How to completely remove applications from Xiaomi Redmi: 5 working ways

Why Standard Removal Doesn't Always Work

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi smartphones often face a problem: after clicking “Delete” in the app menu, it disappears from the list, but after a while it reappears after the system update. This is due to the features of the MIUI firmware, where some of the software is integrated at the operating system level. Even after “delete” through the standard interface, application files remain in the device’s memory, occupying up to 500 MB on the system partition.

Even more difficult is the case with Xiaomi’s built-in services, such as Mi Video, Mi Music or GetApps. These cannot be uninstalled without additional tools, as they are tied to key MIUI functions. For example, removing Security can disrupt the fingerprint scanner. In this article, we will discuss all legal and technical ways to clean a smartphone from unnecessary software, including methods for users without root rights.

Method 1: Standard removal through settings

Let’s start with the simplest method, which is suitable for third-party applications installed by the user through Google Play or.apk files. This method requires no additional tools and is safe for the system:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select the Application Management tab.
3. Find the desired application in the list and tap it.
4. Press the Remove button (if it is active).

If the Remove button is inactive or not, the app is system-based, in which case you can move on to the following methods. Please note that some apps (such as Facebook or Netflix) may be pre-installed by the manufacturer and require alternative removal methods.

Method 2: Disabling system applications (without deleting)

For applications that cannot be removed in the standard way, Xiaomi offers a disable feature.This will not free up memory on the system partition, but will stop background processes and hide the icon from the menu.

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Find a system application (such as Mi Browser or Mi Pay).
• 🚫 Click Disable and confirm the action.
• 🔄 If necessary, restart the device.

Disabled apps won’t be updated through Google Play, but their files will remain in memory, a method that is suitable for saving battery power and reducing background activity, for example, turning off Mi Video can extend battery life by 10-15% by stopping background processes.

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Before disabling system applications, check their dependence on other features. For example, disabling Mi Share will disrupt the fast file transfer between Xiaomi devices.

Method 3: Removal via ADB (without root rights)

For advanced users willing to work with the command line, there is a method of removing system applications through the command line. ADB (Android Debug Bridge. This way doesn't require superuser rights, but you need a computer and a computer. USB-The advantage of this method is to completely delete the application files from the system partition, rather than simply disabling them.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Google’s Platform Tools.
2. Activate Developer Mode on your smartphone: go to Settings → About Phone and tap on the MIUI version 7 times.
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
4. Connect your smartphone to your PC and enter in the command line: adb devices Make sure the device is determined (serial number should appear).
5. To uninstall the app, use the command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.example.app Replace com.example.app with a real package (e.g. com.miui.videoplayer for Mi Video).

A list of Xiaomi Redmi system application packages can be found on specialized forums, such as 4PDA or XDA Developers. Important: improper removal of system components can lead to unstable device operation.

Method 4: Removal with root rights

Users with an unlocked bootloader and Magisk or other root rights management system installed can remove system applications through file managers like Root Explorer or Mixplorer, a method that gives maximum control over the device, but requires caution:

• 🔓 Get root access (instructions for Xiaomi Redmi vary depending on the model).
• 📁 Install a file manager with root support (e.g. Solid Explorer).
• 🗑️ Go to the folder. /system/app or /system/priv-app.
• 🗃️ Find a folder with the name of the application (for example, VideoPlayer) and delete it.
• 🔄 Reset the device.

Warning: Deleting critical system files can lead to a device blink (completely inoperable). It is recommended to pre-backup through TWRP or other customized recavator. For example, deleting the MiuiSystemUI folder will make the interface inoperable.

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Root access offers the best possible cleanup options, but requires technical skills and cancels Xiaomi’s official warranty.

Method 5: Using custom firmware

For power users willing to sacrifice stability for full control, there are custom firmware like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Havoc-OS. These firmwares are devoid of pre-installed Xiaomi software and offer a “pure” Android.

1. Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account binding and a wait of 7-14 days).
2. Installation of custom recavery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
3. Format partitions and firmware of the new OS.

Advantages of custom firmware:

• 🚀 Absence of Bloatware (unnecessary applications).
• 🔄 Regular security updates.
• 🎨 Ability to fine-tune the interface.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Loss of guarantee.
• 🔋 Possible problems with autonomy.
• 📱 Non-functioning corporate functions (e.g, IR Blaster or Game Turbo).

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Before installing custom firmware, check its compatibility with your Redmi model on the XDA Developers forum. For example, the firmware for the Redmi Note 10 Pro (sweet) will not work for the Redmi Note 10 (mojito).

What to do if the application is returned after removal

Some Xiaomi system applications are restored after the MIUI update, which is due to a system protection mechanism that checks the integrity of critical components to prevent reappearance:

1. Turn off automatic MIUI update in Settings → About Phone → System Update.
2. Use tools like App Systemizer (requires root) to move the application from the system partition to the user partition.
3. Freeze the app with Titanium Backup or Lucky Patcher.

If the application returned after manual firmware updates, you will have to repeat the removal process, and the alternative is to roll back to an older version of MIUI, where the security mechanisms are less aggressive.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing apps on Xiaomi Redmi

⚠️ Note: Removing system applications on devices with MIUI Global could disrupt Google's services. MIUI China does not have Google services initially, but removing Xiaomi system components could lead to bugs in the operation of proprietary features such as Quick Ball or Second Space.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 9A or Redmi Note 11 SE) Unlocking the bootloader and obtaining root rights is more difficult than on devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon. This is due to the features of the chipset protection.