How to completely remove applications from Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: from system to user

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is still a popular device even after years due to its balanced features and support for updates. However, over time, any gadget begins to get clogged: accumulated games, test programs and pre-installed MIUI applications take up precious space in memory, slow down the system and drain the battery. Unlike the iPhone or “pure” Android, on Xiaomi, removing programs has nuances – especially if we are talking about system utilities like Mi Video, Mi Music or GetApps.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to remove applications on the Redmi Note 8 in 2026, including root-free methods using ADB and even hidden MIUI features. Special attention will be paid to security issues: why some programs can not be deleted, how to restore accidentally erased data and what to do if after cleaning the phone began to “glut.” If you are looking for a way to free up memory or get rid of intrusive advertising in Xiaomi’s branded services, you are on the right track.

Preparation: What to Know Before Deleting Applications

Before you start cleaning, it is important to understand three key points:

• 📱 App type: Redmi Note 8 has custom (installed by you from the Play Market or the Play Store) APK), Systemic (pre-installed) MIUI, Mi Community, for example) and upgradeable system (those that can be rolled back to the factory version.
• 🔒 Without root, you can’t erase critical services (like MiuiSystemUI), but many junk programs (like Mi Drop or Mi Browser) will be deleted and removed through the Internet. ADB.
• 🔄 Impact: Deleting some applications (such as Security or Finder) may disrupt the work MIUI — From lack of search by phone to errors when updating the system.

Also check the MIUI version on your device: in older firmware (below MIUI 12), some methods may not work. You can find out the version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. If you have MIUI 11 or older, we recommend upgrading to the latest available version for Redmi Note 8 (MIUI 14 based on Android 10/11).

Method 1: Standard removal via MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in system tools, which are suitable for custom applications (installed by you) and some upgradeable system applications (such as Google Duo or Facebook).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the list, find the desired application (you can use the search at the top of the screen).
3. Slip on it and select Delete. If the button is inactive, then the application is system, move on to the following ways.

Mass removal mode can be used to speed up the process:

1. Press the icon of any application on the home screen.
2. At the top of the screen will appear button Remove – drag there unnecessary programs.
3. Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

⚠️ Note: Some apps (e.g. Google Play Services) cannot be removed in the standard way, but you can turn them off in the same menu, which will stop them and free up RAM, but the files will remain on the system.

Method 2: Remove via MIUI Cleaner (Hidden Function)

Xiaomi’s firmware has a hidden MIUI Cleaner tool that allows you to remove pre-installed apps without root rights.This method works on the Redmi Note 8 with MIUI 12 and later.

Algorithm of action:

1. Open the Security app (shield icon).
2. Go to the Cleanup section (in the lower menu).
3. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Deep Clean.
4. In the list, tick off unnecessary apps (such as Mi Pay, Mi Game Center) and click Clean.

If there is no Deep Cleaning section, try an alternative path:

Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times to activate developer mode)


Settings → Additional → For developers → Enable “Debugging by USB”




Return to Security → Cleaning → Deep Cleaning

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If it reappears after you delete the application through Cleaner, try first to disable automatic updates to system applications in Settings → About Phone → System Update → Threefold → Settings → Auto-Update of applications.

Method 3: Removal via ADB (without root rights)

For power users, the most effective method is to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which allows you to remove even those applications that do not give up through the MIUI interface.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on your PC (Windows, macOS or Linux).
2. On your phone, activate Developer Mode (7 taps on the MIUI version in settings) and enable USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect Redmi Note 8 to your computer via USB (select File Transfer mode).
4. Open the command prompt (or Terminal) in the ADB folder and type:

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, enter a command to delete (for example, for Mi Browser):

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

List of packages of popular Xiaomi applications:

• 🎵 Mi Music → com.miui.player
• 🎬 Mi Video → com.miui.videoplayer
• 🛒 GetApps → com.xiaomi.mipicks
• 🎮 Mi Game Center → com.xiaomi.gamecenter.sdk.service
• 🔍 Mi Search → com.miui.search

⚠️ Note: Deleting packages like com.miui.securitycenter or com.android.contacts will cause your phone to fail. Before experimenting, back up through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Method 4: Disabling system applications (without deleting)

If you can’t delete the application or it’s scary, you can turn it off, which will stop all the processes associated with the program and free up RAM, but the files will remain in the system (the internal memory will not be freed).

How to turn it off:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want (such as Mi Drop).
3. Click Disable (button will appear if deletion is not available).
4. Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ There is no risk of “breaking” the system.
• ✅ You can return the application at any time (online button).
• ✅ Suitable for applications that cannot be removed even through ADB (For example, Google Play Services).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Application files remain in memory (for example, Mi Browser takes up a file). ~50 MB even when it's off).
• ❌ Some programs (such as MiuiDaemon) are automatically enabled after the update. MIUI.

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Disabling system applications is the safest way to free up RAM, but not internal memory. Use ADB or root rights to remove it completely.

Method 5: Removal with root rights (for advanced)

If you're willing to take risks, getting root rights will give you full control of the system. On the Redmi Note 8, this is done through unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk. Warning: the method voids the warranty and can lead to a device blink if errors occur.

Instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a Mi Account and wait 7-15 days).
2. Install a custom recap (TWRP) for the Redmi Note 8 (the version must match the ginkgo or willow model).
3. Sweep Magisk through the Recovery to obtain root rights.
4. Install a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer) and manually remove application folders to /system/app or /system/priv-app.

Examples of disposal routes:

• 📁 /system/app/MiBrowser — browser.
• 📁 /system/priv-app/MiuiGallery — gallery.
• 📁 /system/app/HybridAccessory — services for accessories Xiaomi.

⚠️ Note: Delete files in /system If you don't have a backup, you can make your phone inoperable. Always check what you delete and save copies of your folders on your computer. MIUI All Remote System Applications Will Return.

What to do if after removing the phone began to “glue”

Even with careful removal, some applications can be critical to MIUI. If you run into problems after cleaning, use these tips:

If the problem is serious (the phone does not turn on, hovers on the MI logo), try:

1. Go to Fastboot Mode (clamp Power + Volume down when turned on) and reflash the device via the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Reset to factory settings (Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Resetting), but this will delete all data.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing apps on Redmi Note 8