How to uninstall an app on Xiaomi Redmi: from standard to hidden methods

Why Removing Apps on Xiaomi is Not as Easy as It Seems

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are known for their performance and availability, but even they eventually start to “brake” due to the accumulated unnecessary applications. Unlike the iPhone or “pure” Android, there are nuances: system applications MIUI is not always removed in the standard way, and some programs after uninstallation leave behind “tails” in the form of cache and data. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to remove applications on Redmi in 2026, including those that are not written in the official instructions.

It's important to understand that not all applications can be removed without consequences, such as com.miui.securitycenter or com.android.phone are critical to the system's operation, and that removing them can lead to unstable smartphone performance or even a "brick" (completely inoperable), and we'll show you how to distinguish secure from system programs and what to do if something goes wrong after deleting them.

If you want to not only free up space, but also speed up your phone, check out the section on cleaning up residual files, which is an often overlooked but important step, and for advanced users, we have prepared instructions for removing them through ADB and TWRP, which allow you to get rid of even the most “corrupt” system applications.

Method 1: Standard removal through the application menu

The easiest and safest method is to uninstall apps through the app menu, which is suitable for all user programs (installed from Google Play or APK), as well as for some pre-installed Xiaomi applications that are not critical to the system.

How to do this:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. In the list, find the desired application and tap on it.
4. Press the Remove button (if it is active).

⚠️ Note: If the Remove button is inactive (grey), it means the application is system and requires other methods of removal (see methods 3-5). Also pay attention to the Disable button - it allows you to "freeze" the application, but does not remove it completely.

• 📌 Pros of the method: fast, does not require additional knowledge, safe.
• ⚠️ Cons: Does not work for system applications, does not clean residual files.

Do you need this app to run other programs?

Does it have an alternative on Google Play?

Is it not a system (check in the description)?

Have you made a backup copy of important data?

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Method 2: Delete via Google Play Store

If the app was installed through Google Play, it can be removed directly from there, and this method is convenient because it allows you to massively manage programs and see their size, installation date and resolution.

Instructions:

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Slip on the profile avatar in the upper right corner.
3. Select Application and Device Management → Management.
4. Check the boxes next to the unnecessary programs.
5. Click on the basket icon (Delete).

🔹 An important nuance: Google Play does not display all apps, but only those installed through this store. MIUI Also, after removal through the Play Store, the app remains in the "Previously Installed" list, which allows you to quickly restore it if necessary.

• 🔄 Advantage: You can delete multiple applications at the same time.
• 📉 Disadvantage: Does not clear the cache and application data (they must be deleted separately).
• 🛡️ Bonus: in the same menu you can check the applications for malware.

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If the app is not removed via Google Play, try turning it off in Xiaomi’s settings first and then try again.

Method 3: Remove system applications without rooting through ADB

To remove pre-installed system applications (for example, Mi Browser, Mi Music, GetApps) do not need to obtain root rights. It is enough to use the ADB debugging bridge - a tool for interacting with Android via a computer.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB Make a backup before you start and make sure the battery is at least 50% charged. Also check that your Redmi model has unlocked the option. OEM Unlock (in the developer settings).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers. Activate USB Debugging.

Connect your phone to your PC:

• Install. ADB-computer-driver.
• Connect Redmi to USB (select File Transfer Mode).
• Open the command line (cmd) in the adb folder.
• Check the connection: Adb devices must show the serial number of your device.
• Delete the application: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name.pack For example, to remove Mi Browser: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser

📌 Where to get the name of the package? Install the App Inspector app from Google Play or use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword"

For example, to search for all apps with miui in the title:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "miui"

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Deletion via ADB does not require root rights, but is valid only for the current user. Once the settings are reset, applications can return.

Method 4: Complete removal with root rights (for experienced)

If you’re willing to take the risk of rooting, you can uninstall any applications, including those that are blocked by MIUI, which is suitable for Redmi with an unlocked bootloader and TWRP or Magisk installed.

⚠️ Note: Getting root voids the warranty and may result in:

• Denial of service in the service center;
• Inability to update MIUI via OTA
• Problems with banking applications (due to SafetyNet)

We recommend using this method only if you understand the risks.

Instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader: Apply for unlock through Xiaomi's official website. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clutch Volume Down + Power). Launch the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions.
2. Install TWRP: Download TWRP for your Redmi model from twrp.me. Run it through fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img

Delete the annexes:

• Use Root Explorer or Titanium Backup to uninstall.
• Or delete via ADB with superuser rights: adb shell su pm uninstall --user 0 name.package

2. Clear the Android/obb folder:

• Connect your phone to your PC or use a file manager (such as Mi File Explorer).
• Go to /sdcard/Android/obb/.
• Delete folders with the names of the deleted applications.

3. Use SD Maid or Files by Google:

• These applications scan the system for residual files and suggest that they be deleted.
• Note the Recycle Bin section – sometimes files remain there after uninstallation.

⚠️ Note: Do not manually delete files from folders /system or /data No root rights! This can cause data loss or system damage. Use specialized utilities such as CCleaner for deep cleaning (but be careful with their settings!).

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If the phone is running slower after cleaning, restart it. Sometimes the system needs to restart to optimize memory.

What to do if the application is not removed?

Sometimes, even after all the manipulations, the app stays on the phone or comes back after the restart, and here are the possible reasons and solutions:

• 🔒 App protected MIUI: Some programs (e.g. Mi Home or Xiaomi Cloud) are protected from removal.Try: Disable it in settings (Applications) → Delete updates (Remove updates in the app menu button).