How to completely remove apps from your Xiaomi phone: standard and custom

Removing unnecessary apps from Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO phones is a challenge that every user faces. Even after buying a new device, dozens of programs are pre-installed on the system, many of which duplicate functions or simply are not used. Unlike Android in its pure form, MIUI firmware has its own peculiarities: some applications can not be removed by standard methods, and others after uninstallation come back after a system update.

In this guide, we will discuss all working ways to remove from the basic (via the settings menu) to advanced (using ADB and debugging). Separately, we will discuss how to get rid of embedded system applications (for example, Mi Browser, Mi Video, GetApps) that do not have a “Delete” button. All instructions are relevant for MIUI 14/15 and models of 2020-2026 (including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12/13, POCO F5/X5).

1. Standard removal through MIUI settings

The easiest way is to use the system’s built-in tools, which are suitable for custom applications (installed from Google Play or APK) and for some pre-installed programs that Xiaomi allows to be removed.

To remove the app:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes.
• 🔍 In the list, find the desired application and tap on it.
• 🗑️ Click "Delete" (if the button is active).
• ⚠️ Confirm the action in the dialog window.

If the Remove button is inactive or not, then the application is system-based or uninstallable, in which case move on to the following methods.

💡

To quickly find the app in the list, search at the top of the Settings → Apps screen. type in a part of the title (e.g., "mi browser" for Mi Browser).

⚠️ Note: Deleting some system applications (such as Security or Mi Account) may lead to unstable operation. MIUI Check before removing the program to see if it is critical.

2. Remove via MIUI launcher (for user applications)

If you install the application (not system), it can be removed directly from the main screen:

• 🖱️ Press the app icon on the desktop.
• 📌 In the menu that appears, select “Delete” (basket icon).
• ✅ Confirm the action.

This method only works for programs installed through Google Play or APK. For system applications, the Remove button will be absent, but the “Disable” option may appear – it hides the program from the menu, but does not delete it completely.

Make sure the application is not used by other services | Backup important data | Check if the program is system | Close all background processes of the application

-->

3. disabling system applications (without root)

If the Remove button is not available but the app is in the way (e.g. Mi Music or Mi Pay), it can be disabled, which hides the program from the menu and stops its background work, but does not delete files completely.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Select the appropriate application.
3. Click on “Disable” (if the option is available).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

The apps that are disabled will not be displayed in the menu or consume resources, but will remain in the device’s memory. To return them, just look again in Settings → Applications and click “Enable”.

⚠️ Note: Disabling applications such as Mi Share or Mi Remote may disrupt the wireless file transfer or remote functions in the MIUI. Before disconnecting, check if you are using these features.

4. Removal of system applications via ADB (without root)

Removing embedded applications that cannot be uninstalled by standard methods will require ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which does not require root rights, but requires debugging over USB.

Steps:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers. Activate USB Debugging.

Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.

ADB Tools

ADB

adb devices

(The name of your device should appear).

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 title.package

For example, to remove the Mi Browser:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser

List of packages of popular system applications Xiaomi:

Once removed via ADB, the application will disappear for the current user, but will remain in the system.When you reset your settings or update your MIUI, it can return.

Mi Browser|Mi Video|GetApps|Mi Music|Other Systems |Nothing removed-->

5. Remove in Safe Mode (for problem applications)

If the application is not removed due to errors or conflicts, try to do so in Safe Mode, which disables all third-party programs, which sometimes helps to uninstall stubborn APKs.

How to start safe mode:

1. Press the power button until the shutdown menu appears.
2. Press and hold the "Switch off" (or "Switch off power") item.
3. Confirm the transition to safe mode.

After downloading:

• 🔧 Try to remove the application through Settings → Annexes.
• 🔄 If the deletion is successful, restart the phone as normal.

⚠️ Warning: All widgets and background processes are turned off in Safe Mode. Don't be alarmed if some settings reset after the reboot (such as wallpaper or desktop shortcuts).

6. Complete removal by root rights

If you are ready to get root access, it will open up the possibility of completely removing system applications without the risk of returning them after the update, but this method requires unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk or SuperSU, which is unwarranted and can lead to unstable operation.

To remove from root:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /system/app or /system/priv-app.
3. Find a folder with the name of the app (for example, Browser for Mi Browser).
4. Delete the folder or rename it (by adding.bak at the end).
5. Reboot the phone.

The advantage of this method is that the application is permanently deleted, even after the MIUI update.

• 🚨 Damage to system files can lead to bootloop (locked boot).
• 🔧 Certain functions MIUI (For example, topics or security may stop working.
• 📵 Xiaomi warranty is canceled after unlocking the bootloader.

💡

Before getting root, make a full backup via TWRP or Mi Flash Tool.This is the only way to recover your phone if it crashes.

7. How to return a remote system application

If you realize that the application was needed after deleting, you can restore it:

• 🔄 For ADB-Remote: use the command: adb shell cmd package install-existing title.packet For example: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.browser
• 📥 For remote root: download the original APK from forums (e.g, XDA Developers) and install through TWRP or ADB sideload.
• ⚙️ For all cases: perform a reset settings (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting settings), but it will delete all data.

If the application has been disabled rather than removed, it can be returned to Settings → Applications → Disabled by selecting “Enable”.

FAQ: Frequent questions