How to uninstall the app update to Xiaomi: 5 working ways

Application updates on Xiaomi often bring new features, but sometimes become a source of problems, from bugs and brakes to incompatibility with MIUI or HyperOS. If after the update the application stopped working correctly, consumes more battery or imposes unnecessary functions, it can be rolled back to the previous version. In this article, we will analyze all the available ways to remove updates, including hidden system settings, ADB commands and third-party utilities.

Unlike Android in its pure form, Xiaomi firmware has features: some system applications (such as Mi Browser or Security) are protected from manual removal. In addition, after a rollback, you may need to disable automatic updates — otherwise the system will install the latest version again. We will look at solutions for different scenarios, from standard methods to advanced ones that require unlocking the bootloader.

⚠️ Important: The rollback of system applications (e.g. com.miui.gallery or com.android.settings) can lead to unstable performance MIUI. We recommend backing up data before experimenting.

1. Standard rollback via "Settings" (no root)

The easiest way to return a previous version of an app is to use the built-in MIUI or HyperOS tools.It works for most custom applications (e.g. Google Play Store, YouTube, Facebook), but is not suitable for system utilities.

Algorithm of action:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Find the app you want in the list (use search if it’s not at the top of the list).
• ⚙️ Stick to three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Remove Updates.
• 🔄 Confirm action. The system will return the app to the factory version (the one that was used when you bought the device).

If the Remove Updates item is inactive or absent, this means that:

• 🚫 The application is system-based and is protected from changes (e.g. Mi Video or Mi Music).
• 🔒 You do not have administrator rights (some Xiaomi firmware requires unlocking the bootloader).
• 📦 The update was installed manually rather than through Google Play (e.g., Google Play, APK-file).

2. disable automatic updates in Google Play

Even after a successful Google Play rollback, the Store can update the app again, and to avoid this, you must prevent automatic updates for a particular software:

Instructions:

1. Open the Google Play Store and find the app you need.
2. Stick to three points (⋮) Next to the button Update.
3. Uncheck the Auto Update box (or select Do Not Update automatically).

To completely disable automatic updates of all applications:

• 🛠️ Go to Google Play Settings → Settings → Auto-update of applications.
• 🔘 Choose Not to Update Automatically.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi devices (especially HyperOS), Google Play settings may be reset after rebooting, in which case turning off background activity for Google Play Services will help:

📌 Go to Settings. → Annexes → All applications → Google Play Services → Battery → Background activity and select Limit.

3. Removal of updates via ADB (for power users)

If the standard method didn’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which is suitable for system applications, but requires a connection to a computer and enabling debugging over USB.

Step-by-step:

Enable Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone)

Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For Developers

Install. ADB-PC drivers

Connect your phone to your computer and confirm your trust in the device-->

After preparation, run commands in the terminal (or PowerShell):

adb shell


pm list packages | grep 'name packet' # Find the full name of the package (e.g. com.miui.calculator)




pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.calculator # Remove updates for current user

🔹 Explanation of teams:

• pm list packages – shows a list of all installed applications.
• --user 0 — indicates that the command applies to the current user (does not require root).
• -k - saves the cache and application data (so as not to lose settings).

⚠️ Note: Some system packages (e.g. com.android.systemui) cannot be deleted even through the ADB — This will cause the interface to collapse. MIUI and the need for reflashing.

4. Use of third-party utilities (App Inspector, Package Disabler)

If ADB seems complicated, you can use specialized applications that allow you to roll back updates without a computer, but require permission to access system settings.

Top.-3 utility for Xiaomi:

🔹 How to Work with App Inspector:

1. Install the utility from Google Play.
2. Find the desired application in the list and tap it.
3. In the Version section, select the factory version and click Install.

⚠️ Note: Apps like Package Disabler Pro can disrupt the work MIUI, If you disable critical system components, back up before using Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Manual removal APK-Update files (for advanced files)

If none of the methods worked, you can manually delete update files through root or ADB Explorer. This method is suitable for users with an unlocked bootloader or custom recovery (for example, TWRP).

Where updates are stored:

• 📁 /data/app/ — user applications (e.g, /data/app/com.facebook.katana-1/base.apk).
• 📁 /system/priv-app/ or /system/app/ — System applications (requires root for changes).

🔹 Instructions through TWRP:

1. Boot to TWRP (hold Power + Volume up when turned on).
2. Select Advanced → File Manager.
3. Go to /data/app/, find a folder with the packet name (e.g. com.google.android.gm-1 for Gmail).
4. Delete the folder or files inside it (usually base.apk and oat).
5. Reset the device.

💡 Useful tip: Before deleting, back up the folder through TWRP → If the system does not boot after manipulation, you can restore files.

💡

If the application disappeared from the menu after removing the APK, but its data remained, use the adb shell pm clear com.name.packet command to reset the settings.

6. Features of the rollback on HyperOS

HyperOS is Xiaomi's new shell, replacing MIUI in 2026, and it's changed the way it works with apps, so some of the old methods may not work. Here are the key differences:

🔹 What has changed in HyperOS:

• 🔒 More stringent protection of system packages - rollback through ADB Now requires confirmation of password / fingerprint.
• 📦 Application updates are stored elsewhere: /data/app-lite/ (for "lightweight" versions of software).
• ⚙️ New Automatic Update Settings – You can find them in Settings → Annexes → Management of updates.

🔹 How to roll back the application on HyperOS:

1. Use it. ADB flag-headed --user 0 (sectionally 3), Adb shell settings put global settings hidden_api_policy 1 (It will temporarily unlock hidden API).
2. System applications (e.g. com.miui.home) may require a patch through Magisk (App Systemizer module).

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS, rolling back system applications to the lower-factory version can lead to a reboot cycle. Before experimenting, check for version compatibility on forums (e.g. Xiaomi.eu or other forums). 4PDA).

💡

HyperOS before use ADB be sure to activate USB-Debugging in Charging Mode in Settings → Additionally. → For developers.

FAQ: Frequent questions about rollback updates on Xiaomi