How to uninstall an app on Xiaomi Poco X3: from standard methods to hidden MIUI features

Removing unnecessary apps on the Xiaomi Poco X3 is a challenge that every smartphone owner faces sooner or later. Even with 64 or 128 GB of internal memory, system debris, cache and pre-installed programs can take up precious space, slow down the device or simply annoy with constant notifications. But not all applications are deleted in the same way: some can be erased in two clicks, and others - part of the MIUI firmware - require workarounds.

In this article, we’ll look at all possible ways to uninstall, from basic (through the settings menu) to advanced (using ADB and superuser rights), and focus on hidden system applications that don’t appear in the standard list but continue to run in the background, consuming battery power and traffic, and how to safely clean residual files after uninstallation and what to do if the program isn’t deleted by conventional methods.

1. Standard removal through the application menu

The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI tools. It is suitable for most user applications (such as games, social networks or instant messengers) installed from Google Play or.apk files.

To remove the program:

• 📱 Open the app menu (swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen).
• 🔍 Find the right application and pinch its icon for 1-2 seconds.
• 🗑️ In the window that appears, select “Delete” (or the basket icon).
• ✅ Confirm the action by pressing “OK».

If the Delete icon is inactive or missing, the application is system-based or deletion-proof, and then move on to the following methods.

⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as Mi Video or Mi Music) may recover after being deleted after being rebooted or updated. MIUI. This is due to Xiaomi’s policy of returning “useful” services.

2. Remove via phone settings

An alternative way is to use the Applications section in your settings, which is useful if you want to not only delete the program, but also clear its cache or data before uninstallation.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the app you want (use the search at the top if the list is long).
3. Slip it on it and select "Delete".
4. If the button is inactive, try first to click “Clear Data” and “Clear Cache”, then try again.

This section also shows how much space an app takes up (including cache and data) and whether it should be removed, for example, Facebook can inflate to 1-2 GB after a year of use due to accumulated cache.

3. disabling system applications (without root)

Many pre-installed programs (such as Mi Browser, Mi Pay or GetApps) can’t be removed by standard methods, but they can be disabled, which hides them from the menu and stops background activity, saving battery life.

How to turn it off:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Find a system application (e.g. Mi Video).
• 🚫 Click “Disable” (the button will appear if the deletion is blocked).
• ⚠️ Confirm the action – the system will warn that the application may not work properly.

Disabled programs don't update through Google Play or consume resources, but their icons will disappear from the menu. To return the app, find it in the settings and click "Enable".

4. Removal via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work and you don’t want to get root rights, you can use the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which allows you to remove even those applications that MIUI protects from uninstallation.

Step-by-step:

1. 🖥️ Install. ADB-tools on your computer (Windows, macOS or Linux).
2. 📱 On Poco. X3 set up the debugging USB: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB (turn on)
3. 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC via cable and confirm debugging permission.
4. 💻 Open the command prompt (or Terminal) and type: Adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
5. 🗑️ To remove the application, use the command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.example.app Replace com.example.app with a real package (you can find out through App Inspector or adb shell pm list packages).

Examples of packages for Poco X3:

⚠️ Note: Removing system packages through ADB It can lead to unstable work. MIUI or update errors. Before experimenting, back up through Settings → System system → Backup.

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.example.app

(Replace com.example.app with the original package).-->

5. Complete removal with root rights

If you're willing to take drastic measures, unlocking the bootloader and obtaining super-user rights (root) will open up access to uninstall any application, including critical system applications.

• 🔓 Violation of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
• 🛡️ Vulnerability to malware.
• 🔄 Problems with updates MIUI (You'll have to go manually).

To remove from root:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool.
2. Install custom recovery (such as TWRP).
3. Sweep through Magisk to get root.
4. Use Root Explorer or ADB with superuser rights to delete files from /system/app or /system/priv-app.

Example of a command to remove system APK:

su


mount -o rw,remount /system




rm -rf /system/app/micel/




mount -o ro,remount /system

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect deletion of system files can lead to a "brick" (inoperability) of the phone. ADB rootlessly or disable applications.

6. Cleaning of residual files after deletion

Even after deleting the application, its files can remain in the phone's memory.

• 🗃️ Cash and folder data. /Android/data or /Android/obb.
• 📁 Configuration files in /data/data (Root is required for access).
• 🔍 entries in the Android registry (remains until resetting settings).

How to clean:

1. Use the File Manager (e.g. Mi File Explorer) to manually check folders: /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/[name packet] /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb/[name packet]
2. For deep cleaning, install SD Maid or CCleaner (you will need root for a full scan).
3. If the app left widgets or shortcuts, manually remove them from the home screen.

For a complete “clean-up” you can reset the cache (does not delete personal data):

Settings → About the phone → Resetting settings → Resetting all settings

💡

Even after uninstallation, some apps (like games) leave up to 500MB of junk files. Regularly cleaning up /Android/data and /Android/obb folders will help free up space.

7 What to do if the application is not deleted?

If the program is not deleted by any of the methods, the reasons may be as follows:

If nothing helps, you can reset to factory settings (delete all data!):

Settings → System → Resetting settings → Delete all data

Before reset, be sure to back up via Settings → System → Backup or manually copy important files to your PC.

FAQ: Frequent questions