Xiaomiβs current Smart TVs (Mi TVs) run Android TV or a PatchWall version of it, which opens up huge opportunities for users to install a variety of software. However, over time, the deviceβs built-in memory can become overflowing and the list of programs can acquire unnecessary or rarely used applications that not only take up space but can slow down the interface. Understanding how to properly manage installed software is a key skill for any smart tech owner who wants to keep the gadget in optimal condition.
Unlike classical computers, the process of uninstalling programs on a TV has its own nuances, depending on the version of the firmware and the type of application itself. Some programs can be removed by standard means of the system in a couple of clicks, while others that are part of the system software require more profound intervention. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods of cleaning memory, from simple actions through the remote control to advanced methods for advanced users.
Freeing up disk space isnβt just removing shortcuts, itβs an important maintenance procedure for your Mi TV. Clogged cache and a host of background processes can lead to video slowdowns, long menu loads, and even spontaneous device reboots. Regular cleaning helps extend the life of the TV and ensures smoother performance of all multimedia functions.
Standard removal of applications through TV settings
The safest and most recommended way for most users is to use the built-in functionality of the operating system.This method does not require third-party devices or computer use and completely eliminates the risk of damage to system files. First, you need to go to the main menu of your Smart TV and find the section responsible for managing the device.
The interface may vary slightly depending on the regional firmware version and the TV model (Mi TV Stick, Mi Box or built-in Android TV). Usually, the way to manage programs is through the settings menu, where all the configuration tools of the system are collected, you need to find the item associated with the applications and select a specific program from the list of installed.
After selecting the desired application, the system will offer you several options for action: if the program was installed by a user from the Google Play store or through the Internet. APK-The file, the delete button will be active. In the case of system applications, this button may not be available (darked), which indicates that the file is protected from deletion by standard methods.
- πΊ Go to the Settings menu (cog in the upper right corner).
- π¦ Select the App or All Apps.
- ποΈ Find the unnecessary program in the list and click on it.
- β Press the Remove button and confirm the action.
It is worth noting that after deleting the program can still leave some temporary files or settings in the system. For complete cleaning, it is recommended to also use the cache clearing function before final deleting, if this option is available in the menu of a particular application, this is especially true for heavy multimedia players and games.
Removing programs directly from the desktop
There is a faster way to get rid of unwanted software if it is displayed on the home screen or in the quick access panel, a technique that allows you to do digital cleaning visually, immediately seeing what you get rid of, but it does not work for all versions of the PatchWall shell and may not be available in some regions.
To implement this method, you need to hover your remote cursor over the icon of the application you want to remove. Depending on the version of the interface, you may need to press the menu button (three dots or gear) on the remote control, or simply hold the central confirmation button, and a context menu with available actions will appear on the screen.
β οΈ Warning: Be careful when removing applications from your desktop, as in some firmware versions, this action may only hide the label, but not remove the program itself from the device's memory. Always check the occupied space in the settings after such an operation.
If you're using a Mi TV Stick or Mi Box with a pure Android TV, the process can look like dragging an icon into a basket that appears at the top of the screen.This is standard behavior of Google's operating system that is intuitively understood by many smartphone users. Xiaomi's built-in PatchWall TVs often require you to go to full uninstall settings.
- π― Hover over the app icon on the home screen.
- β¬οΈ Press the button "Menu" or "Down" on the remote to call options.
- ποΈ Select Delete or Drag the icon to the basket.
- βοΈ Confirm removal in the pop-up window.
It is important to understand the difference between deleting an application and disabling it. In some cases, especially with software preinstalled, the system can only offer the "Disable" option. This action will hide the program from the interface and stop its processes, but physically the file will remain in the device's memory, taking up space.
Using File Managers to Clean Data
Sometimes standard settings donβt show the full picture of whatβs taking up space on your Android TV. In these cases, specialized file managers come to the rescue, which can be downloaded from the Google Play store. These snails allow you to see the folder structure and delete the remnants of deleted programs or cache that has not been cleaned automatically.
One of the most popular solutions is the File Commander or Send Files to app. TV, And then you have a manager that's built in, and you get access to a deeper layer of the file system, and you can find and delete it. APK-installer files that often remain in the download folder after installing programs.
Which File Managers Are Best for TV?
When working with file managers, it is critical not to delete files that you do not know the purpose of. Android system folders contain the data necessary for the device's stable work. Deleting key libraries can lead to interface errors or a complete failure of the TV to turn on.
- π Install a file manager from Google Play.
- π Go to the Downloads folder or Android/data.
- π§Ή Find Remains of Remote Programs or Old Installation Files.
- π« Delete only files you are 100 sure of%.
File managers are also useful for clearing the cache of specific applications if the standard cleaning through settings is not working.You can find the folder with the name of the application and delete the contents of the cache folder.This often helps solve problems with hanging specific services such as YouTube or Netflix.
Forced removal of system applications via ADB
For advanced users who want to get rid of undeleteable system debris (bloatware), there is a method of debugging through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires a computer (Windows, macOS or Linux) and connecting the TV to the same local network, the method allows you to remove even those applications whose delete button is blocked in the interface.
The first step is to activate the developer mode on the TV. Go to Settings β Device β and find the Build number. Click on it 7 times in a row with the remote until you say youβve become a developer. Then a new section for developers will appear in the settings menu.
adb connect 192.168.1.XX:5555
adb shell pm list packages
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.package.nameIn the developer mode, you need to turn on the debugging option USB (case-by-case TV It means debugging over the web. Remember. IP-The address of the TV that is displayed in the network settings. ADB and enter the connection command, substitute IP-address.
β οΈ Note: Removal of system components through ADB This can cause a TV to run unsteady, lose warranty features, or βbrickβ your device, and only remove packages that you know are intended (such as specific Google services or advertising modules).
The uninstall command looks like pm uninstall --user 0 packet name. The name of the package can be found through the pm list packages command. Be extremely careful: removing the system launcher or critical Android services will make the TV unusable without flashing.
Comparison of Memory Cleanup Methods on Xiaomi TV
The choice of removal method depends on your goals and technical level. If you just need to free up space occupied by games or players, standard settings are enough. If you are struggling for every megabyte of internal memory on models with 8 GB or 16 GB of disk, a comprehensive approach may be required.
The table below compares the main methods of removing applications, their complexity and risks, which will help you choose the best cleaning strategy for your Mi TV or Mi Box model.
| Method | Difficulty | Risk to the system | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through Settings. | Low. | Absent. | Medium (only user-generated apps) |
| From the desktop | Low. | Absent. | Low (often just a shortcut) |
| File manager | Medium | Low. | High (waste cleaning) |
| ADB Commands | Tall. | High-pitched | Maximum (removes everything) |
Remember that regular maintenance is more important than one-time radical measures, periodic checks of the list of installed programs will help to avoid critical overflow of memory (USB-drive), if your TV model supports the installation of applications on an external medium.
βοΈ Checklist before removing system applications
Optimizing Smart TV after removal
Once you have removed the extra apps, it is recommended to reboot the device, so that the Android operating system reallocates resources and the freed up memory is correctly accounted for in the system spreadsheets. Simply turning off the remote can leave the TV in deep sleep mode without completely restarting the processes.
Also worth checking is the autoboot of the remaining applications. Many programs have the property of running with the system, consuming RAM, and in the application settings you can find the option to prevent autorun or limit background activity for rarely used services.
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Use the external USB-A flash drive for heavy applications, if the TV model allows you to choose the installation site, this will significantly relieve the internal memory and speed up the interface.
To keep your TV running fast, try not to fill up more than 80-85% of your internal memory. The operating system requires free space to create temporary files and cache. If the occupancy indicator comes to the red zone, the system can start to run slower, regardless of the processor power.
- π Perform a full reboot through the off menu.
- π« Turn off auto-update for unnecessary apps on Google Play.
- π Keep your memory busy without reaching 100%.
- π§Ή Periodically clean the cache of popular applications.
Compliance with these simple digital device hygiene rules will allow your Xiaomi TV to last a long time and enjoy high performance. Smart application management is the key to the stable operation of any modern operating system, and TVs are no exception in this regard.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I remove the Google Play Store from Xiaomi TV?
Why is the Remove button inactive (gray)?
Is it safe to remove apps I donβt know the names of?
Will removing apps reset my personal account settings?
How to return a remote system application?
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The safest way to remove is to remove only those applications that you installed yourself, and system software is best simply to disable or ignore, so as not to disrupt the operating system.