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

Removing unnecessary apps on Xiaomi Redmi is a challenge that every smartphone owner of this brand faces sooner or later. Even after buying a new device, users find dozens of pre-installed programs, many of which duplicate functions or simply are not used. But not everyone knows that removing applications on MIUI has its nuances: some programs can be uninstalled by standard means, others require workarounds, and system services are blocked by the manufacturer.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to remove applications - from basic to advanced, including working with ADB and hidden MIUI settings. Particular attention will be paid to removing system applications without obtaining root rights, which is important for Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi 10/11 and other devices on MIUI 14/15.

Why Xiaomi Redmi Cannot Just Remove All Apps

Unlike pure Android, Xiaomi’s MIUI firmware contains two types of applications:

• 📱 Custom - installed by you from Google Play or third-party sources, and can be removed in standard ways.
• 🔧 System – preinstalled Xiaomi (for example, Mi Browser, Mi Video, GetApps.
• 🛡️ Service-critical for the operation of the system (for example, MIUI System UI, Their removal may lead to a device "brick.

The manufacturer blocks the removal of system applications for several reasons:

1. Link to MIUI services (for example, Mi Account is needed for cloud backup).
2. License agreements with partners (e.g. Facebook or Netflix are pre-contracted).
3. Protection against inexperienced users who may disrupt the stability of the system.

⚠️ Note: Deleting applications like com.miui.securitycenter or com.android.phone will result in a loss of functionality, so that the smartphone will not be able to call or connect to the network, and they can only be restored through a full reset or firmware.

Method 1: Standard removal through the settings menu

The simplest method is suitable for user applications and parts of preinstalled that Xiaomi allows to be removed. MIUI 14/15:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select the Application Management tab.
3. Find the desired application in the list (you can use the search).
4. Click on it and select Delete (if the button is active).

If the Remove button is inactive, it means the application is system.

• 🔄 Disable (disable button) – it will disappear from the menu, but will remain in memory.
• 🗑️ Remove updates (if any) – will return the application to the factory version.

Try to disable the app

Remove updates (if available)

Use ADB (see Method 3)

Check for root rights (not recommended for beginners)-->

On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro), there is a separate tab in the app menu, Preinstalled, where all system programs are collected, where you can massively disable unnecessary services, but not delete them.

Method 2: Remove via Google Play (for some system applications)

Some Xiaomi system apps (such as Mi Browser or Mi Music) can be removed through the Google Play Store, even if this option is blocked in the smartphone settings.

1. Open Google Play and find the app you want (like Mi Browser).
2. If there are three dots next to the Open button (⋮), press them.
3. Choose to Delete or Uninstall.

This method doesn’t work for all apps, but it often helps to get rid of duplicate programs (for example, Mi Video if you have YouTube or Google Photos).

⚠️ Note: After you delete your system application through Google Play, it can automatically recover after the next update. MIUI. To avoid this, disable auto-update for this app in the Play Store settings.

Social networks (Facebook, TikTok)

Standard browsers (Mi Browser, Chrome)

Games (PUBG, Free Fire)

Fitness trackers (Mi Fit, Google Fit)

Others-->

Method 3: Remove system applications via ADB (without root)

To remove secure system applications, you don’t need to get root rights. Use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a debugging tool that allows you to control your smartphone through a computer, which works on all Redmi models (including Redmi 12/13, Note 11/12) and does not violate the warranty.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📦 Installed drivers ADB Fastboot (you can download from Google website).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB smartphone.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC: Select File Transfer Mode (not Charge). On your PC, open the command line (cmd) and type: adb devices If the device appears in the list, you can continue.
3. Get a list of all applications: adb shell pm list packages Copy the name of the package of the desired application (for example, com.miui.browser for Mi Browser).
4. Delete the application: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browser Flag --user 0 means deletion only for the current user (does not affect system files).

Once the command is executed, the application will disappear from the menu, but its data will remain in memory. To return it, you just need to update the MIUI or reset the settings.

Method 4: Use of third-party programs (with or without root)

If ADB seems complicated, you can use specialized utilities, which are divided into two types:

The most popular tool without root is the App Inspector (available on Google Play).

• 🔍 View the list of all installed packages.
• 🗑️ Remove updates to system applications.
• 🔄 Disable unnecessary services (e.g. com.miui.analytics).

Root App Deleter or Titanium Backup requires root, which is unwarranted and can lead to upgrade issues, and we recommend these tools only to power users.

💡

Before using third-party uninstallers, back up through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This will help restore the system in case of an error.

Method 5: Reset to factory settings (extreme case)

If you have removed critical apps and your smartphone is not working properly (e.g., the internet is gone or settings are not opening), a complete reset will help.This method is also useful before selling a device to clear it of all user data.

How to reset:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Settings Reset.
3. Please note Clear all data (including internal memory if necessary).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

Once reset, all applications (including system apps) will be restored and user data deleted, which won’t eliminate pre-installed programs forever, but will return the smartphone to working condition.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or Redmi 8) after reset, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account. If you forget your password, restore it in advance at account.xiaomi.com.

What to do if the application is not removed

If none of these methods helped, check the following points:

• 🔒 The application is part of MIUI: Some services (e.g. com.miui.system) cannot be removed without making firmware changes.
• 📱 Manufacturer restrictions: On devices for the Chinese market (China) ROM) The lock is more stringent than on the global versions (Global) ROM).
• 🔄 Update MIUI: After the system update, some remote applications can be restored.

In such cases, there are two options:

1. Hide the app: Use launchers like Nova Launcher, which let you hide your program icons.
2. Install custom firmware: For example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience. This requires unlocking the bootloader and fastboot skills.

💡

Removing system applications on Xiaomi Redmi without root is possible only through ADB. All other methods are either temporary (disabled) or require deep changes in the system (root, custom firmware).

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing apps on Xiaomi Redmi