How to Remove Xiaomi Apps Completely with MIUI 12:5 Working Methods

Xiaomi’s MIUI 12 shell is known for its abundance of pre-installed apps, many of which users consider unnecessary. Even after standard removal through the menu, some programs remain on the system, taking up memory and consuming resources. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to get rid of unnecessary applications, from simple to advanced, including working with ADB and hidden settings.

The peculiarity of MIUI 12 is that some applications cannot be removed by standard methods due to Xiaomi policy. For example, Mi Browser, Mi Music or GetApps often return after updates, we will show how to remove them permanently without resorting to root rights, and we will also talk about the risks and consequences of each method.

1. Standard removal through MIUI 12 settings

To start with, the simplest way that works for most third-party applications and some system ones is that MIUI 12 has a slightly different removal interface than previous versions, so even experienced users may not find the options they need right away.

To remove the app:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Find the desired application in the list (you can use the search at the top).
• 🗑️ Click Remove (if the button is active) or Disable (for system applications).
• 🔄 Confirm the action if required.

It's important to understand that this method doesn't work for all applications, like Mi Video or Mi Community, which is often blocked from deleting, and in such cases, the system will only offer a shutdown, which hides the app from the menu, but does not free up memory.

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If the Remove button is inactive, try clearing the cache and app data from the same menu first, sometimes unlocking the option of uninstallation.

2. disabling system applications without deleting

If you can't delete an application, you can turn it off, hide it from the list, stop it from running in the background, save battery power, but the application files remain in the device's memory.

Instructions for unsetting:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to disable (such as Mi Pay or Mi Roaming).
3. Click Disable and confirm the action.
4. If necessary, return the application again click Enable.

Disabling is suitable for applications that you rarely use but do not want to delete permanently, for example, Mi Remote may need once every six months to adjust smart technology, and Mi Browser - if you crash in the main browser.

⚠️ Disabling system applications such as Security or Finder can lead to unstable work MIUI. Do not disable programs with the gear icon in the list - these are critical services.

3. Removal via ADB (without root rights)

Removing system applications that cannot be uninstalled in the standard way will require an ADB (Android Debug Bridge) method that does not require root rights, but requires connecting the smartphone to the computer.

Step-by-step:

1. 💻 Install. ADB Fastboot Tools on the computer.
2. 📱 On your smartphone, activate Developer Mode (7 times click on Version) MIUI In Settings → The phone).
3. 🔧 Turn on Debugging. USB In Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. 🖥️ Connect the phone to the PC and type in the command line:

adb devices

(The name of your device should appear.)

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

(Replace com.miui.browser with the desired application package.)

List of popular removal packages:

⚠️ Note: Deleting some packages (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) may disrupt the operation MIUI. Before removing, check the list of secure packages on forums like 4PDA or XDA Developers.

Install ADB PC-only|Enable the developer mode on the phone|Connect the phone to USB|Check the list of safe packages|Make a backup copy of the data-->

4. Use of third-party utilities (with root rights)

If you have root rights, the uninstall process becomes easier, and popular utilities like Titanium Backup or Root App Deleter allow you to remove any application, including system ones, with the ability to restore it.

Instructions for Titanium Backup:

• 📲 Install the app from Google Play (root required).
• 🔍 Find the unnecessary app in the list.
• 🗑️ Click Delete! and confirm the action.
• 🔄 If necessary, back up before deleting.

The advantage of this method is that you can freeze applications instead of completely uninstall them, which is useful if you're not sure if you want to delete them forever, like freezing Mi Roaming so that it doesn't interfere but stays on the system.

5. Resetting to factory settings as a last resort

If none of the methods worked, and the unwanted applications keep coming back after the updates, it's a factory reset, a radical way that deletes all user data, but returns the system to its original state.

How to reset:

1. 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Resetting settings.
2. 🔄 Choose to erase all data.
3. 🔐 Enter a password (if set).
4. ✅ Confirm the reset.

After resetting, MIUI 12 will suggest setting up the phone as new, and at this point you can opt out of installing unnecessary apps (e.g., disabling sync with Mi Account or skipping Mi Cloud settings).

⚠️ Warning: Reset deletes all data, including photos, contacts and messages. pre-backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset or manually copy files to PC.

Standard removal through settings|Disabling system applications|Removal through ADB|Reset to factory settings|Don't delete anything.-->

6. How to prevent the return of remote applications after the update

One of the main problems with MIUI 12 is returning remote system applications after a firmware update, and to avoid that, you have to block their recovery.

How to prevent return:

• 🔒 Use it. ADB flag-bag-bag --user 0 (as described above).
• 📵 Turn off automatic application updates in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Settings (⚙️) → Auto-update of applications.
• 🛡️ Install MiXplorer with Root module and manually remove APK-application files /system/priv-app or /system/app.
• 🔄 Check the list of apps regularly after updates and re-delete unnecessary ones.

If the app returned after the update, its package may change, for example, Mi Browser in new versions of MIUI may be called com.android.browser.providers. Check the current package names on the forums.

7. Alternative shells: transition to AOSP or custom firmware

If the fight against unnecessary apps in MIUI 12 seems endless, consider installing custom firmware based on Android AOSP (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience).This will completely remove all Xiaomi system applications, but require unlocking the bootloader and having root rights.

The advantages of custom firmware:

• ✅ No pre-installed software from Xiaomi.
• ✅ Faster and more stable work.
• ✅ Regular security updates.

Cons:

• ❌ Loss of warranty (if the bootloader is unlocked).
• ❌ Possible camera or sensor problems (separate fixes required).
• ❌ Lack of branded functions MIUI (Second Space or Game Turbo).

Before installing custom firmware, check the instructions for your model on XDA Developers or 4PDA. For example, the Pixel Experience will suit the Redmi Note 9 Pro (joyeuse) and LineageOS 20 for the Mi 10 (umi).

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Custom firmware is a radical solution for those who want to get rid of MIUI forever, but it is only suitable for advanced users who are ready for possible bugs and loss of warranty.

Frequently asked questions