How to Remove an App on Xiaomi: From Standard Methods to ADB

Removing unnecessary apps on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that every user faces sooner or later. Even after cleaning through the standard menu, many programs continue to take up space in memory, and system utilities do not have an uninstall button at all. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways from basic to advanced, including working with ADB, disabling embedded services and solving typical errors like “failed to remove”.

The feature of MIUI firmware is that it actively uses duplicate services (for example, two browsers or two app stores) that can not be removed without additional manipulation. We will show how to get rid of even these without risking system stability. All instructions are relevant for models from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra and MIUI versions 12-14.

1. Standard removal through the settings menu

The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which is suitable for most user applications (such as games or social networks), but will not work for pre-installed services like Mi Browser or Mi Video.

To remove the program:

  1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
  2. Select the app you want from the list (use search if it’s not in the visible area).
  3. Press the "Delete" button (if it is active).
  4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

⚠️ Note: If the Remove button is inactive or missing, the application is system-based.

📊 What Xiaomi model do you use?
Redmi Note 12/13
POCO X5/F5
Xiaomi 13/14
Redmi 10/11
Another model

Some apps (like Facebook or TikTok) can leave behind cache and data even after being deleted to clear them completely:

  • 🧹 Return to the app management menu and click Storage → Clear the data.
  • 📂 Check the Download folder or MIUI/Extra Remaining files available.
  • 🔄 Restart the device – this will help the system to free up occupied memory.

2.Delete via Google Play Store

An alternative way for apps installed from Google Play is useful if the standard MIUI menu does not display the program (for example, due to a cache failure).

Instructions:

  1. Open the Google Play Store.
  2. Click on the profile avatar in the upper right corner → App and device management.
  3. Go to the "Installed" tab and find the desired application.
  4. Press it. → "Delete" button".

🔹 The advantage of the method: Play Store often shows apps that do not appear in the settings MIUI due to synchronization errors.

💡

If the app is not removed through the Play Store, try to turn it off in Xiaomi’s settings first and then try again.

⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as Mi Pay or Mi Home) may be linked to a Xiaomi account, and if you delete them through the Play Store, you will get the error “Delete is impossible because the application is system-based.” ADB.

3. disabling system applications (without root)

If the delete button is inactive but the app is in the way (e.g. Mi Music or Mi Calendar), it can be disabled, which hides the program from the menu and stops its background work, but does not free up space in memory.

How to turn it off:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
  2. Select a system application (e.g., Browser).
  3. Click "Disable" (the button will appear if deletion is not available).
  4. Confirm the action. The app will disappear from the menu and stop updating.

📌 Important: Disabled applications can be returned at any time through the same menu, and this method is secure and does not require superuser rights.

Back up important data | Check if the app is being used by other services | Remember the name of the app for future inclusion |Reboot your phone after you turn it off-->

Some system applications (such as Security or Finder) are not recommended to be disabled, as this can disrupt MIUI. Here is a list of relatively safe programs to disable:

AnnexCan I turn it off?Effects of consequences
Mi Browser✅ Yes.A standard browser selection request will open
Mi Video✅ Yes.Video files will be opened through another application
Mi Music✅ Yes.Music files will be opened in the selected player
Mi Calendar⚠️ Partially.Reminders synced with Mi Accounts may be missing
Security (Security)❌ No.The work of the antivirus and optimizer will be disrupted

4. Complete removal of system applications via ADB

Complete removal of embedded applications (including memory freeing) will require a computer and an ADB (Android Debug Bridge) tool, which works without root rights, but requires care - incorrect commands can disrupt the system.

🛠️ What's the matter:

  • 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
  • 📱 Cable USB (original or quality).
  • 🔧 Google's Platform Tools utility.
  • ⚙️ Included debugging by USB phone-on.

Steps:

  1. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and press 7 times to activate Developer Mode. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and enable USB Debugging.

File transfer

Platform Tools

adb devices

If the device is displayed, enter:

adb shell

Mi Browser

pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser

For a list of packages for popular Xiaomi applications, see the next section.

⚠️ Note: Do not remove apps with com.miui. or com.android packages without first checking - this can lead to a bootloope (cyclical phone reboot).

List of Xiaomi system application packages
Mi Browser: com.android.browser or com.miui.browser Mi Video: com.miui.videoplayer Mi Music: com.miui.player Mi Calendar: com.android.calendar Mi Pay: com.mipay.wallet GetApps (Mi App Store): com.xiaomi.mipicks Security (Security): com.miui.securitycenter (removed not recommended)

5. Removal by root rights

If you have root access (like through Magisk), you can remove system applications directly from the file system, a method that gives you maximum control, but requires caution.

Instructions:

  1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
  2. Go to /system/app or /system/priv-app (there are stored system applications).
  3. Find a folder with the name of the app (such as Browser for Mi Browser) and delete it.
  4. Reboot the phone.