Why Removing Apps on Redmi 9 Is Different Than Other Smartphones
Xiaomi Redmi 9 runs on the proprietary shell MIUI, which imposes its restrictions on program management. Unlike “pure” Android, there are nuances: some preinstalled applications (bloatwar) can not be removed by standard methods, and some system services are restored after a reboot, due to Xiaomi’s policy, which integrates its services (for example, Mi Browser, Mi Video or GetApps) at the firmware level.
Another feature is the separation of "remote" and "disabled" applications, which many users confuse: the disabled application remains in the device's memory and can take up to 30% of its original volume (due to cache and data), Deleting completely, on the contrary, frees up space, but requires superuser rights (root) or ADB commands for system programs. In this article, we will discuss all working methods, from simple to advanced, taking into account the specifics of Redmi 9 (model M2003J15SC/M2004J19G).
Before you start, check the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone. Current firmware (e.g., MIUI 14 based on Android 12) may block some uninstalling methods, so we will specify alternatives for different versions.
Method 1: Standard removal via MIUI settings
The most secure method that is suitable for custom apps (installed from Google Play or Google Play) APK-It requires no additional tools and works on all versions of Redmi 9:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the app you want (use a search at the top of the screen).
- Slip it and select "Delete" (if the button is active).
⚠️ Note: If the Delete button is inactive (grey), it means the application is system, in which case only the "Disable" option is available - it hides the program from the menu, but does not free memory.
Is there any important data in the application (for example, saved games or settings)
Is there enough free space in the memory (at least 10% of the total)
Is the application system-based (e.g. Security or Mi Account)
Disabled notifications from the program (to avoid errors after deletion)-->
To speed up the process, you can remove applications directly from the home screen by pressing the program icon and dragging it to the basket (the "Delete" icon will appear at the top of the screen), which only works for custom applications.
Method 2: Remove via Google Play (for installed programs)
If the app was installed through the Google Play Market, it can be removed directly from the store, which is convenient when you need to clean several programs at the same time or restore the previously deleted:
- Open Google Play and tap the profile avatar in the upper right corner.
- Select Application and Device Management → Management.
- The Installed tab will show all programs. Check the unneeded boxes and click Remove (basket icon).
The advantage of this method is synchronization with a Google account, so if you log in to the same account on a different device, the list of installed apps will be updated automatically, but Xiaomi system programs (such as Mi Community or Mi Pay) are not on this list.
Once a month|Only when memory ends|Never delete.|I use alternative methods (ADB/root)-->
⚠️ Note: After removal via Google Play, some apps may remain on the Settings list → Apps marked "Not installed." That's fine -- these programs are completely uninstalled, but their data is stored for possible recovery.
Method 3: Disabling system applications (without root)
Xiaomi system applications (such as Mi Music, Mi Calendar or Cleaner) cannot be removed by standard methods, but they can be disabled. This hides the program from the menu, stops its background activity and saves battery power.
Instructions:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select a system application (such as Mi Video).
- Click "Disable" and confirm the action.
Disabled programs will disappear from the menu, but they can be returned to Settings → Applications → Disabled. Importantly, disabling some services (for example, Mi Account or Security) can lead to unstable smartphone operation or synchronization errors.
What system applications can be disabled without risk?
| Annex | Can I remove it? | Can I turn it off? | Effects of consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Browser | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | It will disappear from the menu, but will remain in memory. |
| Google Play Services | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | Critical service for Android |
| Mi Video | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | It will not affect the system. |
| Facebook (pre-installed) | ✅ Yes. ADB) | ✅ Yes. | Free up ~200MB of memory |
| Security | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | Responsible for security and optimization |
Method 4: Remove system applications via ADB (without root)
To completely remove pre-installed applications (including Facebook, Mi Browser or GetApps) will require debugging over USB and the ADB command. This method does not require superuser rights, but you need preparation:
Steps:
- Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on the MIUI Version (you will be notified "You became a developer").
USB-debugging
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Turn on the USB debugging switch.
- Connect Redmi 9 to your PC, install ADB drivers (for example, through Android Studio) and execute the command: adb devices (you should display your device).
- Remove the application by command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.example.app Replace com.example.app with the batch name of the program (see list below).
⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications from root may disrupt the work MIUI. For example, deleting com.miui.securitycenter will result in the security menu disappearing, and deleting com.android.settings will result in the inability to go to the settings. TWRP.
💡
Root access on Redmi 9 voids Xiaomi’s official warranty, and some banking apps (like Sberbank Online) can block work on rooted devices.
How to Clean Residual Files After Deletion
Even after the application is uninstalled, Redmi 9 can still have cache, settings, and temporary files in its memory to make room for:
- Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. Select the remote application (it can be displayed as “Not Installed”), click on “Clear Cache” and “Clear Data”.
- Manual folder cleaning: Connect your phone to your PC and open internal memory. Delete the folders with the application name in /Android/data/ (basic data) /Android/obb/ (additional files, for example, for games)
Utilities used:
- Applications like SD Maid or Files by Google can help you find junk files.
⚠️ Note: Do not delete folders called com.android. or com.miui. these are system components. /Android/secure, where data from secure applications (e.g. Netflix or banking programs) is stored).