How to Remove an App from Xiaomi Smart TV: From Standard Methods to Hidden Features

Removing unnecessary apps from Xiaomi smart TVs is a challenge that every second owner faces. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process has nuances depending on the model. TV 4S, Redmi Smart TV X, Mi TV Q1), firmware (MIUI TV Android TV) Unlike smartphones, where there is a long enough tap on the icon, Xiaomi TVs often require a deep dive into settings or even use. ADB-team.

The main problem is system applications that take up memory and background processes, but do not have a "Delete" button in the menu. For example, Mi Home, Xiaomi Video or PatchWall (in the Indian versions) can not be removed by standard methods. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods from basic to advanced, including deleting through ADB and resetting to factory settings.

1. Standard removal through the application menu

The simplest method is suitable for user-installed applications (e.g. YouTube, Netflix, IVI).It works on all Xiaomi Smart TV models with MIUI TV (including Mi TV 4A, Mi TV 5 Pro) and Android TV (Mi TV Stick, Mi Box S).

Instructions:

  • 📺 Open the main screen of the TV and find the app icon you want to remove.
  • 🖱️ Select it with the remote (or mouse if connected) and hold the button. OK (central) 2-3 seconds.
  • 🗑️ In the context menu that appears, select "Delete" (or "Deinstall" in English firmware).
  • ✅ Confirm the action by pressing OK again.

If you don't have the "Delete" option, the application is either system-based or installed as an update for embedded software (e.g. Google Play Services), in which case you move on to the following methods.

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On some models (for example, Redmi Smart TV X55) the context menu is opened not by holding, but by pressing the Menu button on the remote after highlighting the icon.

2. Remove through TV settings

For apps that don’t get removed with a long press, try the system settings, which work on MIUI TV (versions 1.0-3.0) and partially on Android TV (for the Mi Box).

Step-by-step:

  1. Open Settings (cog in the top menu or the Settings button on the remote).
  2. Go to the Applications → Application Management section (or Apps → See all apps in English firmware).
  3. Find the desired application in the list and select it.
  4. Click "Delete" or "Deinstall." If the button is inactive, the application is system.

On a Xiaomi TV with Android TV (such as Mi TV Q2 or Mi Box 4K), the path may be different:

  • 🔧 Settings → Annexes → Select the application → Delete
  • 🔍 If the application does not appear in the list, turn on the display of system applications (the option to Show system in the menu on the right).

Choose the right app (not system)

Make a backup copy of important data

Check the vacant space after removal

Restart TV to apply changes-->

3. disabling system applications (if you can not delete)

Many embedded applications (Mi Home, Xiaomi Market, PatchWall) can’t be removed without ADB, but they can be disabled.This will free up RAM and stop background processes, but the application files will remain in the TV’s memory.

How to turn it off:

  1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
  2. Select a system application (e.g. Mi Home).
  3. Click "Disable" (or "Force Stop" to stop the process).
  4. Confirm the action. The app will disappear from the menu and stop running.

⚠️ Note: Disable some system applications (e.g. Google Play Services or Google Play Services) MIUI Launcher) may cause a TV malfunction.We recommend that you only disable programs that do not affect the basic functions.

What happens if you turn off PatchWall?
On the Indian versions of Xiaomi TV (such as Mi TV 4X), PatchWall is responsible for the main menu, which will result in a reset of the interface to the standard Android TV Launcher (without content recommendations and widgets), the functionality of the TV is preserved, but some branded features, such as voice search in Hindi, may be lost.

4. Removal via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work and the app interferes with the TV, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires a computer and basic command line knowledge, but allows you to remove any applications, including system ones, without root rights.

Preparation:

  • 💻 Install. ADB Tools on PC (Windows, macOS or Linux).
  • 🔌 Turn on the TV to debug. USB: Go to Settings. → On TV. → Press the "Software Version" 7 times in a row until the message "You became a developer!" appears. → Additionally. → For developers and enable debugging by USB.
  • 🔗 Connect the TV to the PC via USB-cable (for Mi Box) or Wi-Fi (for built-in Smart) TV).