How to remove unnecessary system applications on Xiaomi: 5 working ways

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones come with dozens of pre-installed apps, many of which users never run. Mi Browser, Mi Music, GetApps, Mi Video and other services not only take up space in memory, but also consume battery power in the background. Unfortunately, standard MIUI tools allow you to only disable some system programs, but not remove them completely.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to remove unnecessary applications, from simple (through launcher settings) to advanced (using ADB and fastboot), focus on methods that do not require root rights to minimize the risks to the device, and you will learn which applications can be removed without consequences, and which cannot be touched categorically.

Why you can’t just remove system applications through settings

Unlike custom software, system applications in MIUI are protected from accidental removal for two reasons:

• 🔄 OS stability: some services (e.g. com.miui.system) are critical to the interface, and their removal can lead to launcher crashes or complete smartphone failure.
• 📦 License Agreements: Xiaomi is required to provide a number of services (e.g. Google Play Services) under the terms of its partnership with Google, and their forced removal could disrupt the ecosystem.
• 🔒 Security: Systemic APK-files are digitally signed by Xiaomi, and any changes to them may cause integrity check errors when updating the firmware.

However, some apps (e.g. Mi Pay, Mi Community, Cleaner) can be safely removed – they do not affect the basic functions of the phone.

⚠️ Note: Removal of system applications may result in loss of warranty if the device requires repair. Xiaomi service center may refuse service, citing "unauthorized software changes".

Method 1: Disable system applications through MIUI settings

The safest method is not to delete, but to disable unnecessary programs, which will stop their background activity and hide icons from the menu, but will not free up space in memory.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show all apps.
3. Find the app you want (such as Mi Browser) and open the page.
4. Click Disable (if the button is active) and confirm the action.

Disadvantages of the method:

• ❌ Does not free up space in memory (APK-Files remain on the device).
• ❌ Some apps (such as Google Play Services) cannot be disabled.
• ❌ After updating MIUI Disabled programs can be activated again.

Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root rights)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is Google’s official tool for debugging Android devices, which allows you to remove system applications without obtaining root rights, but with some restrictions.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 📱 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔧 Utility. ADB (You can download from the official website).
• ⚙️ Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Step-by-step:

Connection check (should show the serial number of the device)


adb devices




Delete the application (example for Mi Browser)



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




List of all packages installed (to find the right one)



adb shell pm list packages | grep 'miui'

Important nuances:

• 🔍 To find the name of the package of the desired application, use the command adb shell pm list packages. | find "keyword" (in Windows) or adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword" (in Linux/macOS).
• 🔄 After removal, the application will disappear only for the current user (flag) --user 0). When you reset or update the firmware, it can return.
• 📌 Some apps (such as Google Play Services) are protected and won’t be deleted even through the Google Play Services. ADB.

⚠️ Note: If, after removing the application through ADB The phone started spontaneously restarting or there were errors in the interface, return it with the command: adb shell cmd package install-existing <packet>

Method 3: Use MIUI Hidden Settings (for advanced)

MIUI firmware has a hidden MIUI Hidden Settings menu that allows you to manage system applications without ADB. Access to it is open through the codes of the engineering menu.

Instructions:

1. Open the phone app and enter the code: ##4636##
2. In the menu that appears, select MIUI Hidden Settings (if not, your firmware does not support this method).
3. Go to the App Manager section and find the unnecessary app.
4. Select Uninstall for all users (if the option is available).

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It doesn't work on all versions. MIUI (starting MIUI 12.5 Access may be blocked).
• ❌ The list of applications to be removed is limited (for example, you cannot delete Google services).
• ❌ After updating the firmware hidden menu may disappear.

Method 4: Remove via TWRP (requires unlocking the bootloader)

If you are willing to take more drastic measures, you can remove system applications through custom recovery TWRP.

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (the procedure is officially supported by Xiaomi, but resets all data).
• 📱 Established TWRP Recovery (the version must match the phone model).
• 📂 Backup of the section /system (necessarily!).

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install TWRP for your model (the instructions are available on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forum).
2. Download the phone to TWRP (usually by slamming Power + Volume Up).
3. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
4. Open the /system/priv-app or /system/app folder and find the folder with the unnecessary application (e.g. Browser for Mi Browser).
5. Delete the folder or rename it (add at the end of.bak).
6. Reboot the phone.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Remove applications completely, freeing up space in memory.
• ✅ It works even for secure systems. APK.

Risks:

• ⚠️ Incorrect removal can lead to a “brick” (inoperability) of the device.
• ⚠️ After updating MIUI through OTA Remote applications can return.
• ⚠️ Xiaomi’s warranty will be cancelled.

💡

Before removing through TWRP Make a full backup of the section /system It's.tar. It's in.tar. TWRP Choose Backup → System and save a copy to SD-card.

Method 5: Using Magisk modules (for root devices)

If your smartphone has root rights (obtained through Magisk), you can use special modules to remove system applications.

• 🧩 Universal Debloater – allows you to disable and remove applications through the graphical interface.
• 🧩 MIUI Debloater – a specialized module for Xiaomi, removes the standard “garbage” (advertising services, analytics, etc.).
• 🧩 App Systemizer – converts user applications to system applications and vice versa.

How to install the module:

1. Download the module file (.zip extension) from GitHub or XDA.
2. Open the Magisk app and go to the Modules section.
3. Click Install from Storage and select the downloaded file.
4. Reboot the phone.

Advantages:

• ✅ Ability to selectively remove even the most stubborn applications.
• ✅ Automatic recovery after updates (if the module supports this feature).
• ✅ No need to manually edit system files.

⚠️ Note: Magisk modules may conflict with each other. If after installation the phone stopped loading, boot in the TWRP and remove the module from the folder. /data/adb/modules.

What Xiaomi System Apps Can Be Deleted Without Risk

Not all pre-installed programs are equally useful, and below is a table of applications that can be removed without critical consequences for the system:

The following system components cannot be removed (this will cause the phone to fail):

• 🚫 com.miui.home - launcher MIUI.
• 🚫 com.android.settings – System settings.
• 🚫 com.google.android.gsf – Google Services Framework (required for Google Play).
• 🚫 com.miui.system – System Services MIUI.
• 🚫 com.android.phone – telephone services.

💡

Before removing any system application, check its packet name in specialized forums (such as XDA or 4PDA). Even seemingly secure programs can be associated with critical services.

What to do if the phone stops working after removal

If after manipulation with system applications, the smartphone does not turn on, hangs on the logo or gives errors, use the following recovery methods:

1. ADB recovery (if the phone is turned on but glitchy):

Install the remote package back


adb shell cmd package install-existing <name packet>




Example for Mi Browser



adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.browser

2. reset via Fastboot (if the phone doesn't boot):

• Download your phone to Fastboot (Power + Volume Down) mode.
• Connect to your PC and execute the command: fastboot erase userdata This will reset the settings to factory, but will save the firmware.

3. flashing through the Mi Flash Tool (extreme case):

• Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website.
• Install the Mi Flash Tool on your PC.
• Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and swipe clean all (full reset).

⚠️ Note: If you have removed the system application that is responsible for updates OTA (For example, com.miui.updater, when you restore the phone, you may not be getting updates over the air.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing system applications on Xiaomi