How to Remove Unremovable Apps on Xiaomi: A Step-by-Step Guide with Risks and Alternatives

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face a problem: some applications cannot be removed in the standard way. These are built-in MIUI services, advertising modules or duplicate programs that take up space in memory and consume battery power. Attempts to uninstall via the Settings menu → Applications end with the message “Delete is impossible” or the “Delete” button is simply missing.

The reasons for blocking vary from Xiaomi’s policy (linking to MIUI firmware) to Google’s requirements (mandatory services for Android certification), but there are legal and illegal ways to get rid of unnecessary programs, from disabling through ADB to deep modification of the system. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of 2026, including their pros, cons and potential risks for the phone.

Importantly, not all methods are equally safe. Some may cause MIUI failures, loss of warranty, or even build-up of the device, and we will indicate which steps are reversable and which require caution.

Why is Xiaomi blocking the removal of certain apps?

Xiaomi is embedding a number of applications into MIUI firmware for several reasons:

• 🔹 System integration: programs like Security, Themes, or Mi Account are critical to the shell, and removing them can disrupt the stability of the system.
• 💰 Monetization: Services like Mi Video, Mi Music, or GetApps contain advertising or affiliate offers that generate revenue for the company.
• 🤝 Google Requirements: Pre-installed services (Google Play Music, Duo, YouTube) are required for Android certification, even if they duplicate functions MIUI.
• 🌍 Localization: There may be unique applications in firmware for different regions (e.g. Mi Pay for India or Mi Home for Smart Home).

Technically, “unremovable” applications fall into three categories:

1. System services (com.miui.securitycenter, com.android.phone) – their removal will lead to critical failures.
2. Bloatware (com.miui.videoplayer, com.xiaomi.midrop) – can be removed without consequences.
3. Google apps (com.google.android.apps.tachyon – Google Duo) are deleted, but can be restored after the service update.

⚠️ Note: Removing system applications without backup may make it impossible to obtain OTA-In some cases, the phone will stop loading as normal.

Method 1: Disable applications through settings (without superuser rights)

The safest method is not to delete, but to disable unnecessary programs, which hides them from the menu, stops background processes and saves battery life.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want (such as Mi Video).
3. Click “Disable” (if the button is inactive, tap “Permissions” and disable all rights).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

For mass shutdown, use the filter:

• 🔍 In the upper right corner, press three dots. → «Show system-based».
• 📊 Sort by size or alphabet to find the heaviest apps.
• ⚠️ Do not disable services called com.android. or com.miui. – this can disrupt the system.

The apps that are disabled will not be updated through Google Play, but their data will remain in memory. To completely clear the cache and settings, click Storage → Clear Data before turning off.

Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root rights)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool allows you to remove system applications without getting root access. The method works on all Xiaomi smartphones with an unlocked bootloader.

Preparation:

1. Download ADB Tools for Windows/macOS/Linux.
2. Turn on Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode).
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable “Debugging by USB”.
4. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the trusted device.

Instructions for removal:

1. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with adb.exe.
2. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
3. Get a list of all packages: adb shell pm list packages
4. Find the name of the package of the desired application (for example, com.miui.videoplayer for Mi Video).
5. Delete the application by command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name packet Flag -k saves data, --user 0 indicates the current user.

Examples of commands for popular applications:

⚠️ Attention: Removal through ADB It doesn't erase the application completely, it will remain in the system partition, but it will become inaccessible to the current user.

Method 3: Use root rights (for power users)

Deleting system applications completely requires root access, which is a method that gives you maximum freedom, but carries risks.

• 🚨 Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
• 🔄 Impossibility to obtain OTA-Updates (you will need to install firmware manually).
• 💥 Risk of “bricking” in case of error.

If you are prepared for these consequences, follow the instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a binding Mi Account and wait 7-15 days).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox) for your model.
3. Please use Magisk to obtain root rights.
4. Use a root-access file manager (such as Root Explorer) or System App Remover.

Example of removal through Root Explorer:

1. Open the manager and go to /system/app or /system/priv-app.
2. Find a folder with the name of the application (for example, VideoPlayer).
3. Delete the folder or rename it (add.bak at the end).
4. Reboot the phone.

For security, back up /system partitioning via TWRP before you delete it. This will allow you to restore your phone in the event of a crash.

Method 4: Use of custom firmware (alternative root)

If you don’t want to mess with manual removal, consider installing custom firmware. Many third-party MIUI builds (e.g. xiaomi.eu, MIUI Mix) are already bloatwar-free and optimized.

Advantages:

• 🧹 No unnecessary apps out of the box».
• 🔄 Regular updates and bug fixes.
• 🛡️ Select the version (Stable or Weekly).

How to determine:

1. Download the firmware from the official website (for example, xiaomi.eu).
2. Unlock the bootloader (see method 3).
3. Install TWRP for your model.
4. Backup the current firmware.
5. Squeeze the downloaded ZIP-file-through TWRP (wipe dalvik/cache mandatory!).

⚠️ Attention: Castom firmware may contain bugs, especially on new Xiaomi models. Before installing, check your device's user reviews on forums 4PDA or XDA-Developers.

Method 5: Hiding applications through launcher

If you just need to remove icons of unnecessary apps from the home screen, use the launcher features:

• 📱 V MIUI Launcher: Press the icon → «Remove (hidden from the menu, but not removed).
• 🔍 Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher: Settings → «Hidden applications» → pick out.
• 📂 V POCO Launcher: swipe down → «Settings» → «Hidden applications».

This method doesn't free up memory, but visually cleans the interface.Apps will stay on the system and will be updated via Google Play.

What if the app returned after the update?

Some system applications are restored after:

• 🔄 Updates MIUI through OTA.
• 📥 Updates to Google Play Services.
• 🔧 Resetting settings to factory.

Decisions:

1. For ADB-Repeat the Delete Command after Updating.
2. For root method: Use the System App Remover app with the Freeze function (the app will remain in the system, but will not work).
3. For custom firmware: Install a version with automatic updates to system applications disabled.

To prevent automatic recovery, disable updates for specific applications:

1. Open Google Play → click on the profile avatar → “Manage Apps and Device”.
2. Find an app (like Mi Video) → click on three dots → “Disable Auto Update.”

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The most reliable way to prevent the return of remote applications is to use custom firmware with disabled services Google Play or regularly check the system through ADB.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing apps on Xiaomi

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Before experimenting with system applications, back up important data. Even disabling some services (e.g. com.miui.analytics) can cause Mi accounts or cloud functions to crash.