How to completely remove the application from Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: from system to user

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro with its MIUI shell is known for an abundance of pre-installed applications that are not always necessary for the user, but they are not as easy to remove as it seems: some programs are protected by the system, and the standard "delete" in the menu is often replaced by "disable". In this article, we will discuss all working methods from basic to advanced, including deletion via ADB, hidden MIUI settings and even using root rights.

It is important to understand the difference between the types of applications on the Redmi Note 8 Pro:

• 📱 Custom files: those you installed from Google Play or.apk files, removed in the standard way.
• 🔒 System (built-in) – preinstalled Xiaomi (e.g. Mi Browser, Music, Mi Video) and often can only be turned off.
• 🛠️ Employees – Critical for the Work MIUI (Deleting them can disrupt the stability of the system.

If you're a beginner, start with the first two. ADB root – they allow you to remove even those applications that MIUI But remember, not all system programs can be safely removed, for example, deleting com.miui.securitycenter will result in loss of access to security settings and system updates.

Method 1: Standard removal via MIUI settings

The easiest method is to uninstall apps through the app menu, and it is suitable for custom programs and some preinstalled ones that Xiaomi allows to be removed (e.g. Mi Pay, Mi Community).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired application from the list.
3. Click "Delete" (if the button is active). If it's "Disable" instead, it means that the application is system-based and requires a different method.

⚠️

Attention: B MIUI 12/13/14 Some system applications (such as Mi Browser) may return after a system update. ADB root.

If the Remove button is inactive but you see the “Disable” button, it means that:

• 🔄 The application can be deactivated (it will disappear from the menu, but will remain in memory).
• 🗑️ Complete removal will be required ADB root.
• ⚠️ Disabled applications are not updated and do not consume resources, but take up space in memory.

Download Platform Tools from Google

Enable debugging over USB in the developer settings

Connect the Redmi Note 8 Pro to the PC

Allow debugging on the phone

-->

Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method removes most of the system applications that MIUI blocks in the standard interface, which is safer than root rights, but requires a connection to a computer.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack the archive.
2. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and press 7 times to activate Developer Mode. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and turn on “Debugging by USB”.

Redmi Note 8 Pro

cmd

Platform Tools

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, enter:

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

For example, to remove the Mi Browser:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser

🔍 How to find out the name of the package? Install the Package Name Viewer app or use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "miui"

This will display a list of all packages with MIUI mentioned.

⚠️

Note: Deleting some packages (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) may cause you to fail to update MIUI or sensors (fingerprint, Face Unlock) before deleting, check the list of secure packages on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums.

💡

Before mass removal of system applications via ADB, back up via adb backup or built-in MIUI tools (Settings → System → Backup).

Method 3: Using MIUI Hidden Settings (Hidden Settings)

MIUI hides some features from ordinary users, but they can be activated through access codes or special menus, one of which is hidden application settings, where you can uninstall system programs without ADB.

Instructions:

1. Open the phone application (call).
2. Enter the code: ##4636## This will open the Testing menu.
3. Go to the “Phone Information” tab and look for “Select App” (or similar).
4. In the list, select the application you want to remove and click “Delete” (if the option is available).

⚠️

Note: Hidden menus may vary depending on the MIUI version and regional firmware. On some versions of the Redmi Note 8 Pro (e.g. global MIUI 13), the ##4636## code may not open the delete menu, but only network information.

Method 4: Removal with root rights (advanced)

If you're willing to risk system stability for the sake of total control, root rights will allow you to uninstall any application, including critical ones, but this method requires unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk or SuperSU.

Steps to remove:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a Mi Account and wait 7-30 days).
2. Install Custom Recovery (TWRP) and scrolle Magisk to get root.
3. Use Root Explorer or Titanium Backup: Go to /system/app or /system/priv-app. Find a folder with the packet name (like MiBrowser) and delete it. Reboot the device.

⚠️

Note: Removing system applications from root may result in: 🔴 Bootloope (cyclical reset). 🔴 Loss of features (e.g., deleting com.qualcomm.qti.telephonyservice will disable mobile communications). 🔴 Impossibility of updating MIUI through OTA. Before removing, create a full backup through TWRP!

📌 List of safe packet removal (from root):

• 🌐 com.android.browser (Mi Browser)
• 🎵 com.miui.player (Mi Music)
• 📺 com.miui.video (Mi Video)
• 📦 com.xiaomi.scanner (document scanner)
• 💰 com.miui.payment (Mi Pay)

💡

Root rights give you maximum freedom, but require technical skills. For most users, methods with ADB or disabling unnecessary applications are enough.

Method 5: Disabling applications (alternative to uninstall)

If deletion is impossible or risky, disabling is a safe trade-off.

• ✅ Not on the menu.
• ✅ Not updated through Google Play.
• ✅ Don't waste resources (CPU, battery).
• ❌ But takes up space in the device's memory.

How to turn it off:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application and click "Disable".
3. Confirm the action (the system will warn about possible consequences).

🔄 How to return a disabled application?

1. Open Settings → Applications → All applications.
2. In the menu (three dots at the top), select "Show off."
3. Find the application and click "Enable".

⚠️

Note: Some system applications (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) cannot be disabled – MIUI simply won’t show this option, and disabling Google Play Services will disrupt many features, including Google Pay and push notifications.

Method 6: Removal via TWRP (for stitched devices)

If your Redmi Note 8 Pro has custom recovery (TWRP) installed, you can remove apps directly from it, even without rooting it completely.

• 🔧 You already have the boot loader unlocked.
• 📱 You want to uninstall applications before the first system boot (for example, after firmware).
• 🛡️ You're afraid to use it. ADB root.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume up to enter TWRP.
2. Go to the "Advanced" section" → "File Manager".
3. Open folders: /system/app – standard applications. /system/priv-app – privileged system applications. /data/app – custom applications.

com.miui.weather2

Reset the device.

⚠️

Note: Deleting files via TWRP can cause system damage if you delete critical components (e.g. files from /system/framework).Always check the packet name before deleting!

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you delete applications on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, users often face problems, and here are the most common errors and solutions:

🔧 How to Restore a Remote System Application?

If you have problems after removal, return the package with the command:

adb shell cmd package install-existing name.packet

For example:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.securitycenter

If the command doesn't work, the only way out is to reflash MIUI via Fastboot or Recovery. The firmware instructions for the Redmi Note 8 Pro are on Xiaomi.eu or 4PDA.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions