How to Remove Apps on Xiaomi Smartphone: From Standard Methods to Hidden Features MIUI

Xiaomi smartphones based on the shell MIUI They're known for their functionality, but over time, users are faced with the need to make room or get rid of unnecessary apps. Unlike pure Android, there are some nuances: Some programs cannot be removed by standard methods, and system utilities often return after a reset.This article will help you understand how to properly remove applications on Xiaomi - from basic methods to advanced techniques for power users.

We will look at all the current methods for modern versions. MIUI 12-14, including hidden shell functions, working with ADB, And we'll explain why some applications persist after they're deleted, and we'll focus on security, because the wrong actions can cause system failures. 10/11/12, POCO F3/F4, Xiaomi 12/13/14, But also suitable for other brand devices.

Before you start removing, it is important to understand the difference between the types of applications:

1. Which apps can be removed on Xiaomi and which ones can’t

In the ecosystem MIUI All programs are divided into three categories, and the rules for working with them are radically different:

• 📱 Custom applications – installed by you from Google Play or.apk files and can be removed without restriction through standard settings.
• 🔧 System utilities MIUI — Pre-installed services (Theme Store, Security, Mi Video, etc.) Some of them can be disabled, but complete deletion requires superuser rights.
• ⚙️ Critical system components - the kernel MIUI, Google services, drivers, and removing them will cause the device to fail and require flashing.

The most common mistake for beginners is to try to delete com.miui.securitycenter or com.android.vending (Google Play Store), which will result in a reboot cycle or loss of functionality. Before removing any system application, check its destination through services like APKMirror or Google Play.

⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications without backup may block access to features MIUI, It's like face unlock, power saving mode, or theme settings. Always backup through Settings. → The phone. → Backup.

If you are not sure about the purpose of the application, use Safe Mode: press the power button. → Hold "Switch off" → Select "Reboot in Safe Mode" and only system programs are running in this mode, which will help you identify unnecessary programs.

2. Standard removal: step-by-step instruction for beginners

For most user applications, the basic method through settings is suitable. MIUI. This method does not require additional knowledge and is safe for the system.

Check if your account is linked to the app (for example, VKontakte or Instagram)

Sync important data (photos, messages) with the cloud

Close the application in the multitasking menu

Connect to Wi-Fi if you plan to install a replacement immediately-->

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the top line of the search, type the name of the program (such as Likee or AliExpress).
3. Click on the desired application → If the button is inactive, it is system software (see section 4).
4. Confirm action. Some programs (like Facebook) may offer disabling instead of deleting, which is normal for preinstalled versions.

Alternative way: Hold your finger on the app icon on the home screen → Select "Delete" (if available). On some models (POCO X3, Redmi 9A) This method may not work for system utilities.

⚠️ Note: When you delete through Settings, you will still have cached data and settings files. To completely clear the application trail, go to Settings after you delete it. → Memory. → Clean and select "Deep Cleaning".

If the application is not removed in the standard way, but you are sure that it is not system, try:

• 🔄 Restart the phone and try again.
• 📥 Update the program via Google Play – sometimes this unlocks the delete button.
• 🛡️ Check for viruses through the Security Center → Scanner (some malware blocks its removal).

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In the models with MIUI 13+ The app menu has a tab called "Unused" where it automatically collects programs that you haven't used in more than 3 months, and you can delete them in a packet, saving you time.

3. Google Play Removal: Why It Doesn't Always Work

The Google Play Store offers its own way of removing apps, but it has limitations for Xiaomi devices.The main problem is that the service does not display pre-installed programs, even if they were updated through the store.

To remove the app via Google Play:

1. Open the Google Play Store → Click on the profile avatar in the upper right corner.
2. Select Application and Device Management → Management.
3. In the list, find the desired application and click on the basket on the right.

Pay attention to the nuances:

• 🔍 The list will not show system utilities MIUI (For example, Mi Community or Mi Pay).
• 🔄 If the app was pre-installed but then updated via Google Play, deleting it will return it to the factory version.
• 📁 Some programs (such as Netflix or Disney)+) Can be protected from removal due to license agreements with Xiaomi.

If the delete button in Google Play is inactive but the app is not system-based, try:

1. Clear the store's cache: Settings → Annexes → Google Play Store → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
2. Remove Store Updates: In the Same Menu, Click Three Dots → Remove updates.
3. Reboot the device and try again.

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Google Play doesn't show Xiaomi system apps even if they've been updated through the store.[citation needed (ADB root-right).

4. How to remove system applications without root rights (method) ADB)

For experienced users who want to get rid of pre-installed utilities MIUI (Mi Music, Mi Browser, GetApps, and Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method does not require root rights, but requires accuracy.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
• 📋 USB-cable (original or qualitative analogue)
• 🔧 Installed Xiaomi drivers (download from the official website)
• 🛠️ Google’s Platform Tools tool (download here)

Step-by-step:

1. Put the debugging on. USB on a smartphone: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times until the message “You became a developer” appears → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB (turn on)
2. Connect your phone to your PC and select File Transfer mode.
3. Unpack Platform Tools on your computer and open CMD (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) in this folder.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device appears in the list, you can continue.
5. Find out the exact application package (for example, for Mi Browser it is com.android.browser). MIUI: List of system application packages Xiaomi com.miui.bugreport (Feedback) com.miui.calculator (Calculator) com.miui.compass (Compass) com.miui.fm (FM-radio) com.miui.gallery (Gallery) com.miui.miservice (Mi Service Framework) com.miui.notes (Notes) com.miui.player (Mi Music) com.miui.videoplayer (Mi Video) com.xiaomi.scanner (Scanner) com.xiaomi.payment (Mi Payment)
6. Enter the command to delete (replace package.name with real package): adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 package.name Flag --user 0 means deletion only for the current user (does not affect system files).

Examples of commands for popular applications:

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


adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.player        # Mi Music




adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.midrop #Mi Drop (file transfer)

⚠️ Note: Some applications after removal through ADB They can return after the update. MIUI. To avoid this, before updating the system, disable the automatic installation of remote packets by the command: adb shell cmd package install-existing package.name

If after removal, the application continues to appear in the menu, but does not open, clear the launcher cache:

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Launcher (or) POCO Launcher).
2. Press Warehouse. → Clear the data.
3. Reset the device.

5. Complete removal with root rights: risks and opportunities

For those willing to take risks to maximize the purity of the system, there is a method of rooting, which gives full control of the device, but deprives of warranty and can lead to a "brick" (inoperability) of the phone if you make a mistake.

Advantages of root rights for removing applications:

• 🧹 Ability to remove any system programs, including com.miui.securitycenter.
• 🗑️ Complete cleaning of residual files and application folders.
• 🔄 Possibility of rollback to the factory version of system utilities.

How to get a root rights on Xiaomi:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a Mi Account and wait 7-30 days).
2. Install a custom recap (TWRP) for your model.
3. Sweep Magisk through the Recovery.

Once you have your root rights, use Root Explorer or Titanium Backup to remove:

1. Open the file manager with root access.
2. Go to /system/app/ or /system/priv-app/.
3. Find a folder with the name of the app (for example, Browser for Mi Browser).
4. Delete the folder or rename it (add.bak at the end).
5. Clear the cache in /data/data/ (Find a folder with the same package name).

Popular tools for working with root rights:

⚠️ Note: Delete critical system files (e.g, framework-res.apk or services.jar, which will make it impossible to boot the system. TWRP before modification.

If you have problems after you delete the system application (for example, navigation gestures or power saving mode stopped working), restore deleted files from the backup or reflash the device through the Mi Flash Tool.

6. How to return a remote system application

If you realized that the application was needed after deleting, or encountered errors in the system, there are several ways to return it:

Method 1: Through the Security Center (for disabled applications)

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Show all applications.
3. Find the desired application in the list and click Enable.

Method 2: Through ADB (If the application has been removed by the team)

Enter the command:

adb shell cmd package install-existing package.name

For example, to restore the Mi Browser:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.browser

Method 3: Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fast Fastboot Fastboot Fast

If a critical application is removed and the system is not stable:

1. Download the original firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website.
2. Unpack the archive and launch it. flash_all.bat (Windows or flash_all.sh (macOS/Linux).
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the device is off).

Method 4: Recovery through Backup TWRP

If you have a backup copy:

1. Boot to TWRP (click Volume Up + Power).
2. Select Restore and specify the folder with backup.
3. Check the System and confirm the recovery.

If none of the methods worked, only a complete reset via Settings remains. → The phone. → Reset settings. Remember, this will delete all user data!

7.Alternative methods: disabling and hiding applications

You don't always have to physically remove apps, and in some cases, you just have to disable or hide them so that they don't interfere with your work or take up space on the menu.

Disabling system applications

This method blocks the program, but does not delete its files:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired application → Disable.
3. Confirm the action. The icon will disappear from the menu, and the process will not start.

Hiding icons through POCO Launcher

On devices with POCO Launcher (or after installation):

1. Hold your finger in the free seat of the main screen.
2. Select Launcher Settings → Hide Applications.
3. Check the boxes of the programs you want to hide.

The use of "Sleeping Mode" in MIUI

The function limits the background activity of applications, saving battery power:

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management.
2. Select Sleep Mode.
3. Add apps that should “fall asleep” when you lock the screen.

Freezing through ADB

The alternative to disconnection is the command:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 package.name

To defrost:

adb shell pm enable package.name

These methods are useful if you don’t want to risk system stability, but want to get rid of annoying notifications or unnecessary icons.

8. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When working with the removal of applications on Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

• 🔄 "The app returns after update MIUI" — This is because the system restores preinstalled packets. Solution: before upgrading, disable the automatic installation of remote applications via the ADB (see section 4).
• 🚫 "The Remove button is inactive, so it's a system application. ADB or root-rights to remove it.
• ⚡ "The phone has become slower after deleting" - you may have deleted an important system process. Try to return it (section 6) or perform a cache reset to the computer. TWRP.
• 📱 "The icon is still there, but the app won’t open” – clear the launcher cache (section 4, step 7).
• 🔋 "Battery goes down quickly after removal" - some system utilities (Mi Security) optimize power consumption.

If the application has stopped working fingerprint after removal, NFC Or the camera, you probably deleted the associated system packet. ADB firmware.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with a locked bootloader (most devices purchased in official stores), an attempt to obtain root rights or flash custom recovery will lead to hard-brick (complete inoperability). Before such operations, be sure to unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool.

If you are not sure about your actions, use safer methods:

• 🔕 Disable unnecessary apps instead of deleting them.
• 📵 Hide icons through launcher settings.
• 🔋 Use "Sleep Mode" to Save Charge.

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Before you delete system applications, always check their purpose and back up. Most problems with the system are not easy. MIUI After removal, the recovery is resolved through ADB or refashion.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions