Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a problem: even after deleting a Google account through settings, system applications (Play Market, Gmail, YouTube, etc.) continue to take up space in memory and consume resources. This is due to the fact that MIUI by default integrates Google Mobile Services (GMS) services at the firmware level. Unlike conventional applications, they can not be deleted in the standard way โ the โDeleteโ button is simply not in the menu.
In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods to get rid of unnecessary Google services on Xiaomi (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark models), you will learn which methods work without root rights, and where you will need to unlock the bootloader and install custom firmware. We will also analyze the hidden risks of each method, from loss of warranty to failure of banking applications. If it is important to keep the functionality of the phone, but at the same time free memory, at the end of the article, we will give a list of safe alternatives to complete removal.
Why Google Apps Cannot Be Deleted in the Standard Way
Xiaomi, like most Android device manufacturers, has an agreement with Google to pre-install their services, which are embedded in the system /system/priv-app and are โsystemโ in their status, and are key reasons why they canโt be removed from the regular menu:
- ๐ Protection from changes: Android blocks modification of system files without root access to prevent OS damage.
- ๐ฆ Service Dependencies: Many Functions MIUI (For example, push notifications or geolocation depend on Google Play Services.
- ๐ฑ Google Requirements: Manufacturers must include a basic set GMS, The device is certified for Google Play.
- ๐ Automatic Recovery: Even if removed APK-Manual file, some services are restored after rebooting.
Interestingly, there are no Google services available on devices for the Chinese market (with MIUI China firmware) instead of local counterparts (Baidu, Tencent, etc.), but on global versions (MIUI Global), removing GMS can cause key features such as:
- ๐ Google Pay and other payment services;
- ๐ Precise geolocation in maps and navigators;
- ๐ Push notifications from messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp);
- ๐ฎ Licensing in games from the Play Store.
โ ๏ธ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ HyperOS (2026) Google introduced additional protection โ an attempt to remove system APK without root can cause a cyclic reboot. Before experimenting, make a backup through Settings โ Additionally. โ Backup.
Method 1: Disable Google Apps Without Deletion (without root)
If you don't need Google services, but you don't want to risk system stability, you can just turn off unnecessary apps, which will free up RAM and stop background activity, but the files will remain in the device's memory.
Instructions:
- Open Settings โ Applications โ Application Management.
- In the upper right corner, click on three dots and select "Show all apps."
- In the search bar, type the name of the app (for example, โPlay Marketโ or โGoogle Play Servicesโ).
- Click on the application โ โDisableโ (if the button is inactive, first click โDelete Updatesโ).
- Confirm the action in the dialog window.
Once you turn off the app, it disappears from the menu and stops consuming resources.
| Annex | Can I turn it off? | Effects of consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Google Play Services | โ No (critically for the system) | Disabling will lead to errors in the work of other applications |
| Play Market | โ Yes. | You cannot install/update applications through it |
| Google Chrome | โ Yes. | By default, another browser will open. |
| YouTube | โ Yes. | The app will disappear, but the site will remain available. |
| Gmail | โ Yes. | Mail will only be available through a browser or third-party clients. |
โ ๏ธ Note: Disable Google Play Services on Xiaomi with MIUI 14+ Mi Account may fail (e.g., synchronization of notes or cloud photos will disappear).If you use the Xiaomi ecosystem (smart watches, speakers), this service is better not to touch.
Backup important data |Record username/password from Mi Account |Check banking applications (some require Google Services) |Install alternative apps (e.g. Aurora Store instead of Play Store) |Check push notifications in instant messengers-->
Method 2: Remove via ADB (without root but with PC)
If the shutdown isnโt enough, you can uninstall Google apps using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android through your computer, which doesnโt require root rights, but youโll need to connect your phone to your PC.
Advantages of the method:
- ๐ง Does not violate the warranty (unless the bootloader is unlocked).
- ๐ฑ It works on most versions. MIUI (including HyperOS).
- ๐ Apps will not recover after rebooting.
Instructions:
- Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive into a separate folder.
- On your phone, turn on Developer Mode: go to Settings โ About Phone โ MIUI version and press 7 times.
- Return to Settings โ Additional โ For developers and enable โDebugging by USBโ.
- Connect your phone to your PC, select File Transfer mode and confirm debugging permission.
- Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB and type:
adb devices(Your device name should appear. If not, check the driver.)
adb shell
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.chrome
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.gm
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.youtubeWhere instead of com.android.chrome, put the packages of the desired applications.
Googleโs complete list of packages to remove via ADB
After the commands are executed, the applications will disappear from the device, but their data will remain in memory (flag) --user 0 It is only deleted for the current user.
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If notifications in instant messengers stop coming after deleting, install MicroG, an open alternative to Google Play Services with push notifications.
Method 3: Removal with root rights (for power users)
If you're willing to take drastic measures, root access allows you to remove any system applications, including Google Play Services, but this method has serious consequences:
- ๐ซ Loss of warranty (if the bootloader is unlocked).
- ๐ Security risk: some banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) refuse to work on rooted devices.
- ๐ Problems with OTA-Updates: After receiving root updates MIUI The standard menu will be unavailable.
Instructions for removal:
- Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a binding to the Mi Account and wait 7-14 days).
- Install custom recovery (such as TWRP) and get root through Magisk.
- Download a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
- Go to /system/priv-app or /system/app and delete the folders with Google apps (e.g. PrebuiltGmsCore for Play Services).
- Clear the cache in Settings โ Storage โ Clear the cache.
To restore functionality after deleting Google Play Services, you can install MicroG or use the Universal SafetyNet Fix patch (to bypass checks on banking applications).
โ ๏ธ Note: Xiaomi with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi Note 11, POCO M4 Pro) unlocking the loader may result in loss IMEI and the mobile network is inoperable. IMEI via the engineering menu (#4636##).
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Deleting Google Play Services without replacing it with MicroG will make it impossible to use 90% of apps from the Play Store, including banking services, cards and instant messengers.
Method 4: Install custom firmware without GMS
The most drastic way to get rid of Google is to install firmware that doesnโt originally contain their services.
- MIUI China is the official firmware for the Chinese market, pluses: stability, cons: no Google, a lot of Chinese services (can be removed).
- LineageOS or Pixel Experience without GMS are custom open source firmware.
- CalyxOS or GrapheneOS are firmware with a focus on privacy (supports a limited list of Xiaomi devices).
Instructions for installation of MIUI China:
- Unlock the bootloader (see Method 3).
- Download the firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website (choose the China Stable version).
- Set it through TWRP Fastboot (Fastboot Flash System) system.img).
- After installation, reset via Wipe โ Format Data.
Warnings:
- ๐ Nana MIUI China doesnโt have Google Play by default, but you can manually install it via Google Installer (APK).
- ๐ต Some features (such as Google Camera or Widevine) L1 for Netflix HD) They may not work properly.
- ๐ Updates will have to be installed manually.
| Firmware | Support for GMS | Complexity of installation | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI China | โ No (can be further established) | โ โ โ | Chinese services, possible localization bugs |
| LineageOS | โ No (requires Open GApps) | โ โ โ | The camera or sensors may not work. |
| Pixel Experience | โ Yes (built-in) GMS) | โ โ โ | Unstable performance on some models |
| CalyxOS | โ No (MicroG) | โ โ โ โ | Limited Device Support |
Method 5: Alternatives to Delete (How to Reduce Google's Impact)
If removing the entire site seems risky, there are ways to minimize the impact of Google services without drastic changes.
- ๐ก๏ธ Limit background activity: In the application settings (Settings) โ Annexes โ Google Play Services select โLimit background activity".
- ๐ต Prohibit Autostart: In Settings โ Annexes โ Auto Start Management Turn Off Autoboot for Unnecessary Services.
- ๐ Turn off sync: Go to Settings โ Accounts. โ Google and turn off sync for unnecessary data.
- ๐ฑ Use alternatives: ๐ DuckDuckGo instead of Google Search; ๐ง FairEmail instead of Gmail; ๐บ๏ธ OsmAnd instead of Google Maps; ๐ต NewPipe instead of YouTube.
- ๐ ๏ธ Install Magisk modules: De-bloater โ removes unnecessary system applications; Universal GMS Doze โ restricts Google Play Services activity; NoGApps โ blocks communication with Google servers.
For advanced users, there is another option: Google isolating itself with a Work Profile (for example, through the Shelter app), in which case Google services will only work in an isolated environment, without access to the phoneโs basic data.
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To check which apps are most consuming resources, use AccuBattery (for battery) or Digital Wellbeing (for use time).
Possible problems after Google is deleted and how to fix them
Even if you successfully removed Google apps, there are some unexpected consequences, and here are the most common problems and solutions.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Notices do not come in messengers | Google Play Services or Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) | Install MicroG with Google Cloud Messaging (GCM) enabled |
| Geolocation is not working. | Google Location Service is not available | Use alternatives: Mozilla Location Service or UnifiedNlp (for MicroG) |
| Banking applications are not launched | SafetyNet or Play Integrity API Triggers | Install Magisk + Universal SafetyNet Fix |
| Google Pay is not working. | No Google certification or system integrity compromised | Restore Google Play Services or use alternatives (Samsung Pay, Mir Pay) |
| Applications not updated | Remote Play Store | Use the Aurora Store or F-Droid |
If the phone stopped booting after manipulation, try:
- Download to Fastboot Mode (clamp Power + Volume down).
- Restore the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
- If it doesnโt work, run TWRP and make Format Data.
โ ๏ธ Note: Xiaomi with Qualcomm chipsets (e.g. Xiaomi 12 Pro, POCO F4) After a failed removal of system applications may work EDL-To exit it will require an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable.