How to Remove an App from Xiaomi’s Android TV: From Standard Methods to ADB

Xiaomi Android TV-based consoles (like the Mi Box S, Mi TV Stick 4K or Mi Box 4) are eventually clogged with unnecessary apps — pre-installed services, game cache or randomly installed programs. Unlike smartphones, there is no one “delete” one tap, and some applications block standard deletion altogether. Let’s figure out how to clean the console’s memory without risking breaking the system, including hidden methods to remove embedded Xiaomi apps without root rights.

The main problem with users is that they can’t make room for new programs. For example, the Mi Box S has only 8 GB of memory, of which 4-5 GB is occupied by the system. Even after deleting user applications, there are still “unremovable” services like Mi Home, Xiaomi Cloud or Google Play Music. In this article, you will find ways from simple to complex: from standard tools to ADB commands and alternative launchers.

1. Standard removal via Android TV menu

The most obvious way is to use built-in settings, which are suitable for custom applications installed manually (e.g. Kodi, YouTube, games), and system programs can't be removed.

Instructions:

• 📺 Open the main console screen and highlight the icon of the unwanted application (do not click on it!).
• 🎮 On the Xiaomi remote, press the button. OK (Select for 2-3 seconds – the context menu will appear.
• 🗑️ Select "Delete" (or "Deinstallieren" on German firmware).
• ✅ Confirm the action in the dialog window.

⚠️ Note: If the Remove button is inactive (grey), it means the application is built into the firmware. It will require methods from the following sections to remove it. Also, some applications (such as Netflix) may be “protected” by the manufacturer – their removal will lead to launcher errors.

After removal, it is recommended to restart the console: go to Settings → Device → Reboot. This will clear the cache and free up additional space.

2. Remove via Android TV settings

An alternative way for those who prefer to work through the settings menu, you can see the full list of installed programs, including hidden ones.

How to delete:

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Select the tab “All apps” (or “See all apps” in English firmware).
3. Find the desired application in the list and click on it.
4. Click on "Delete" (or "Uninstall").

💡 Useful tip: If the application is not deleted, try to clear its data first. To do this, select Storage from the app menu» → «Clear the data" and "Clear the cache. Sometimes this frees up to 1-2 GB of memory.

3. Removing system applications without root via ADB

To remove embedded applications (for example, Mi Home, Xiaomi Market, Google Play Music) will require debugging over USB and the ADB command. This method does not require root rights, but you need to be careful - removing critical services can disrupt the console.

Step-by-step:

1. Put the debugging on. USB: Go to Settings. → Find the line "Build Number" and click on it 7 times until the notification "You became a developer!" appears. → For developers and include “Debugging by” USB».

Connect the console to the PC

• Use a USB-Type C cable (for the Mi Box S) or a Micro-USB cable (for older models).
• On PC, install ADB Tools (or use Minimal ADB and Fastboot).
• Check the connection: Adb devices should appear with a serial number.
• Delete the application: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 title.package For example, to remove Mi Home: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.smarthome

⚠️ Note: Deleting some packages (e.g. com.google.android.gsf or com.android.vending) will result in loss of access to Google Play and other critical crashes.

After removal, restart the console with the command:

adb reboot

4. Use of alternative launchers (TVAppRepo, Sideload Launcher)

If ADB seems complicated, you can use third-party launchers that allow you to manage applications more flexibly, such as TVAppRepo or Sideload Launcher show hidden system programs and allow you to deactivate them.

How to install and use:

• 📥 Download. APK launcher (for example, TVAppRepo) USB-accumulator.
• 🔌 Connect the flash drive to the console and install APK File Manager (for example, File Commander).
• 🛠️ Launch the launcher and find the tab “System applications».
• 🚫 Select the unnecessary app and click “Disable” or “Delete” (if available).

🔹 Advantages of the method:

• 🔧 No, he doesn't. ADB and command line.
• 📊 Shows a complete list of applications, including hidden ones.
• 🔄 Allows you to roll back system program updates.

⚠️ Note: Some launchers (for example, ATV Launcher) may conflict with the original interface of Xiaomi. Before installing, check compatibility with your model of consoles in forums like 4PDA.

5. Cleaning cache and residual files

Even after an application is deleted, its files can remain in console memory. For example, games often store data in /Android/obb or /Android/data folders. To make room, you need to clear those directories completely.

How to find and delete residual files:

1. Install a file manager (such as FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer) through Google Play.
2. Go to the root directory (/storage/emulated/0/).
3. Delete folders: /Android/obb/[application name] - additional game data. /Android/data/[application name] - cache and settings.

📌 Example: After removing the game Asphalt 9 left with the folder /Android/obb/com.gameloft.android.ANMP.GloftA9HM weight 1.5–2 GB. It's safe to remove.

💡

Before mass cleaning the obb and data folders, check their contents – they may store game saves (such as Minecraft or Brawl Stars).

For deep cleaning of the system, you can also use the ADB command:

adb shell pm clear name.packet

This will delete all app data, including cache and settings.

6. Resetting the prefix to factory settings

If Xiaomi is heavily overloaded with unnecessary software and standard methods don't work, it's a complete reset, which will delete all user data, including accounts, installed apps and settings, and the system programs will stay, but they will go back to the factory version.

How to reset:

1. Go to Settings → Device → Reset settings.
2. Select “Delete all data” (or “Factory data reset”).
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

💡 Useful tip: For automatic cache cleaning, install the CCleaner utility TV or SD Maid (available on Google Play) helps you find and delete temporary files without manual search.

It is also worth turning off auto-update applications:

1. Open Google Play on the console.
2. Go to Settings → Auto-Update applications.
3. Choose “Never” or “Only via Wi-Fi.”

Frequently asked questions