Removing applications on Xiaomi Redmi 5: from simple to advanced

The Redmi 5 series, which was once available as a metal case, is still in service for many users. However, over time, the Android operating system has become overgrown with unnecessary software that not only occupies precious space in internal memory, but also consumes RAM, slowing down the gadget, especially for models with 2 or 3 GB of RAM, where every megabyte counts.

Owners often face a situation where standard means can remove only a small part of the preinstalled software. MIUI system restrictions do not allow you to simply remove important components, but there are proven methods to bypass these locks. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to safely and effectively clean your device of digital debris.

Before we start taking drastic measures, we need to understand the difference between user data and system files. Deleting critical system components can lead to a cyclic device restart (bootloop), so all actions with system applications require increased caution. We will look at methods from simple deletion through settings to the use of specialized tools for advanced users.

Basic removal of user applications

The easiest and safest way to free up space is to remove programs that you downloaded yourself from the Google Play store or installed through the Google Play Store. APK-This method does not require root rights and does not violate the warranty if it is still relevant. First, unlock the screen of your Redmi 5 and find the icon of the unwanted program.

Click on the icon and hold your finger for one to two seconds. The context menu will appear on the screen or the icon will start to "shake" offering options. Depending on the version of the MIUI shell, you need to select "Delete" or drag the icon to the basket located at the top of the screen. The system will request confirmation of the operation to avoid accidental clicks.

If the application is actively used in the background, the system can warn you about this, in which case it is recommended to stop the process first. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications, find the desired process in the list and click the Stop button.

• 📱 Go to the menu of all applications and find the label of unnecessary program.
• 🗑️ Press and hold the icon, select the delete option in the menu that appears.
• ✅ Confirm the action in the pop-up window to complete the process.

⚠️ Note: When you delete some messengers or social networks without prior backup, you may lose your correspondence history stored locally on your device.

Working with pre-installed MIUI software

MIUI is famous for its set of pre-installed apps, many of which are duplicates of standard Google services or are only useful in China, including Mi Video, Mi Music, GetApps and various games, which are often impossible to remove in the standard way - the delete button is either missing or inactive (grey).

For these cases, Android has a "Disable" feature in its settings, which does not physically delete files, but hides the application from the launcher menu and prevents it from running, consuming battery and updating. In fact, the program ceases to exist for the user, taking up only space in the system partition, which the user anyway can not use for his files.

To disable the application, follow the Settings → Applications → All Apps. In the list, find the target program (e.g., Mail from MIUI or Calculator if you use another). Click on it, and if the Delete button is not available, look for the Disable button at the bottom of the screen or in the three-dot menu.

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Before disabling system components, make sure you have an alternative, such as another launcher or keyboard, or you may be left without the ability to type text.

You can also remove system application updates. If a standard Gallery or Music starts to work incorrectly or takes up too much space after the update, you can roll it back to the factory version. To do this, click on the three dots in the top corner of the app menu and select Remove Updates. This will return the original, often lighter version of the program.

• 🛠️ Open the settings of a specific system application in the control menu.
• 🚫 Click the "Disable" button if deletion is not available to stop background processes.
• 🔄 Use the "Remove Updates" option to return to the factory version of heavy software.

Using ADB to remove system components

For users who want to clean Redmi 5 from excess weight, the only effective solution is to use the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) debugging tool, which allows you to remove even those applications that are hidden from the average user, without the need to obtain root rights, which preserves the integrity of the system partition /system and the ability to receive official updates.

Before you start working, you need to activate the developer mode on your smartphone. → About the phone and quickly press 7 times on the item "Version" MIUI", until you have a message that you have become a developer, then in the advanced settings, turn on Debugging by USB".

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name.packet.applications

Once you connect your smartphone to your computer and install the drivers, you can execute deletion commands. It is important to know the exact name of the package (for example, com.miui.videoplayer). You can use analyzer applications or the command adb shell pm list packages to find names. Be extremely careful: removing packets associated with SystemUI or com.android.phone will cause the device to fail.

Cleaning cache and residual files

Even after removing apps, the smartphone often has tails — configuration folders, temporary files, and cache. With the Xiaomi Redmi 5, with its limited internal storage capacity, this can be gigabytes of excess garbage. The standard MIUI cleaner does a good job of basic tasks, but sometimes requires a deeper approach.

Use the built-in Security app (green zipper icon) to run Cleanup, which will analyze the system for temporary files, APK install residues and browser cache, and this routine helps keep the interface running smoothly.

For more thorough cleaning, you can use third-party file managers, such as Total Commander or Files by Google, which allow you to manually find folders of remote applications, usually located at the root of internal memory or in a folder. Android/data. Remove only those folders whose names match those of the already deleted programs.

• 🧹 Run the standard "Security" application for automatic garbage search.
• 📂 Manually check the Download and Bluetooth folder for forgotten files.
• 🗑️ Use the file manager to find empty or orphaned folders from remote software.

⚠️ Note: Do not delete folders with the names of system services Google or Xiaomi, unless you are 100% sure of their purpose, as this can lead to account failures and synchronization.

Managing Autoboot and Permits

Many Android apps tend to run automatically when you turn on your phone, even if you're not using them right now. It eats up Redmi 5 RAM and drains the battery. MIUI has a powerful built-in tool to control this process that users often ignore.

Go to the Security app, scroll down to the Permissions section, and select AutoRun. Here you will see a list of all the programs that start with the system. Leave only instant messaging (WhatsApp, Telegram) enabled if you care about instant notifications, and antivirus. Everything else, including stores and games, turn off.

It's also worth checking application permissions. Often simple flashlights or calculators require access to contacts, geolocation and microphone. Restricting rights not only increases security, but can also prevent background activity. Go to Settings → Apps → Permissions and strip away unnecessary rights from suspicious programs.

Effective permission management also includes network access control. If an application does not require internet to work (such as a voice recorder or alarm clock), deny it access to Wi-Fi and mobile data, and this can be done through application settings or third-party firewalls, which will prevent data transfer and background synchronization.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Regular cleaning of autoload and cache extends the life of the battery and keeps the Redmi 5 running even after years of use.