How to uninstall the app Xiaomi Redmi 8 in full: 5 working ways

Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 8 based on MIUI It is known for its performance, but over time accumulates unnecessary applications that take up memory and slow down the system. Unlike standard menu removal, which often leaves cache and system files, complete deletion requires special techniques — especially if it comes to built-in Google services or Mi applications. In this article, we will discuss how to erase the program "under the clean", including hidden data, and what to do if the system blocks the uninstallation.

The problem is that even after clicking “Delete” in the application menu, many files remain in /data/app or /system/priv-app folders. This applies not only to user programs, but also to system utilities that Xiaomi does not allow you to remove in standard ways. We tested all methods on Redmi 8 with the latest versions of MIUI 12/14 and identified those that are guaranteed to work without root rights and the risk of “bricking” the device.

1. Standard removal: when it works and where the catch

Let’s start with the basic method, which is suitable for third-party applications installed from Google Play or APK. This method does not require additional tools, but has limitations:

• 📱 It only works for programs installed by the user (not system-based).
• 🗑️ Deletes the main files APK, but leaves cache, settings and data in /data/data.
• ⚙️ Some applications (such as Mi Browser or GetApps) may not be included in the list of deleted applications.

To remove the program:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired application from the list.
3. Press "Delete" (if the button is active).

⚠️ Note: If the "Delete" button is inactive or replaced with "Disable", then the application is built into the system. ADB or after obtaining root rights.

For complete cleaning of residues after standard removal:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Cleanup.
2. Select "Deep Clean" and tick the remote application.
3. Confirm the action – this will delete the remaining cache files.

2. Removal via ADB: for system and stubborn applications

If the standard method doesn’t work, Android Debug Bridge (ADB) — a debugging tool that allows you to manage system files without rooting rights — will come to the rescue, a method that is suitable for removing Mi services, Google apps, and other built-in utilities that Xiaomi blocks.

Before you start, make sure that:

• 🔧 On the PC installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB-tools.
• 📱 On the smartphone included debugging on USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings → For developers).
• 🔒 Unlocked. OEM Unlock (ibid., in the settings for developers).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Redmi 8 to your PC via USB (select File Transfer Mode).
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices must appear serial number of the device.
4. Get a list of all applications: adb shell pm list packages
5. Find the name of the package of the desired application (for example, com.miui.browser for Mi Browser).
6. Remove it by command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browser Flag --user 0 means deletion only for the current user (does not require a root).

⚠️ Note: Removing system applications (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) may lead to unstable operation MIUI or update errors. Before experimenting, back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.

Install ADB-tools on PC|

Enable USB debugging on Redmi 8|

Unlock OEM Unlock|

Check the list of packages with the command adb shell pm list packages|

Create a backup copy of the data-->

3.Using MIUI Hidden Settings: Hidden Cleaning Functions

MIUI has hidden menus that allow you to uninstall applications without ADB. One of them is Developer Mode, with advanced package management options. This method works on Redmi 8 with any version of MIUI, but requires you to activate hidden settings.

How to turn on:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. Click on the line with the version 7 times in a row until the notification “You became a developer” appears.
3. Return to the main settings and open Additional settings → For developers.

You can now remove the app via MIUI Package Installer:

1. Download any one. APK-file (for example, with APKPure).
2. Open the file through the standard MIUI installer.
3. In the upper right corner, click on three dots → “App Management”.
4. Select the desired application from the list and click “Delete” (even if it is system).

This method works for most Mi applications, except for mission-critical ones like Settings or Phone, and the main advantage is that you don’t need to connect to a PC.

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If there is no program in the Application Management list, try disabling it in the settings (Settings → Applications → Disabling) first, and then try again.

Manual cleaning of residues: where to look for "garbage" after removal

Even after you delete an application through ADB or settings, its files can remain in the following folders:

• 📁 /data/data/[Packet name: User data and cache.
• 📁 /sdcard/Android/data/[Packet name: files created by the application on the memory card.
• 📁 /sdcard/MIUI/backup/AllBackup/[date] — backup copies created MIUI.

To remove them manually:

1. Connect Redmi 8 to your PC in File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Use Windows or Android File Transfer (macOS) to access folders.
3. Delete folders with the name of the application package (for example, com.facebook.katana for Facebook).

Access to /data/data requires root rights or ADB with the command:

adb shell


su




rm -rf /data/data/com.example.app

⚠️ Note: Removing files from /data/data without root rights can cause data loss of other applications if they use shared libraries. For example, deleting the folder com.google.android.gms will disrupt Google Play Services.

5. Alternative methods: shutdown and freezing

If deletion is not possible (for example, for Google Play Services), you can disable or freeze the application, which will stop it from working and free up RAM, but will not delete files completely.

Disconnection through settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the appropriate application.
3. Press "Disable" (if the button is active).

Freezing through ADB:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.example.app

To defrost:

adb shell pm enable com.example.app

To massively disable unnecessary services, use utilities like Debloater (requires a PC) or App Inspector (for package analysis).

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For most users, the best option is a combination. ADB (remove) + It's a manual cleaning of folders on the memory card, and it allows you to remove 90% of the junk without risking damage to the system.

6 Remote Application Recovery: What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

If Redmi 8 starts to glittle after removing the system app (for example, Google Play is missing or the camera stops working), there are several ways to get it back:

• 🔄 Resetting settings: Settings → The phone. → Resetting: Restore all standard applications, but delete user data.
• 📦 Reinstallation through ADB: If you know the name of the package, you can install it. APK back: adb install com.example.app.apk
• 🔧 Firmware via Recovery: Download the official firmware for Redmi 8 from Xiaomi and run through Recovery Mode (saves data).

To restore Google services (if you deleted com.google.android.gms):

1. Download the current version of Google Play Services (select for arm64 architecture).
2. Install APK via adb install or manually.
3. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: If after removing the system application, Redmi 8 does not turn on or hovers on the logo MIUI, The only way out is through Fastboot, with complete data cleanup, and you'll need an unlocked bootloader).

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing apps on Redmi 8