How to completely remove apps from Xiaomi Mi Box S: a step-by-step guide

Why remove apps from Xiaomi Mi Box S and what risks it carries

Xiaomi Mi Box S is one of the most popular Android TV-Even with 8 GB of internal memory, users are facing a shortage of space, due to pre-installed system applications (called bloatware), which cannot be removed by standard methods, as well as accumulated cache from games and streaming services. However, not all applications can be safely uninstalled: removing critical components can lead to loss of remote functionality, malfunctions in Google Play or even a “brick” of the device.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to uninstall applications, from simple (through the settings menu) to advanced (using ADB and root rights). We’ll focus on which apps can be removed without risk and which shouldn’t be touched. If you’re a beginner, start with the first two methods. Experienced users will find instructions here to unlock system packages and clear memory through Terminal Emulator.

Warning: some operations require a PC connection and command line knowledge, and if you have never worked with ADB or are unsure of your actions, it is better to limit yourself to the safe methods in the first sections.

Method 1: Remove user applications through the settings menu

The easiest and safest way is to remove apps you installed yourself through Google Play, which requires no additional tools and is suitable even for beginners.

To remove the app:

1. Open the Mi Box S main menu and go to Settings (cog icon).
2. Select the item of the Application → Application management.
3. In the list, find the desired application and click on it.
4. Press the Remove button (if it is active).

⚠️ Note: The Delete button will be inactive for system applications (e.g. Mi Home, Google Play Music or YouTube) and can only be turned off or cleared, but not completely uninstalled.

If there is no Delete button even for the programs you have installed, check:

• 🔹 Is the app a system update (for example, an updated Chrome could be tied to firmware).
• 🔹 Is it not assigned by the default application (for example, to open links).
• 🔹 Is it part of Google’s service package (such apps are protected from removal).

Method 2: Disabling and cleaning system applications

If you can’t remove the system application, you can turn it off, it will stop the background processes and free up some RAM, and it is also useful to clean the cache regularly, especially for streaming services (Netflix, Kodi, Twitch), which can take up to 1-2 GB.

Instructions for unsetting:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select a system app (such as Mi Video or Google Play Movie).
3. Click Disable (if the button is active).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

To clean the cache and data:

• 📁 In the same app menu, select Storage.
• 🧹 Click Clear Cache (will delete temporary files).
• 🗑️ For a full reset, click Clear Data (deletes settings and accounts).

⚠️ Note: Disabling some system applications may result in:

🚨 Loss of remote functionality (if you disable Mi Remote Framework). 🚨 Errors in Google Play (when you turn off Google Play Services). 🚨 Update issues (if you touch Updater or FOTA).

💡

Before disabling system applications, back up important data via Settings → System → Backup. This will help restore the console to work if something goes wrong.

Method 3: Remove applications via ADB (no root rights)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a tool for debugging Android devices, which allows you to remove even those applications that do not have a Delete button in the menu, but do not require root rights.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📥 Utilities. ADB and drivers for Xiaomi Mi Box S.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Platform Tools from the official Android website and unpack the archive.
2. On Mi Box S, go to Settings → About → Software version and click on the line with the build number 7 times to activate the developer mode.
3. Return to Settings → Additional → Developer settings and enable USB debugging.
4. Connect the console to your PC via USB, open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) and go to the folder with ADB.
5. Enter the command: adb devices If the device appears in the list, type: adb shell pm list packages to see a list of all installed packages.
6. Find the name of the package of the desired application (for example, com.mi.android.tvvideo for Mi Video) and delete it by command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name packet

⚠️ Attention: Removal through ADB Does not erase the application completely – it remains in the system, but becomes inaccessible to the current user (--user 0). When you reset the settings, the app will return.

Method 4: Completely remove system applications (requires root rights)

If you are willing to take the risk of taking full control of the console, you can get root rights and remove system applications irrevocably, a method only suitable for experienced users, as improper actions can lead to the inability to boot the system (“brick”).

What you need:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (unlocked bootloader).
• 📱 Established custom restoration (TWRP).
• 🛠️ Root Explorer or Titanium Backup.

Instructions:

1. Install Magisk to obtain root rights (instructions are available on the XDA Developers forum).
2. Download and install Root Explorer from Google Play.
3. Open Root Explorer, go to /system/app or /system/priv-app.
4. Find the folder with the name of the application being removed (such as MiVideo) and delete it.
5. Reboot the console.

⚠️ Note: After removing system applications through the root, you may experience:

• 🔄 Cyclical reboot (if critical component is removed).
• 📵 Loss of network (when removing modules) Wi-Fi/Bluetooth).
• 🎮 Non-functioning remote (if drivers are affected) IR-port).

Method 5: Using third-party utilities (without PC)

If you don't want to connect to your computer, you can use specialized Android TV apps that allow you to control the installed software directly from the console.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party utilities:

• 🛡️ Download. APK only from verified sources (e.g. APKMirror or XDA).
• 🔍 Before mass removal, check for reviews about the app – some may contain ads or malicious code.
• 🔄 After cleaning, restart the console so that the changes take effect.

💡

The safest way to free up space on the Mi Box S is to combine cleaning the cache through the settings menu and disabling unnecessary system applications. Complete removal via ADB or root is recommended only for power users.

How to Restore Remote Applications

If the console is unstable or an important function is lost after removal, the application can be restored.

• 🔄 If removed through ADB (team pm uninstall --user 0), The application can be returned by command: adb shell cmd package install-existing name packet
• 📥 If deleted through the root, you will have to reflash the console or manually copy deleted files from the backup to the /system/app.
• 🔙 If you just turned it off, turn the app back on to Settings. → Annexes.

If the console does not turn on after experimenting with system files:

1. Turn off the power for 10 seconds, then turn it on again.
2. If the download is looped, try resetting through Restore mode: Press the OK button on the remote when you turn on. Select Wipe data/factory reset.

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FAQ: Frequent questions about removing apps from Xiaomi Mi Box S