Gmail is pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones and is a Google system service. Many users face the problem that it cannot be removed in the standard way through the app menu. The reasons for deleting can vary from wanting to make room to switching to alternative email clients. However, on Xiaomi devices with MIUI firmware, removing Gmail has its nuances due to integration with Google services and the manufacturer's limitations.
In this article, we will discuss all possible methods, from simple disabling to complete removal via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). Each method is tested on current versions of MIUI 14/15 and Android 12-14, including the Redmi Note 12/13, POCO X5/F5, Xiaomi 13/14. It is important to consider that some methods require unlocking the bootloader or superuser rights - we will explain the risks and consequences in detail.
Why can’t Gmail be deleted in the standard way?
Gmail is part of Google Mobile Services (GMS) package licensed by smartphone manufacturers. It is marked as system on Xiaomi devices, which blocks the ability to uninstall via the Settings → Apps menu.
- 📦 Integration with MIUI: Gmail is linked to account sync, notifications and other Google services that use the shell.
- 🔒 Google policy: Removal of preinstalled apps violates licensing terms GMS, This can lead to loss of device certification.
- 🛠️ System dependencies: Some features (e.g., backup) depend on Gmail components, even if you don’t use it.
But there are workarounds, like turning off an app so it doesn't work in the background, or removing updates to go back to the factory version, and you'll need additional tools to completely remove it -- more on that.
Method 1: Disabling Gmail without Deleting
If you don’t need to completely remove the application, just stop it and hide it from the menu, use the built-in MIUI tools. This method does not require superuser rights and is safe for the system.
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- In the search bar, type in Gmail and select the app from the list.
- Click Disable (the button will become active if the application is not critical to the system).
- Confirm the action in the dialog window.
After the shutdown:
- 📵 The app will disappear from the menu and stop sending notifications.
- 📥 Background mail synchronization will be stopped.
- ⚠️ Note: Some features (e.g. adding a Google account through Settings) → Accounts may not work properly.
Backup your emails (export via Gmail web version)
Make sure you have an alternative email client.
Check if you are using Gmail for two-factor authentication on other services
Remember the login/password from your Google account (required to be re-enabled)-->
Method 2: Remove updates and return to the factory version
If Gmail takes up too much space because of the accumulated updates, you can return it to the original version. This will not remove the application completely, but reduce the space occupied from ~200-300 MB to ~50-70 MB.
Instructions:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Gmail → Storage.
- Click Remove Updates (if the button is inactive, there are no updates).
- Confirm action. The app will be returned to the version preinstalled in the factory.
After that:
- 🔄 Gmail Auto Update Will Be Blocked Before Manual Launching Through Google Play.
- ⚠️ Note: The next update to the system MIUI Updater Gmail can update automatically again.To avoid this, disable auto-update for all apps on Google Play → Settings → Auto-update of applications.
| Action. | The result | Are root rights required? |
|---|---|---|
| Disabling the application | Gmail is hidden, does not work in the background | ❌ No. |
| Removal of updates | Return to the factory version (~50 MB) | ❌ No. |
| Removal via ADB | Complete removal (releases ~300MB) | ❌ No, but I need a PC. |
| Removal with root rights | Complete Deletion + Cleanup of Residual Files | ✅ Yes. |
Method 3: Completely delete Gmail via ADB (without root)
To completely remove the system application without obtaining root rights, you can use the ADB tool (Android Debug Bridge), which works on all Xiaomi devices with the bootloader unlocked, but does not require superuser rights.
⚠️ Note: Delete Gmail via ADB This can cause disruptions to Google services such as Google Play Market, YouTube or Google Photos!
Steps:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. Click on MIUI Version 7 times until you become a developer!
USB-debugging
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Activate the debugging switch over USB.
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute the commands: adb devices (make sure the device is determined) adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.gm
⚠️ Note: Incorrect actions in system folders can lead to bootloop (load looping) or loss of functionality of other Google services. /system through TWRP.
An alternative method is to use the System App Remover app, which allows you to remove system codes. APK-files with automatic backup.
What if other Google apps stopped working after Gmail was removed?
Method 5: Alternatively, replace Gmail with another email client
If the purpose of removing Gmail is to switch to another email service, consider using alternative clients without removing the system application.
Popular alternatives:
- 📧 Microsoft Outlook: Supports all email protocols, OneDrive integration and Office 365.
- 🔐 Proton Mail: Encrypted mail with a focus on privacy.
- 📱 BlueMail: Universal client with support for multiple accounts and themes.
- 🤖 FairEmail: Open source, minimalist design, no advertising.