How to Remove Google Apps with Xiaomi Redmi: 3 Proven Ways

Xiaomi Redmi smartphone owners often face the problem of Google’s built-in apps that take up space in memory, consume battery power and collect data — even if you don’t use them. You can’t delete them with standard MIUI tools: the system simply suggests “disable” or “remove updates.” But there are legitimate ways to completely remove them that don’t require root rights (although there are more options with them).

In this article, we will discuss three methods: through MIUI settings, with ADB (no root), and a radical way for hardened devices. Each option has its own nuances, from reversibility to the risk of disrupting Google Play services. It is important to understand that removing system applications can affect the stability of your phone, especially if you use Google services (for example, Gmail, YouTube or Google Maps).

1. Method: Disabling and removing updates through MIUI settings

The safest, but also the most limited, method is to disable applications through the standard menu, which doesn't delete files completely, but stops them from working and hides them from the list, and is suitable for users who want to save resources but are not willing to risk system stability.

To disable the unnecessary Google app:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 In the search bar, type the name of the app (for example, Google Play Music or Duo).
• 🚫 Click “Disable” (if the button is inactive, first click “Delete Updates»).
• ⚠️ Confirm the action – the system will warn about possible failures.

This method doesn't free up memory because the application files stay on the device, but it blocks background activity and notifications, and some apps (like Google Play Services) won't be disabled because the system protects them.

⚠️ Note: Disabling Google Play Services will render most applications dependent on Google services (including banking, cards, and many games) inoperable).

Make a backup copy of important data

Check if you are using Google services (Gmail, Drive, Maps)

Write down the names of the disabled applications in case of recovery

Make sure your phone has enough charge (minimum 30%)

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2. Method: Removal via ADB (without root rights)

A more radical method is the use of Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which allows you to completely remove system applications, but requires connecting the phone to the computer and basic command line skills, the advantage of not having to get root access, which preserves the guarantee and security.

First, prepare:

• 💻 A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB (You can download from the official Android website).
• 📋 List of application packages you want to remove (see table below).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Turn on the phone Developer Mode: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and press 7 times on this item.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect the phone to your computer and do:

adb devices

If the device is displayed, enter the command to delete (example for Google Play Music):

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.music

Once the command is complete, the app will disappear from the system, and to return it, you need to reinstall it via Google Play or reset the phone to factory settings.

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Before uninstalling through ADB, check if the app is being used by other services, such as Google Play Services for Uber, Tinkoff Bank and many games.

3. Method: Complete removal with root rights (for experienced)

If you're willing to take the risk of taking full control of the system, you can remove Google apps through root.

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader and installed Magisk or SuperSU.
• 🛠️ Backup of the system (for example, through TWRP).
• 📲 Applications for working with system files (for example, Root Explorer or Titanium Backup).

Algorithm of action:

1. Install the Titanium Backup app (or analogue) from Google Play.
2. Run it, provide root access, and find the unnecessary Google app in the list.
3. Select "Delete" (not "Freeze!"). Confirm the action.
4. Reboot the phone.

The advantage of the method is that applications are permanently deleted, freeing up space in memory.

• ⚠️ The risk of “bricking” the phone in case of an error.
• 🚫 Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).
• 🔄 Difficulty rolling back change.

⚠️ Note: Deleting com.google.android.gsf (Google Services Framework) will make it impossible to log in to a Google account and work most applications.

4.What Google apps can be removed without risk?

Not all Google system apps are critical to the phone, and here are some that can be safely removed (or disabled) on most Xiaomi Redmi devices:

• 🎵 Google Play Music (com.google.android.music) – replaced by YouTube Music or Spotify.
• 📞 Google Duo (com.google.android.apps.tachyon) is the equivalent of Zoom or WhatsApp.
• 📰 Google News (com.google.android.apps.magazines) – consumes traffic in the background.
• 🎮 Google Play Games (com.google.android.play.games) – only required for gaming achievement.
• 📡 Google Carrier Services (com.google.android.ims) – used by operators to RCS-Messages (not relevant to most users).

These applications are not recommended to be removed:

• 🛑 Google Play Services (com.google.android.gms) is the foundation for most apps.
• 🛑 Google Services Framework (com.google.android.gsf) – responsible for synchronizing your account.
• 🛑 Google Play Store (com.android.vending) – without it, you can not install applications.

If in doubt, first turn off the application for 1-2 days and check if there are any malfunctions in the phone.

5. Alternatives to Google apps on Xiaomi Redmi

When you remove Google services, it makes sense to replace them with analogues.

Most alternatives are available at F-Droid (open source app store) or on developer sites. note that some banking apps may require Google Play Services to work.

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When replacing Google apps, check compatibility with key services (banks, instant messengers, navigators) and some alternatives may not support push notifications without Google Services.

6. How to return Google Remote Apps?

If you have experienced problems or changed your mind after deleting, there are several ways to return the applications:

1. Reinstallation via Google Play: 🔍 Find the app in the store and click “Install». ⚠️ Not all system applications are re-installable (e.g. Google Play Services).
2. Reset to factory settings: 🔄 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Resetting settings. 📱 All data will be erased, but system applications will return.
3. Hand-held installation APK: 📥 Download. APK-file of the desired application from a verified source (for example, APKMirror). 📲 Install manually, allowing installation from unknown sources.

If you have removed the app through ADB with the --user 0 flag, it can be returned by command:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.google.android.apps.magazines

(Replace com.google.android.apps.magazines with the package you want).

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When you delete system applications, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common errors and solutions:

• 🔄 Phone stopped turning on after Google Play Services was deleted: Solution: boot into Fastboot and reflash your phone via Mi Flash Tool.
• 📱 No push notifications (Viber, Telegram): Reason: Google Play Services or Firebase is removed. Solution: Install MicroG (a lightweight replacement for Google Services).
• 🔒 You can't log in to your Google account: Reason: com.google.android.gsf is deleted. Solution: reset your phone or run GApps through TWRP.
• 🔌 ADB Does not see the device: Solution: check drivers, turn on Debugging by USB Try another cable.

If you are not sure about your actions, first turn off the application for a few days and watch the phone work.

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Before any manipulation of system applications, back up your system via TWRP or Mi Cloud, which will save your data in the event of a crash.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions