How to Remove Apps on Xiaomi Redmi that Are Not Removed: From Disabling to Completely Uninstalling

Are you trying to make room for Xiaomi Redmi, but some apps are stubbornly reluctant to leave? System utilities like Mi Video, Mi Music or Browser take up precious megabytes, and the Remove button is inactive or absent? The problem is familiar to most smartphone owners on MIUI - the manufacturer blocks the removal of preinstalled software to "keep the system stable." But there are workarounds.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, from safe disabling to complete removal via ADB (no root rights!). Let’s look at the nuances for different versions of MIUI (including MIUI 14/15 based on Android 13/14), warn against typical errors and show how to return the application if it suddenly needed. No magic buttons are only proven technical solutions with explanations for beginners.

Why Xiaomi Redmi apps aren’t removed in the standard way

The reason is the architecture of MIUI, the Xiaomi brand shell, and the pre-installed apps fall into three categories:

• 📱 System services (e.g., Security or Mi Account) are critical to the job MIUI. Deleting them will lead to the inability to boot the system or loss of functionality (fingerprint, push notifications, etc.).
• 🎵 Branded utilities (Mi Music, Mi Video, Browser) – can be removed, but Xiaomi blocks this to “improve the user experience” (and promote its services).
• 📦 Partner apps (e.g. Facebook, Netflix in some regions) – often installed as system-based, but their removal is safe.

Technically, all of these applications are marked with a SYSTEM or PRIVILEGED flag, which blocks them from being deleted through the standard interface, but MIUI provides alternatives:

• 🔄 Disconnection – the application disappears from the menu, but remains in memory (not updated, does not consume resources).
• 🗑️ Remove updates – returns the application to the factory version (often takes up less space).
• 🛠️ Deinstallation through ADB — Complete removal without root rights (requires a PC connection).

⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications may disrupt the work MIUI. For example, after deleting com.miui.analytics, theme and wallpaper will stop working.Always check the list of safe to remove packages (see table below).

Method 1: Disabling the application (without deleting)

The safest method is to disable the app, disappear from the menu, stop updating and consume resources, but remain in memory (it takes ~10-50 MB depending on the software), suitable for most branded utilities Xiaomi.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want (such as Mi Video).
3. Click “Disable” (the button will appear if the application can be disabled).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

After the shutdown:

• 📁 The app will disappear from the menu and search MIUI.
• 🔄 It will not be able to start until you turn it back on in the settings.
• 📥 Updates to Google Play will not be available.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g., Security) cannot be disabled, the button will be inactive.

Method 2: Remove updates (reset to factory version)

If the app was updated through Google Play, the factory version often takes up less space, for example, the Mi Browser after the updates can weigh 200 MB, and in the original state – only 30 MB.

How to reset:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (such as Browser).
3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → “Delete Updates”.
4. Confirm the action.

Advantages of the method:

• 📉 Releases until 100-300 MB (depending on the application).
• 🔒 Does not require a PC connection or special knowledge.
• 🔄 The app will remain functional, but will return to basic functionality.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ It doesn’t work for apps that haven’t been updated (e.g., Mi Music in clean firmware).
• ⚠️ After reset, some features may disappear (for example, support for new video formats in Mi Video).

Method 3: Removal via ADB (no root rights)

If disabling and resetting didn’t work, it’s time to switch to ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that allows you to completely remove system applications without obtaining root rights, but requires a computer connection and basic command-line knowledge.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📥 ADB Google Tools (download and unpack in a separate folder).
• 📱 On your smartphone: turn on Developer Mode and Debugging by USB.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on MIUI Version. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and enable USB Debugging.
2. Connect your phone to your PC: Select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
3. Open the command line: On Windows: Win + R → enter cmd → Go to the folder with ADB cd team path to daddy. macOS/Linux: Open the terminal and go to the folder with ADB.

Check the connection:

adb devices

Your device name should appear (e.g., 1234abcd device) and if not, check the drivers or cable.

Delete the annex:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name packet

For example, to remove Mi Video:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer

Where to get package names? Install the Package Name Viewer app or use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep 'miui'

⚠️ Attention: Command pm uninstall -k --user 0 removes the application only for the current user. Once the phone is reset or a new profile is created, it may appear again.

💡

Before deleting through ADB, back up your data to Mi Cloud or through adb backup. If something goes wrong, you can restore the system via Fastboot.

Method 4: Use of MIUI Hidden Settings (for experienced)

MIUI has a hidden Activity Launcher menu that allows you to run system utilities that are not available in the standard interface, and you can remove some applications without ADB through it.

Instructions:

1. Install the Activity Launcher app.
2. Open it and find the All Activities section.
3. In the search, type PackageInstaller.
4. Select com.android.packageinstaller/.PackageInstallerActivity.
5. In the menu that opens, find the application you want to remove and click “Delete”.

How to get a root on Xiaomi Redmi:

1. Unlock Bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a binding Mi Account and wait 7-15 days).
2. Install a custom recap (TWRP) for your model.
3. Sweep Magisk through the Recovery.

After receiving the root:

• Use Root Explorer or Titanium Backup to uninstall applications.
• Or enter the command in Terminal: su pm uninstall --user 0 name packet

⚠️ Note: Getting root rights voids Xiaomi warranty and may result in: - ❌ Data loss due to incorrect firmware. - ⚠️ Blocking of banking applications (due to SafetyNet trigger). - 🔒 Inability to update “over the air” (you will have to sew manually).

💡

Ruth-rights are the last resort. If you just need to make room, shutdown (mode 1) or ADB (mode 3) will do.

How to return a remote application

If you have removed an app through ADB or root, but you suddenly need it, there are two ways to return it:

1. Through ADB (if removed without root): adb shell cmd package install-existing Name packet For example, for Mi Video: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.videoplayer
2. Phone reset: If the first method didn't work, reset to factory settings (Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset). All remote applications will return, but you will lose user data.

If the application has been disabled (method 1), it can be turned on back:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → “Show all apps”.
3. Find the disabled application and click "Enable".

FAQ: Frequent questions