How to completely remove unnecessary apps on Xiaomi without root: a detailed guide

Why Standard Removal Doesn't Work and What to Do

Xiaomi smartphone owners regularly face a problem: even after clicking “Delete” in the app menu, many programs remain in the system, which is due to the fact that MIUI classifies them as system – they are preinstalled by the manufacturer and protected from normal removal. These applications take up space in memory, consume battery power in the background and can send analytical data – even if you are not using them.

Standard methods like disabling through Settings → Apps only hide the icon, but do not delete files completely. Moreover, after resetting or updating MIUI, all “remote” programs will return back, the solution is that using hidden MIUI functions and ADB tools allows you to uninstall system applications without obtaining root rights, without violating the warranty and without risking “bricking” the device.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, including little-known tricks with MIUI Optimizer and manual removal via adb shell. All methods are tested on current versions of MIUI 14/15 and are compatible with most models - from Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 13 Ultra.

Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings

The safest, but least effective, method is to turn apps off in the settings menu, which doesn't delete files, but stops background processes and hides icons, and is suitable for users who don't want to risk system stability.

How to do this:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management
• 🔍 In the list, find an unnecessary app (such as Mi Browser or Mi Video)
• ⚙️ Slip on it and select “Disable” (if the button is active)
• ✅ Confirm the action in the dialog window

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Not all system applications can be disabled (e.g., Security or Mi Share)
• ❌ Files remain in the device memory
• ❌ After updating MIUI Applications can be activated again

⚠️ Disable system services such as Google Play Services or MIUI Daemon can cause smartphone malfunctions. Before acting, check for reviews about a particular app on forums (e.g., for example, for a mobile phone, 4PDA or XDA-Developers).

Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool allows you to manage system files through a computer without requiring superuser rights.This method removes applications completely, but requires accuracy - a mistake in the command can disrupt the MIUI.

Step-by-step:

1. Install. ADB-Drivers: Download Google's Platform Tools and unpack the archive. For Windows, additionally install drivers via Mi PC Suite.
2. Activate USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on this item. Then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and turn on “Debugging by USB”.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in the window that appears.
4. Open the command prompt in the folder with ADB (Shift + right mouse button → Open command window) and type:

adb devices

If the device appears on the list, go ahead. If not, check the drivers and the cable.

To see a list of all apps with their batch names (required to be removed), do:

adb shell pm list packages | grep 'miui'

To remove a particular application, use the command:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name.packet

Examples of batch names of popular Xiaomi apps:

⚠️ Note: Removing com.miui.securitycenter or com.google.android.gms will result in inability to download MIUI or loss of functionality of Google services. Always check the batch name on the forums before deleting.

Install Platform Tools on PC|

Enable debugging over USB on your phone |

Connect the phone with the original cable |

Check the visibility of the device with the command `adb devices`|

Download a list of batch names for your Xiaomi model-->

Method 3: Use MIUI Optimizer (Hidden Function)

MIUI Optimizer is Xiaomi's internal firmware testing and optimization tool, which is hidden from ordinary users, but can be activated through special commands, and the advantage of the method is that it allows you to remove applications directly from your phone, without connecting to a PC.

Instructions for activation:

1. Download and install QuickShortcutMaker from Google Play.
2. Run it and enter MIUI Optimizer in the search bar.
3. Select an activity called.optimization.optimizationActivity and create a shortcut on the home screen.
4. Open the shortcut you created. If you get an error, repeat the search with other activities (e.g..optimization.MainActivity).

After the launch of MIUI Optimizer:

• 🔧 Go to the section "App Manager).
• 📋 In the list, find the unnecessary application and tap it.
• 🗑️ Select Uninstall – this action will remove the app completely, not just disable it.

Features of the method:

• ✅ It works without a connection to the PC
• ✅ Deletes application files, not just disables them
• ❌ In some models (for example, POCO F5) Preliminary activation is required through ADB:

adb shell am start -n com.miui.optimization/.optimization.OptimizationActivity

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If MIUI Optimizer doesn’t start, try to turn on developer mode first and activate the “Allow location simulation” option in the developer settings.

Method 4: Remove via TWRP (for advanced users)

If you have custom TWRP recaps installed on your device, you can remove system applications directly through the file manager, a riskier method because it requires unlocking the bootloader but gives you full control over system files.

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool (requires waiting 7-15 days for new Xiaomi accounts).
2. Install TWRP for your model (see XDA-Developers or 4PDA for instructions).
3. Boot into TWRP: Turn off the phone, then press Power + Volume up.
4. Go to File Manager and find folders: /system/app – standard /system/priv-app applications – privileged system applications

Delete the folders.

MiBrowser

MiVideo

Reboot.

⚠️ Note: Delete files in /system If you don't have a backup, you can make your phone inoperable. TWRP before the changes (Backup) → Select Partitions → System/Data).

Advantages of the method:

• 🧹 Completely delete files without traces
• 🔄 Ability to restore applications from the backup
• 🛠️ Access to deep settings MIUI

Method 5: Use of third-party utilities (with caution)

There are many tools available on Google Play and third-party sites to remove system applications, such as System App Remover or Debloater. However, most require root rights or run unstable on the latest versions of MIUI. We recommend only proven tools:

1. Universal Android Debloater (UAD)

• 🖥️ Works through a PC (required) ADB)
• 📋 Offers a list of safe to remove applications
• 🔄 Supports Recovery of Remote Packets

You can download it on GitHub.

2. App Inspector (for analysis)

• 🔍 Shows the dependencies between applications
• 📊 Displays the seat and permissions
• 🛡️ Helps to avoid removal of critical services

⚠️ Note: Applications like System App Remover from unknown developers may contain malicious code or request unnecessary permissions (e.g., access to a system or a computer). SMS Always check the reviews and reputation of the utility before installing it.

How to Restore Remote Applications

If you have problems after deleting (for example, Google services stopped working or the notification panel disappeared), applications can be restored.

1. via ADB (if removed by pm uninstall):

adb shell cmd package install-existing name.packet

2. via MIUI Optimizer:

• Open up. MIUI Optimizer → «Application management».
• Find the remote app in the list and tap “Restore.”

3. Through resetting:

• Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
• Select “Reset all settings” (does not delete user data).

4. Through flashing:

If the smartphone does not boot, download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website and run through the Mi Flash Tool in Fastboot mode.

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Before uninstalling system applications, always back up via MIUI (Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset) or TWRP. This will allow you to quickly restore the phone to work in case of an error.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing Xiaomi apps