Why Mi Video is in the way of Redmi Note 8 Pro users and can it be safely removed?
Mi Video is a standard video player from Xiaomi, preinstalled on all smartphones of the brand, including the Redmi Note 8 Pro. For many users, it becomes a source of irritation: it takes place in memory, consumes resources in the background and imposes unnecessary functions like content recommendations. Moreover, Mi Video can not be removed by standard means - the "Delete" button in the app menu is simply absent.
The challenge is that the Redmi Note 8 Pro (begonia) is powered by Xiaomiβs MIUI shell, where system applications are deeply integrated into firmware, and if you do it wrong, you can crash if you remove them, and in this article, weβll look at 5 proven ways to safely disable them to completely remove them from root rights, and how to minimize the risks of radical methods.
Itβs important to understand that on the Redmi Note 8 Pro model with MIUI 12.5 firmware and later, removing Mi Video via ADB may require additional permissions due to Xiaomiβs tightening security policy. If your smartphone upgrades to HyperOS, some commands may not work β weβll mention that too.
Method 1: Disable Mi Video without deleting (the safest method)
If you just need to hide an application and stop its background activity, you just need to turn it off through the settings, which does not require superuser rights and does not affect the stability of the system, and the only downside is that the application will remain in the device's memory, taking about 50-70 MB.
How to turn it off:
- π± Open the Settings. β Annexes β Application management.
- π In the search bar, enter Mi Video (or "Video" on Russian firmware).
- π« Click Disable (the button will become active after tap on three points in the upper right corner).
- β Confirm the action in the dialog window.
After the shutdown:
- βοΈ The icon will disappear from the app menu.
- βοΈ Mi Video background processes will cease.
- β The app will remain in the system and will take up space.
- β Updates MIUI They can activate it again.
β οΈ Note: Some firmware may not be able to play video in the gallery after Mi Video is disabled. In this case, use a third-party player, such as a video player. VLC or MX Player.
Method 2: Remove Mi Video via ADB (without root)
The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method allows you to uninstall the app without getting root permissions, a more radical way than shutting down, but still relatively safe if you follow the instructions, and is suitable for users who don't want to risk system stability but want to free up memory.
What you need:
- π» Computer with installed ADB-driver.
- π± Included Debugging by USB Redmi Note 8 Pro (Settings) β The phone. β Version. MIUI β Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings β Additionally. β For developers).
- π Cable USB (preferably original).
Step-by-step:
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission on your phone screen.
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with the platform-tools.
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
- Run the command to delete Mi Video: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer
- Reboot your smartphone.
| Advantages of the method | Deficiencies of the method |
|---|---|
| β Doesn't require root rights | β The app will return after resetting the settings |
| β Frees him. ~70 MB memory | β It doesnβt work on some versions of HyperOS. |
| β Reversible (can be returned through the ADB) | β Requires a connection to the PC |
β οΈ Attention: On firmware MIUI 13+ HyperOS command can return the error DELETE_FAILED_DEVICE_POLICY_MANAGER. This means that Xiaomi has blocked the removal of system applications through the ADB. In this case, only root will help.
βοΈ Preparation for removal through ADB
Method 3: Removal with root rights (for power users)
If youβre willing to take the risk of root access, Mi Video can be permanently deleted, including all of its system files, a method thatβs suitable for those who have already unlocked a bootloader and installed custom recovery (TWRP).
Pre-launch warnings:
- π Unlocking the bootloader will reset all data on the phone.
- π‘οΈ Root can deprive you of warranties and increases the risk of hacking your device.
- π Some banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) will cease to work.
Instructions for users with root:
- Install a root-enabled file manager, such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer.
- Go to /system/priv-app/MiuiVideo or /system/app/MiuiVideo (the path may vary depending on the version of MIUI).
- Remove the MiuiVideo folder completely or rename it (for example, in the MiuiVideo_bak).
- Clear the cache and application data through Settings β Apps.
- Reset the device.
An alternative way is to use the command in the root access terminal:
su
mount -o rw,remount /system
rm -rf /system/priv-app/MiuiVideo
rebootβ οΈ Attention: Deleting system files can lead to bootloop ( looped boot) if you delete something critical.Always back up through TWRP before manipulating system folders!
What if the gallery stopped working after the Mi Video was deleted?
Method 4: Using Magisk and Universal Debloater
For those who donβt want to manually dig through system files, thereβs a safer way to do it: the Universal Debloater module for Magisk, which allows you to remove system applications through a user-friendly interface, minimizing the risk of errors.
Advantages of the method:
- π― Punctual removal of unnecessary applications without manual file search.
- π The possibility of rolling back changes through Magisk.
- π‘οΈ Less risk of system damage compared to manual removal.
How to determine:
- Install Magisk Manager and get root access.
- Download the Universal Debloater module (.zip file).
- In Magisk Manager, go to Modules β Install from storage and select the downloaded file.
- After installation, restart the device.
- Open the Universal Debloater app, search for com.miui.videoplayer and tick it for removal.
- Apply the changes and reboot.
π‘
Before installing any Magisk module, always check its compatibility with your version of MIUI on the XDA-Developers forum.
Method 5: Flashing to custom firmware without Mi Video
The most radical, but also the most effective way to get rid of Mi Video and other Xiaomi system applications is to install custom firmware like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or HavocOS. These firmware do not contain Xiaomiβs bloatware and offer βcleanβ Android.
What you need to know:
- π§ An unlocked loader is required and installed TWRP.
- π± For Redmi Note 8 Pro (codename begonia) available stable builds LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) and Pixel Experience 12 (Android 12).
- β οΈ Certain functions (e.g, IR-Game Turbo or Blaster may not work.
Step-by-step:
- Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (you will have to wait 7-14 days to unlock).
- Install TWRP for begonia (instructions are available on XDA).
- Download the right firmware (e.g. LineageOS for begonia) and GApps (if you need Google services).
- In TWRP, run Wipe β Advanced Wipe (mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
- Install firmware and GApps, then restart.
β οΈ Castom firmware may contain bugs, especially on the Redmi Note 8 Pro due to proprietary Mediatek Helio chip G90T. Before installing, check the reviews on the forums!
π‘
Custom firmware is the only way to permanently get rid of Mi Video and other Xiaomi system applications, but it requires technical skills and can be unwarranted.
What if Mi Video is back after the MIUI update?
One of the most frustrating consequences of removing system applications is to restore them after a firmware update. Xiaomi often returns remote applications through a firmware update. OTA-That's how we deal with it:
How to prevent return:
- π Turn off automatic updates MIUI In Settings β The phone. β Updating the system β Three points. β Settings.
- π΅ Use the update blocker through ADB: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.updater
- π‘οΈ Install DisableForceEncrypt in Magisk β it prevents system applications from recovering.
- π§ After each manual update, repeat the removal of Mi Video via ADB root.
If the app has already returned:
- Repeat removing it with the previously chosen method (ADB or root).
- Check if there are new dependencies, for example, in HyperOS Mi Video can be linked to com.miui.gallery.
Mi Video Alternatives: Which Players Are Best to Use on the Redmi Note 8 Pro
After removing Mi Video, you will need an alternative video player. Here are the best options for the Redmi Note 8 Pro:
| Player. | Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|---|
| VLC | β Supports all formatsβ No advertising.β Light and fast. | β The interface is not optimized for MIUI |
| MX Player | β Hardware acceleration β Control gestures β Built-in codeeki | β Advertising in the free version |
| Google Photo | β Integration with the cloudβ Automatic sorting | β Not all formats are reproduced |
| Kodi | β Network Storage Support β Plugins and Extensions | β Difficult for beginners |
Recommendation: If you want minimalism, choose VLC. If you need additional features (such as subtitles or streaming), stop at the MX Player.