How to completely remove an app on Xiaomi if it is not removed in standard ways

Have you tried to remove an unnecessary app on Xiaomi, but the system persistently issues an error “Delete is impossible” or the uninstallation button is simply inactive? This problem is familiar to many owners of smartphones with MIUI firmware. The fact that the manufacturer blocks the removal of preinstalled (“system”) applications — from Mi Browser to Mi Video — to preserve the functionality of the ecosystem. However, there are legal and not very ways to circumvent this restriction.

In this article, we will discuss all working methods, from secure disabling through settings to deep removal using ADB and root rights. You will learn how to remove even those programs that MIUI hides from the user in the application menu, and what to do if after manipulation the smartphone began to work unstable. Importantly, some methods require unlocking the bootloader or superuser rights, we will explain in detail the risks and consequences of each approach.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the removal of some apps

MIUI firmware (even in the HyperOS version) is tightly tied to Xiaomi’s ecosystem, with pre-installed apps not just being “junk,” but part of a system that:

• 🔄 Syncs with Mi Account services (e.g. Mi Cloud or Mi Fit).
• 📊 Collects anonymous statistics to improve firmware (yes, even if you turned off this option in the settings).
• 💰 Monetizes the ecosystem through advertising in Mi Browser, Mi Music and other services.
• 🔧 Controls hardware functions (e.g. Mi Remote for IR port or Mi Share for fast file transfer).

In addition, some applications (Security, Cleaner, Themes) are integrated into the kernel of the system, and forced removal of them can lead to:

• ⚠️ Errors in updating MIUI (The system will require you to restore deleted files).
• ⚠️ Failures in operation (for example, the settings menu will stop opening or access to the camera will disappear).
• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if you used root rights or unlocked bootloader).

⚠️ Attention: Removing system applications on Xiaomi models with locked bootloader (by default) can lead to a "brick" (inoperability) of the device. Before any manipulation, create a backup through Settings → The phone. → Backup.

Method 1: Disabling the application without deletion (without root rights)

If you are just disturbed by the app on the menu or it consumes resources in the background, it can be turned off - it is safe and does not require unlocking the bootloader, POCO, Black Shark):

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show All Applications (or System Processes).
3. Find the app you want (such as Mi Browser) and open your card.
4. Click Disable (if the button is inactive, the application is critical to the system).
5. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

After the shutdown:

• 📱 The app will disappear from the menu and launcher.
• 🔄 It will not be updated through the Play Market or MIUI Updater.
• 🚫 Background processes will stop (the battery charge is saved).

⚠️ Attention: The applications that are disabled are not physically deleted, they stay in the memory of the device and take up space. ADB root-right.

Method 2: Remove via ADB (without root rights, but with bootloader unlocking)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is an Android debugging tool that allows you to manage system files without rooting. To uninstall an application through ADB, you need to:

1. Unlock the bootloader (this will reset all the data on the phone!).
2. Enable debugging over USB in the developer settings.
3. Connect the phone to the PC and execute the deletion command.

Detailed instructions:

Step 1: Unlocking the loader

This process is officially supported by Xiaomi, but requires the Mi Account to be linked to the device.

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable OEM Unlock.
3. Download the official utility Mi Unlock and log in to it under your Mi Account.
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume down when the device is off) and follow the instructions in the utility.

Step 2: Remove the application via ADB

After unlocking:

1. Download ADB and Fastboot Tools for Windows/macOS/Linux.
2. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings.
3. Connect the phone to the PC and type in the command line:

adb devices

(Your device should appear. If not, install Xiaomi USB Drivers.)

adb shell pm list packages | grep 'miui'

(This command will list all the system packages. Find the name of the application you want, such as com.miui.browser for Mi Browser.)

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

(Replace com.miui.browser with your app package name.)

If the command is executed without errors, the application is removed for the current user (it will remain in the system, but will not be visible and will not work).

Make sure the loader is unlocked

Enable debugging over USB

Install ADB Tools on PC

Download the list of MIUI packages (adb shell pm list packages)

Create a backup copy of the data-->

Method 3: Complete removal with root rights (for power users)

If you're willing to take risks, root rights give you complete control of the system files, and this method allows you to physically remove the application from the device's memory, freeing up space.

• ⚠️ The guarantee is violated (if it is still valid).
• ⚠️ Air updates are disabled (OTA).
• ⚠️ Risk of "brike" in team error.

Instructions:

1. Get root rights with Magisk (instructions are available on XDA Developers).
2. Install a file manager with root support, such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer.
3. Go to /system/priv-app/ or /system/app/ and find the folder with the name of the application (for example, Browser for Mi Browser).
4. Delete the folder or rename it (add at the end of.bak).
5. Reset the device.

An alternative way is to use ADB with root rights:

adb shell


su




mount -o rw,remount /system




rm -rf /system/priv-app/Browser

⚠️ Note: Removing critical apps (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) can cause a cyclical reboot of your phone. Before removing, check the list of safe to remove packages on thematic forums (e.g, 4PDA).

Method 4: Hiding applications through MIUI-launcher

If you don’t need to remove the app physically, but just want to remove it from the home screen, use the built-in hide feature in MIUI Launcher:

1. Hold your finger in the free seat of the main screen.
2. Select Launcher Settings → Hidden Applications.
3. Check the unneeded programs and click Ready.

Hidden annexes:

• 🔍 Not displayed in the app menu.
• 🔄 They are still updated and working in the background.
• 📱 You can find it through a search system (Settings) → Search).

This method doesn't free up memory, but it makes the interface cleaner. To get the application back, repeat the steps and uncheck the box.

Method 5: Using third-party launchers

If you don’t like MIUI Launcher, you can install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcher).

• 🎨 Customize the appearance of icons and menus.
• 🗑️ Hide system applications without root rights.
• 🔧 Disable animations and speed up the interface.

Instructions:

1. Install a launcher from Play Market.
2. Click "Home" and select the new launcher as the main one.
3. In the launcher settings, find the option “Hidden Apps” (in Nova Launcher it is Settings → Apps and widgets → Hidden Apps).
4. Add unnecessary programs to the list.

The advantage of this method is that you don't have to interfere with the system, and the disadvantage is that the applications stay in memory and can be updated.

Table: What Xiaomi system applications can be removed without risk

Below is a list of apps that can normally be safely removed or disabled, but before you manipulate, check the relevance of the information for your model and version of MIUI!

❌ Do not remove the following applications (the risk of failure is high):

• com.miui.securitycenter (Security Center)
• com.miui.home (MIUI Launcher)
• com.android.settings (Settings).
• com.miui.gallery (Gallery - can disrupt the camera)

💡

Before you delete your system application, check for its dependence on other services, for example, deleting your Mi Account (com.xiaomi.account) will result in the inability to sign in to your Xiaomi account and loss of access to the cloud.

What to do if after removing the application the phone is unstable

If you have removed a critical app and are faced with:

• 🔄 Cyclical reboot (bootloop).
• 📵 Persistent errors (e.g., “Settings app stopped»).
• 🔋 Quick battery discharge.

Try the following steps:

1. Restoration through backup

If you did backup through Settings → About Phone → Backup, restore the system:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup.
2. Select the latest backup and click Restore.
3. Wait until the process is completed (the phone will restart).

2. Flashing through Fastboot

If there is no backup, you will have to reflash the phone:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the MIUI Downloads website.
2. Unpack the archive and copy the path to the folder.
3. Install the Mi Flash Tool on your PC.
4. Turn your phone into Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down).
5. Connect to your PC, open the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Flash.

Installation of custom firmware

If you don’t want to go back to standard MIUI, you can install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

1. Unlock the boot loader (if not already done).
2. Install a custom recavery (TWRP).
3. Download the firmware from the XDA Developers website.
4. Flow through TWRP.

⚠️ Warning: Fastboot flashing or custom firmware installation erases all data on the device. If you didn't have a backup, it won't be possible to restore photos, contacts and messages.

💡

If after removing the system application, the phone stopped turning on, do not try to “fix” it yourself without experience. Contact the Xiaomi service center - in some cases, you can restore workability through service utilities.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing apps on Xiaomi