Removing apps via ADB on Xiaomi: a safe guide with commands and warnings

Removing unnecessary apps on Xiaomi smartphones through standard settings is often limited: the system blocks the uninstallation of preinstalled services, and “disabling” only hides them, but does not free up memory. Here comes the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for deep device control through the command line, with it you can completely remove even system applications that are usually not available for removal, such as com.miui.analytics (statistics collection) or com.xiaomi.midrop (Mi Drop).

However, working with ADB requires caution: an incorrect command can disrupt the stability of the system or lead to a “brick” (inoperability) of the device. In this guide, we will discuss the safe removal methods that are relevant for all modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones based on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS. You will learn how to prepare the device, find the right application packages, and what commands to use to remove them without risk.

What is ADB and why you need it to remove applications on Xiaomi

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a tool from Google that lets you control your Android device via a computer. In a Xiaomi context, it's especially useful because:

• 🔧 Access to system packages that cannot be removed through the Settings menu".
• 📱 It works even on devices without root rights (unlike applications like Titanium Backup).
• 🔄 Allows you to restore remote applications if something goes wrong.

On Xiaomi smartphones, many applications (such as com.miui.daemon or com.xiaomi.scanner) are integrated into firmware and do not have a “Delete” button. Even the “Disable” function in Settings → Apps only hide them from the user, but do not free up space in memory. ADB solves this problem by sending commands directly to the system.

Device Preparation: Enabling USB Debugging and Installing ADB

Before working with ADB, you need to activate the developer mode and enable debugging over USB.

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times on the MIUI version (you will be notified "You became a developer").
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Activate the switches: 🔌 Debugging by USB 🔒 Unlocking OEM (if)

Install ADB on your computer:

• 🖥️ For Windows: Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack into any folder.
• 🐧 For Linux/macOS: Install via a packet manager (sudo apt install adb or brew install android-platform-tools).

Xiaomi drivers installed on PC|

USB debugging on the phone enabled |

USB cable supports data transfer (not just charging) |

The computer and phone are connected to the same network (for wireless use). ADB)-->

⚠️ Warning: When you connect your phone to your PC, you'll get a request for debugging permission. Always check your fingerprint. RSA-If the key does not match, it may be a sign of an evil attack. USB".

How to find the name of the application package for removal

To remove an application through ADB, you need to know its packet name (e.g. com.facebook.appmanager for Facebook Services).

Method 1: Through phone settings

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired application and scroll down to the Additional section.
3. The name of the packet will be specified in the Packet Name bar (e.g. com.miui.notes for Note).

Method 2: Through ADB (for hidden system applications)

adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword"

Example: To find all packages with Google, type:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "google"

Step-by-step: Delete the application via ADB

Once the name of the package is known, you can proceed to delete.

1. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (check that File Transfer is selected in the notification curtain).
2. Open the command prompt (or Terminal on macOS/Linux) in the adb.exe folder.
3. Check the connection command: Adb devices should appear the name of your device with the status of device.
4. Delete the application by command: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 name packet Example to delete Mi Video: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.video

If the command is successful, you will see a Success message. the application will be removed only for the current user (flag) --user 0), It is safer to remove the system completely.

adb shell cmd package install-existing name packet

This will work if the packet has not been completely erased from the system (e.g. when updating). MIUI).-->

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g., com.miui.securitycenter) can automatically recover after a reboot. To avoid this, after deleting, follow the command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 The name packet will block their re-activation.

What apps can be safely removed from Xiaomi

Xiaomi smartphones have dozens of pre-installed apps that are rarely used but take up space. Below is a list of relatively safe to remove packets (checked on MIUI 14 and HyperOS):

• 📱 com.miui.analytics – Analytics collection (does not affect the work).
• 🎵 com.miui.player is a standard music player.
• 📺 com.miui.video - Mi Video app.
• 📡 com.xiaomi.midrop - Mi Drop (file transfer).
• 📊 com.miui.bugreport - error reports.
• 🛒 com.xiaomi.shop - Mi Store (Xiaomi store).
• 📰 com.miui.notes – Notes (if you use alternatives).

Before deleting, make sure to check if the application is dependent on other functionality, for example, deleting com.miui.gallery can disrupt the camera if it uses the gallery's system libraries.

💡

Delete the apps one at a time and restart the phone after each step, which will help you identify problems in time if they occur.

What to do if the phone stops working after removal

If you have problems after uninstalling an application via ADB (e.g. persistent errors, logo getting stuck, or system features failure), follow this algorithm:

1. Try to return the application: adb shell cmd package install-existing the name of the package If the package is removed completely, this method will not work.
2. Reset settings via Settings → About Phone → Reset. This will return all system applications, but delete user data.
3. Fly the phone through the Mi Flash Tool (instructions on the official website).

If the phone doesn’t turn on (brick), try going to Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down) and flashing the device through fastboot:

fastboot flash all name firmware.zip

⚠️ Note: On bootloader devices, fastboot firmware may require you to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool.This process resets all data and requires waiting 7-15 days for new Mi accounts.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing apps through ADB on Xiaomi