How to Remove Apps from Xiaomi TV: Guidelines for All Models

Xiaomi TVs on Android platform TV Or PatchWall's proprietary shell, they get clogged with unnecessary applications over time: pre-installed services, cache from old games or programs you haven't used in a long time. TV-boxes (Mi Box S, Mi) TV Stick and Smart TV (Mi TV A2, Mi TV Q2) It has its own nuances – from manufacturer restrictions to hidden menus for experienced users.

In this article, we’ll break down all the working ways to remove apps from Xiaomi TVs, including:

• 📱 Standard removal via the settings menu (for most users)
• 🔧 Removing system applications without root rights (by using the ADB)
• 🧹 Clearing cache and data to free up memory
• ⚙️ Resetting to factory settings as a last resort
• 🛠️ Working with the file system through ES Conductor (for advanced)

We will focus on PatchWall (Mi TV 4S, Mi TV 5 Pro) models, where removal of preinstalled applications is blocked at the firmware level, and show workarounds. All instructions are relevant for firmware 2023-2026.

1. Standard removal of applications through the settings menu

The easiest way is to use the built-in Android TV or PatchWall tools, which are suitable for most user applications (e.g. YouTube, Netflix, IVI), but will not work for system services (Google Play Services, Mi Home).

Instructions for Android TV (Mi Box, Mi TV Stick, new Smart TV models)

1. Open the main menu and select Settings → Applications.
2. In the list, find the desired application and click on it.
3. Choose Remove (if the button is active) or Disable (for system applications).

For the PatchWall shell (Mi TV 4S, 5 Pro, etc.):

• 📺 Go to the menu. → Settings → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Select the unnecessary app and click OK remote.
• 🗑️ Choose Remove (not available for all applications).

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models, the Remove button can be blocked even for custom applications. ADB (section).

2.Why are some applications not removed?

Manufacturers often block the removal of preinstalled software for several reasons:

• 🔒 System dependencies: Apps like Google Play Services or Mi Share are critical to shell performance.
• 💰 Xiaomi signs contracts with Netflix, Prime Video and other services for pre-installation.
• 🛡️ Security: Deleting system components may cause crashes (e.g., voice search or Google Play access).

On PatchWall models, the list of “unremovable” apps is wider, such as Mi Home, Mi Remote or Live TV, which cannot be deleted by standard means, in which case ADB (section 3) or disabling the application through the settings menu (this will stop it from working, but will not free up memory) will help.

If you're not sure if you can uninstall a particular app, check it on Google Play. If there's a Remove button, it's custom. For system applications in the Play Market, it'll be preinstalled.

3. Removal of applications via ADB (without root rights)

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool allows you to remove even those apps that are locked in the settings menu, which works on all Xiaomi models, but requires you to connect your TV to your computer.

Step-by-step:

1. Download ADB Tools for Windows/macOS/Linux.
2. On your TV, turn on USB Debugging: Settings → About TV → Assembly number (click 7 times) Settings → Additional → For developers → Debugging over USB
3. Connect the TV to your computer through USB-cable (for Mi Box, use the port) USB OTG).
4. Open the command line in the folder with ADB and type: adb devices If the device is displayed, execute the command to delete (replace com.example.app with the application package): adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.example.app

How do you know the name of the application package? Use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "appendix name"

For example, Netflix is com.netflix.ninja, for YouTube it is com.google.android.youtube.tv.

⚠️ Note: Removing system applications (e.g. com.xiaomi.mitv.patchwall) may result in a loss of shell functionality or a boot cycle.

4. Cleaning cache and data instead of deleting

If the application can't be removed but it takes up a lot of space, clear its cache and data, which will free up memory and reset the program to factory settings.

How to clear the cache:

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Select the appropriate application.
3. Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache.
4. To completely reset, click Clear Data (Warning: This will delete accounts and settings!).

For example, clearing YouTube cache can free up to 500MB, and resetting Netflix data will delete downloaded movies.For system applications (like Google Play Market), cleaning the cache often solves freeze issues.

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If the app is unstable after cleaning the cache, restart the TV: hold the Power button on the remote for 5 seconds and select Reboot.

5. Disabling applications instead of deleting

If you can’t delete an application but it gets in the way (e.g., it’s constantly running in the background), you can turn it off, which will stop all processes and hide the icon from the menu, but won’t free up memory.

How to disable the application:

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Select the application and click Disable.
3. Confirm the action (it may be necessary to enter) PIN-code).

Disconnection is suitable for:

• 📴 Pre-installed games (Asphalt 9, Ludo King).
• 📺 Unnecessary streaming services (Hotstar, ZEE5 for the Indian market).
• 🔄 Background services (Mi Share if you don't use file transfer).

To turn the app back on, repeat the steps and select Enable. Disabled programs are not updated through Google Play, which saves traffic.

6.Reset to factory settings as a last resort

If the TV is full of unnecessary apps and standard methods don’t work, do a complete reset, which will delete all user data, apps and settings, returning the device to the “out of the box” state.

How to reset your settings:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Reset and Recovery.
2. Select Reset (on some models – Remove everything).
3. Confirm the action (it may be necessary to enter) PIN-code from Xiaomi account).
4. Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-5 minutes).

⚠️ Note: After resetting, you will have to reconfigure Wi-Fi, accounts Google/Xiaomi You can write down the login data in advance or take screenshots of the settings.

The discharge helps in cases of:

• 🐢 The TV is slowing down due to overloaded memory.
• 🚫 It is impossible to remove viruses or malicious applications.
• 🔄 After a failed firmware update.

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Factory reset is the only way to completely remove all user apps and cache, but it erases all personal data. Use it if other methods have not worked.

7. Work with the file system through ES Explorer (for advanced)

If you have root rights or are willing to take risks, you can manually delete application files through the file manager, a method that requires caution, as an error can cause the TV to lose its performance.

Instructions:

1. Install ES Explorer from Google Play.
2. Enable the display of hidden files in the Explorer settings.
3. Go to /data/app/ (there are user applications stored) or /system/priv-app/ (system applications).
4. Find a folder with the name of the package (e.g. com.netflix.ninja) and delete it.

Warnings:

• 🚨 Deletion of files from /system/ without root rights is impossible.
• 🔧 To access /data/ may be required ADB superuser.
• 💥 Incorrect removal will lead to a "brick" (the TV will not turn on).

This method is recommended only for advanced users. For most tasks, ADB (section 3) or resetting (section 6) will suffice.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing apps from Xiaomi TV