Removing unnecessary apps on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones often becomes a headache: some programs are not deleted in the standard way, others are returned after an update, and others are blocked by the manufacturer, while unnecessary applications not only take up space, but also consume battery power, work in the background and can collect data without your knowledge.
In this article, we’ll look at all possible ways to uninstall, from simple (via the phone menu) to advanced (using ADB and Fastboot), how to get rid of even the programs that MIUI normally hides from the user, and what to do if the application returns after a reboot, all methods tested on current firmware versions (including HyperOS) and work without the risk of “bricking” the device.
1. Standard removal through MIUI settings
The most obvious, but not always effective way is suitable for custom apps installed from Google Play or Google Play. APK-System programs (such as Mi Browser, Mi Video or GetApps) cannot be deleted by this method, instead of the "Delete" button, you will see only "Disable".
How to do this:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
- 🔍 Find the desired application in the list (you can use the search at the top of the screen).
- 🗑️ Click "Delete" (if the button is active) or "Disable" (for system programs).
- ⚠️ Confirm the action if required.
If the Remove button is inactive, the application is built into the firmware and requires alternative methods. In some cases, MIUI allows only to "disable" the program, but this does not free up memory - the APK file remains on the device.
2. Delete via Google Play (for custom applications)
If the app was installed through the Google Play Market, it can be removed directly from the store, which is convenient when you need to clear several programs at once or when the standard MIUI menu does not respond.
Instructions:
- 🛒 Open Google Play and go to Profile → Application and device management.
- 📋 Select the "Installed" tab and find the desired application.
- 🗑️ Click on the basket icon next to the name.
- ✅ Confirm removal.
The advantage of this method is that Google Play will automatically prompt you to delete both the cache and the application data, which will free up additional space, but system programs (for example, com.miui.gallery or com.xiaomi.scanner) will not appear here.
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If the app is not removed via Google Play, check if it is assigned to the device administrator. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Device administrators and uncheck the problem program.
3. disabling system applications (without deletion)
When Xiaomi blocks the removal of embedded programs, the option is to disable them, which will not free up memory, but will stop background work, notifications and updates, and the disabled application will disappear from the menu and will not appear in the installed list.
How to turn it off:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select a system application (e.g. Mi Pay or Mi Community).
- Click "Disable" (the button can be hidden under the menu "⋮" top-right).
- Confirm the action in the dialog window.
⚠️ Warning: Disabling critical system services (e.g. com.android.phone or com.miui.securitycenter) may cause the phone to run unstable or make calls.
List of safe to disable system applications
4. Removal via ADB (for power users)
If standard methods don't work, Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to remove even secure system applications, requires you to connect your phone to your computer, but does not require root rights.
Step-by-step:
Install ADB-PC drivers|Enable debugging on USB phone-on|Connect the phone to the computer via cable|Check the connection with the adb device command|Download the list of packages with the command adb shell pm list packages
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When you're done, do it.
- Find the name of the application package (e.g. com.miui.calculator for calculator).
- Enter the command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name package For example, to delete Mi Browser: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser
- Reboot the phone.
Important: Team with flag --user 0 removes the application only for the current user, without affecting system files. It is safe and reversible (can be restored through resetting settings).
⚠️ Note: Some apps (e.g. com.google.android.gsf or com.android.vending) are critical to the operation of Google Services, and their removal will result in loss of Play Market access and account sync.
| Annex | Packet name | Can I remove it? | Effects of consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Browser | com.android.browser | Yes. | The standard browser will disappear (you can use Chrome) |
| Mi Music | com.miui.player | Yes. | Player will be deleted, but files will remain |
| GetApps (Mi App Store) | com.xiaomi.mipicks | Yes. | Xiaomi’s App Store will disappear |
| Mi Video | com.miui.videoplayer | Yes. | Removes the standard video player |
| Google Play Services | com.google.android.gms | No. | All Google services will be affected. |
5. Removal using third-party utilities (without root)
If ADB seems complicated, you can use specialized applications that simplify the process, such as App Inspector or Package Name Viewer help find packet names, and Debloater Tools (such as Universal Android Debloater) allow you to delete system programs in semi-automatic mode.
Popular utilities:
- 🔍 App Inspector – Shows the packet names of all installed applications.
- 🗑️ Universal Android Debloater – Removes System Garbage ADB graphically.
- 🛠️ SD Maid – Clears residual files after deleting programs.
⚠️ Warning: When using third-party utilities, always check reviews and ratings on Google Play. Some “optimizers” install advertising software or collect data.
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Third-party utilities are convenient, but do not replace manual removal through ADB. Always check which packets they offer to remove so as not to disrupt the system.
6. Complete removal with root rights (for advanced)
If you are willing to take risks, root rights will give you access to the complete removal of any system applications, including those protected by MIUI.
- 🚫 Violation of warranty (if the phone is on warranty).
- 🔒 Mi Account lock risk (on some models).
- 🛡️ Vulnerability to malware (root opens access to system files).
How to remove the application from root:
- Get root rights with Magisk or SuperSU.
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Go to /system/app or /system/priv-app.
- Find a folder with the name of the app (such as Browser for Mi Browser) and delete it.
- Reboot the phone.
⚠️ Note: Removing files from /system If you don't have a backup, you can make your phone "brick." Always backup through the phone. TWRP OrangeFox before making changes.
7.What to do if the application returns after the update?
One of the most common problems with Xiaomi is returning remote system applications after updating MIUI or HyperOS, which is because the firmware contains the original set of programs and restores them when you update them.
Decisions:
- 🔄 Turn off automatic updates MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → ⋮ → Settings → Auto-update.
- 📦 Remove the application again through ADB after each update.
- 🔧 Use Magisk modules (e.g. Xiaomi Debloater) that block the recovery of unnecessary programs.
- 🛡️ Install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) that doesn’t have built-in Xiaomi garbage.
If you don't want to give up the official firmware, the most reliable way is to check the list of apps regularly after updates and remove the extra ones manually, and you can also create a script for ADB that will automatically remove unnecessary packets when you connect to a PC.