Modern smartphones from Xiaomi, whether the flagships of the Mi series or the budget models of the Redmi line, have a huge memory, but it is not unlimited. 3D-Projects with high-quality graphics quickly fill up the free space, slowing down the device, and users often face a situation where after the game is over, files remain in the system, occupying precious megabytes. Proper removal of the application is not just getting rid of the icon on the desktop, but a comprehensive cleaning of the system from garbage.
With Android operating systems that run MIUI or HyperOS, the process of uninstallation can have its nuances. Standard methods are suitable for most user applications, but some pre-installed games require a special approach. Ignoring residual files can lead to reduced performance and rapid battery discharge in the background. In this article, we will discuss in detail all ways to clean the device from gaming software.
Cleaning efficiency has a direct impact on your gadget’s speed, and if you want to make room and speed up the interface, you need to approach the issue systematically, and we’ll look at both simple methods for ordinary users and advanced techniques for experienced Xiaomi owners.
Standard removal through the desktop and application menu
The most obvious and quick way to get rid of unnecessary games is to use the standard shell interface. On the desktop or in the menu of all applications, find the game icon. (long click) on the icon will call the context menu where you need to select the option “Delete”. This method works for 90% of apps downloaded from the Google Play Store or installed manually through the Google Play Store. APK-file.
If the long tap doesn't call the delete menu, you may have pocket phone mode enabled or a specific theme, then go to Settings → Apps → All apps. Find the game you want in the list, click on it, and select the "Delete" button at the bottom of the screen, which will completely delete the application executable file.
⚠️ Note: When deleted through the standard menu, cache files and folders with data may remain if the game developer did not provide for their automatic cleaning.
It is important to understand the difference between deleting and disabling. For user games, only a complete uninstallation is available. However, if the game was preinstalled by the manufacturer, the Delete button may not be available, in which case the system will only suggest "Disable" the application, which will hide it, but will not free up space in memory.
Deep cleaning through application settings
To ensure complete system cleanliness, it is not enough to simply remove the shortcut. You need to manually check the data residue. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications, find a remote game (if it is still visible), or go to the storage settings. Here, it is important to pay attention to the Memory section.
Click on “Clean” or “Reset” and this operation will remove all lock-down saves, authorization tokens and downloaded resources (maps, textures) that often weigh more than the application itself, and then you can safely delete the application file itself.
There is also a hidden feature in MIUI that allows you to manage rights and access to the file system. Before removing heavy play, you should go to Settings → Apps → Settings → Manage permissions and revoke access to storage. This will prevent new temporary files from being written at the time of uninstallation.
☑️ Checklist for full cleaning
Removal of system and pre-installed games
Xiaomi smartphones often come with a pre-installed set of games from partners. Standard methods can not remove them — the uninstallation button will be inactive. USB computer-use.
The first step is to activate the developer mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click 7-10 times on the MIUI Version (or OS Version). Once the notification “You became a developer” appears, go back to the main settings menu, open Additional settings → For developers and turn on the “Debugging by USB” option.
| ADB Team Team | Description of action | Risk to the system |
|---|---|---|
| adb shell pm list packages | Shows a list of all packages | Safe. |
| adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name.packet | Remove the application for the current user | Medium (can be restored) |
| adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 name.package | Disable the application without deleting | Safe. |
| adb shell pm install-existing name.packet | Restores a remote system application | Safe. |
Using the command line ADB (Android Debug Bridge) allows you to remove system components without root rights. Connect your smartphone to your PC, launch the console, and enter a command to remove a specific package. For example, to remove a standard Mi Games game, you use the command adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.gamecenter.
⚠️ Be very careful when removing system packages. Removing critical system components (e.g. SystemUI or Settings) can lead to a cyclic bootloop and the need to flash the device.
Cleaning of residual files and debris
Even after deleting a game correctly, the phone often has folders with developer names or game abbreviations, which can take up hundreds of megabytes, and use the built-in Explorer or Files app to find them.
Go to the root directory of internal memory /Internal storage/Android/data/. This is where the folders of all the apps installed are located, and if you see a folder with the name of a remote game, it can be safely deleted. /Android/obb/, where heavy resources of games are stored.
Why do folders remain after deletion?
It's also worth checking the Download folder. APK-Files and cache files downloaded through the browser stay there forever. Regular manual check of these directories helps maintain order.
Use of third-party cleaning tools
There are many tools in the Google Play store that automate the process of finding and removing garbage, and applications like SD Maid, Files by Google, or Clean Master can find residual files that a standard explorer can’t see.
But be careful with so-called accelerators and antiviruses, which are aggressively advertised, which can consume the system’s resources and display intrusive advertising, and time-tested open-source utilities or from well-known vendors are the best choices.
Some users prefer to use Tweak for MIUI, which allows for more detailed management of system processes, but for the usual task of removing a game, the functionality of a standard file manager is enough.
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Tip: Before installing cleaners, back up important data. Auto-cleaning can sometimes delete game save files you planned to leave behind.
The Impact of Removing Games on Xiaomi Performance
Many modern games have background services that continue to work even after an application is closed, they can sync data, show ads or update widgets, removing such games frees up not only memory, but also RAM, and also reduces the load on the processor.
This is especially true for the budget models Redmi and POCO with 4-6 GB of RAM. Freeing resources directly affects the smoothness of the interface and the speed of opening other applications. MIUI system aggressively manages memory, but unnecessary background processes can interfere with this.
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Removing heavy games with background services is the most effective way to extend the battery life of a smartphone without buying a new battery.
Also, cleaning up the internal storage drive improves its speed, the flash memory is slower when it is more than 85% full, and the regular removal of unnecessary content helps to maintain high speed write and read data.