How to completely remove Play Market on Xiaomi smartphones: a step-by-step guide

Removing Google Play Market from Xiaomi’s phone is a challenge that many users are concerned about, and the reasons range from wanting to free up space in the system to having to get rid of Google’s surveillance or installing alternative app stores. But the removal process isn't as simple as it seems. Unlike regular apps, Play Market is embedded in firmware. MIUI system services, and its forced removal can lead to unstable operation of the device.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to remove Play Market on Xiaomi (including models on the Internet). MIUI 14 and MIUI 15), consider the risks of each method and suggest alternative solutions, and it is important to understand that some methods require root rights, while others may only work on certain versions of firmware. If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to limit yourself to turning off Google services or using the Aurora Store.

Before you start, make sure you have a backup of the data. Some methods can cause a reset or even a device to "brick" and also check if the bootloader is locked on your Xiaomi, which is critical for unlock and firmware methods.

πŸ“Š Why do you want to remove the Play Market?
I wish to free my memory.
I don't trust Google.
I want to use alternative stores.
I have a rooted phone.
Another reason.

1.Can Play Market be safely removed on Xiaomi?

Technically, removing Play Market is possible, but on most Xiaomi smartphones, it will disrupt system services, because Google Play Services and Google Play Market are closely integrated into the game. MIUI through framework services, and deleting them can cause:

  • πŸ”„ Cyclical reboot after critical packets are removed.
  • ⚠️ Failure to work applications dependent on Google API (For example, banking applications, cards, some games).
  • πŸ“± Loss of functionality MIUI (For example, synchronization of contacts, push notifications).
  • πŸ”§ Inability to update firmware through standard means.

The safest way to do this is to turn off the Play Market, not remove it completely.

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Find the Google Play Market and select Disable.
  3. Do the same for Google Play Services and Google Services Framework.

⚠️ Note: Disabling Google Play Services may disrupt applications that use geolocation, Google authorization or cloud services, such as Google Maps, Gmail and some YouTube features.

If you want to remove the Play Market, not disable it, read on, but remember: Xiaomi does not provide official tools for this, so all the actions you perform at your own risk.

2. Method 1: Remove Play Market without root (via ADB)

This method is suitable for users who do not have an unlocked bootloader and no root rights. It allows you to delete the Play Market through the Internet. ADB (Android Debug Bridge, but does not guarantee stable system performance after that.

First, make sure that your Xiaomi has USB debugging enabled:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ The phone.
  2. Click 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
  3. Back to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers.
  4. Activate Debugging on USB.

Now connect your phone to your PC and execute the following commands in the terminal (or PowerShell for Windows):

adb devices


adb shell




pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.vending




pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.gms




pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.gsf

These commands will remove Play Market and related services only for the current user (not systemically). MIUI has a system packet protection mechanism.

Install ADB-PC drivers

Enable debugging over USB on Xiaomi

Connect your phone to your PC with the original cable

Check that the device is determined by the command `adb devices`

Make a backup copy of the data-->

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 or X-ray) POCO X5) After these commands are executed, you may lose access to Settings or you may get an error "Com.android.settings is stopped." In this case, only a factory reset will help.

Method 2: Complete removal with Magisk (for rooted devices)

If you have a bootloader unlocked and you have Magisk installed (or another root manager), you can remove Play Market systemically, which is more radical, but also more effective.

To start, install Universal SafetyNet Fix (if you plan to use banking applications) and Debloater (such as Xiaomi Debloater) via Magisk.

  1. Open Magisk Manager and go to the Modules section.
  2. Install the Xiaomi Debloater module (available in the Magisk repository).
  3. After installation, restart the phone.
  4. Launch the Xiaomi Debloater app and find the packages in the list: com.android.vending (Play Market) com.google.android.gms (Google Play Services) com.google.android.gsf (Google Services Framework)

Uninstall

After the reboot, Play Market and related services will be removed. MIUI They will stop working, for example:

FunctionEffects of removalDecision
Push notificationsNotifications from some applications are not receivedUse it. FCM Push through alternative services
GeolocationLocation determination in applications does not workInstall MicroG or use it GPS-direct
Authorization through GoogleIt is impossible to log into a Google account in appsUse other methods of authorization (email, phone)
MIUI updatesIt's not working. OTA-updateInstall firmware manually through Fastboot

If the phone stopped working normally after removal, try to restore deleted packets via Magisk or reset your settings.

πŸ’‘

Before removing Play Market via Magisk, make a full firmware backup with the help of TWRP. This will help restore the system if something goes wrong.

4. Method 3: Install custom firmware without Google (GApps)

The most reliable way to get rid of Play Market is to install custom firmware without GApps (Google Apps), which is suitable for advanced users, as it requires unlocking the bootloader and installing it. TWRP.

Popular firmware without Google for Xiaomi:

  • πŸ“± LineageOS (official and unofficial builds)
  • πŸ”„ Pixel Experience (with option to choose a version without GApps)
  • πŸ›‘οΈ GrapheneOS (maximum privacy but limited device support)
  • 🌍 CalyxOS (alternative to MicroG instead of Google Services)

Instructions for installation (on the example of LineageOS):

  1. Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (waiting may be required) 7-168 hours).
  2. Install TWRP Recovery for your Xiaomi model.
  3. Download firmware without GApps (e.g. LineageOS for microG).
  4. Reboot to TWRP And do the Wipe. β†’ Advanced Wipe (select Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
  5. Install the firmware through Install.
  6. Reset the device.

Advantages of this method:

  • βœ… The complete absence of Google services at the system level.
  • βœ… Opportunity to choose an open source firmware.
  • βœ… Support for updates through OTA (if the firmware is official).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) K50 Xiaomi 13 – custom firmware installation may result in loss of broadband support (5G) Check the forums' compatibility reviews before installing. XDA Developers or 4PDA.

Which Xiaomi models are best supported by custom firmware?
The best support is provided by Qualcomm Snapdragon devices such as: - POCO F3 / Xiaomi Mi 11X (alioth) - Redmi Note 10 Pro (sweet) - Xiaomi Mi A2/A3 (jasmine_sprout) - POCO X3 Pro (vayu) Devices on MediaTek (e.g. Redmi Note) 11 or POCO M4 Pro) often have problems with the camera or modem in custom firmware.

5. Method 4: Use of alternative stores (without deletion)

If your goal is to just not use the Play Market, but to keep the system stable, consider alternative app stores. APK Googleless.

Popular alternatives:

  • πŸ›‘οΈ Aurora Store – an open client for the Play Market without tracking.
  • πŸ“¦ F-Droid – Open source store (free apps only).
  • 🌍 APKMirror - download APK directly from the site.
  • πŸ” Aptoide – an alternative store with its own catalog.

To install the Aurora Store (recommended option):

  1. Download. APK official website: https://auroraoss.com.
  2. Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Special Access β†’ Install unknown applications.
  3. Install. APK And launch the Aurora Store.
  4. In the settings, select anonymous sign-in (without a Google account).

Aurora Store allows you to:

  • Download apps from the Play Market without a Google account.
  • Turn off automatic updates.
  • Block tracking and advertising.

If you need banking applications (like Sberbank or Tinkoff), they may not work without Google Services. In this case, install MicroG, Google’s open implementation. API.

πŸ’‘

The Aurora Store is the best balance between convenience and privacy, it doesn't require root rights and allows you to download apps from the Play Market anonymously.

6. Method 5: Reset to factory settings with Google removal (for firmware without GApps)

If you have custom firmware installed without Google, but the Play Market still appears after the updates, you can perform a complete reset with the removal of GApps. This method is only suitable for firmware that does not originally contain Google services (for example, LineageOS for microG).

Instructions:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ System β†’ Resetting settings.
  2. Select Delete all data (full reset).
  3. After rebooting, do not connect your Google account.
  4. Install an alternative store (such as F-Droid).

If the Play Market reappears after the reset, it means:

  • πŸ”„ The firmware contains hidden GApps (check the firmware version).
  • πŸ“¦ Data from backup copy recovered MIUI (Turn off Mi Cloud).
  • πŸ”§ Automatic installation was carried out through MIUI Optimizations (you need to disable in the developer settings).

For complete removal, you may need to re-firmware with pre-formatting the system partition.

Possible problems and solutions

After removing Play Market on Xiaomi, there may be a variety of errors, and let’s look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem.Reason.Decision
The phone is not turned on (bootloop)Critical system packages removedRestore via Fastboot or TWRP
Push notifications are not working.Google Play Services is not availableInstall MicroG or use UnifiedPush
No location is determined.Absent. GMS CoreInstall MicroG with geolocation support
Banking applications are not workingNo SafetyNet.Install Magisk + Universal SafetyNet Fix
MIUI not updatedUpdater is damaged due to Google’s removalInstall firmware manually through Fastboot

If after removing Play Market, the phone became severely braked or overheated, most likely, system services are disrupted.

  1. Try rolling back changes through Magisk (if you used root).
  2. Perform reset to factory settings.
  3. If nothing helps, try the device through the Mi Flash Tool.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi 9 or Xiaomi) POCO M3) After Google Services are removed, they may stop working. NFC or IR-This is because some of the functions MIUI Depends on Google Play Services.

8. Play Market Alternatives: What to Use Instead of It

If you removed Play Market, you'll need alternative sources of apps.

  • πŸ›‘οΈ Aurora Store is the best choice for those who want to access the Play Market without a Google account.
  • πŸ“¦ F-Droid is an open source app store with no tracking, perfect for privacy, but limited in choice.
  • 🌍 APKMirror is the largest catalogue APK-Allows you to download any version of the application, but requires manual installation.
  • πŸ” Aptoide is an alternative store with its own catalogue. There is a risk of running into malware, so use with caution.
  • πŸ“± Obtainium – a tool for updating applications installed from APK. It works without Google Services.

To install applications without Play Market:

  1. Download APK from a trusted source (such as APKMirror).
  2. Allow installation from unknown sources in the security settings.
  3. Install. APK Update the app manually or through Obtainium.

If you need Google apps (like YouTube or Gmail) but don’t have the Play Market, you can:

  • Set them up. APK via Aurora Store.
  • Use web versions (e.g. m.youtube.com).
  • Install alternatives: NewPipe instead of YouTube, ProtonMail instead of Gmail.

To run applications that require Google Play Services (such as banking apps or games), install MicroG:

1. Download MicroG from https://microg.org/


2. Install APK via TWRP or Magisk




3. In the MicroG settings, enable:




- Google Device Registration




- Google Cloud Messaging




- Google SafetyNet

πŸ’‘

MicroG is the best replacement for Google Play Services for users who want to get rid of Google but keep it compatible with most apps.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing Play Market on Xiaomi

Can I remove Play Market from Xiaomi without root?
Yes, but only for the current user through ADB (team pm uninstall -k --user 0 However, after a reboot or system update, Play Market may recover.
Will the phone work after the Play Market is removed?
The phone will work, but some functions MIUI And apps that depend on Google Play Services may not work, such as push notifications, geolocation in some apps, and banking apps may block login.
How to get the Play Market back if I delete it?
If you have removed the Play Market through ADB Or Magisk, you can restore it: ADB: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.vending. For Magisk: reinstall remote packages via Xiaomi Debloater or restore backup. If nothing helps, reset to factory settings.
Which Xiaomi models are best for Google removal?
Google's best removal is on devices with unlocked bootloader and good support for custom firmware.Recommended models: POCO F3 / Xiaomi Mi 11X (Alioth – excellent support for LineageOS. Redmi Note 10 Pro (sweet) – stable work with MicroG. Xiaomi Mi A2/A3 β€” originally MIUI. POCO X3 Pro (vayu) is a popular model among developers, on new flagships (for example, Xiaomi) 13 or Redmi K60) Google’s removal may cause problems with the camera or 5G.
Can I update you? MIUI After the removal of the Play Market?
Standard. OTA-Updates will stop working because they depend on the Google Services Framework.To update the firmware: Download the full service pack from the site https://new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index. Rename the file to update.zip And put it in the root folder of the phone. Go to Settings. β†’ Updating the system β†’ Three points. β†’ Select the update file. If this method doesn't work, run the update through Fastboot or TWRP.