How to completely uninstall the app with Xiaomi Redmi 4X: 5 proven ways

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 4X Often faced with a problem: even after removing the application through the standard menu, it continues to take up space in memory, leaves a cache or does not disappear from the list of installed programs. MIUI Android architecture 6.0/7.1, Unlike modern smartphones, the Redmi is powered by this device. 4X not always cleans correctly data/data and /system/priv-app — folders where the residual files are stored.

This article will not just list the ways of uninstallation, but will reveal the mechanisms of work. MIUI with applications: why some programs can not be removed through the Settings menu, how to circumvent manufacturer restrictions and what to do if after removal there are “artifacts” in the form of empty folders or registry entries. MIUI Optimized Setup, and Advanced Setup with the ADB, root rights and even manual editing of system files, and we will focus on the unique problem of Redmi. 4X: version-conflict MIUI 8/9 Android-core 6.0, Which is why some of the systems APK Recovery after rebooting.

Why Standard Removal Doesn't Work on Redmi 4X

MIUI firmware on Redmi 4X modifies Android’s standard uninstallation process by adding its layers of abstraction. Here are the key reasons apps aren’t completely removed:

• 🔄 Optimization mechanism MIUI»: The system automatically creates backup copies APK-file /data/app-lib, Even if you delete the program from the menu, it's done for "quick recovery," but it often leads to space being taken up.
• 📁 Division into user and system APK: Applications installed by the manufacturer (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music) are stored in the /system/priv-app and do not have a "Delete" button in the interface.
• 🗑️ Incomplete cache cleaning: After uninstallation, files remain in the /data/data/name-packet and /sdcard/Android/data/the name of the package that is used up to 30% from the original size of the application.
• 🔄 Systemic autorecovery APK: On the Redmi. 4X s MIUI 8/9 Some pre-installed programs (such as Mi Drop) are restored after a reboot due to triggers in the system. /system/addon.d/70-miui.sh.

The problem is compounded by the fact that Redmi 4X does not support Project Treble (introduced in Android 8.0), so modifying system partitions requires special care. For example, removing APK from /system without adjusting the package.xml file can lead to a bootloop ( looped reboot).

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 4X s MIUI Global Stable cannot be removed from system applications through ADB Trying to do this will lead to the error adb: failed to copy '/system/priv-app/MiApplication/Application.apk' to '/system/priv-app/Application/' Read-only file system.

Method 1: Remove via the standard MIUI menu (for custom applications)

This method is only suitable for programs installed by you from Google Play or APK-System applications (e.g. Mi Browser, Cleaner) cannot be removed as the Remove button will be inactive.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want from the list. If you don't have one, tap three dots in the top right corner and select "Show all apps."
3. Press "Delete" (if the button is active). Confirm the action.
4. Go to Settings → Storage → Cleanup and start manual garbage cleaning to remove residual files.

After that, check the folders:

• 📂 /sdcard/Android/data/bundle name (e.g. com.facebook.katana for Facebook)
• 📂 /data/data/Packet name (requires root rights to access)

If the folders are left, they must be manually deleted (see Method 4).

Method 2: Disable system applications without root (MIUI Optimized Setup)

If the Remove button is inactive but the app is in the way (e.g. Mi Video is constantly hanging in the memory), it can be disabled, which hides the program from the menu and stops its processes, but does not free up space on the disk.

How to turn it off:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select a system application (such as Mi Drop).
3. Click “Disable” (the button will appear if the deletion is blocked).
4. Confirm action. The application will disappear from the launcher and stop running.

To return the app, go to Settings → Apps → Menu (three dots) → Show disabled and click “Enable”.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling system services (e.g. MiuiDaemon or SecurityCenter) may result in unstable operation MIUI: Disappearance of notifications, synchronization errors, or even a soft brick (the device is turned on but not loaded fully).

Method 3: Remove via ADB (without root, but with bootloader unlocked)

This method allows you to remove any applications, including system ones, but requires you to pre-unlock the bootloader on Redmi 4X. If the bootloader is locked, ADB will not be able to modify system partitions.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on this item.
2. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → Additional settings → For developers.
3. Connect Redmi 4X to your PC and confirm debugging permission.
4. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) and type:

adb devices

(Your device should be displayed. If not, install Mi USB Driver drivers.)

adb shell


pm list packages | grep 'name packet'

(For example, for Mi Browser, use grep 'browser'.)

pm uninstall -k --user 0 name packet

(Example: pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser.)

After the command is executed, the application will be removed for the current user (--user 0). To return it, you will need to reset the settings or flashing.

⚠️ Note: Delete com.miui.securitycenter or com.android.settings via ADB will result in a broken interface MIUI. Restore the device only through Fastboot and full flashing.

💡

Before removing system APKs through ADB, back up /system with the adb backup -f system.ab -system command to help restore the device in case of an error.

Method 4: Complete removal with root rights (manual cleaning)

If you have a bootloader unlocked and Magisk or SuperSU installed, you can uninstall the app without a trace, including its files in /data and /system.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /data/app and find a folder with the packet name (e.g. com.facebook.orca for Messenger). Delete it.
3. Go to /data/data and delete the folder with the same packet name.
4. If the application is system, go to /system/priv-app or /system/app and delete the corresponding folder.
5. Clear the cache in /cache and /sdcard/Android/obb (if there are application files).

For complete cleaning, it is also recommended:

• 🧹 Delete the records from /data/system/package.xml (Requires manual editing of the file).
• 🔍 Check it out. /data/dalvik-cache To have files with the name of the package and delete them.
• 📱 Reboot your device and run Optimized Setup manually through Settings → The phone. → Optimization of the system.

Example of manual editing of package.xml:

<package name="com.facebook.katana" codePath="/data/app/com.facebook.katana-1" ... />

You need to delete the entire line with the mention of the package.

Method 5: Use of third-party utilities (without root)

If unlocking the bootloader or getting root rights is not an option, you can use specialized utilities. They will not remove system applications completely, but will help to clean up residual files and disable unnecessary services.

Top.-3 utility 4X:

• 🛠️ App Inspector: Shows all application files, including hidden ones. Allows you to manually delete cache and data without rooting.
• 🧹 SD Maid: Clears the residual files in /sdcard and /data (Requires permission to access folders).
• 🔧 Package Disabler Pro: Disables system applications without removal (similar to built-in shutdown in the system) MIUI, but with extended settings).

Example of working with SD Maid:

1. Install the utility from Google Play.
2. Run the scan in the "CorpseFinder" section (search for remnants of remote applications).
3. Select files associated with the desired package and delete them.
4. Go to AppCleaner and clear the cache for all apps (this will free up extra space).

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Can't remove APK from /system.
• ❌ Doesn't clear the records in package.xml.
• ✅ Safe for inexperienced users.

💡

The side utility does not replace manual cleaning, but reduces the risk of system damage, and is best used in combination with other methods (for example, after removal through ADB).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you uninstall applications on Redmi 4X, users often face typical problems, and here’s how to prevent them:

If Redmi 4X starts to brake or overheat after removing the application, follow the following steps:

1. Restart the device in Safe Mode (press the power button → long tap on “Switch off” → “Reboot in Safe Mode”).
2. Check the CPU temperature through AIDA64. If it's above 60°C, reset the cache to Recovery.
3. Roll back the changes via adb install -r name packet.apk (if there is an APK backup).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions