How to Remove Google Apps From Xiaomi Phone: 5 Ways to Work

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 โ€œDeleteโ€ 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 โ€œsystemโ€ in their status, and are key reasons why they canโ€™t be removed from the regular menu:

  • ๐Ÿ”’ Protection from changes: Android blocks modification of system files without root access to prevent OS damage.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฆ Service Dependencies: Many Functions MIUI (For example, push notifications or geolocation depend on Google Play Services.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Google Requirements: Manufacturers must include a basic set GMS, The device is certified for Google Play.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ 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:

  • ๐Ÿ›’ Google Pay and other payment services;
  • ๐Ÿ“ Precise geolocation in maps and navigators;
  • ๐Ÿ”” Push notifications from messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp);
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Licensing in games from the Play Store.

โš ๏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.

๐Ÿ“Š What version? MIUI you use?
MIUI 12/13
MIUI 14
HyperOS (2026)
I don't know.
other

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:

  1. Open Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Application Management.
  2. In the upper right corner, click on three dots and select "Show all apps."
  3. In the search bar, type the name of the app (for example, โ€œPlay Marketโ€ or โ€œGoogle Play Servicesโ€).
  4. Click on the application โ†’ โ€œDisableโ€ (if the button is inactive, first click โ€œDelete Updatesโ€).
  5. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

Once you turn off the app, it disappears from the menu and stops consuming resources.

AnnexCan I turn it off?Effects of consequences
Google Play ServicesโŒ No (critically for the system)Disabling will lead to errors in the work of other applications
Play Marketโœ… Yes.You cannot install/update applications through it
Google Chromeโœ… Yes.By default, another browser will open.
YouTubeโœ… Yes.The app will disappear, but the site will remain available.
Gmailโœ… Yes.Mail will only be available through a browser or third-party clients.

โš ๏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 isnโ€™t enough, you can uninstall Google apps using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android through your computer, which doesnโ€™t require root rights, but youโ€™ll need to connect your phone to your PC.

Advantages of the method:

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Does not violate the warranty (unless the bootloader is unlocked).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ It works on most versions. MIUI (including HyperOS).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Apps will not recover after rebooting.

Instructions:

  1. Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive into a separate folder.
  2. On your phone, turn on Developer Mode: go to Settings โ†’ About Phone โ†’ MIUI version and press 7 times.
  3. Return to Settings โ†’ Additional โ†’ For developers and enable โ€œDebugging by USBโ€.
  4. Connect your phone to your PC, select File Transfer mode and confirm debugging permission.
  5. 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.youtube

Where instead of com.android.chrome, put the packages of the desired applications.

Googleโ€™s complete list of packages to remove via ADB
com.google.android.gm (Gmail) com.google.android.youtube (YouTube) com.android.chrome (Chrome) com.google.android.apps.maps (Google Maps) com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox (Google App) com.google.android.music (Play Music) com.google.android.videos (Play Movideos) com.google.android.apps.photos (Google Photos) com.google.android.apps.tachyon (Google Duo) com.google.android.apps.wellbeing (Digital Wellbeing) com.google.android.apps.messaging (Messages) com.google.android.apps.docs (Google) Docs/Sheets/Slides) com.google.android.calendar (Google Calendar) com.google.android.contacts (Google Contacts) com.google.android.inputmethod.latin (Gboard) com.google.android.tts (Google) TTS) Do not delete: com.google.android.gms (Google Play Services) โ€“ will lead to system failure! com.google.android.gsf (Google Services Framework) โ€“ will disrupt your account

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.

๐Ÿ’ก

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:

  • ๐Ÿšซ Loss of warranty (if the bootloader is unlocked).
  • ๐Ÿ” Security risk: some banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) refuse to work on rooted devices.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Problems with OTA-Updates: After receiving root updates MIUI The standard menu will be unavailable.

Instructions for removal:

  1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a binding to the Mi Account and wait 7-14 days).
  2. Install custom recovery (such as TWRP) and get root through Magisk.
  3. Download a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
  4. Go to /system/priv-app or /system/app and delete the folders with Google apps (e.g. PrebuiltGmsCore for Play Services).
  5. 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).

โš ๏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##).

๐Ÿ’ก

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 doesnโ€™t originally contain their services.

  1. MIUI China is the official firmware for the Chinese market, pluses: stability, cons: no Google, a lot of Chinese services (can be removed).
  2. LineageOS or Pixel Experience without GMS are custom open source firmware.
  3. CalyxOS or GrapheneOS are firmware with a focus on privacy (supports a limited list of Xiaomi devices).

Instructions for installation of MIUI China:

  1. Unlock the bootloader (see Method 3).
  2. Download the firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website (choose the China Stable version).
  3. Set it through TWRP Fastboot (Fastboot Flash System) system.img).
  4. After installation, reset via Wipe โ†’ Format Data.

Warnings:

  • ๐ŸŒ Nana MIUI China doesnโ€™t have Google Play by default, but you can manually install it via Google Installer (APK).
  • ๐Ÿ“ต Some features (such as Google Camera or Widevine) L1 for Netflix HD) They may not work properly.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Updates will have to be installed manually.
FirmwareSupport for GMSComplexity of installationRisks.
MIUI ChinaโŒ No (can be further established)โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†Chinese services, possible localization bugs
LineageOSโŒ No (requires Open GApps)โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…The camera or sensors may not work.
Pixel Experienceโœ… Yes (built-in) GMS)โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…Unstable performance on some models
CalyxOSโŒ 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.

  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Limit background activity: In the application settings (Settings) โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Google Play Services select โ€œLimit background activity".
  • ๐Ÿ“ต Prohibit Autostart: In Settings โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Auto Start Management Turn Off Autoboot for Unnecessary Services.
  • ๐Ÿ”’ Turn off sync: Go to Settings โ†’ Accounts. โ†’ Google and turn off sync for unnecessary data.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Use alternatives: ๐Ÿ” DuckDuckGo instead of Google Search; ๐Ÿ“ง FairEmail instead of Gmail; ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ OsmAnd instead of Google Maps; ๐ŸŽต NewPipe instead of YouTube.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏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 phoneโ€™s basic data.

๐Ÿ’ก

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 messengersGoogle Play Services or Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM)Install MicroG with Google Cloud Messaging (GCM) enabled
Geolocation is not working.Google Location Service is not availableUse alternatives: Mozilla Location Service or UnifiedNlp (for MicroG)
Banking applications are not launchedSafetyNet or Play Integrity API TriggersInstall Magisk + Universal SafetyNet Fix
Google Pay is not working.No Google certification or system integrity compromisedRestore Google Play Services or use alternatives (Samsung Pay, Mir Pay)
Applications not updatedRemote Play StoreUse the Aurora Store or F-Droid

If the phone stopped booting after manipulation, try:

  1. Download to Fastboot Mode (clamp Power + Volume down).
  2. Restore the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
  3. If it doesnโ€™t work, run TWRP and make Format Data.

โš ๏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.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Google's removal from Xiaomi

Can Google Play Services be removed without consequences?
No, it's a critical system application, and if it's removed, it's going to crash most of the apps that depend on Google services (messengers, banks, maps), and the alternative is to install MicroG, but it doesn't support all of the features of the original services.
Why do applications return after being deleted via ADB?
This is because of the autorestore function of system applications in MIUI. To prevent reversion, you need to: Disable automatic application updates in the Play Store; Freeze the application through ADB: pm disable-user --user 0 application package; Use Magisk modules like App Systemizer to transfer applications from the system partition to the user partition.
How to uninstall Google with Xiaomi without a computer?
Without a PC, you can: Disable applications through settings (see Method 1); use apps like App Inspector (requires root) to remove; install Magisk through a patch bootloader (for example, POCO X3 has ready-made solutions); however, you still need a computer to completely remove without root (for ADB).
Will Mi Pay work after Google is removed?
Mi Pay is independent of Google services, but it requires: Active Mi Account; NFC support on the device; Google Play Services to check security (on some firmware); If Mi Pay stopped working after deleting it, try: Clear the cache of the com.miui.mipay app; Reinstall Google Play Services through the Aurora Store; Use alternatives: SberPay or Mir Pay.
How to return Google after deleting?
Recovery: For MIUI China, install Google Installer (APK) and follow the instructions. For custom firmware, run Open GApps through TWRP. For stock firmware, reset to factory settings (Settings โ†’ Phone โ†’ Reset). If you deleted through ADB: Restore applications with the command: adb shell cmd package install-existing package applications