Removing the user interface plugin on Xiaomi Redmi: 4 proven methods

Custom interface plugins in MIUI firmware on Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones often cause brakes, bugs, or conflicts with other applications. These modules are responsible for visual elements – from design themes to screen lock animations, but their incorrect operation can turn a device into a “brick” with constant reboots. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to remove such plugins, including methods for devices without superuser rights (root) and also consider how to restore the system if something goes wrong.

It is important to understand that removing system plugins is an interference with the MIUI structure, which can result in the inability to update the firmware through OTA (over the air) or malfunctioning of standard applications. So make sure to back up your data before you start and make sure you have access to Fastboot mode in case of emergency recovery.

What are interface plugins in MIUI and why remove them

The user interface plugins in MIUI are dynamically loadable modules that extend the functionality of the shell.

• 🎨 Design themes (including icons, fonts, wallpapers)
• 🔄 Animations of transitions between screens and applications
• 🔒 Lock screens (styles, widgets, unlock effects)
• ⚙️ Additional settings in the control panel (for example, fast switches)

The main reasons for removal:

1. Custom firmware conflicts: Plugins may not work properly after installing Custom ROM (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
2. Brakes and lags: Some modules (e.g. MiuiSystemUIPlugin) consume up to 15-20% of the CPU in the background.
3. Errors after the update: If the plugin is not compatible with the new version of MIUI, the system can reboot cyclically.
4. Battery consumption: Animation plugins keep the processor active even in standby mode.

Before you start removing, check which plugin is causing the problem.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Show System Processes.
3. Look for apps with names that contain Plugin, Theme, or Framework.

Method 1: Removing root-free plugins (via ADB)

If your Redmi or Xiaomi doesn’t have superuser rights, but USB debugging is enabled, you can uninstall plugins via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is suitable for most devices on MIUI 12-14.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Smartphone with enabled debugging USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to unlock Developer Mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission on the device screen.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd in Windows or Terminal in macOS/Linux) and type:

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, move to the next step. If not, check the drivers or cable.

1. Find out the exact names of the plugin packages.

adb shell pm list packages | grep -i plugin

Example of conclusion:

package:com.miui.systemui.plugin


package:com.miui.animation.plugin




package:com.android.theme.icon_pack.android

1. Remove the unnecessary plugin by command (replace the name with the current one):

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.animation.plugin

The --user 0 flag means that the plugin will be removed only for the current user (does not require root).The -k flag stores cache and data, which will speed up the process.

USB debugging enabled

Installed ADB-PC drivers

Smartphone connected with original cable

Backup of important data is made

The name of the plugin package is checked-->

Limitations of the method:

• Not all plugins can be removed without root (for example, MiuiSystemUIPlugin is often protected).
• After the MIUI update, the plugin can be restored automatically.
• Some functions (such as topics) will stop working.

💡

If after removing the plugin, the system started to brake, clear the cache through Settings → Memory → Clear the cache. This often solves lag problems.

Method 2: Root rights removal (Magisk/TWRP)

If you have Magisk or TWRP installed on your device, you can remove the plugins more radically, directly from the system partition. This method gives you complete control, but requires caution: an error can lead to a bootloop (cyclical reboot).

Important: Before you start, make a full backup through TWRP (Backup → System).

Method 1: Magisk (without deleting system files)

1. Install Systemless Hosts or App Systemizer via Magisk Manager.
2. Download App Manager (requires root) and find the plugin in the list of system applications.
3. Slip on the plugin → Remove for all users.

Method 2: Through TWRP (total removal)

1. Download to TWRP (hold Power + Volume Up when enabled).
2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
3. Open the /system/priv-app/ or /system/app/ folder.
4. Find a folder with the plugin name (e.g., MiuiSystemUIPlugin) and delete it.
5. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: If, after removing the plugin, TWRP The device does not boot, return deleted files from the backup or run clean firmware through Fastboot. Do not delete plugins with the name of framework or services - this will lead to a system breakdown.

Method 3: Disable plugins via Miui Hidden Settings

If you don’t want to take the risk of removing plugins completely, you can disable them through the hidden MIUI settings. This method is reversible and does not require root.

Instructions:

1. Download the Miui Hidden Settings app (requires MIUI 12+).
2. Open the app and go to the System Apps section.
3. Find the plugin in the list and tap on it.
4. Select Disable (Disable).
5. Reset the device.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ No risk of damage to the system.
• ✅ You can return the plugin at any time.
• ✅ It does not require a PC connection.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ The plugin stays in the system and takes up the place.
• ❌ Some plugins are not disabled (e.g. MiuiSystemUIPlugin).
• ❌ After updating MIUI The plugin can be activated again.

Method 4: System Recovery After Failed Deletion

If after manipulation with the plugins the device stopped booting or is unstable, use one of the recovery methods.

Method 1: Reset via Fastboot

1. Download the device to Fastboot mode (hold Power + Volume Down when you turn on).
2. Connect to the PC and execute the command:

fastboot erase cache

If this does not help, then go ahead and run the following:

fastboot flash system system.img


fastboot flash boot boot.img

Method 2: Recovery through TWRP

1. Download to TWRP.
2. Go to Restore and select a previously created backup.
3. Check the System and Boot sections.
4. Swipe for recovery.

Method 3: Reinstall MIUI via Mi Flash Tool

If the device does not respond to other methods:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
2. Unpack the archive and launch the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Connect the device in Fastboot mode and select the folder with the firmware.
4. Press Refresh, then Flash (select Clean all option).

⚠️ Warning: When you flash through the Mi Flash Tool, all data on the device will be erased, including photos and contacts. If you don't have backup enabled in the Mi Cloud, it will be impossible to restore it.

How to Avoid Problems When Removing Plugins

To minimize the risks, follow these rules:

• 📌 Always make a backup through TWRP Mi Cloud before any manipulation.
• 🔍 Check dependencies. Some plugins are connected to MiuiSystemUI - removing them can break the interface.
• 📱 Test on a secondary device if possible.
• 🔄 Update your firmware to the latest version before removing it – in new versions MIUI Plugins can be optimized.

What to do if, after removing the plugin:

• Disappeared app icons? → Install another launcher (like Nova Launcher).
• The topic stopped working? → Return the ThemeManager plugin or install the theme manually through APK.
• System brakes? → Clear the cache in TWRP (Wipe → Advanced Wipe → Dalvik/ART Cache).

💡

If you're not sure what you're doing, it's better to disable the plugin through Miui Hidden Settings or ADB than remove it completely. Most interface problems are solved by resetting or flashing.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing MIUI plugins