Are you tired of the constant notifications about syncing Google account, unnecessary updates Play Store and surveillance through the services of the Corporation? on Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI firmware, removing Google applications is a non-trivial task: they are integrated into the system at the firmware level, and the standard βdeleteβ in the application menu often simply disables updates, leaving the core of services active.
In this article, we will look at all possible methods, from secure shutdown to radical removal through ADB and flashing. It is important to understand that completely removing Google will result in the loss of functionality of some system components of MIUI (for example, push notifications, map geolocation and contact synchronization). If you only need individual applications (for example, YouTube or Gmail) β it is enough to deactivate them. If the goal is to completely de-google your smartphone, you will have to work with superuser rights.
1 Preparation: What to Know Before Deleting Google
Before you start manipulating system files, check three key points:
- π± Phone model and version MIUI: On new devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T Pro or Redmi Note 12) s MIUI 14/15 Some of Google's services are digitally signed, and deleting them can lead to bootloop).
- π bootloader Unlock Status: Deep changes require unlocking the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool, which takes up to 720 hours of waiting (by Xiaomi rules).
- π¦ Backup: Deleting Google services can erase contacts, calendars, and other data associated with your account. Use Mi Mover or third-party tools like Swift Backup (requires root).
If your Xiaomi runs Android One (e.g. Mi A2/A3), the process is simplified β these devices initially have βpureβ Android without deep integration with MIUI. However, on most modern models (Poco X5 Pro, Redmi K60), Google is embedded in /system/priv-app, and its removal will require superuser rights.
β οΈ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global or EEA (Deleting Google Play Services may disrupt Mi Pay, Mi Fit and other Xiaomi-branded services. Check application dependency through the adb shell dumpsys package before taking action.
2. Method 1: Disabling Google Services without root (Secure Method)
If you donβt need drastic measures, but to stop the background activity of Google, follow the following steps:
- Go to Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- In the search bar, type Google β the system will show all related applications (Google Play Services, Google Play Store, Google Account Manager, etc.).
- For each application: π« Click Disable (if the button is active). π Select Stop (Forced Stop). π΅ In the Notifications section, disable all switches. π In Permits, deny access to contacts, location, camera and microphone.
This method does not delete application files, but only limits their operation. Please note that some services (such as the Google Services Framework) can automatically restart after a reboot. To prevent this, use the AppOps tool (requires ADB):
adb shell cmd appops set com.google.android.gms android:run_any_in_background ignoreTo completely remove notifications from Google, also clear the cache and data of the Google Play Services app manually.This will temporarily disrupt some features (such as app auto-updates), but will not affect system stability.
βοΈ Preparing for Google Shutdown
Method 2: Remove via ADB (without root, but with a PC connection)
If you donβt have enough shutdowns and root rights, you can uninstall Google packets via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that works on most Xiaomi devices, but requires activation of debugging over USB:
- Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings β About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Return to Settings β Additional β For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
- Connect the phone to your PC, confirm the trusted device, and open the command line in the adb folder.
- Run the command to remove unnecessary packets (example for Google Play Store): adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.vending
Firmware process:
- Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (instructions on the official Xiaomi website).
- Install TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery for your model (download from twrp.me).
- Download firmware (for example, LineageOS for MicroG) and GApps alternative (if necessary).
- In recovery, run Wipe. β Format Data (required!), then go through it. ZIP-firmware.
Advantages of this method:
- β Googleβs complete absence at the system level.
- β Option to choose alternative services (e.g. F-Droid instead of Play Store).
- β Increased privacy due to lack of tracking.
Disadvantages:
- β Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
- β Risk of "bricking" in case of firmware error.
- β Certain functions MIUI (Second Space or Game Turbo may not work.
π‘
Custom firmware without Google is the only way to completely eliminate surveillance and background activity of the companyβs services, but it requires technical skills and leads to the loss of Xiaomiβs branded features.
Method 5: Use of alternative launchers and circumvention of restrictions
If you only want visual changes (like hiding Google icons) rather than a complete removal, consider the following options:
- π¨ Lawnchair Launcher is an open launcher with support for hiding applications. You can remove Google Search and Play Store from the home screen.
- π Blank Store is an alternative app store replacing the Play Store. APK.
- π‘ MicroG is an open implementation of Google Services with minimal tracking, allowing you to use maps and push notifications without the original services.
For MicroG installation:
- Download the latest version from the official website.
- Install. APK-Manual files (requires permission to install from unknown sources).
- In MicroG settings, activate:
Note that MicroG does not support all of the features of the original Google Services, for example, Google Pay will not work, and YouTube will require the use of alternative clients like NewPipe.
Possible problems and solutions
After Google is deleted, you may encounter the following difficulties:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The phone is not turned on (bootloop) | Critical System Package Removed | Switch the original MIUI to the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode |
| Push notifications are not working. | Google Play Services or MicroG is not available | Install MicroG or use apps with their own notification servers (e.g. Telegram) |
| No location is determined. | Google geolocation services removed | Use Mozilla Location Service or UnifiedNlp in MicroG |
| Not installed. APK-file | No Package Installer or license | Install SAI (Split APK Installer) or grant rights through ADB: adb install file.apk |
| Banking applications are not working | Google SafetyNet is not available | Use Magisk with Universal SafetyNet Fix |
If after manipulating the system Xiaomi stopped booting, try the following steps:
- Press Power + Volume Up to log in to Recovery Mode.
- Connect your phone to your PC and check logs through adb logcat.
- If TWRP is available, run the backup or original firmware.
To automate updates, set up Tasker or MacroDroid to check new versions of APK on schedule.