How to remove the program from your Xiaomi phone: from standard methods to hidden MIUI features

Why Removing Apps on Xiaomi is Different from Other Android Devices

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones are powered by MIUI, which significantly modifies standard Android, and this affects the uninstallation process: some system applications cannot be uninstalled in the usual way, and additional actions are often required to completely remove them. For example, even after a standard deletion through the application menu, some files can remain in the device’s memory, taking up space and slowing down.

Another feature is duplicate services. MIUI often installs its own Google-based apps (e.g. Mi Browser instead of Chrome or Mi Music instead of YouTube Music) that can't be removed without special permissions, but can be disabled. In this article, we'll look at all the methods available, from basic to advanced, including ADB and root access.

It is important to understand that not all applications can be removed without consequences. Some system components are critical for the stable operation of MIUI. Deleting them can lead to loss of functionality (for example, the notification panel will disappear or gestures will stop working).

Method 1: Standard removal via MIUI settings

The simplest method that works for most custom applications (downloaded from Google Play or manually installed via APK) is without additional rights and is suitable for models Xiaomi 11/12/13 series, Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F/X/M and others with MIUI 12-14.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Enter the program name in the search bar or find it manually in the list.
• 🗑️ Click Delete (if the button is active). For some applications, it will turn off instead.
• ✅ Confirm the action by pressing OK in the dialog window.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Does not work for system applications (e.g. Mi Video, Themes, Cleaner).
• ❌ Does not delete cache and residual files (they can take up to 50-100 MB).
• ❌ Some apps (such as Facebook or TikTok) may be pre-installed by the manufacturer and not have an uninstall button.

Try to disable the app|Use it. ADB-team|Remove updates (if any)|Try to remove it through safe mode-->

⚠️ Note: If you delete a messenger (such as WhatsApp or Telegram), pre-backup the chats. MIUI Backup through Settings → Memory. → Backup may not save some application data.

Method 2: Remove via Safe Mode (for blocked applications)

Safe Mode loads MIUI without third-party applications, allowing you to remove programs that are normally blocked.

• 🔒 The application is not removed in the standard way (for example, Mi Browser or Mi Pay).
• 🛡️ Phone is slowing down due to virus or malware.
• 🔄 You need to remove the application that restores itself after restarting.

How to enter Safe Mode and remove the program:

1. Press the power button before the turn off menu appears.
2. Press and hold the "Off" option (or "Reboot" on some models).
3. Confirm the Safe Mode entry (the Safe Mode sign will appear on the screen at the bottom).
4. Go to Settings → Applications, find the desired program and click Delete.
5. Restart your phone in normal mode.

If the Remove button is still inactive, the application is system-level protected, in which case ADB or root will help (see the following sections).

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

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is an Android debugging tool that allows you to manage system files without obtaining root rights. It can remove most pre-installed Xiaomi applications, including:

• 🌐 Mi Browser (comm.mi.browser)
• 🎵 Mi Music (com.mi.music)
• 📺 Mi Video (com.mi.video)
• 🧹 Cleaner (commi.cliner)
• 📦 GetApps (com.chaomi.market)

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.

ADB-driver

adb

adb devices

(Your device serial number should appear).

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 name.packet

For example, to remove the Mi Browser:

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

To find the name of the package of the desired application, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword"

Example:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "miui"

⚠️ Note: Do not delete packages with the names com.android., com.miui.home or com.xiaomi. (except as indicated in the table) This can lead to loss of system functionality.

Standard removal through settings|Safe regime|ADB-team|Root access|I do not remove system applications-->

Method 4: Complete removal with root rights (for power users)

If you are willing to root, it will open the door to completely removing system applications, along with their data and cache, but this method has risks:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (on most Xiaomi root models, warranty service is denied).
• ⚠️ Risk of “bricking” (turning the phone into a “brick”) with incorrect actions.
• ⚠️ Problems with updates MIUI (You'll have to go manually).

How to remove the application from root:

1. Get root access with Magisk (see the XDA Developers forum for instructions for your model).
2. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
3. Go to /system/app or /system/priv-app (for system applications).
4. Find a folder with the name of the package (e.g. com.miui.cleanmaster) and delete it.
5. Reboot the phone.

Alternatively, you can use applications like Titanium Backup or System App Remover, which allow you to:

• 🗃️ Remove applications along with data.
• 🔄 Restore Remote Programs If Needed.
• 📤 Create backup copies before deletion.

💡

Before removing the system application through root, back up the /system folder using TWRP Recovery to help restore the phone if something goes wrong.

Method 5: Disable unnecessary applications (if you can’t delete)

If deletion is impossible or risky, you can disable unnecessary programs, hide them from the menu, stop background activity and free RAM.

• 📱 Appear on the program list.
• 🔄 Update via Google Play or GetApps.
• 📊 Consume battery and processor resources.

How to disable the application:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the program you want (e.g. Mi Pay or Mi Community).
3. Click Disable (if the button is active).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

To turn the application back on, go back to its settings and click Enable.

List of Xiaomi apps that can be safely disabled:

• 💳 Mi Pay (unless you use contactless payments).
• 🎮 Game Turbo (if you don't play mobile games).
• 📖 Mi Community (Forum of Xiaomi).
• 📡 Mi Remote (unless you use your phone as a remote control).
• 🛒 GetApps (branded app store).

💡

Disabling apps doesn’t free up memory space, but it reduces battery and processor load. Use ADB or root to completely remove them.

How to delete residual files after uninstallation

Even after removing the application in the standard way, the phone memory may remain:

• 🗃️ Cash and data (folders in) /data/data/name-pack).
• 📁 Settings files (in) /sdcard/Android/data/name-pack).
• 📂 Media files (downloads, images, videos).

To completely clear the memory:

1. Use the built-in Cleanup utility: Open Security → Cleanup. Choose Deep Cleanup. Check the list and delete unnecessary files.

• Connect your phone to your PC and use the explorer to search for folders with the packet name.
• Or use a file manager (such as Mi File Manager) with hidden files enabled.
• To remove the cache of system applications (root required): adb shell pm clear name.packet

Example: To delete residual Facebook files, find and delete folders:

• /sdcard/Android/data/com.facebook.katana
• /sdcard/Android/obb/com.facebook.katana

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When removing applications on Xiaomi, users often face the following problems:

If after removing the application, the phone began to work unstable (for example, the notification panel disappeared or the settings stopped opening), try:

1. Return the application via ADB: adb shell cmd package install-existing name.packet
2. Perform a reset settings (Settings → System → Resetting).
3. Flash your phone through the Mi Flash Tool (instructions on the official Xiaomi website).

💡

Before experimenting with system applications, create a restore point in TWRP Recovery (if installed) that allows you to roll back changes in 5 minutes.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions