How to Remove Apps on Xiaomi Redmi 9A That Are Not Removed in Standard Ways

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9A often face a problem: some applications can not be removed through the standard menu, this is due to the fact that the manufacturer installs pre-integrated services (so-called bloatware), which take up memory, consume battery power and can slow down the system, especially relevant for budget models, where every megabyte counts.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods to get rid of unnecessary applications on the Redmi 9A – from simple disabling to complete removal through ADB and hidden MIUI settings. It is important to understand that some methods require caution: wrong actions can lead to system failures. We will explain each step in detail so that you can choose the best option without the risk of “bricking” the device.

Before you start, make sure your smartphone has USB debugging enabled (instruction below) and a backup of important data. Also check the MIUI version - some methods only work on certain firmware.

Why some apps aren’t removed in the standard way

On Xiaomi Redmi 9A (as with other MIUI devices), some programs are system-based. They can’t be removed from the Settings menu → Apps because:

• 🔹 They are integrated into firmware and are considered mandatory for work. MIUI (Mi Browser, Mi Video, GetApps, and Mi Browser).
• 🔹 Some apps are linked to Google services (e.g. Google Play Music, Google Duo) that cannot be uninstalled without superuser rights.
• 🔹 The manufacturer blocks deletion to preserve the functionality of branded services (for example, Mi Account, Security).
• 🔹 Applications can be part of the com.miui.system package or com.google.android.gsf, the removal of which will violate the stability of the system.

However, even such programs can be disabled (they will disappear from the menu and stop working in the background) or removed completely using special tools.

⚠️ Note: Removal of system applications may lead to errors in the work MIUI, For example, the inability to update by air (OTA) Google Play Services, or Google Play Services, before removing it, check if the application is critical.

Method 1: Disabling applications through MIUI settings

The safest method is to disable, not uninstall. The application will remain on the system, but will stop working, updating and using resources, which is suitable for most embedded programs, except for mission-critical ones (for example, Settings or Phone).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app from the list (e.g. Mi Browser).
3. Click Disable (if the button is inactive, the application cannot be disabled in the standard way).
4. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

Once disabled, the app icon will disappear from the home screen and menu, and all associated processes will stop. To return it back, repeat the steps and click Enable.

Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root rights)

If the shutdown isn’t enough, you can completely remove unnecessary apps using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that doesn’t require superuser rights, but requires connecting the phone to a computer.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔹 It works on all versions. MIUI (including Redmi 9A).
• 🔹 Does not violate the warranty (unlike unlocking the bootloader).
• 🔹 Allows you to remove even those programs that can not be disabled through settings.

Instructions:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
2. Turn on USB Debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and press 7 times to activate Developer Mode. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and enable USB Debugging.

Redmi 9A

cmd

ADB

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, enter:

adb shell

pm uninstall -k --user 0 name packet

For example, to remove the Mi Browser:

pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser

To find out the name of the package of the desired application, use the command:

pm list packages | grep "keyword"

For example, to search for all applications with the word "mi":

pm list packages | grep "mi"

⚠️ Note: Do not delete packages with the names com.miui, com.android or com.google.android.gsf – this may cause the system to fail.

Method 3: Use of MIUI Hidden Settings

MIUI firmware has hidden settings that allow you to disable and remove system applications without ADB. To access them, you will need a special MIUI Hidden Settings app (available on Google Play).

How it works:

• 🔹 The application activates hidden functions MIUI, Inaccessible in the standard interface.
• 🔹 Allows you to remove embedded programs without connecting to a PC.
• 🔹 Supports Redmi. 9A all-way MIUI (including MIUI 12/13).

Instructions:

1. Download and install MIUI Hidden Settings.
2. Open the application and grant superuser rights (if requested).
3. Go to the App Manager section.
4. Find the app you want in the list and click Uninstall (or Disable if uninstall is not available).
5. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

The advantage of this method is that you don't have to connect to a computer, but some applications can be protected from being deleted even here.

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If MIUI Hidden Settings does not find the application you want, try updating the database in the application settings or check if it is hidden in the System Applications section.

Method 4: Remove via TWRP (for advanced users)

If you're willing to take more drastic measures, you can use custom TWRP recoverers. This method requires unlocking the bootloader and installing TWRP, which voids the warranty and can lead to data loss, but it allows you to delete any system applications, including those that are blocked in ADB.

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock the bootloader on Redmi 9A via Xiaomi’s official website (instructions here).
2. Install TWRP for Redmi 9A (you can download it on the official website).
3. Boot to TWRP (hold Power + Volume up when turned on).
4. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
5. Find the /system/app or /system/priv-app folder and delete folders with unnecessary applications (e.g. Browser, VideoPlayer).
6. Reboot the phone.

This method gives maximum control over the system, but requires experience, and errors in deleting files can lead to a device blink (complete failure).

⚠️ Attention: Before working with TWRP Make sure to make a full backup through Backup in the Recovery menu. Also make sure you have the original firmware to recover in case of a crash.

Method 5: Use of Freeze Applications (alternative to Remove)

If you don't want to risk system stability, but you want to get rid of unnecessary software, you can freeze it with special utilities, and frozen applications don't get deleted, but they stop working completely and don't consume resources.

The best applications for freezing:

• 🔹 App Quarantine – a simple tool to disable programs without root rights.
• 🔹 Ice Box – creates a sandbox for unnecessary applications (requires activation via a new application). ADB).
• 🔹 Package Disabler – works on most versions MIUI, including Redmi 9A.

How to Freeze Your Application in Ice Box:

1. Install the Ice Box.
2. Activate it through ADB Team: adb shell pm grant com.catchingnow.icebox android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS
3. Open the Ice Box, select the app and click Freeze.
4. Reboot the phone.

The advantage of freezing is reversibility, and if you have problems with the app after you turn it off, it can be easily defrosted.

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Freezing is the safest way to get rid of unnecessary software if you are not sure about its importance to the system.

What to do if after removing applications, the phone began to work unstable

If Redmi 9A starts to slow down, overheat or issue errors after removing or disabling system programs, follow the following steps:

1. Check error logs: Install Logcat Extreme and review logs for critical errors. Pay attention to posts with AndroidRuntime or SystemServer tags.
2. Restore Remote Application: If you know the name of the package, install it back through ADB: cmd package install-existing the name of the package Or reset settings through Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.

You can call the phone again.

• Download the original firmware for Redmi 9A from Xiaomi.
• Install it via Fastboot or Recovery (instructions in the archive with firmware).

If problems persist, contact Xiaomi’s service center – you may need an iron level diagnosis.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing apps on Redmi 9A