How to remove unnecessary applications on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi smartphones out of the box come with dozens of pre-installed apps, many of which users never run. These programs take up space in memory, consume battery power in the background and can slow down the device. Especially relevant is the problem for budget models with limited internal memory — Redmi 9A, Poco M3 or Redmi Note 10, where every megabyte counts.

Unlike custom applications, which are removed in the standard way, system services and bloatware (preinstalled software from the manufacturer) are often blocked from uninstallation. However, there are legal methods for removing them - from simple disabling to complete erasure through ADB. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways for MIUI 12-14, including hidden functions and tools for power users.

1. Standard removal of user applications

To start with, we'll start with the simplest of things: uninstall programs you installed yourself through Google Play or.apk files, which doesn't require superuser rights and is suitable for 99% of apps except system ones.

To remove the unnecessary application:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 In the list, find the program you want to remove (for example, Facebook or TikTok).
• 🗑️ Click Remove (if the button is active) or Uninstall.
• ✅ Confirm the action in the window that appears.

If the Remove button is inactive (lit in gray), then the application is system, in which case move on to the following methods. Also note that some programs (for example, Google Chrome or YouTube) can only be disabled, but not completely removed without root rights.

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After removing the application, clear the cache to Settings → Memory → Clean up to free up extra space.

2. disabling system applications without deleting

If you can’t remove the system app, you can turn it off, stop background processes, hide the icon from the menu, and prevent automatic updates.The method works without root rights and is suitable for most Xiaomi pre-installed services, such as Mi Browser, Mi Music or Mi Video.

Instructions for unsetting:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select a system application (e.g. Mi Pay or Mi Community).
3. Click Disable (the button will appear if the uninstallation is blocked).
4. Confirm the action by agreeing to the warning.

The programs that are disabled will not appear in the menu, but will remain in the device memory, and you can activate them again in the same settings section, which is safe because it does not affect critical system files.

Create a backup copy of important data|Check the list of programs that are disabled (do not touch Google services and MIUI)|Write down the names of disabled applications in case of recovery|Reboot your phone after a mass blackout-->

3. Removal of system applications via ADB (without root)

For advanced users willing to work with the command line, there is a method of removing system applications through Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which does not require superuser rights, but allows you to completely erase unnecessary software, including bloatware from Xiaomi and Google.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and tool ADB (You can download from the official Android website).
• 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with enabled debugging USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phone to your computer and allow debugging over USB.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Get a list of all packages: adb shell pm list packages
5. Find the name of the package of the unwanted application (for example, com.miui.browser for Mi Browser).
6. Remove the application by command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browser Replace com.miui.browser with the desired package.

Important: Do not delete packets called com.android., com.google.android. or com.miui.system, which may cause the system to fail.

4.Use of applications to remove bloatware

If working with ADB seems complicated, you can use specialized utilities that automate the process of finding and removing unnecessary applications, and some even offer ready-made bloatware listings for Xiaomi.

Popular programmes:

When using these tools, it is recommended that:

• 🔄 Backup data before mass deletion.
• 📋 Check packet names before deleting (some programs may suggest removing critical services).
• 🔄 Reboot your phone after changes.

Standard removal through settings|Disabling system applications|Through ADB or specialized utilities|I don't have any extra apps.|I don't know how to do that.-->

5. Deletion with the help of superuser rights (root)

Getting root rights offers the best opportunities for managing system files, but has serious disadvantages: loss of warranty, the risk of disrupting MIUI and security problems (for example, Google Pay and banking applications will not work), this method is suitable only for advanced users.

If you do decide to use root, follow the instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (requires a Mi Account and wait 7-30 days).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP) for your model.
3. Please use Magisk to obtain root rights.
4. Use Root Explorer or Titanium Backup to remove system APK-file /system/app or /system/priv-app.

⚠️ Attention: Deleting critical system files can cause a device to "brick" (inoperability).Always check packet names and backups through TWRP before modification.

Once root is obtained, you can also use Magisk modules such as Universal Debloater or Xiaomi Debloater, which automatically remove unnecessary Xiaomi services without manual search.

6. How to return remote system applications

If you have problems after deleting or disabling the application (for example, Google Services or MIUI Launcher stopped working), it can be restored.

• 🔄 For disabled applications: Return to Settings → Apps, find the program and click Enable.
• 🖥️ For the remote through ADB: Reinstall the package with the command: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.browser
• 🛠️ For remote root: Restore the file APK from backup or stream the original firmware through Fastboot.

If you are not sure of the name of the package, use the command to output a list of all applications ever installed:

adb shell pm list packages -u

⚠️ Warning: Restore system applications through firmware will reset all phone settings to factory.We recommend pre-saving data to Mi Cloud or computer.

7.How to prevent unnecessary applications from reappearing

Even after deletion, some programs may return after the MIUI update.

• 🚫 Turn off automatic app updates in Google Play (Settings) → Auto-update of applications → Never).
• 🔧 Use it. ADB to block packet installation: adb shell pm hide com.miui.browser This hides the application from the system, preventing it from recovering.
• 📵 Install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher) that doesn’t display hidden icons.
• 🔄 Check the list of apps regularly after major updates MIUI.

You can also use Magisk modules, such as DisableFlagSecure or App Systemizer, to help control system processes, but these methods require root rights and are designed for power users.

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Regular check of the list of applications and disabling auto-updates is the key to a clean system without excessive software.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing apps on Xiaomi