How to permanently remove embedded applications on Xiaomi Redmi: 5 working ways

Embedded apps on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are a headache for many users, taking up space in memory, using up battery power in the background, and often duplicating the features of more convenient alternatives. But the manufacturer blocks their removal by standard means, leaving only the possibility of disabling through the settings. This does not solve the problem completely: disabled programs continue to take up space on the disk and can be activated after system updates.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to remove system applications on Xiaomi Redmi, from secure root-free methods to radical solutions with unlocking the bootloader and modifying the firmware. You’ll learn which applications can be removed without risking system stability, and which are strongly discouraged. We’ll also analyze alternative approaches, from hiding icons to using ADB to deactivate unnecessary services.

Important: the procedure for removing system components is always associated with risks. Wrong actions can lead to a cyclical reboot, loss of functionality (for example, a camera or a mobile network), or even a “brick” of the device.

Why Xiaomi doesn’t allow you to remove embedded apps?

The manufacturer blocks the removal of pre-installed programs for several reasons:

• 🔄 License agreements: Many applications (e.g. Google Play Services, Mi Browser) are integrated at the firmware level under a contract with partners, and their removal violates the terms of use.
• 🛠️ System stability: Some services (e.g. com.xiaomi.finddevice) are critical to the operation MIUI. Removing them can lead to errors in the phone.
• 💰 Monetization: Apps like Mi Video, Mi Music or GetApps contain ads and affiliate offers that generate revenue for the company.
• 🌍 Regional features: Firmware for different countries may have different sets of applications (e.g. Facebook in global versions or AliExpress in Chinese).

Interestingly, even in Redmi with pure Android One (like Redmi A2), some Google apps still can’t be removed – this is a requirement of Google Mobile Services (GMS) for device certification.

⚠️ Note: Removing system applications deprives you of warranty service. Xiaomi service centers easily detect firmware modifications and may refuse repairs even for reasons other than software (for example, a broken screen).

Method 1: Disable applications through settings (without root)

The safest method is not to delete, but to disable unnecessary programs. This will not free up space on the disk, but will stop background activity and hide icons from the menu.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show all apps.
3. Find the app you want (such as Mi Browser) and open the page.
4. Click Disable (if the button is active).Some applications may require a password or pattern lock confirmation.

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 Does not work for mission-critical services (e.g. com.android.phone).
• 🔄 After updating MIUI Disabled applications can be activated again.
• 📱 Does not free up space in memory – application files remain on the device.

Standard browser (Mi Browser)

Mi Video and Mi Music

GetApps and Mi Pay (if not used)

Theme Store (Themes)

Du Apps (optimizer and cleaner)

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To return the disabled application, go back to its settings and click Enable.

Method 2: Remove via ADB (without root but with PC)

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a debugging tool that allows you to manage system components without obtaining root permissions.The method works on most Xiaomi Redmi devices (including models on MIUI 14), but requires a connection to a computer.

Preparation:

1. Download ADB Tools from Google’s official website.
2. Turn on USB Debugging on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to activate Developer Mode), then go back to Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging on USB.
3. Connect Redmi to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer on your phone screen.

The removal process:

1. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB.
2. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
3. Get a list of all packages: adb shell pm list packages
4. Find the name of the application package (e.g. com.miui.browser for Mi Browser) and execute the deletion command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browser The flag --user 0 means deletion only for the current user (does not affect system files).

List of popular removal packages:

⚠️ Note: Deleting com.google. or com.android. without understanding their purpose is guaranteed to cause system failure, such as deleting com.google.android.gms will deprive you of access to Google Play and most apps.

Mi Browser|Mi Video|GetApps|Cleaner (Security)|Other-->

Method 3: Using Magisk and Universal Debloater

If you're ready to get root rights, the safest way to remove system applications is to use the Universal Debloater module for Magisk, which allows you to selectively remove applications with the ability to restore them.

Steps:

1. Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi (instructions below in the "Preparation" section).
2. Install Magisk (download the latest version from GitHub).
3. In Magisk, go to the Modules section and install Universal Debloater (available in the Magisk repository).
4. Restart the device and open the Debloater app from the menu.
5. Select removal apps (the module shows the risks for each package) and confirm the action.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔧 Recovery of Remote Applications through the Same Module.
• 🛡️ Dependency check – the module warns if deleting the packet could disrupt the system.
• 📱 Works on MIUI 12/13/14 without conflict with updates.

Important: After installing Magisk, some banking applications (such as Sberbank Online) may stop working due to the SafetyNet trigger, the solution is to install the MagiskHide Props Config module or use Magisk Delta with root hiding function.

Method 4: Manual removal via TWRP (for power users)

This method requires an unlocked bootloader and a customized TWRP recavator installed. It allows you to physically delete application files from the system partition, but risks damaging the firmware.

Instructions:

1. Install TWRP for your Redmi model (only download from trusted sources, such as the official website).
2. Download to TWRP (usually by pressing Power + Volume Up).
3. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
4. Open /system/app or /system/priv-app (depending on the location of the target application).
5. Find a folder with the name of the package (such as MiBrowser) and delete it.
6. Reset the device.

Risks of the method:

• 💥 Loss of performance when removing critical packets (e.g. com.qualcomm.qti.telephonyservice for models with Snapdragon chipset).
• 🔄 After updating MIUI through OTA Remote applications can return.
• 🔧 Re-installation required TWRP after each update (unless you use OrangeFox or other Survival Recoveries).

Method 5: Flashing on custom firmware (radical method)

If you need to get rid of the bloat completely, the most reliable way is to install custom firmware, such as LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS, which are devoid of pre-installed Xiaomi applications and offer pure Android.

Advantages:

• 🧹 Total absence of bloat MIUI Google (in some assemblies).
• 🚀 Better productivity and battery life.
• 🔄 Regular security updates (unlike Xiaomi, which often delays patches for Redmi budget models).

Disadvantages:

• 📱 Loss of branded functions MIUI (Second Space, Game Turbo, and the Game Turbo).
• 🔧 Difficulty of installation for beginners (requires unlocking the bootloader, installation) TWRP, manual backup).
• 💥 Risk of “bricking” in case of errors during firmware.

Popular firmware for Xiaomi Redmi:

⚠️ Attention: Installation of custom firmware violates the warranty conditions and may lead to problems with the operation of the module NFC, On your camera or mobile network (especially on models with a MediaTek processor, such as the Redmi Note 11).Be sure to check user reviews of your model on the forums before you run the firmware. 4PDA or XDA-Developers.

Preparation of the device: unlocking the loader

Most methods (except ADB and Settings Disconnect) require unlocking the bootloader, a process officially supported by Xiaomi, but with limitations:

• 🔓 Unlocking erases all data on the device (take backup!).
• ⏳ Requires a wait of 7 days (168 hours) after linking your Mi Account to your device.
• 📱 It does not work on some models for the Chinese market (e.g. Redmi). K50 china-fixed ROM).

Step-by-step:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
2. Sign in to your Mi Account on your phone and unlock tool.
3. Link your device to your account: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Find the device (enable the function).
4. Turn off your phone and boot into Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume Down).
5. Connect Redmi to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool. Follow the instructions of the program.
6. After unlocking, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings.

If the tool is running a "Couldn't unlock" error, check:

• Internet connection (the tool requires online verification).
• The Mi Unlock Tool (should be the last version)
• Account status (some forums sell "unblocked" Mi accounts, but this violates Xiaomi's rules).

💡

If you are locked to 99% or 50%, try using a proxy server or VPN It's a problem with a connection to servers in China or Hong Kong, and it's often a problem with a lockdown. IP in your region.

What not to delete: a list of critical packages

Some system applications cannot be removed without the risk of losing the functionality of the phone, and here is a list of the most important packages for MIUI:

Also, avoid removing packages with names:

• 🚨 miui. MIUI.
• 🚨 Android.* – basic Android services.
• 🚨 qti. or mediatek. – drivers for Qualcomm and MediaTek processors.

If you are in doubt about the security of removing a package, check it out on forums (like 4PDA) or use tools like App Inspector (available on Google Play) that show app dependencies.

💡

Before removing any system package, back up via TWRP or titanium backup to restore functionality if something goes wrong.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing embedded applications