How to completely remove the application from Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: all ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is one of the most popular smartphones in the line of Redmi, but even its 64 GB or 128 GB of memory over time clogged with unnecessary applications. Unlike the new models with MIUI 14+, there are nuances: some system applications can not be removed without superuser rights, and some programs leave behind tails in cache. In this article, we will analyze all the working ways to remove applications, from the standard method to advanced tools like ADB.

It is important to understand the difference between deleting and disabling an application: the former erases the program from internal memory completely (including data and cache), and the latter only freezes its operation, leaving files in place. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro with MIUI 11-13, some system applications (such as Mi Video or Mi Music) can only be disabled - additional tools will be required to completely delete it.

If you encounter an error called "Delete is impossible" or "Application secure," don't rush to reset your phone to factory settings. 90 percent of the time, one of the methods below solves the problem, from simple to complex, and let's start with the basic method that works for all user applications.

1. Standard removal through the application menu

The fastest way to get rid of an unnecessary program is to do it directly from the home screen or from the menu of all applications. APK-Xiaomi system utilities (such as Mi Browser or Security) will not be deleted.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the menu of all apps (swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen).
• 🔍 Find the app you want to remove and hold on to its icon. 1-2 seconds.
• 🗑️ In the context menu that appears, select "Delete" (or "Deinstall").
• ✅ Confirm the action in the dialog window.

If there is no Delete option, then the application is either system or installed as a device administrator (for example, some antivirus or screen lock programs).

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On Redmi Note 8 Pro, you can uninstall several apps at once: open Settings → Applications → Application Management, tick unnecessary programs and click “Delete”.

2. Remove via phone settings

This way you can have more control, not only can you delete the application, but you can also clear the cache, the data, or you can turn off auto-start, which is useful if the program is suspicious or takes up too much space.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. In the list, find the desired application and tap on it.
4. Click "Delete" (or "Deinstall"). If the button is inactive, try "Stop" and "Clear Cache" first.

You can see how much space the app takes up on the same menu, for example, Facebook can inflate to 1-2 GB after a year of use due to cache and temporary files. If deletion is not available, check the application rights:

• 🔒 Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Administrator rights and uncheck the problem application.
• 🛡️ B Settings → Annexes → Allowances to disable all unnecessary permissions (geolocation, camera, etc.).

3. Removal of system applications without root rights (via ADB)

On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, many Xiaomi system applications (such as Mi Pay, Mi Community or Game Turbo) cannot be removed by standard methods. However, this can be done through Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices.

Warning: misuse of ADB can cause phone malfunctions. Only remove apps you know are intended for, such as deleting com.miui.securitycenter will deprive you of access to security settings.

Instructions:

1. Download and install ADB on your computer (for example, through Google’s Platform Tools).
2. On the phone, turn on Developer Mode: go to Settings → About Phone and tap on the MIUI Version 7 times.
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable “Debugging by USB”.
4. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable and select the "File Transfer" mode".
5. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb devices

If the phone is connected correctly, you will see its serial number, then enter the command to remove the application (replace package.name with the real package):

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 package.name

Examples of Xiaomi system application packages:

⚠️ Note: Deleting some system applications (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) may result in loss of functionality (fingerprint, face unlock, etc.) Before deleting, back up your data via Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Install ADB computer|Enable the developer mode on the phone|Activate debugging by USB|Connect the phone in the mode "File transfer"|Check the list of packages by the team `adb shell pm list packages`-->

4. disabling system applications (alternative to deletion)

If you can't delete the system application or you're afraid of the consequences, you can turn it off, and this hides the program from the menu, stops its background work, and frees up some of the RAM, and the application's data stays on the phone.

How to turn it off:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select a system application (such as Mi Pay).
3. Press "Unplug" (the button may be gray if disconnection is prohibited).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

The apps that are disabled are not updated through Google Play or consume resources, and to return them back, just search the same menu and click "Enable".

⚠️ Warning: Disabling apps like Google Play Services or Miui Daemon can disrupt your phone. Don't disable programs with names that include Android, miui.core or google.

5. Deletion of residual files after uninstallation

Even after deleting the application on the Redmi Note 8 Pro may remain:

• 🗃️ Cash and folder data. /Android/data/ or /Android/obb/.
• 📁 Configuration files in /data/data/ (root-only).
• 🔗 Labels and widgets on the main screen.

To completely clear the traces of the program:

1. Install a file manager with access to system folders (e.g. FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/ and delete the folder with the name of the application package (e.g. com.facebook.katana for Facebook).
3. Clear the basket and cache of the file manager.

For deep cleaning (for example, after deleting games), also check the /Android/obb/ folder – additional files up to several gigabytes are stored here.

6. Remove via Safe Mode (if the application is not removed)

If the application blocks its own deletion (for example, some viruses or admin programs), try to remove it in Safe Mode, a safe boot mode where only system programs work.

How to Sign In to Safe Mode on Redmi Note 8 Pro:

1. Press the power button before the turn off menu appears.
2. Hold the finger to “Switch off” before a request to switch to Safe Mode appears.
3. Confirm and wait for the reboot (the bottom left corner of the screen will read "Safe Mode").

In this mode:

• 🚫 All third-party applications disabled.
• 🔄 You can remove even those programs that usually block the uninstallation.
• 🔙 After restarting, the phone will return to normal.

⚠️ Warning: Safe Mode does not have fingerprints and face unlocks. PIN-login.

7. factory reset (extreme case)

If the phone is infected with viruses or is full of unnecessary apps so that standard methods do not help, you will be reset to factory settings, which will delete all data, including apps, photos, contacts and settings.

How to reset:

1. Create a backup copy of important data (photos, chats, contacts).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Reset settings.
3. Select “Erase all data” and confirm the action.
4. After the reboot, the phone will be like new – without unnecessary apps.

On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, it takes 5-10 minutes to reset.

• 🔄 The phone will reboot and offer to configure as new.
• 📱 All Xiaomi system applications will return to their place.
• 🔒 Google and Mi accounts will be deleted, so remember your passwords in advance.

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Factory reset is the last option, and before that, be sure to try uninstalling apps via ADB or Safe Mode.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing apps