How to completely remove unnecessary apps on Xiaomi Poco X3 (including system)

Why Poco X3 is getting unwanted apps and how to fix it

Xiaomi Poco X3 (M2007J20CG and M2007J20CI) initially comes with a proprietary MIUI shell, which is known for its abundance of pre-installed services. Even after resetting to factory settings, users are faced with dozens of applications from Xiaomi, Google and partners, many of which cannot be removed by standard methods, the problem is compounded by the fact that over time users install additional programs, some of which turn into “digital garbage”: cached data, duplicates or abandoned utilities.

According to a study by Sensor Tower, the average Android smartphone user installs 30–50 apps per year, but actively uses no more than 15%. On the Poco X3 with its 64/128 GB of storage, this leads to 70–80% storage filling after 6–12 months of operation, while MIUI system applications (for example, com.miui.analytics or com.xiaomi.ab) can take up 3–5 GB of space, while not appearing in the “Removable” list.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to remove unnecessary applications, from basic (through the settings menu) to advanced (using ADB and root rights). Special attention will be paid to security: which programs can be removed without risk to the system and which should not be touched.

Method 1: Standard removal through the Applications menu

The simplest method that is suitable for user applications (installed from Google Play or.apk files) requires no additional tools and takes less than a minute. However, it has a limitation: system programs (such as Mi Browser or GetApps) will not be removed this way - the Delete button will be inactive.

To remove the unnecessary application:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 In the search box, type the name of the program (for example, Facebook or Netflix).
• 🗑️ Click on the app. → «Delete” (if the button is active).
• 🔄 Confirm the action in the dialog window.

The application is not system (no gear icon)

You have a backup of important data from it.

The program is not connected to the work of the camera or calls

You do not use it to log in to other services.-->

If the Remove button is missing but there is a Disable button, it means that the application is system-based. It can be deactivated (it will disappear from the menu and stop working), but the files will remain in memory.

⚠️ Note: Do not remove applications called com.android., com.qualcomm. or com.miui.core – these are critical components. MIUI And Android, and if you delete them, you're going to crash your smartphone.

Method 2: Using the built-in MIUI Cleaner

MIUI Cleaner (or Cleaning in Russian) is Xiaomi’s standard memory optimization tool, which, in addition to removing cache and debris, allows you to massively uninstall unnecessary programs, and the advantage of the method is that it displays even those applications that are not visible in the main menu.

Instructions:

1. Launch the Cleaner app (brush-shaped icon).
2. Go to the “Deep Cleanup” tab → “Application Management”.
3. Check the programs you want to remove (can be sorted by size or installation date).
4. Click "Delete" at the bottom of the screen.

MIUI Cleaner also shows cleanup recommendations, such as offering to remove duplicate photos or unused.apk files, but the same restrictions apply to system applications as the first method.

💡

If MIUI Cleaner doesn’t show some apps, try updating it via Google Play. In older versions (before 2023), the list of programs may not be complete.

Method 3: Removal via ADB (no root rights)

To remove system applications that cannot be uninstalled by standard methods, the ADB protocol (Android Debug Bridge) is suitable. This method does not require root access, but you need a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and ADB Tools package.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack the archive.
2. On your smartphone, activate Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to turn on Developer Mode).
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable “Debugging by USB”.
4. Connect Poco X3 to your PC, open the command prompt in the folder with ADB and type:

adb devices

(Series numbered device should appear. If not, install Xiaomi drivers.)

adb shell pm list packages | grep 'name packet'

(Replace the packet name with the application name part, such as miui.analytics.)

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

Example of Mi Browser removal:

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

Once the command is executed, the application will disappear from the menu, but its files will remain in memory (they will be marked as deleted for the current user).

adb shell cmd package install-existing name packet

⚠️ Note: Deleting some system applications (e.g. com.google.android.gsf) may disrupt Google Play Services. Before mass removal, check every package online.

Method 4: Manual removal with TWRP and root

If you are ready for radical measures and want to completely erase unnecessary applications (including their files from /system), you will need to unlock the bootloader, install custom recovery (TWRP) and get root rights. This method is suitable for advanced users, as improper actions can lead to a device blink.

Algorithm of action:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (you will need a Mi Account and wait 7-14 days).
2. Install TWRP for Poco X3 (the version must match the model: surya for M2007J20CG or karna for M2007J20CI).
3. Please use Magisk to obtain root rights.
4. Use a root-access file manager (e.g., Root Explorer) and manually delete application folders from: /system/app – system programs; /system/priv-app – privileged services; /data/app – custom applications.

The advantage of this method is that it's completely cleaned without traces, but there are risks.

• 🚨 Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
• 🔄 Possible disruptions MIUI (For example, the topic of design will cease to work).
• 🔒 Blocking certain features (such as Mi Pay or Widevine) L1 for Netflix HD).

Yeah, on the current device.

Yeah, but a long time ago, on another phone.

No, but I want to try.

No, I don't plan on.

I don't know what it is.-->

Method 5: Alternative methods (for lazy people)

If the previous methods seem complicated, you can use semi-automatic solutions:

1. Uninstaller applications (e.g. App Inspector or Package Name Viewer): 🔍 Show a complete list of packages indicating which can be removed. 📌 Offering teams for ADB single-click.

ADB

The network has ready-made.bat files (for example, XDA Developers), which automate the removal of popular system applications MIUI.

Cloud services

Some services (such as Debloater Tool) allow remote packet management over Wi-Fi via ADB, which is convenient if you don’t have access to a PC.

The downside of alternative methods is the risk of installing malware. Always check the sources of scripts and applications for reliability.

💡

The safest way for beginners is to use ADB (Method 3), which does not require root rights, but allows you to remove most system applications without risking damage to the system.

Comparison of removal methods: which one to choose?

To facilitate the choice, we have put all methods in a table indicating the complexity, risks and effectiveness:

For most Poco X3 users, the best solution is a combination of Method 1 (for custom applications) and Method 3 (for system applications).If you are not sure about your skills, start with safe methods and gradually move on to more complex ones.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing apps on Poco X3