Google services are deeply integrated into firmware MIUI, But many Xiaomi users want to get rid of them for a variety of reasons, from saving battery power to privacy concerns. However, simply removing apps through the menu often doesnβt give the desired result β many processes continue to work in the background, and some phone features may stop working correctly.
In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to remove Google from Redmi smartphones, POCO And Xiaomi, from basic methods without superuser rights to radical solutions with unlocking the bootloader and firmware custom software, you will learn which components can be safely deactivated and which should not be touched, so as not to lose the functionality of the device. We will also analyze the consequences of each method and give recommendations for restoring the phone to work if something goes wrong.
Why you canβt just uninstall Google as a regular app
Unlike other services, Google Mobile Services (GMS) into MIUI They're system applications, which means they're systems:
- π Installed in the protected section /system, Where ordinary users do not have access;
- π Automatically recover after removal through standard means;
- π€ Related to critical Android features (Push notifications, geolocation, synchronization).
Even if you remove visible apps like Google Play Store or Google Chrome, background processes like Google Play Services and Google Services Framework will continue to:
- π‘ Send location data;
- π Expend battery power;
- π₯ Update in the background through Google Play System Update.
β οΈ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global or MIUI EEA (European version) Google services are a mandatory component of firmware. Deleting them completely without replacing them with alternative services (such as Huawei Mobile Services or MicroG) may result in the inability to use banking applications, cards and other services that require Google Play Protect.
Method 1: Disable and hide Google services without root (for beginners)
If you just want to reduce the impact of Google on your phone, but not remove it completely, this is the best way to do it. It's knowledge-free and reversible.
Steps to shut down:
- Go to Settings β Applications β Application Management;
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show Systems.
- Find an app called Google (Play Store, Services, Framework, etc.) in the list.
- For each application, click Disable (not βDelete Updates!β).
After the shutdown:
- β Notifications of updates will cease to arrive;
- β Reduced battery consumption (by 5-15% Based on the Redmi Note user tests 10 Pro);
- β Some apps (such as Google Maps or Gmail) will stop working;
- β Contacts and calendar syncs may be missing if they were linked to a Google account.
Keep a backup copy of contacts in VCF-file|
Write down passwords from important accounts (they may be out of sync)|
Install alternative apps (e.g. OSMAnd instead of Google Maps)|
Check the banking applications (some require Google Play Services)
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To completely hide Google icons from the app menu:
- Hold your finger on the app icon (e.g. Google Play Store)
- Drag it to the top of the screen to read Delete or Hide;
- Confirm the action.
β οΈ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO F3 Xiaomi 11T) When Google Play Services is disabled, Find a Xiaomi Device stops working. If you use it, you'd better keep it active.
Method 2: Remove updates and reset to factory version
This method allows Google apps to return to their original version, which was installed with factory firmware, and is useful if Google services have started consuming too much resources after the updates.
Instructions:
- Open the Settings. β Annexes β Application management β Show system-based;
- Select an app (e.g. Google Play Services)
- Click on the three dots in the top corner and select Remove Updates.
- Confirm the action and restart the phone.
After that:
- π The amount of memory used will decrease (for example, Google Play Services can βlose weightβ from 500 MB to 50 MB);
- π Auto-update applications will stop;
- β οΈ Some features (such as Google Pay) may not work properly.
| Annex | Reference size (MB) | Size after updates (MB) | Can updates be removed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Play Services | ~50 | 300-800 | Yes. |
| Google Play Store | ~15 | 40-100 | Yes. |
| Google Services Framework | ~5 | 10-20 | Yes. |
| Google Chrome | ~30 | 150-200 | Yes (but better to remove completely) |
To automatically block future updates:
- Open the Google Play Store β Profile β Settings β Auto-update of applications;
- Choose Never;
- Return to the main menu and click on the profile icon β Device control;
- Turn off the automatic system updates option.
Disconnection through settings |
Removal of updates|
Use of ADB|
Custom software firmware|
Full reset to factory settings
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Method 3: Remove via ADB (for advanced users)
The method using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) It allows you to remove system applications without root rights, but requires you to connect your phone to your computer. This method works on most Xiaomi devices with an unlocked bootloader).
Preparation:
- Enable Developer Mode: Settings β The phone. β Version. MIUI (press 7 times);
- Activate USB Debugging in Settings β Additional β For developers;
- Download and install. ADB Tools on the computer;
- Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (select File Transfer Mode).
Delete commands (enter Command Prompt or Terminal):
adb shell
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.vending # Google Play Store
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.gms # Google Play Services
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.gsf # Google Services Framework
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.tts # Google TTC
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.chrome # Google ChromeWhat do the team flags mean:
- -k β Stores cache and application data;
- --user 0 β Delete only to the current user (does not require root);
- pm uninstall is a packet removal command.
β οΈ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro) POCO X3 NFC) After deleting com.google.android.gms, SafetyNet stops working, which blocks access to banking applications and Netflix in the Internet. HD-Before removing, check if Google is responsible for the functionality you need.
List of Google packages that can be safely removed
To restore remote applications:
adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.vendingMethod 4: Firmware custom software without Google (for enthusiasts)
The most radical and effective way is to install firmware that doesn't originally contain Google services.
- π± LineageOS (official and unofficial builds);
- π Pixel Experience (with MicroG support);
- π MIUI EU (European firmware without bloat, but with the ability to manually remove Google);
- π‘οΈ CalyxOS or GrapheneOS (maximum privacy).
Firmware process:
- Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires Mi Account binding and waiting) 7-14 days);
- Install custom recovery (TWRP Or OrangeFox);
- Download firmware from the site XDA Developers (Make sure it is compatible with your model!);
- Sweat through recovery, having previously made a backup.
Advantages of this method:
- β The complete absence of Google services at the system level;
- β Possibility of using alternatives (MicroG, F-Droid);
- β Increased productivity and battery life.
Disadvantages:
- β Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty);
- β Risk of "bricking" in case of firmware error;
- β Some features (such as Mi Pay or Mi Pay) IR Blaster may not work properly.
π‘
Custom firmware is the only way to get rid of Google at the system level, but it requires technical skills and leads to the loss of official Xiaomi support.
Method 5: Using MicroG as an Alternative to Google
If you need some Google features (like push notifications or geolocation), but without tracking, MicroG is an open alternative with minimal data collection.
MicroG installation:
- Download. APK From the official website: microg.org;
- Install the following components: MicroG Services Core (main module); MicroG Services Framework Proxy (to emulate Google services); MicroG GmsCompat (app compatibility).
Self-Check
Google Device Registration
Google Cloud Messaging
FakeStore
Compare MicroG and Google Play Services:
| Function | Google Play Services | MicroG |
|---|---|---|
| Push notifications | β Yes. | β Yes (via UnifiedNlp) |
| Geolocation | β Yeah) | β Yes (less accurate but without tracking) |
| SafetyNet | β Yes. | β No (but there are workarounds) |
| Battery consumption | β οΈ High-pitched | β Minimum |
| Data collection | β Extensive | β Minimum |
For banking applications (for example, SberBank Online or Tinkoff) with MicroG:
- Install the Magisk module - Universal SafetyNet Fix
- Activate Hide Magisk in Magisk settings.
- Reboot the phone.
π‘
Before installing MicroG, back up your data via TWRP Some apps (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) may require re-authorization.
What to do if your phone is not stable after Google is deleted
If you notice a failure after manipulating Google services, follow the following steps:
- π Reboot: Sometimes itβs enough to just restart the device to make the changes take effect;
- π± Cache reset: Go to Settings β Annexes β Application management β Google Play Services β Warehouse β Clear the cache;
- π§ Recovery through ADB: If you delete a critical packet, return it with the command adb shell cmd package install-existing];
- π¨ Flashing: In extreme cases, reset to factory settings (Settings) β The phone. β Resetting settings).
Typical problems and their solutions:
| Problem. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Push notifications are not working. | Removed from Google Play Services or Firebase | Install MicroG or restore a remote package |
| No location is determined. | Google Services Framework is not available | Use alternative geolocation services (e.g. Mozilla Location Service) |
| Banking applications are not launched | SafetyNet is not checked | Install Magisk + Universal SafetyNet Fix module |
| The βGoogle Play Servicesβ is stopped. | Partial removal of Google packages | Restore all deleted packages or sew clean firmware |
β οΈ Note: If you have deleted Google Mi Account or Xiaomi Cloud, it means you have removed critical system components associated with authorization. In this case, only a complete flashing through the Mi Flash Tool with the choice of the clean all option will help.