (e.g., MIUI China ROM), where Google is replaced by local services.

How to Switch Custom Firmware:

1. Unlock the bootloader (see Method 3).
2. Download the firmware for your model from the XDA Developers forum or the official project site (for example, LineageOS).
3. Install custom recovery (TWRP).
4. Make a full backup of the current system (Nandroid Backup in TWRP).
5. Flush the firmware through recovery (usually files have a.zip extension).
6. If necessary, install MicroG or Open GApps (if you want to leave some of Google services).

Advantages of this method:

• 🧹 Complete lack of Google services out of the box.
• ⚡ Higher performance (no background processes GMS).
• 🔒 Better privacy (no data collection by Google)

Disadvantages:

• 🔧 Difficulty of installation for beginners.
• 📱 Possible bugs (castomy firmware is not always perfectly optimized).
• 🔄 Loss of some features MIUI (e.g., branded themes or Xiaomi cloud services).

💡

GMS-free castom firmware is the best choice for those who value privacy and are willing to sacrifice some amenities. However, before you get the firmware, make sure the firmware you choose supports your Xiaomi model and has up-to-date security updates.

Method 5: Using the Chinese version of MIUI (without Google)

If you don't want to mess with firmware, but you want to get rid of Google, you can install the Chinese version of MIUI (China ROM), which is originally free of Google services, because they're blocked in China, and instead, they use local analogues:

• 🌍 Baidu or Sogou instead of Google Search.
• 🗺️ AutoNavi instead of Google Maps.
• 📱 Xiaomi App Store instead of Play Market.

How to install China ROM:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the official MIUI Downloads website (choose the version marked China).
2. Unlock the bootloader (see Method 3).
3. Flush the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (instructions are available on the Xiaomi website).
4. Once installed manually configure the region and language (Chinese will be the default).

The pluses of China ROM:

• 📱 No Google services, but the proprietary interface MIUI is saved.
• ⚡ Often updates are released earlier than for global versions.
• 🔧 You can add MicroG or separate Google apps if you need them.

Cons:

• 🌐 Some system applications remain in Chinese.
• 📵 Google Play Services may not work (even if installed manually).
• 🔄 There may be problems with push notifications from Western services.

What to do if something goes wrong

If after manipulation with Google services, the smartphone began to glittle, do not turn on or issue errors, use these tips:

Problem 1: The device does not turn on or hung on the MIUI logo.

• 🔄 Try going to Recovery Mode (clip Power + Volume up when turned on).
• 📱 Select Wipe Data/Factory Reset (reset to factory settings).
• 🔧 If it doesn't work, run the original firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

Problem 2: Banking applications have stopped working.

• 🔒 Install Magisk and activate MagiskHide to hide root.
• 📱 Check the SafetyNet passage through the SafetyNet Test application.
• 🔄 If you use MicroG, make sure Signature Spoofing is enabled.

Problem 3: Push notifications are not working.

• 📶 Check if MicroG or a third-party firewall is blocking them.
• 🔄 Reinstall the application for which no notifications are received.
• 📱 Enable auto-run for the problem application in the battery settings.

💡

If apps from alternative stores (such as the Aurora Store) have stopped updating after Google services have been removed, check MicroG settings. In the Self-Check section, green check boxes should be lit opposite Google device registration and Google Cloud Messaging.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Google's removal from Xiaomi