How to Remove the App on Xiaomi Redmi: From Standard to Hidden Methods

Removing unnecessary apps on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones seems like a simple task — until you encounter preinstalled software that doesn’t want to disappear from the system. Even after clicking “Delete”, some programs continue to take up space in memory, and icons return after rebooting. What is the catch and how to get rid of apps on Redmi Note 12, Redmi 10 or other models — we will discuss in this guide.

Complicating the problem is that the manufacturer integrates dozens of services into MIUI firmware that cannot be removed by standard methods. For example, Mi Browser, Mi Video or GetApps often remain untouchable even after resetting to factory settings. We tested all the current methods - from basic to advanced (including ADB and root rights) - and identified those that work on MIUI 14 and later.

1. Standard removal through the application menu

The most obvious method – uninstall via launcher – only works for custom programs installed manually from Google Play or Google Play. APK-Xiaomi system applications are not touched here, but it is worth trying to get started.

How to do this:

• 📱 Open the menu of all applications (swipe up the main screen).
• 🔍 Find the program you want to delete and hold the icon for 2-3 seconds.
• 🗑️ In the menu that appears, select “Delete” (or basket icon).
• ✅ Confirm the action in the dialog window.

If instead of Delete, you see only Disable or Remove, it means that the app is pre-installed and requires alternative methods, such as Mi Community or Security.

⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as Google Play Services) cannot be removed, which will cause malfunctions in your smartphone.

2. Remove via MIUI settings

MIUI has a hidden application management section where you can not only remove but also disable unnecessary services, which is suitable for most pre-installed programs, except for mission-critical ones (for example, Settings or System UI).

Step-by-step:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the tab “All applications” (the default may be “Downloaded”).
3. Find the desired application in the list and tap it.
4. Click on “Delete” (if the button is active) or “Disable” (for system programs).

The apps that are disabled will stop working and disappear from the menu, but will remain in the device’s memory, and you will need ADB or root access to completely remove them.

Make a backup copy of important data|Check the name of the application on the Internet|Charge your phone at least 50%|Disable two-factor authentication (if used)-->

3. Removal via ADB (no root)

The ADB (Android Debug Bridge) tool allows you to remove system applications without obtaining root permissions. The method works on all Redmi models, but requires a connection to a computer and the activation of the developer mode.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Xiaomi Redmi smartphone with debugging enabled USB.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Enable Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times tap on the "Version" MIUI».
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable “Debugging by USB”.
3. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
4. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
5. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices must appear serial number of the device.
6. Find out the name of the application package (for example, through the App Inspector in Google Play).
7. Execute the deletion command: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 name.pack Example for Mi Browser: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser

Once you restart, the app will disappear. If you want to return it, use the command:

adb shell cmd package install-existing name.packet

⚠️ Note: Removing system packages (e.g. com.android.settings) may make it impossible to boot your phone.Always check the name of the package before you execute a command.

4. Complete removal with root rights

If you are willing to take the risk of root access, you can uninstall any applications, including those blocked by ADB.

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (bootloader).
• 📱 Established custom restoration (TWRP).
• 🛠️ Root management software (e.g. Magisk).

The process of getting root on Xiaomi Redmi is different for each model, but the general scheme is as follows:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (you will need a Mi Account and wait 7-30 days).
2. Install TWRP via fastboot.
3. Run Magisk through TWRP.
4. Use a root-access file manager (such as Root Explorer) to delete application folders in /system/app or /system/priv-app.

The advantage of this method is complete removal without traces. The disadvantage is the risk of losing warranty and disrupting the system, for example, deleting com.qualcomm.qti.telephonyservice can deprive you of mobile communication.

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Before removing system applications through root, back up the /system partition in TWRP to help restore the phone if something goes wrong.

5. Disabling applications without deleting

If deletion seems risky, you can disable unnecessary programs that will not work, will not be updated, but will remain in memory (taking up less space than active ones).

How to turn it off:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application and click "Disable".
3. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

Applications disabled:

• ✅ Don't waste the battery.
• ✅ Not getting updates.
• ✅ Not displayed on the menu.
• ❌ They have a place in memory (but less than active ones).

To return the application, re-click "Enable" in its settings.

6. Factory reset: Does it help?

Many users believe that hard reset will remove all unnecessary applications. It is not: resets return the phone to the state “out of the box”, that is, restores all preinstalled Xiaomi programs.

When a reset can help:

To make a reset, go to Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset → Erase all data. Don’t forget to save important files first!

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Resetting to factory settings doesn’t remove pre-installed Xiaomi apps – it only returns them to the original version.

Alternative methods: concealment and freezing

If deleting or disabling is not appropriate, you can hide applications from display or freeze them using third-party tools.

Popular ways:

• 🔄 Freezing through ADB: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 The application will stop working, but will not disappear from the system.
• 👁️ Hiding icons: Use launchers like Nova Launcher, where you can hide apps from the menu.
• ❄️ Freezing applications: Ice Box or Shelter (require root or Work Profile).

These methods do not free up space in memory, but make unnecessary programs invisible and inactive.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing apps on Xiaomi Redmi