Removing unnecessary apps on Xiaomi MIUI 12 via computer: all working methods

Xiaomi's MIUI 12-based smartphones are often overloaded with pre-installed applications that can't be removed by standard means. Even after manually resetting to factory settings, some of the software comes back, which is a feature of the firmware. But there's a solution: uninstall it through a computer using ADB or Fastboot tools. This method allows you to get rid of even system programs without obtaining root rights, which preserves the guarantee and security of the device.

In this article, we will discuss 3 proven ways: through ADB (the most versatile), using Fastboot (for power users), and an alternative method using specialized utilities. Each option is suitable for different situations, from removing unnecessary games to cleaning up system debris. Importantly, before you start, back up data, as some actions can lead to MIUI malfunctions.

If you haven’t worked with ADB or Fastboot before, don’t worry: we’ll explain every step in detail, including installing drivers and setting up connections, and for those who are afraid of breaking something, we’ll give you a list of safe apps to remove — those that won’t affect system stability.

1.Preparation: What will be needed to remove applications via PC

Before you start removing, make sure you have everything you need, and without proper preparation, the process can result in a mistake or even locking your smartphone, and here are the minimum set of tools and conditions:

✅ Computer on Windows 7/10/11 or macOS/Linux (The instructions are universal, but the commands for macOS/Linux Maybe a little different).

✅ Cable USB (preferably original from Xiaomi - cheap cables often do not transmit data to the user. ADB).

✅ Xiaomi Smartphone with Xiaomi MIUI 12 (or newer version) and unlocked bootloader (for Fastboot method).

✅ Drivers for your model (you can download from the official Xiaomi website or through Mi). PC Suite).

You'll also need to turn on the developer mode and debugging over USB on your smartphone.

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times on MIUI until you become a developer!
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Activate the USB Debugging and OEM Unlock switches (the latter is needed for Fastboot).

Attention! If you plan to use Fastboot, make sure the bootloader is unlocked, and you can check this by rebooting the phone to Fastboot mode (clamp Power + Volume down) and looking at the label Locked/Unlocked at the bottom of the screen.

Method 2: Remove applications via ADB (without root)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is the most secure and versatile method, allowing users to remove both user and some system applications without compromising firmware integrity, with the main advantage of not having to unlock the bootloader or obtain root rights.

Step-by-step:

1. Install. ADB-tool: 📥 Download Platform Tools from the official Android website. 📂 Unpack the archive into the root of the disk C:\ (for example, C:\platform-tools\). 🖱️ Launch the Command Prompt (Win) + R → cmd) and go to the folder with ADB: cd C:\platform-tools\

Connect your smartphone

• 📱 Connect Xiaomi to your PC via USB.
• 🔄 On the phone, select File Transfer Mode (MTP).
• ✅ In the command line, enter: adb devices If the device appears in the list – the connection is successful.
• Get a list of installed applications: adb shell pm list packages Copy the names of unnecessary packages (e.g. com.miui.calculator for calculator).
• Delete the application: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.name.packet Flag-k stores application data (in case of recovery), and --user 0 indicates the current user.

⚠️ Note: Deletion via Fastboot may result in data loss or system failure if critical components are affected.

Important: After removing system applications via Fastboot, a Wipe Data reset may be required to restore MIUI stability.

💡

Before deleting via Fastboot, back up /data partition using the fastboot backup data command. This will help restore data in the event of a crash.

Method 3: Use of third-party utilities (alternative to ADB)

If you think you're working with the command line, you can use specialized software that automates the removal process and often has a user-friendly graphical interface.

🔹 MiXplorer + ADB AppControl (for users without root):

• 📱 Install MiXplorer (file manager) and ADB AppControl from Google Play.
• 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC and activate it. ADB Wi-Fi-wi-fi ADB AppControl.
• 🗑️ In MiXplorer, go to the /data/app Remove folders of unnecessary applications.

🔹 Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools (for PCs):

• 📥 Download the utility with XDA Developers.
• 🖥️ Connect the phone in mode ADB and select the desired applications to remove in the program interface.
• ⚡ Press Uninstall – the utility will form and execute commands.

The advantage of these programs is visual control over the process and reduce the risk of errors, but they do not always support the latest versions of MIUI, so check compatibility on forums before using them.

5. List of secure applications for removal on MIUI 12

Not all pre-installed applications can be removed without consequences. Below is a list of proven packages that do not affect system stability.

📌 Social networks and messengers:

• 📱 com.facebook.appmanager – Facebook (including services)
• 💬 com.facebook.orca — Messenger
• 🎵 com.tencent.qqmusic — QQ Music

📌 Games and entertainment:

• 🎮 com.xiaomi.gamecenter.sdk.service — Game Center
• 🃏 com.miui.videoplayer - Video player (if you use an alternative)
• 📺 com.miui.player - Music player

📌 Xiaomi Services (can be removed if you don’t use them):

• 🌐 com.xiaomi.mipicks - Mi Apps (theme store)
• 📡 com.miui.analytics – Analytics collection (disables data sending)
• 🔄 com.xiaomi.midrop - Mi Drop (file transfer)

⚠️ Note: Do not remove applications with packages starting on:

• com.android. – Android system services;
• com.miui.home - launcher;
• com.android.phone – telephone functions;
• com.miui.securitycenter is a security center.

Removal of them will lead to the inoperability of the smartphone!

💡

Before removing any app, check its name online or on topical forums (such as 4PDA). Even "safe" packages can conflict with some MIUI features depending on the smartphone model.

6. How to Restore a Remote Application

If you have problems after deleting (for example, notifications or settings have stopped working), the application can be restored.

🔄 Method 1: Through ADB (if the flag was used -k)

• Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.name.packet
• The application will return to its original state with the data stored.

🔄 Method 2: Reset settings (if deletion was without data storage)

• Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
• Select Reset all settings (does not affect user files).
• After the reboot, the system applications will recover.

💡 Tip: If the reset didn't work, you'll have to scour the phone through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option, which will return all pre-installed apps, but delete user data.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you delete applications through your PC, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

❌ Error: device unauthorized or no devices found

• 🔌 Check the cable connection and try another one. USB-port.
• 📱 The phone will be asked for debugging permission - confirm it.
• 🔄 Reinstall Xiaomi drivers via Mi PC Suite.

❌ Mistake: Failure [DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR]

• 🛡️ The application is protected from removal. Try the Fastboot method (if the bootloader is unlocked).
• 🔧 Use the flag command --user 0 (already listed in the instructions).

❌ The smartphone is not turned on after removing the system application

• 🔄 Try to get into the Fastboot (Food). + Volume down) and reset: fastboot erase userdata
• 📥 If it doesn’t work, run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool with the official firmware.

⚠️ Note: If Google Services stop working after you delete your apps (for example, there is no account sync), restore com.google packets. ADB Resetting them disrupts Google Play services.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions