How to completely remove the application on the Xiaomi smartphone: 5 proven ways

Removing unnecessary apps on Xiaomi smartphones seems like a simple task — until you encounter system programs that do not want to disappear, or residual files that occupy precious memory. Unlike iPhone or “pure” Android, MIUI firmware has its own nuances: hidden settings, duplicate menus and restrictions on removing preinstalled software. This article will help you figure out how to properly uninstall applications on Redmi, POCO or Mi, including those that are not deleted by standard methods.

We will look at not only the basic methods through the settings menu, but also advanced techniques using ADB, cleaning cache, and explaining why some programs return after a reboot. Special attention will be paid to security: removing system applications without understanding the consequences can lead to malfunctions in the smartphone, including problems with MIUI updates or camera failure. All instructions are relevant for the MIUI 12-15 firmware versions (including HyperOS for new models).

1. Standard removal through the application menu

The most obvious way is to remove settings through the main screen or menu, which is suitable for most user applications (installed from Google Play or.apk files), but often useless for pre-installed software from Xiaomi.

To remove the application by the standard method:

• 📱 Click on the program icon on the home screen or in the application menu for a long time. The "Delete" button will appear at the top of the screen (if it is active).
• 🗑️ If there is no button, drag the icon to the top of the screen, where the words “Delete” or “Deinstall” appear".
• ⚙️ For some applications (such as Mi Browser or Mi Video), only "Disable" will be prompted instead of deleting".

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Does not work for system applications (e.g. Security, Themes, Mi Pay).
• ❌ Does not clean residual files (cache, data in the folder) /Android/data/).
• ❌ Does not remove system software updates downloaded through Google Play.

2. Remove via phone settings

A more flexible method is to use the Applications section in your settings, where you can not only uninstall programs, but also clean their data or disable them.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired app from the list (use the search at the top if the list is long).
3. Click "Delete" (if the button is active) or "Disable" (for system programs).
4. Confirm the action by pressing "OK" in the window that appears.

What to do if the "Delete" button is inactive:

• 🔄 Try to first click on Clear Data and Clear Cache – sometimes this will unlock the option to delete.
• 📥 If the app has been updated through Google Play, click “Delete Updates” and then try again.
• 🔧 Some system programs (such as Mi Music or Mi Calendar) may need to be disabled instead of uninstalled.

Important: The apps that are disabled will remain in the phone's memory, but they will stop working and update, and they can be turned back on in the same menu.

3. Removing system applications without root via ADB

If standard methods fail and root rights are not desired, ADB (Android Debug Bridge) can help, which allows you to remove most pre-installed programs, but requires caution: improper use of ADB can lead to firmware failure or loss of functionality (for example, camera or mobile network failure).

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and program ADB Tools (you can download from the official Google website).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).

Instructions for removal:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission on your phone screen.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB and type:

adb devices

(The serial number of your device should be displayed.)

1. To see a list of all packages installed, enter:

adb shell pm list packages

1. Find the name of the package of the desired application (for example, com.miui.calculator for the calculator).
2. Remove the application by the command:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.calculator

Replace com.miui.calculator with your package name.

Warnings:

⚠️ Note: Do not delete packages with the names com.android., com.qualcomm. or com.miui.home, this may cause the system to fail.

💡

Before you massively remove system applications via ADB, back up your important data and check if your smartphone’s functionality depends on it (e.g., Mi Pay may be associated with NFC).

4. Cleaning of residues after disposal

Even after uninstallation of the application on Xiaomi, there are often “tails”: files in /Android/data/ and /Android/obb/ folders, as well as entries in the MIUI registry. This takes up space and can cause errors when you re-install the program.

How to completely clean the tracks:

• 📁 Use a file manager (such as Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer) to manually clean up your file:
• 🧹 Use the built-in utility "Cleaning" (Settings) → Cleaning, but choose "Deep cleaning".
• 🔍 To find hidden files, use applications like SD Maid (requires root for full scan).

Beware of Google Play cleaners, many of whom leave unneeded files or display false warnings, and MIUI already has built-in optimization tools:

• 🔄 Settings → Battery and productivity → Cleanup.
• 🗑️ Settings → Memory. → Clear (shows large files).

5. Removal of System Application Updates

Many of Xiaomi’s standard programs (such as Mi Browser or Mi Community) are updated through Google Play, but their basic versions remain on the system, which leads to duplication: you delete the updated version, and in its place the old version appears that can not be uninstalled.

How to remove updates:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select a system application (e.g. Mi Browser).
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Delete Updates".
4. Confirm the action. The app will return to the factory version.

If the Remove button is active, you can uninstall the program completely. If not, use ADB (see Section 3).

Why it matters:

• 📉 System application updates often take up more space than the original versions.
• 🔄 Older versions may contain vulnerabilities that have been patched in updates (but if you don’t use the program, it’s best to remove it completely).
• ⚙️ Some updates conflict with firmware, causing crashes (for example, Mi Video may stop playing some formats).

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Removing system application updates is a must before attempting a complete uninstallation, and without it, many programs will return after a reboot.

6 Recovery of Remote System Applications

If you have problems after uninstalling through ADB (for example, the camera or mobile Internet stopped working), the application can be restored. You do not need to reset your smartphone to the factory settings, just reinstall the package.

Recovery methods:

• 🔄 Dumping through MIUI:
• 📥 Reinstallation through ADB:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.calculator

(Replace com.miui.calculator with your package name.)

• 🔧 Hand-mounted APK:

If the application is critical for the system (for example, Security or Mi Account), and you can not restore it, you will have to reset to factory settings (Settings → About the phone → Reset settings).

⚠️ Warning: Before reset, save data! Unlike iPhone, backup on Xiaomi doesn't always restore apps and their settings. Use Google Account to sync contacts and Mi Cloud for photos.

7.Alternatives to Deletion: Disconnection and Hiding

If you can't delete an application or it's risky, you can turn it off or hide it from the home screen, and it won't free up memory, but it will save you from intrusive notifications and random launches.

How to disable the system application:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want (such as Mi Credit or Mi Pay).
3. Click "Disable" and confirm the action.

How to hide the icon from the main screen:

• 📱 Long-term click on the application icon.
• In the menu that appears, select Hide (if the option is available) or drag the icon to the Hidden Apps folder (created automatically).
• 🔍 To return the icon, open the app menu, click on the three dots at the top and select Show Hidden".

Advantages of disconnection:

• ✅ The app is not updated through Google Play.
• ✅ Does not appear in the list of running processes (saves battery).
• ✅ Not showing notices.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ It takes up space in memory (albeit less than an active application).
• ❌ Certain functions MIUI It may not work properly (for example, disabling Mi Share will disrupt fast file transfers).

Frequently asked questions