How to completely remove unnecessary applications on Xiaomi without ROOT-RIGHT: Step-by-step guidance

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones often come with dozens of pre-installed apps, many of which users never run. From Google Duo to Mi Browser, these programs take up memory, consume battery power in the background, and can even collect data. Unfortunately, standard removal via the Settings menu is not available for all applications, especially system ones.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to get rid of unnecessary software on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO without ROOT-You'll learn how to turn off apps through ADB, hide their icons, use their functions MIUI And what tools will help you automate the process, all of which are tested on firmware. MIUI 12-14 and are suitable for models from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 13 Ultra.

Why you can’t just remove system apps from the menu

Smartphone manufacturers, including Xiaomi, are blocking the possibility of completely removing preinstalled software for several reasons:

  • 🔄 System dependencies: Some applications (e.g., MiuiSystemUI or SecurityCenter) are critical to the shell operation MIUI. Removing them can lead to the collapse of the interface or the inability to load the phone.
  • 📦 License Agreements: Xiaomi must include Google apps (e.g. YouTube, Google Play Music) in the firmware under the terms of cooperation with Android.
  • 🛡️ Security: Removing system components (e.g., com.miui.analytics) can disrupt functions such as air updates (OTA) or malware protection.

But that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to put up with unnecessary programs: Most of them can be disabled, which equates to deletion in terms of user experience: they won’t show up on menus, won’t be updated, and won’t waste resources. And some apps (like Facebook or Netflix) can be removed completely — requiring ADB circumvention.

⚠️ Warning: even disabled system applications remain in the device's memory and take up space. To fully free internal storage, you will need to unlock the bootloader and install custom firmware - but this is already a topic for a separate article.

Method 1: Standard removal via Settings (for user applications)

If the app was installed by you from Google Play or a third-party source (APK), it can be removed in the standard way:

  1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
  2. Select the app you want from the list (like TikTok or Likee).
  3. Click Remove (if the button is active).

To speed up the process:

  • 🔍 Use the search at the top of the App Management screen to quickly find the right one.
  • 📊 Sort apps by size to first remove the most "heavy" ones».
  • 🗑️ Turn on the option to Show System Processes (at three points in the upper right corner) to see all installed programs.

Method limitation: The Remove button will be inactive for system applications (e.g. com.miui.calculator or com.android.email).

☑️ Preparation for removal of applications

Done: 0 / 4

Method 2: Disable system applications via ADB (without ROOT)

Android Debug Bridge Tool (ADB) Allows you to disable system applications without receiving ROOT-This method works on all Xiaomi smartphones with unlocked developer mode.

Step-by-step:

  1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Press 7 times on MIUI Version until the notification “You are a developer” appears.

Turn on USB debugging.

  • Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
  • Activate the debugging switch over USB.
  • Connect your smartphone to your PC and install ADB (you can download from the official Android website).
  • Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB and type: adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list (permission confirmation may be required on the phone).
  • Get a list of all applications: adb shell pm list packages -f Copy the name of the package of the desired application (for example, com.miui.weather2 for Weather).
  • Disable the app: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.weather2 Replace com.miui.weather2 to your app package name.

Limitations of the method:

  • ❌ Not all system applications can be hidden (e.g. Settings or Phone).
  • ❌ The hidden app will still be updated and consume resources in the background.
  • ✅ Suitable for temporary “cleaning” of unnecessary icons from the desktop.

💡

If the Hide App option is inactive, try first disabling it via ADB (Method 2) and then hiding the icon.

Method 4: Use of third-party utilities (without ROOT)

There are several applications that make it easier to turn off system software. ROOT-They are entitled to work, but they need access to ADB:

  • 📱 App Inspector – shows a list of all installed packages with the ability to quickly copy their names for the app. ADB.
  • 🛠️ Debloater Tool (for PC) - a graphical interface for managing packages through ADB. Supports backups.
  • 🔍 Package Name Viewer – Helps you find the name of any application package, even if it doesn’t appear in the menu.