How to completely remove undeleteable programs on Xiaomi smartphones: from disconnection to deep cleaning

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face a problem: some applications cannot be removed by standard methods, this can be branded services (Mi Browser, Mi Video, GetApps), duplicate messengers or preinstalled software from partners. Even after clicking “Delete”, the system offers only to disable or reset settings – but does not erase the program completely.

The reasons for this behavior lie in MIUI’s policy: the manufacturer blocks removal of system applications to keep the firmware stable. However, there are workarounds – from safe shutdown through settings to radical methods using ADB or superuser rights. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, their pros, cons and risks – so that you can choose the best option for your model (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5, etc.).

⚠️ Important: Some techniques require technical skills and may result in loss of warranty or device failure!

1. disable applications via MIUI settings (no root)

The easiest and safest way is to deactivate unnecessary programs, which will not delete their files from memory, but will stop background work and hide icons from the menu, suitable for most system applications, except for mission-critical ones (for example, MiuiSystemUI or SecurityCenter).

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Find the desired application in the list (use the filter All applications»).
• ⚙️ Press it. → Disable (or Remove Updates if the button is active).
• ✅ Confirm the action in the dialog window.

After deactivation, the annex:

• ✔️ Disappear from the main menu and search MIUI.
• ✔️ Stop using battery and traffic.
• ❌ It will stay in memory (takes up) ~50-300 MB depending on the program).
• ❌ May be activated again after the firmware update.

⚠️ Note: Do not disable services called com.android., miui. or xiaomi.* – this can cause system failures (for example, Wi-Fi or mobile network will disappear).

2. Removal via ADB (without root but with PC)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a debugging tool that allows you to control your smartphone through a computer, which can completely remove many system applications without getting root rights.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 USB Type C C Cable (Original or Quality).
• 📦 Utilities: ADB Fastboot (download platform-tools for your OS).
• 🔧 Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to press to unlock the developer settings).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the platform-tools into a folder (e.g., C:\adb).
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
3. Open the command prompt (Win + R → cmd) and go to the folder with ADB: cd C:\adb
4. Check the connection of the device: adb devices (should appear serial number of the phone).
5. Find out the package name of the application (for example, for Mi Browser it is com.android.browser): adb shell pm list packages | grep "application name"
6. Delete the application by command: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 name packet For example: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.browser

✅ Pros of the method:

• 🧹 Complete removal of application files for the current user.
• 🔄 Recovery via adb shell cmd package install-existing name packet.
• 🛡️ More secure than getting root rights.

❌ Cons:

• 🔌 Requires a connection to the PC.
• 🔄 After resetting settings or updating the firmware, applications can return.
• 🚫 It does not work for some system services (e.g. com.xiaomi.finddevice).

Download platform-tools and unpack in folder |

Enable debugging by USB on your smartphone |

Connect your phone to your PC with the original cable |

Check the visibility of the device with the adb devices| command

Find out the batch name of the unnecessary application-->

3. List of safe to remove system applications

Not all preinstalled programs can be removed without risk. Below is a table of applications that are usually safe to remove from Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO (based on MIUI firmware 13-14).

⚠️ It is forbidden to remove:

• 🚫 com.android.settings – System settings.
• 🚫 com.miui.securitycenter – Security Center (responsible for permissions).
• 🚫 com.xiaomi.finddevice – Device search (can block Mi Account account).
• 🚫 Any services with Google in their name (if you use Google Services).

4. Deletion with root rights (for experienced users)

If you're willing to take risks, getting root rights gives you complete control over your system files, which will allow you to delete any applications, including those that are blocked in ADB.

🔴 Effects of rooting:

• 🛡️ Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
• 🔒 Inability to use Google Pay, banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff) and certain games (Pokémon GO).
• 🔄 Risk of “bricking” (turning into a “brick”) when making mistakes.
• 📱 Absence OTA-Updates (you will have to manually update).

If you do decide, follow the instructions:

1. Unlock bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a binding account Mi and wait 7-30 days).
2. Install a custom recap (TWRP) for your model (look for XDA Developers).
3. Please use Magisk to obtain root rights.
4. Use a root-access file manager (e.g., Root Explorer) or command: su rm -rf /system/priv-app/Applications

💡 Alternative: Instead of completely removing applications, you can freeze them through Magisk or Titanium Backup, which is a reversible process, and you can defrost the software if you need it.

💡

Before you get root, make a full backup through TWRP (including the EFS section where IMEIs and serial numbers are stored) and this will save your smartphone if something goes wrong.

5. How to return a remote application

If problems arise after removal via ADB or root (for example, notifications or mobile Internet stopped working), the application can be restored.

For ADB:

• Return the application with the command: adb shell cmd package install-existing name packet
• Or reinstall the firmware via Fastboot (without data cleansing).

For root:

• If manually removed, download the system application.apk (see APKMirror) and install it via TWRP.
• If you used Magisk, unfreeze the application in the module.
• Extreme case: run the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

⚠️ Warning: Restore system applications may require resetting if deleting them has damaged dependencies. Always check for basic features (calls, SMS, Wi-Fi) after manipulation.

Alternative methods: concealment and replacement

If removal seems risky, consider alternatives:

1. Hiding icons:

• 📱 Use launchers like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher to hide system applications from the menu.
• 🔍 V MIUI You can hide the icons in the folder “Hidden applications” (click the icon). → «Hide»).

Replacement of standard applications:

• 🌐 Replace Mi Browser on Chrome or Firefox by setting them by default in Settings → Annexes → By default.
• 🎵 Use it for music. VLC Poweramp instead of Mi Music.
• 📷 Photos: Google Photos instead of Gallery MIUI.

Restriction of activity:

• ⚡ Turn off auto-start in Settings → Battery → Application power management.
• 📵 Disable Internet access in Settings → Mobile network → Using traffic.

💡

Hiding and replacing system applications is the safest way to get rid of unnecessary software without risking MIUI stability.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When removing system applications, users often face problems, and consider common errors and solutions:

💡 Tip: Before removing, check for app dependencies by the team:

adb shell dumpsys package name packet

If the output has lines with requiredFor or usesLibrary, then the application is associated with other services - its removal can cause failures.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions