Xiaomi Redmi smartphones come with a proprietary MIUI shell that integrates dozens of pre-installed apps from the company. Many of them β Mi Browser, Mi Video, Mi Music, GetApps and others β not only take up space in memory, but also actively consume resources in the background, show ads and collect data. Users often face the fact that these applications can not be removed by standard means: the βDeleteβ button is simply not on the menu.
In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to remove MI-applications β from secure disabling methods to radical solutions using ADB And the superuser rights (root) are the ones that we're going to focus on, you know, the nuances for different versions. MIUI (from 12 before 14) Redmi models, including Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13C You will also learn which applications can be removed without risk to the system, and which are strictly not recommended to touch.
Why? MI-Applications cannot be removed in the standard way
The reason lies in the MIUI architecture: most preinstalled applications are system-based and stored in the /system/priv-app or /system/app section. They are digitally signed by Xiaomi, making them an integral part of the firmware. Android by default blocks the removal of such applications to prevent:
- π Disruption of the stability of the system β some MI-Applications are linked to services MIUI (For example, security is responsible for security).
- π‘οΈ Problems with updates β after removing system APK The firmware may not be installed or work with errors.
- π± Loss of functionality β for example, deleting Mi Share will disable fast file transfer between Xiaomi devices.
But that doesn't mean you're doomed to put up with unnecessary software, there are workarounds, from simply shutting down to completely uninstalling with the help of the developer's tools, and the key is understanding the risks and following the instructions.
β οΈ Note: Deleting system applications may result in loss of warranty (if root is used) or unstable smartphone operation.Before any manipulation, back up through Settings β The phone. β Backup.
Method 1: Disconnection MI-Applications without removal (safely)
If you don't need radical measures, start by disabling unnecessary applications. This method doesn't require superuser rights, and we'll revert:
- Open Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show all apps.
- Find the application you want (such as Mi Browser) and open your card.
- Click Disable (if the button is inactive, click Stop first).
After deactivation, the annex:
- β It will stop appearing on the menu and on the desktop.
- β It will not run in the background and consume resources.
- β But it will remain in the memory of the device (take up space).
This method is suitable for most people. MI-applications other than critical applications (e.g., Security or MIUI Root rights will be required to disable them.
Create a backup copy of the data
Check the version of MIUI (Settings β About the phone)
Disable automatic application updates (Google Play β Settings)
Write down the names of the applications that are disabled (for rollback)
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Method 2: Remove via ADB (without root but with PC)
A more efficient method is Android Debug Bridge (ADB) removal, which does not require root rights, but requires a computer and enabled USB debugging, which works on all Redmi models with MIUI 12-14.
Step 1: Preparation
- Download ADB Tools (the official Google package).
- Turn on your smartphone: Settings β About Phone β MIUI Version (tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode) Settings β Additional β For Developers β Debugging by USB (enable)
- Connect Redmi to your PC via USB and select File Transfer mode.
Step 2: Removal of the annex:
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
- Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices (should appear serial number of your device).
- Remove the unnecessary application by command: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.nameservice (replace com.xiaomi.nameservice with the desired application package).
List of packages of popular MI-applications:
| Annex | Packet name | Can I remove it? |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Browser | com.android.browser | β Yes. |
| GetApps (Mi App Store) | com.xiaomi.mipicks | β Yes. |
| Mi Video | com.miui.videoplayer | β Yes. |
| Mi Music | com.miui.player | β Yes. |
| Security (Security) | com.miui.securitycenter | β No (critically for the system) |
β οΈ Attention: Removal through ADB It doesn't erase the application completely -- it stays in the system partition, but it becomes inaccessible to the current user. MIUI The app could come back.
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Before deleting via ADB, check if the application is dependent on other functionality. For example, deleting com.xiaomi.midrop (Mi Share) will disable fast file transfer between Xiaomi devices.
Method 3: Removal with root rights (for experienced)
If you're willing to take risks, root rights will give you access to the complete removal of system applications, a method that is suitable for users who:
- π§ Can work with Magisk or SuperSU.
- π± Ready to lose warranty and upgrades OTA.
- π They understand how to make backups through TWRP.
Instructions:
- Get root with Magisk (see instructions for your Redmi model on XDA Developers).
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
- Go to /system/priv-app or /system/app.
- Find the folder with the name of the application being removed (for example, Browser for Mi Browser) and delete it.
- Reset the device.
Removing root-righted system APKs can lead to "bootloop" if you remove a critical component.Always check the list of safe packets to remove before action.
What to do if after removal from root the smartphone does not turn on?
Method 4: Use of third-party utilities (without root)
For users who don't want to mess with ADB, there are specialized tools, one of the most popular is App Inspector (available on Google Play).
- π View a list of all installed and system applications.
- ποΈ Remove or disable MI-applications through a graphical interface.
- π Sorting programs by size and resource consumption.
How to use App Inspector:
- Download and install the App Inspector.
- Open the application and provide access to Special features (a request will pop up).
- Go to the Systems tab and find the unnecessary MI-attachment.
- Slip on it and select Delete for that user.
The advantage of this method is that it is simple and does not require a PC, but it does not work with all system applications (for example, Security or MIUI System can not be removed).
Method 5: Flashing on custom firmware (radical method)
If you are annoyed not only by the presence of MI-applications, but also by the shell of MIUI, consider installing custom firmware (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Havoc-OS).
- β Delete everything completely. MI-applications.
- β Increase productivity (due to lack of background processes) MIUI).
- β It will require unlocking the bootloader and will lose the warranty.
- β It may deprive some functions (for example, IR Blaster or Game Turbo).
Step-by-step:
- Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a Mi Account and wait 7-15 days).
- Install a custom TWRP recavator for your Redmi model.
- Download the right firmware (e.g. LineageOS for Redmi Note 10 Pro here).
- Flush the firmware through TWRP (see instructions on the XDA or 4PDA forums).
β οΈ Note: Some Redmi models (such as the Redmi 12 or Redmi Note 13) have Anti-Rollback protection, which can lock the device when rolling back to the old firmware version!
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Custom firmware requires regular manual updates, and without them, security vulnerabilities or application compatibility issues can occur.
What are they? MI-Applications can be removed and which ones can not.
Not all preinstalled apps are equally safe to remove, and a breakdown by category follows:
| Category | Examples of applications | Can I remove it? | Effects of consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media players | Mi Video, Mi Music, Mi Radio | β Yes. | Loss of standard players (can be replaced by VLC or AIMP). |
| browsers | Mi Browser, Mint Browser | β Yes. | Use Chrome or Firefox. |
| Shops | GetApps, Mi App Store, Games | β Yes. | Loss of access to the Xiaomi store. |
| Systemic | Security, MIUI System, Updater | β No. | Violation of the system, inability to update. |
| Utilities. | Mi Share, Scanner, Compass | β οΈ Partially. | Loss of fast file transfer functions, scanner QR-codes, etc. |
If you are in doubt about whether you can remove a particular application, check its package on sites like APKMirror or ask a question on topic forums.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When removed MI-And so, in applications, users often have problems. Here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:
- π The app returned after the update MIUI: This is because the system is APK Solution: Remove the application through ADB or disable automatic updates MIUI In Settings β The phone. β Updating the system.
- π± The smartphone started to slow down after being removed: You may have removed an application that was dependent on another system process. Solution: perform a factory reset or restore a remote one. APK through ADB Team: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.xiaomi.package
- π The debugging doesn't work. USB: Check if the developer mode is enabled and if drivers are installed ADB Windows may require manual driver installation through Device Manager.
If Redmi stopped turning on after manipulating system applications, try going to Fastboot Mode (press Power + Volume Down) and reflash the device through the Mi Flash Tool.
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Always test the removal one application at a time, so you can determine which one caused the failure (if it happens).