Google’s pre-installed apps on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones take up precious memory space, consume battery power in the background and often go unclaimed. Even after resetting to factory settings, they come back — a feature of MIUI’s Google Mobile Services (GMS) certified firmware. Many users want to get rid of Google Play Music, Google Duo, YouTube Music or even the Google Play Store, but the standard methods of deleting through the app menu don’t work: the Remove button is simply missing.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to remove Google apps on Xiaomi, from simple disabling to complete removal through ADB and alternative methods. It is important to understand that some actions require technical training and can affect the stability of the system. We will also explain which applications can be removed without risk and which should not be touched so as not to lose the functionality of the smartphone.
If you use Xiaomi with global firmware (MIUI Global), you are guaranteed to have all Google services on board. In the Chinese version (MIUI China), they are not initially available, but Google Play is also missing - this is a separate story. Our instruction will suit most models, from the Redmi Note 10 Pro to Xiaomi 13 Ultra, running on MIUI 12-14 and Android 11-14.
1. Why can’t you just uninstall Google apps on Xiaomi?
The fact is that Google has integrated its services at the Android level, and applications like Google Play Services or Google Services Framework are system-based and protected from removal, and these are the key reasons for the restrictions:
✅ Certification GMS. Xiaomi, like other manufacturers, must comply with Google's requirements to pre-install their services.
✅ System dependencies. Some functions MIUI (For example, synchronization of contacts or push notifications depend on Google Play Services, and their removal will cause crashes.
✅ Security: System applications have increased rights, and their modification without root access is blocked by Android by default.
But that doesn't mean there's nothing you can do, there are workarounds, from shutting down to uninstalling through ADB (no superuser rights), and the key is to understand the risks.
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Before any manipulation of system applications, back up your data via Settings → Google → Backup or Mi Cloud. This will save you from losing contacts and photos in case of possible crashes.
2. Method 1: Disabling unnecessary Google applications (without root)
The safest method is to turn off applications you're not using, which won't free up memory, but will stop background activity and notifications.
1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2.In the search, enter the name of the application (for example, Google Duo).
3. Click on the application → “Disable” (or “Delete Updates” if the button is active).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.
⚠️ Caution: Disabling Google Play Services or Google Services Framework will cause errors in other applications, including Gmail and YouTube.
What applications can be turned off without consequences:
- 🎵 Google Play Music (if you don't use it)
- 📞 Google Duo (alternatively Mi Video Call)
- 📺 YouTube Music (unless you subscribe to a premium)
- 📊 Google One (Cloud Storage)
- 📍 Google Maps Go (if you use the full version)
Check the list of dependent apps in Settings → Accounts → Google
Disable Auto Update for Unnecessary Apps in Google Play Store
Create a backup copy of important data
Reboot your phone after disconnecting (recommended)-->
Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root but with PC)
A more radical method is to remove applications via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which does not require superuser rights, but requires a computer and enable developer mode, the advantage of which is that applications will be removed completely, not just disabled.
⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This can cause the system to run in an unstable way. Only remove applications that are not exactly needed (see the list below).
Step-by-step:
- Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on the MIUI Version (you will be notified "You've become a developer").
- Activate USB debugging: Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Enable USB debugging and confirm permission.
ADB
- Download the Google Platform Tools.
- Unpack the archive and open the command line in this folder (Shift + right button → “Open PowerShell window here”).
- Check the connection: Adb devices (Your device name should appear).
- Remove the unnecessary application by command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name.packet (Replace the name.packet with a real identifier, see the table below.)
⚠️ Note: Even with root, some apps (such as Google Play Services) cannot be removed, which will lead to bootloop. TWRP pre-massive.
Advantages of the method:
- 🔄 Ability to restore a remote application through backup.
- 📱 Intuitive interface without having to memorize commands ADB.
- 🛡️ Function of creating a backup before removal.