How to completely remove the app on your Xiaomi phone: from unnecessary games to system services

Why Xiaomi can’t uninstall the app and what to do about it

You downloaded a game that was boring or a system update MIUI Removing applications on Xiaomi often turns into a quest: somewhere the button “Delete” gray, somewhere the program is restored after a reboot, and some applications do not want to disappear from the menu. MIUI — Actively protect system components and preinstalled services from accidental removal.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to get rid of unnecessary programs on any Xiaomi smartphone – from the budget Redmi 10A to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra. Including those cases when standard methods do not work: the application does not delete, the error “Delete is forbidden by the administrator”, or the program returns after cleaning. And also tell you how to turn off the automatic installation of recommended applications through GetApps – this feature Xiaomi hides in the depths of settings.

Spoiler: Most of the tasks will be covered by standard MIUI tools, but if you're willing to go deeper, we'll show you how to uninstall even the programs that the system considers "sanctified." Let's start with the simplest.

Method 1: Standard removal through the application menu

This is a basic method that works for all user applications (games, instant messengers, social networks, etc.) downloaded from Google Play or GetApps. It does not require superuser rights and takes less than a minute.

How to do this:

  • 📱 Open the app menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
  • 🔍 Find the app you want to remove and pinch the icon for 1-2 seconds.
  • 🗑️ In the context menu that appears, select “Delete” (or basket icon).
  • ✅ Confirm the action in the dialog window.

If the Remove button is inactive (gray), then the application is system or preinstalled, in which case proceed to Method 2 or Method 4.

☑️ What to do if the "Delete" button is not pressed

Done: 0 / 4

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Google Play Services or Mi Account) are critical to the system and may result in loss of functionality (e.g. push notifications or contact synchronization) if removed).

Method 2: Remove via phone settings

This method is suitable for pre-installed applications that cannot be removed in the standard way, but can be disabled or removed updates, such as Mi Music, Mi Browser or Cleaner.

Step-by-step:

  1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
  2. In the list, find the desired application (you can use the search at the top of the screen).
  3. Slip it and a page with information will open.
  4. If there is a Remove button, press it. If it is not, select Disable (this hides the app and stops it from working).
  5. For some applications (for example, Google Chrome) available option “Remove updates” – this will return the program to the factory version, which takes up less space.

💡 Useful Lifehack: If you disabled the system application, but its icon is still hanging on the menu, install Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher from Google Play. These shells allow you to hide the icons of disabled programs.

📊 What apps do you most often remove from your smartphone?
Games
Social media.
Pre-installed services Xiaomi
System utilities (calculator, clock, etc.)
Other

Method 3: Clear cache and data before deletion

Sometimes the application is not deleted due to corrupted files or busy processes, in which case cleaning the cache and data will help - this "resets" the program to its initial state and often unlocks the delete button.

How it works:

  • 🧹 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
  • 📊 Select a problem application.
  • 🔄 Click on Clear Cache and Clear Data (Warning: This will remove all settings and saves inside the program!).
  • 🗑️ Try to remove the application again.

If that didn't work, it means the application is protected by the system. For example, Mi Security or Mi Share can't be removed without ADB or root rights. But there's a workaround -- see Method 4.

What is cache and why should it be cleaned?
Cache is a temporary file that the app creates to speed up work (e.g., thumbnails of images, stored form data, etc.) Over time, the cache can take up gigabytes of memory and cause crashes. Clearing the cache is safe – it does not delete personal data (photos, messages), but can reset the program settings (for example, you have to re-enter your account).

Method 4: Remove system applications via ADB (without root)

This is an advanced method for anyone who wants to connect a smartphone to a computer, which allows you to remove even those applications that MIUI blocks — for example, Mi Video, Mi Browser, GetApps or Analytics. It does not require root rights, but it requires care: a mistake in the command can lead to a system failure.

What you need:

  • 💻 Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
  • 🔌 USB Type C C Cable (Original or Quality).
  • 🛠️ Utility. ADB (Android Debug Bridge. can be downloaded from the official Android website.
  • ⚙️ Included debugging by USB smartphone.

Step-by-step:

  1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on the MIUI Version (you’ll be notified “You’re a developer!”).

USB-debugging

  • Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
  • Activate the “Debugging by USB” switch.
  • Connect the smartphone to the computer and confirm the trust in the device (a request will appear on the phone screen).
  • Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and go to the folder with ADB.
  • Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
  • Remove the unnecessary application by command: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 title.package For example, to remove Mi Browser: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser
  • Return to Settings → Applications → Application Management, find GetApps and turn off auto-start.

📌 In addition: To MIUI stop showing ads in system applications (for example, in Cleaner or Download), disable Personalized Recommendations in Settings → Confidentiality → Advertising.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing apps on Xiaomi

Can I delete Google Play Services? Is it safe?
❌ No, you can't delete Google Play Services (com.google.android.gms) -- it's the system component that runs Google services: push notifications, contact sync, geolocation, etc. Deleting it will cause massive crashes, such as Gmail, YouTube, Chrome, and many other apps. If Google Play Services takes up too much space, try: Clear its cache in Settings. → Update to the latest version in Google Play. disable automatic update in Google Play settings.
After removal, the application reappears after the MIUI update. How do I fix it?
It's a typical problem. MIUI — It restores remote system applications when you update them. MIUI: Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Threefold → Settings → Turn off "Automatic Boot." Use ADB for forced removal (see Method of 4). Repeat the procedure after the update. Install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), where there are no pre-installed Xiaomi applications. ⚠️ If you have removed the application through ADB flag-headed --user 0, It doesn't have to be regenerated. If it does, it does. MIUI It is considered critical (e.g., Mi Security).
How to hide the app icon if it can’t be removed?
If an app can’t be removed or disabled but it’s getting in the way of the menu, there are two ways to hide it: Use an alternative launcher: Install Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher from Google Play. Click the app icon → select Hide or Remove from the screen.

MIUI

:

  • Select “Hide apps” and tick unnecessary ones.

💡 The app will remain in the system, but its icon will disappear from the menu. → Annexes.

Can I remove MIUI altogether and put a pure Android?
🔹 Officially, no. Xiaomi doesn't provide firmware with "naked" Android (AOSP) However, there are informal ways: Install custom firmware: Popular options: LineageOS, Pixel Experience, ArrowOS. Requires unlocking the bootloader and root rights. ⚠️ The risk of loss of warranty and possible bugs (failure to work) NFC, camera.).

Android

  • For example, Lawnchair or Rootless Launcher.
  • This won’t remove MIUI, but it will make the interface look like a Pixel.

📌 Before installing custom firmware, check its compatibility with your Xiaomi model on the forum XDA Developers: Wrong firmware can turn a phone into a 'brick».

How to remove viruses or suspicious apps that are not removed?
If an unknown app appears on the phone that is not removed in standard ways, it may be: 🦠 Malware (such as an advertising Trojan). 🔍 System service disguised as a virus (sometimes) MIUI What to do: Check your phone through Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light (download from Google Play). If the antivirus finds the threat but can't remove it: Launch your phone in Safe Mode (press the turn off button) → «Safe Mode. Try uninstalling the app in this mode.

ADB

Method 4

factory-setting

⚠️ Note: Some “viruses” are actually system services. MIUI (Deleting them can disrupt your phone. Check the name of the package in Google before you take action.