How to completely remove applications on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: from standard to system

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but even it is not immune from intrusive preinstalled applications. MIUI is famous for an abundance of branded services that are not always necessary for the user, but take up memory and consume battery power. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to remove programs from simple to radical, including hidden system utilities and commands for experienced users.

It is important to understand the difference between deleting and disabling applications: An application that is disabled remains in the device’s memory, but does not work or update; a complete deletion frees up disk space, but can cause crashes if it is a system component, and we will look at both options in detail, and also explain how to return a remote application if something goes wrong.

This article is relevant for all versions of Redmi Note 9 (including Note 9 Pro, Note 9S, Note 9T) based on MIUI 12-14. If your device runs on an older version of the firmware, some menu items may differ - we will warn you about this separately.

1. Remove standard applications through MIUI settings

The safest and most obvious way is to use the built-in tools of the system, which is suitable for third-party applications (user installed) and parts of Xiaomi’s pre-installed services that are not critical to MIUI operation.

To remove unnecessary program:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the list, find the desired application (you can use a search at the top of the screen).
3. Slip it and select Remove (if the button is active).

If instead of the Remove button you see Disable or Remove Updates, the application is system.

• 🔄 Remove updates - return the program to the factory version (will free up the space occupied by updates).
• ⚙️ Disable – stop the application, but will not delete its files.
• 🚫 Hide – remove the icon from the menu (not available for all applications).

List of applications that cannot be removed in the standard way:

• 📱 Mi Browser, Mi Video, Mi Music – branded media services.
• 🛒 GetApps, Mi Pay, Mi Credit – financial and marketplace services.
• 🔒 Security (Security), Cleaner - System Utilities.
• 📊 Analytics, MSA — Xiaomi Data Collection Services.

2. disable system applications without root rights

If the Remove button is inactive, but the application interferes with work (for example, it is constantly hanging in the background or shows ads), it can be turned off. This will not free up space on the disk, but will stop all processes and remove notifications.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want (such as Mi Browser).
3. Turn it off and confirm the action.

Applications disabled:

• ✅ Not updated through the Play Market.
• ✅ It does not start automatically.
• ✅ Notices are not shown.
• ❌ Remain in the memory of the device (take up space).
• ❌ Can be activated after resetting settings or updates MIUI.

Some applications (such as Google Play Services or Security) cannot be disabled, the system will block the button, in which case only uninstalling through ADB (more on this below) will help.

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If widgets or MIUI functions (such as themes or cloud storage) stop working after the application is turned off, turn it back on in the settings.

3. Removal of system applications via ADB (without root)

For experienced users, there is a way to completely remove system applications without obtaining root rights – through Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires connecting the smartphone to the computer, but does not violate the warranty and does not block the device. OTA-update.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📥 Installed Xiaomi and ADB-tools drivers.
• 🔧 Included debugging by USB smartphone.

Step-by-step:

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

File transfer

adb

adb devices

The serial number of your device should appear.

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.example.app

Instead of com.example.app, substitute a batch name (see table below).

Examples of batch names of popular Xiaomi apps:

Warning: Deleting system components (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) may cause MIUI functions such as fingerprint, face unlock, or notifications to fail.

4. Complete removal with root rights (Magisk)

If you are willing to take drastic measures, obtaining root rights will open access to the removal of any system applications, including those that are blocked in the system. MIUI. This method requires unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk, which voids the warranty and can lead to problems with the system. OTA-update.

Advantages of root access:

• 🧹 Ability to remove all applications, including Google Services or MIUI System Apps.
• 🔧 Use a root-access file manager (e.g., Root Explorer).
• 🛡️ Blocking Advertising at System Level.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Risk of "bricking" the device in case of error.
• 🔄 Loss of ability to renew “over the air" (OTA).
• 🛑 Cancellation of the guarantee (unless you return it all back).

Instructions for removal through Magisk:

1. Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account and wait 7-14 days).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP) and swipe Magisk.
3. Download the System App Remover module for Magisk.
4. In the module menu, tick off unnecessary applications and restart.

⚠️ Warning: Removing critical components (e.g. com.android.phone or com.miui.home) will make it impossible to boot your system. XDA Developers or 4PDA.

5. Recovery of Remote Applications

If you have problems after deleting (for example, notifications or settings have stopped working), the application can be returned.

If removed via ADB:

• Connect to your PC and execute the command: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.example.app (replace com.example.app with a batch name).
• Or reset the settings to factory settings (Settings → About Phone → Reset settings).

If removed through root:

• Install the application again through APK-Download the file from APKPure or APKMirror).
• Use the Magisk module to restore system applications.

If you turned off through settings:

• Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
• Find the app that is disabled and tap Enable.

If neither of these methods works, you can only reflash the device via Fastboot or Recovery, and you can find instructions for the Redmi Note 9 firmware on Xiaomi’s official website or thematic forums.

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Before you uninstall your system applications, always back up through Settings → Additional → Backup or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root).

Alternative methods: concealment and freezing

If deleting seems risky, you can take a different path, hide or freeze unnecessary applications, which won't free up disk space, but it will take them out of sight and stop background activity.

Hiding icons:

• Press your finger on the app icon on the home screen.
• Choose Remove or Hide (depending on the version of MIUI).
• The icon will disappear, but the app will remain on the menu of all apps.

Freezing through MIUI Optimizer:

• Download the MIUI Optimizer app from Play Market (requires activation in the developer settings).
• Open it and go to the Freeze section.
• Select unnecessary applications and confirm the action.

Use of Island (SandBox):

• Install Island from Play Market (requires root or activation via ADB).
• Move unnecessary applications to the sandbox – they won’t have access to the main system.

These methods are suitable for users who do not want to risk the stability of the system, but want to get rid of intrusive utilities.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When you delete applications on Redmi Note 9, users often face typical problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to solve them.

Mistake 1: "Team not found" in ADB

• 🔹 Make sure that platform-tools are added to the variable PATH.
• 🔹 Check that the smartphone is connected in Debugging mode USB.
• 🔹 Reinstall Xiaomi drivers on PC.

Error 2: The app has been deleted but reappeared after the update

• 🔹 MIUI Sometimes restores system applications after OTA-update.
• 🔹 Solution: Turn off automatic updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔹 Remove the app after each update.

Error 3: After removal, MIUI functions stopped working

• 🔹 For example, removing Security can break the fingerprint scanner.
• 🔹 Solution: Restore the app via adb or reset settings.

Error 4: There is not enough space to install ADB

• 🔹 Clear the cache in Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔹 Move the files to SD-map.

⚠️ Warning: if after manipulation with system applications Redmi Note 9 stopped loading (hang on the logo) MI), Try to enter Recovery Mode (squeeze the power supply) + Volume up) and reset to factory settings. If that doesn't work, you'll need to flash it over the Fastboot.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions