How to completely uninstall your app on Xiaomi via your computer: from ADB to Fastboot

Removing apps on Xiaomi smartphones through standard settings MIUI It is often limited: the system does not allow you to get rid of pre-installed services (bloatver), and some user programs leave behind residual files. Using a computer opens up advanced possibilities - from complete erasure. APK-files before cleaning the cache and data through ADB This method is especially relevant for owners of devices with a locked bootloader, where root rights cannot be obtained.

In this guide, we will discuss three working ways to uninstall applications via PC: ADB-commands (without root rights), via Fastboot (for system applications) and using specialized utilities like Mi PC Suite or Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools. Each method is suitable for different scenarios - from removing unnecessary software to freeing up memory on devices with a computer. MIUI 12–14. Important: Some operations require pre-unlocking the bootloader, which can result in a data reset.

Preparing Xiaomi smartphone to remove applications via PC

There are a few critical steps that you need to take before you connect your device to your computer, and without them, none of the methods that I've described below will work, and starting with USB debugging mode, which is the basis for working with ADB.

To do this, go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times until the notification “You are a developer” appears. Then go back to the main settings menu, open Additional Settings → Developer Options and activate:

• 🔧 Debugging by USB (necessarily!)
• 🔄 Unlocking OEM (If you are planning to work with Fastboot)
• 📱 Debugging over Wi-Fi (optional, for wireless connection)

Also, install official Xiaomi drivers or universal Google USB Driver on your PC. Without them, your computer won’t recognize your device in ADB or Fastboot mode. To check the connection, open the command prompt and type:

adb devices

If your smartphone's serial number appears in the answer, the connection is successful. If not, reinstall the drivers or try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3 Pro) release OEM To activate it, first link your Mi Account to your device in Settings. → Xiaomi account.

Method 1: Remove applications via ADB (no root rights)

Method by using ADB (Android Debug Bridge is suitable for removing user and some system applications that do not require root rights, its main advantage is that it does not need to unlock the bootloader. MIUI (For example, com.miui.securitycenter, because this will lead to unstable operation of the system.

To start, download and install Google’s Platform Tools (includes adb.exe and fastboot.exe).

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission on the device screen.
2. Open the command prompt in the folder with Platform Tools (hold Shift + right click → “Open command window”).
3. Enter the command to get a list of all installed applications: adb shell pm list packages
4. Find the name of the package of the desired application (for example, com.facebook.katana for Facebook).
5. Delete the application by command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name packet Flag --user 0 means deletion only for the current user (does not affect system files).

If you want to completely erase the application along with the data, use:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 name packet

⚠️ Note: Removing system applications (e.g. com.android.browser) may disrupt the work MIUI. Before performing the operation, check the list of safe packets to remove on the forums. 4PDA or XDA Developers.

Install Platform Tools|Enable debugging by USB|Plug phone to PC|Receive a list of packages|Check the name of the package|Delete the application by command-->

Method 2: Remove system applications via Fastboot

If ADB fails to do so (e.g., an application is not removed due to MIUI limitations), you can use Fastboot mode. This method requires an unlocked bootloader, which automatically resets all data on the device, suitable for experienced users willing to sacrifice the warranty.

The process of unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi includes several stages:

1. Apply for unlocking via the official Mi Unlock website (Mi Account is required).
2. Download and install the Mi Unlock Tool.
3. Switch the smartphone to Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Power + Volume Down).
4. Connect your phone to your PC and follow the instructions in the Mi Unlock Tool (usually you need to wait 72–168 hours to confirm unlocking).

Once the bootloader is unlocked, you can delete the system applications.

1. Download modified MIUI firmware without a bloatwer (for example, with XDA Developers) or use the Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools utility.
2. Transfer the device to Fastboot and connect to the PC.
3. In the utility, select the Debloat option or manually delete packets by command: fastboot erase name section For example, to delete Facebook: fastboot erase system/priv-app/Facebook

Method 3: Use of specialized utilities

For users who don't want to work with the command line, there are graphical utilities that simplify the process of removing applications.

• 🖥️ Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools – supports the removal of the bloatwer, unlocking the bootloader and installing TWRP.
• 📱 Mi PC Suite – official software from Xiaomi, but with limited features (suitable only for custom applications).
• 🔧 Universal Android Debloater – cross-platform utility with support ADB.

Consider the Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools example:

1. Download the utility from GitHub and unpack the archive.
2. Connect your smartphone in ADB mode (debugging should be enabled).
3. Run XiaomiADBFastbootTools.exe and select the language.
4. In the main menu, click Debloat → Remove Bloatware.
5. Tick the apps you want to remove and confirm the action.

The utility has the advantage of automatically identifying packets that are safe to remove, blocking the removal of critical services, minimizing the risk of “bricking” the device, but it is still recommended to back up the device using ADB Backup before using it:

adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab

adb shell pm hide name packet

This hides the app from the system, but does not physically remove it.-->

Recovery of Remote Applications

If you are experiencing unstable system operation after deleting or want to return the application back, there are several ways to restore:

• 🔄 Reset to factory settings – will return all pre-installed applications, but delete user data.
• 📥 Hand-mounted APK — Download the application file (for example, with APKMirror) and install the name file.apk via adb install.
• 🔧 Fastboot flashing is a radical method that returns the device to a “clean” state.

To restore system applications without data reset, you can use the command:

adb shell cmd package install-existing name packet

This command activates a previously deactivated application if its files remain in the system.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13/14 Some system applications (e.g. com.miui.analytics) can automatically recover after a system update. MIUI customized.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you delete applications through your PC, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

If the device stopped booting when you uninstall the system application via Fastboot, try restoring it using the Mi Flash Tool:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the MIUI Downloads website.
2. Unpack the archive and launch the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and select the Clean All option.
4. Press Flash and wait for the process to be completed.

💡

Before removing system applications, always check their dependence on other MIUI services. For example, deleting com.miui.daemon can result in notifications being denied, and com.miui.gallery can result in the inability to view photos.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions