Owning a modern Android device often involves the accumulation of many programs that occupy precious space in memory and consume processor resources. Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi devices are especially familiar with the situation when after buying a new gadget, they find dozens of preinstalled utilities in the system, not all of which are useful in everyday use. Removing unnecessary interface elements and background processes is the first step to optimize the operation of the MIUI or HyperOS operating system.
There are several proven ways to get rid of unnecessary software, ranging from standard menu features to more advanced methods through the computer. It is important to understand that system applications require careful handling, as their incorrect removal can lead to unstable device operation. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods, consider the nuances of working with ADB rights and help you make the interface of your smartphone cleaner and faster.
Standard removal through the settings menu
The safest and most recommended way to clean up memory is to use an integrated application manager, which is suitable for most custom programs downloaded from Google Play or GetApps, as well as some system utilities that are allowed to be deactivated, and you need to open the main menu and find the Settings icon, which usually looks like a gear.
In the list of options that opens, scroll down to the App section and select All Apps, which displays the full list of installed software, sorted by frequency of use or alphabet. Once you find the desired program, click on its name to go to the control menu where the Delete or Disable buttons will be available.
If the delete button is active, the system will request confirmation of the operation. Once you press OK, the program will be completely erased from the device, along with its cache and data. In the case that only the Disable button is available, this means that the application is system-based and cannot be removed by standard methods without losing warranty or violating the integrity of the firmware.
☑️ Pre-deletion check
It is worth noting that in new versions of the HyperOS shell, the settings interface may differ slightly, but the logic of actions remains the same. Some users prefer to use the search by settings, typing the program name into the top line, which greatly speeds up the search process in long lists.
Quick removal through the desktop
For those who value time and are used to operating a device directly from a lock screen or desktop, there is a faster method, which allows you to remove application shortcuts with a single touch, without diving into the wilds of system menus, which is especially convenient when mass cleaning of recently installed games or utilities.
To use this feature, you need to find the icon of the removed application on the desktop. Press it and hold your finger for 1-2 seconds until the pop-up menu appears or the screen goes into editing mode. Depending on the version of MIUI, you will be asked to drag the icon to the basket or click on the icon of the garbage can that appears.
- 🗑️ Drag and drop: Press the icon and drag it to the top of the screen where an area will appear with the words “Delete” or a cart image.
- ❌ Cross: In the editing mode of the desktop in the corner of the icon may appear a small cross, pressing which initiates the removal of the icon.
- ⚙️ Context menu: With a long press, a menu may appear where you need to select "Delete the application" or "Application information".
It's important to distinguish between deleting the shortcut and deleting the application itself. If you just move the icon to the folder or delete it from the desktop, but the program remains in the settings menu, then the memory space will not be freed. Make sure that the system has requested confirmation to delete the program, not just its shortcut.
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If the cart does not appear when dragging the icon, try to change the theme to a standard one - in some custom themes this function can be hidden or work incorrectly.
Removal of system applications and embedded software
Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones are known for their rich set of pre-installed software, often referred to as “bloatware,” which includes Mi Credit, Booking, various games and regional apps that cannot be removed through the standard menu because the delete button is inactive (grey).
Removing such programs requires more advanced tools such as a computer and USB debugging, which force packets hidden from the user, but removing critical system components such as Security, Google Play Services, or System Framework can result in a cyclical bootloop.
Before you start removing system packages, you need to activate the developer mode. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone and click 7 times in a row on the MIUI Version (or OS Version). After the message "You became a developer" you can go to debugging settings.
⚠️ Warning: Before removing any system components, be sure to write down the exact name of the package (e.g. com.android.browser).If you delete the wrong package, restoring your phone may require a complete flashing of the device.
There are specialized software for PCs, such as Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools or Universal Android Debloater, which greatly simplifies the process. These programs automatically identify the connected smartphone and offer a list of safe applications to remove, marking dangerous system files with warning icons.
Using ADB for Advanced Users
The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is the gold standard for deep cleaning without obtaining root permissions. It allows you to send commands directly to the operating system without the GUI restrictions. You will need a computer (Windows, macOS or Linux) and a USB cable to work.
The first step is to install drivers for your device and platform ADB. After connecting the smartphone in debugging mode (Settings path → Advanced settings → For developers → Debugging over USB), you need to open the command line on the PC. Enter the command adb devices to check the connection - a request for debugging permission should appear on the phone screen.
The following command is used to remove a particular packet:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name packetHere, the name packet is replaced with the real name of the application (for example, com.miui.videoplayer). --user 0 This means that the application is removed for the current main user, but physically remains in the system partition, which makes it easy to restore it to the factory reset if necessary.
- 🔍 Packet search: To find out the name of the package, you can use the analyzer applications or the command adb shell pm list packages.
- ↩️ Recovery: Removed through ADB The application can be returned by the adb shell cmd package install-existing name packet command.
- ⚠️ Caution: Do not delete packages that you do not know the purpose of, especially those that contain the words “framework”, “service” or “provider” in the title".
This method requires care, but gives you complete control over the device. Many enthusiasts create their own lists of safe packets for specific models of Redmi Note or Xiaomi Mi, which are shared on profile forums.
Cleaning up data and application cache
Sometimes, complete removal of an application is not required or impossible, but it is necessary to free up space occupied by accumulated temporary files. Cache memory allows applications to load faster, but over time can grow to gigabyte sizes, especially for instant messengers and browsers.
To clear the cache, go to Settings → Applications → All apps, select the program you want, and click on Memory (or Storage) where you will see two buttons: Clear the cache and Clear Everything (or Reset).
Clearing the cache is secure and doesn't delete your personal data, logins or saves. However, the Clear Data button completely resets the app to the state immediately after installation, removing all accounts and settings inside it. Use this feature with caution.
| Type of cleaning | What's removed | Impact on data | Security |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clearing the cache | Temporary files, thumbnails | Data is retained | Safe. |
| Clearing all data | Settings, accounts, cache | Complete reset of the annex | Requires re-entry |
| Deletion of the annex | All application files | The app disappears | We need a re-installation. |
| Shutdown | Nothing (hidden app) | Data is retained | Reversible. |
Regularly cleaning the cache of heavy apps like Telegram, Instagram or TikTok can free up several gigabytes of space, which is critical for models with little internal storage.
Why does the cache take up so much space?
Frequent problems and their solution
When uninstalling software, users may encounter a variety of errors, such as “Can’t delete the application” or spontaneous return of remote software, often due to device administrator rights or active subscriptions.
If the system says that deletion is impossible, check if the application has administrator rights. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Privacy → Special features → Device administrators. If the application being removed is on the list, uncheck it, then try to delete again.
Also worth mentioning is the problem with “resurrection” applications: some Xiaomi system services can automatically restore remote components after a system update or forced synchronization, in which case only a complete disconnection through the developer menu or locking through a firewall helps.
⚠️ Warning: If after removing any component, the phone begins to behave inadequately (heats, discharges quickly), try resetting to factory settings or restore the deleted package through the phone. ADB.
Another common problem is that you can’t remove system application updates, so in the application management menu, you first need to click the Remove Updates button (three dots in the corner), return the program to the factory version, and then try to delete or disable it.
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Most deletion errors are solved by removing the administrator’s rights from the application or disconnecting the Internet before the procedure to prevent instant recovery.