How to Remove Apps from Xiaomi Redmi 8: 5 Ways to Work

Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 8, released in 2019, still remains popular due to balanced characteristics and support for MIUI updates. However, over time, any gadget begins to “clog” with unnecessary programs: it can be pre-installed Xiaomi services, game cache or accidentally downloaded APK. Unlike new models, the removal of applications on Redmi 8 has nuances – some system utilities can not be uninstalled by standard methods, and aggressive cleaning can lead to malfunctions in the MIUI shell.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to uninstall applications, from basic (via the settings menu) to advanced (using ADB and USB debugging), and focus on the hidden features of MIUI 12/14, which allow you to disable system services without root rights, and you’ll learn which programs can be safely removed and which ones should not be touched – even if they take up a lot of space.

Preparation: What to Know Before Deleting Applications

Before you start cleaning Redmi 8, it’s important to understand the difference between the types of applications:

• 📱 Third-party apps – downloaded from Google Play or installed through APK. They can be removed without consequences.
• 🔧 System applications MIUI — Pre-installed services (Mi Video, Mi Music, Security, etc.) Some of which are critical for the shell to work.
• 🛡️ Google services – Play Market, Google Play Services, YouTube – can disrupt your account.

Redmi 8 with MIUI 12+ has a rule: you can only remove programs that are not associated with the kernel of the system. For example, you can not touch com.miui.securitycenter, and com.miui.videoplayer - you can. To avoid mistakes, check the name of the package before uninstallation.

⚠️ Warning: If after removing the application, the smartphone began to slow down or restart - return it through Settings → Annexes → Remote (available in MIUI Older versions will require factory resets.

Method 1: Standard removal via MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use built-in MIUI tools. It is suitable for third-party applications and some system utilities that are not critical to the phone.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the list, find the desired application (for example, Mi Browser) and tap it.
3. Press the "Delete" button (if it is active).
4. Confirm the action by selecting “OK”.

If the Remove button is inactive, the application is system, in which case you can try to disable it (the “Disable” button will appear instead of “Delete”). The program that is disabled will not work, but will remain in the phone’s memory.

Are there any important data in the application (for example, saved notes in Mi Notes)

Is it connected to a Mi Account (e.g., Mi Cloud)?

Is there enough free space after removal (minimum - 1 GB)

-->

💡

If the app doesn't get deleted, try first clearing its cache and data in the same menu (Storage → Clear cache).

Method 2: Delete via Google Play Market

If the app was installed from Google Play, it can be uninstalled directly through the store, which is convenient when you need to massively clean your smartphone of unnecessary programs.

How to delete:

1. Open the Google Play Market.
2. Slip on the profile avatar in the upper right corner.
3. Select Application and Device Management → Management.
4. In the list, check the boxes for unnecessary programs.
5. Click on the basket icon in the top panel.

The advantage of this method is that it automatically cleans the residual files (cache and data) that are sometimes left over when deleted through settings.

⚠️ Note: If after removal through the Play Market, the application continues to appear in the list, check if it is installed as APK (manually. In this case, delete it through Settings. → Annexes.

Method 3: Disabling system applications without root

Many of the pre-installed programs on Redmi 8 can’t be completely removed, but they can be turned off, which will free up RAM and stop background activity, although the application itself will remain on the system.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select a system application (such as Mi Pay or Mi Video).
3. Click “Disable” (if the button is inactive, the application is critical for MIUI).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

The disabled programs will disappear from the menu and stop updating, but they can be turned back on in the same settings section, which is secure and does not require superuser rights.

Method 4: Remove via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a computer debugging tool that allows you to remove even those applications that MIUI blocks, but requires caution.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📦 Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB.

Instructions:

1. Enable Developer Mode on Redmi 8: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (Tap 7 times)
2. Activate debugging via USB: Settings → Additional → For developers → Debugging via USB
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
4. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: adb devices (the serial number of your Redmi 8 should appear).
5. Find out the name of the application package: adb shell pm list packages | grep "name" For example, for Mi Browser it is com.android.browser.
6. Remove the application by command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser

💡

The --user 0 command removes the app only for the current user, without affecting system files. This is safer than a complete uninstall (pm uninstall without flags).

⚠️ Note: Some packages (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) are protected MIUI. Their removal through ADB This will lead to a cyclical reboot of the smartphone. Before experimenting, back up through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Method 5: Use of third-party utilities (with or without root)

For those who don’t want to work with ADB, there are specialized applications for cleaning system programs, but their effectiveness depends on the availability of root rights.

Popular utilities:

• 🛠️ App Inspector – shows all installed packages and their dependencies (without root).
• 🧹 SD Maid – cleans residual files after uninstallation (requires root for deep cleaning).
• 🔍 Debloater – removes pre-installed applications (works through the ADB, but with a user-friendly interface).

An example of working with Debloater:

1. Download the tool with XDA Developers.
2. Connect Redmi 8 to USB with debugging enabled.
3. Launch Debloater and wait for the package list to load.
4. Check the boxes for unnecessary applications (for example, com.miui.weather2).
5. Click "Apply" and confirm the removal.

💡

Before using third-party utilities, check their reputation on forums (such as 4PDA or XDA).Some "optimizers" contain malicious code or show false virus warnings.

What to do if after removal of the smartphone is unstable

Sometimes, after cleaning, Redmi 8 starts to slow down, make errors, or reboot, which means that a critical app has been removed or disabled.

Recovery methods:

• 🔄 Return the app through MIUI: Settings → Annexes → Remotely → Select a program → Install
• 📥 Install APK manually: Download the file from an official source (e.g. APKMirror) and install it.
• ⚙️ Reset to factory settings: Last option if the smartphone doesn't turn on.Push the power button + volume → Recovery → Wipe Data

If the problem occurs after working with ADB, try reinstalling the remote application via the command:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.browser

(Replace com.android.browser with the desired package).

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 8s MIUI 12 and older, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account after resetting your settings. If you forget your password, restore it in advance at account.xiaomi.com.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing apps on Redmi 8