How to Remove Google Apps from Xiaomi: From Disconnection to Uninstallation

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the problem of pre-installed Google services that take up space in memory, consume battery power and collect data. Even after resetting, these applications return — they can not be removed by standard methods. In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to get rid of the Google Play Store, YouTube, Gmail and other services on MIUI 13/14 firmware (including global versions).

It's important to understand that completely removing system applications can disrupt some features (e.g. Google Play Services is responsible for push notifications and authorization in games). We'll look at both secure and radical methods of disabling using ADB and custom firmware. If you just need to make room, the first two are enough. If the goal is maximum privacy, deeper manipulation will be required.

Note: instructions are relevant for Xiaomi 12/13/14, Redmi Note 11/12, POCO F4/F5 and other devices on MIUI with pre-installed GMS services (Google Mobile Services). For phones on MIUI for Russia (without GMS) methods are not suitable - there are simply no Google applications.

1. disable Google apps through MIUI settings

The easiest and safest way is to deactivate unnecessary services, which will not delete their files from the device, but will stop background work and save battery life, and is suitable for users who want to save basic features (such as Google Play Services for games).

How to do this:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 In the search box, type the name of the app (for example, YouTube or Google Play Movies).
• ⚙️ Click on the app. → Disable (if the button is inactive, first click Remove Updates).
• 🔄 Repeat for all unnecessary services: Google Duo, Google Tips, Google One, etc.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ You can’t turn off Google Play Services and Google Services Framework, it will cause other applications to crash.
• ❌ Application files remain in memory (take up) ~1-3 GB depending on the model).
• ❌ After updating MIUI Some applications may be activated again.

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To hide the disabled applications from the menu, use the Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher launcher – they allow you to filter the list of programs.

2.Removal of updates and reset to factory version

Many Google services initially take up little space, but after automatic updates, their size increases significantly. For example, the Google Play Store can weigh 50 MB in the stock version and 200 + MB after updates. You can return applications to the factory state without root rights.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (like Google Chrome).
3. Press. ⋮ (three-point) → Remove updates.
4. Confirm the action. The app will return to the factory version (usually reducing its size by 30 to 70 percent).

For a mass reset, use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and connect your phone to your PC, enable USB Debugging in the developer settings, and follow the command:

adb shell pm list packages -f | grep 'google' | awk -F= '{print $1}' | xargs -I {} adb shell pm clear {}

This command will reset the data and cache of all Google apps, but won't delete them completely.For a complete uninstallation, read the next section.

3. Complete removal via ADB (no root)

The way for advanced users to work with the command line: allows you to remove Google system applications without superuser rights, but requires care - an error can lead to failures in the MIUI.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB (You can download from the official Android website).
• 📱 Smartphone with enabled debugging USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings → For developers).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in the computer on your smartphone screen.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Check the connection command: Adb devices should appear serial number of your device.
4. Get a list of all Google packages: adb shell pm list packages | grep 'google'
5. Remove unnecessary apps by team (youtube example): adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.youtube

List of popular removal packages:

Debugging is on. USB|Installed drivers Xiaomi on PC|Scud ADB (platform-tools)|Backup of important data is made|Battery charge > 50%-->

⚠️ Note: Do not delete com.google.android.gms (Google Play Services) and com.google.android.gsf (Google Services Framework) and this will result in the loss of push notifications, authorization in games and banking applications. If deleted accidentally, restore via reset settings.

4. Removal with Magisk (root required)

If you're ready to get root rights, the removal process becomes easier and more reliable.

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (you will have to wait 7-15 days after the account is linked).
2. Install a custom recap (TWRP) for your model.
3. Switch to Magisk to get root rights.

After getting root, use:

• 🔧 Magisk Module — Universal GMS Doze or DisableGMS (disables Google background activity).
• 🗑️ System App Remover (requires root).
• 🛠️ Manual removal through TWRP — mount the section /system and remove APK-Manual files (for experienced users).

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Complete deletion of files (free up space in memory).
• ✅ Ability to return applications through backup.
• ✅ Controlling Google’s Background Processes.

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader and getting root resets all data on the phone and can deprive you of warranties. On some Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) after unlocking, Widevine stops working. L1 — This will reduce the quality of streaming on Netflix and Disney.+ before 480p.

5. Installation of custom firmware without GMS

A radical way for those who want to get rid of Google completely is to reflash the phone on custom firmware without GMS services.

• 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary applications.
• 📱 Havoc-OS or Pixel Experience – with privacy settings.
• 📱 MIUI EU — modified MIUI without bloat (but with the option of manual removal by Google).

How it works:

1. Unlock the bootloader (as in the previous section).
2. Install TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery.
3. Download the firmware for your model from the XDA Developers forum.
4. Sweep through the receptacles, then install NikGapps (if you only need basic Google services) or discard them altogether.

Pros:

• ✅ Full control of the system.
• ✅ No Google apps preinstalled (if you choose firmware without Google) GMS).
• ✅ Regular security updates.

Cons:

• ❌ Hard for beginners.
• ❌ Possible bugs (e.g., a broken camera or fingerprint sensor).
• ❌ No official support from Xiaomi.

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GMS-free castom firmware is suitable for users who want privacy and a willingness to sacrifice certain features (for example, Google Pay or login through Google in games).

6.Alternative methods: from MicroG to virtual environment

If you only need separate Google features (like Google Maps or gaming authorization) but don’t want to keep all the services, consider these options:

1. MicroG is an open replacement for Google Play Services

It is an open source project that emulates the core features of Google Play Services without data collection, and can be installed via F-Droid. Minus: not all apps work correctly (for example, Pokémon GO can block an account).

2. Virtual environment (Shelter or Island)

Shelter or Island apps create an isolated user profile where you can run Google apps without access to the main system, so you can use Google Maps or Gmail, but they won’t track your activity on other apps.

3. Cloud services

If you only need YouTube or Google Drive, use them through your browser in Desktop mode (for example, in Firefox with the uBlock Origin extension to block trackers).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When removing Google apps, users often face these issues:

1.The phone stopped turning on after the system packets were removed

The reason: the critical components (Google Services Framework or MIUI System UI) have been removed, so you can reset the settings via Fastboot:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot reboot

2.Push notifications are not working

The reason: Google Play Services is removed, and the solution is to install MicroG or return the package via ADB:

adb install com.google.android.gms.apk

3 Applications are returned after the MIUI update

Reason: Firmware restores stock packets. The solution is to disable automatic updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update or use Magisk Module DisableGMS.

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Before any manipulation of system files, backup via TWRP or Swift Backup (requires root) will allow you to restore the phone in 10-15 minutes in case of an error.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions