Xiaomi Redmi 7, released in 2019, is still a popular budget smartphone due to its reliability and functionality. However, many users face a problem: over time, the device begins to “brake” due to the accumulated unnecessary applications. Unlike the flagship models, the Redmi 7 has limited resources — only 2/3 GB of RAM and 32/64 GB of memory, so every megabyte counts.
Deleting applications on Xiaomi has its own nuances: some software can be uninstalled by standard means, another part (system applications) requires additional manipulation. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways from simple removal through the menu to working with ADB and resetting to factory settings. Special attention will be paid to security: which applications can not be removed, how to avoid “bricking” the device and what to do if after cleaning the smartphone began to work worse.
1. Standard removal of user applications
The easiest way to get rid of unnecessary software is to use built-in MIUI tools, which are suitable for applications installed by the user through Google Play or.apk files.
To remove the app:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
- 🔍 In the list, find the desired application and tap on it.
- 🗑️ Press the "Delete" button (if it is active).
- ✅ Confirm the action in the dialog window.
If the Remove button is inactive or not, the application is system or preinstalled (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Music, GetApps).
⚠️ Note: Do not remove applications called com.android., miui. or xiaomi.* from the standard menu unless you are sure of their purpose. MIUI.
2. disabling system applications (without deletion)
If an application cannot be removed but it interferes with work (for example, it is constantly hanging in the background or shows ads), it can be disabled, this will stop all the processes of the program and hide it from the menu, but the files will remain in the memory of the device.
Instructions:
- ⚙️ Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
- 🔍 Select a system application (e.g. Mi Video or Cleaner).
- 🚫 Click “Disable” (button will appear if deletion is not available).
- 🔄 If you need to return the application back, click "Enable».
Shutting down doesn't free up disk space, but it does unload RAM and stop background activity, a method that is safe and doesn't require super-user rights.
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Before disabling the system application, check it in VirusTotal – some pre-installed programs (such as Mint Browser) may contain advertising modules that continue to work even after you turn off.
3. Removal of system applications via ADB (without root)
For experienced users willing to work with the command line, there is a method of removing system applications through Android Debug Bridge (ADB).This method does not require root rights, but if used carelessly, can lead to the inoperability of the smartphone.
Step-by-step:
- Put the debugging on. USB: 🔧 Go to Settings. → The phone. 🔨 Tap 7 times on the item "Version" MIUI», activate the developer mode. 🔙 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers. 🔌 Turn on "Debugging by" USB».
- Connect your smartphone to your PC: 🖥️ Install. ADB-computer-driver. 📱 Connect Redmi 7 to USB-Cable (select "File Transfer" mode»). 🐍 Open the command line (cmd) and type: Adb devices If the device appears in the list, go further.
Get a list of packages:
adb shell pm list packages -fFind the name of the package of the desired application (for example, com.miui.browser for Mi Browser).
Delete the annex:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browserReplace com.miui.browser in the name of your package.
After the command is executed, the application will be removed only for the current user (flag) --user 0). This means that it will disappear from the menu, but its files will remain in the system partition.
Install drivers ADB PC-only|Enable debugging on USB smartphone|Download the platform-tools package|Connect your phone to the original cable|Check the visibility of the device by the adb device command-->
⚠️ Note: Removing system applications through ADB may disrupt MIUI. For example, deleting com.miui.securitycenter will lead to the disappearance of the security menu, and deleting com.android.contacts will lead to the loss of contacts!
4. Cleaning the cache and application data
If an application can't be removed or disabled but it takes up a lot of space, try clearing its cache and data, which will free up memory without affecting the program itself.
How to clean:
- 📊 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
- 📱 Select an app (e.g. Google Play Services or Facebook).
- 🧹 Click on “Clear Cache” (will delete temporary files).
- 🗃️ Click “Clear Data” (will reset the settings of the application to the factory).
Cleaning up the data is like reinstalling the app, removing all stored files, logins and settings, for example, after the data is cleaned, WhatsApp will need to re-enter the phone number.
| Annex | Average cache size | Can I remove it? | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Play Services | 100-500 MB | No. | Clean the cache once every 1-2 months |
| 200 GB-1 GB | Yes. | Delete or clean up the data | |
| Mi Browser | 50–200 MB | Partially (via ADB) | Disable or Replace on Chrome |
| Clean Master | 30–100 MB | Yes. | Remove - useless for MIUI |
5. Reset to factory settings (last resort)
If your smartphone is heavily contaminated with unnecessary apps and other methods don’t work, you can do a complete reset, which will delete all user data, including apps, photos, contacts and settings, returning the device to the “out of the box” state.
How to reset Redmi 7:
- 🔄 Go to Settings. → System system → Resetting settings.
- 📱 Select "Delete all data».
- 🔐 Enter a pattern lock or PIN-code.
- ✅ Confirm the reset.
It takes 5-10 minutes. After you reboot, you'll need to reconfigure the device, like you did after you bought it. Important: back up your important data via Mi Cloud or manually on your PC before you reset.
What happens if you interrupt the discharge?
⚠️ Warning: Resetting to factory settings does not remove updates MIUI. If the problem was caused by a firmware error, it will remain after the reset, in which case only flashing through the Mi Flash Tool will help.
6. Alternative methods: root and custom firmware
For advanced users willing to risk the stability of the device, there are radical methods:
- 🔓 Getting root rights through Magisk or SuperSU. Allows you to remove any system applications, but deprives you of guarantees and increases the risk of hacking.
- 📱 Install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience). MIUI, Remove all pre-installed Xiaomi apps.
- 🛠️ Using Magisk modules, such as Debloater, to selectively remove system software.
These methods require unlocking the bootloader, which Xiaomi officially supports, but comes with risks:
- 🚨 Loss of guarantee.
- 🔄 The ability to “brick” the device in case of error.
- 🛡️ Vulnerability to malware (if root is set up incorrectly).
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Root rights and custom firmware give you full control of the device, but take away official Xiaomi support. Use them only if you are confident in your actions and ready for the consequences.