How to completely uninstall the program with Xiaomi Redmi: from standard methods to hidden MIUI features

Removing unnecessary apps on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones only seems like a simple task. In practice, users are faced with “unremovable” system programs, residual files after uninstallation and hidden MIUI features that prevent them from freeing up memory. This article will not just list the standard methods of deleting – we will discuss 5 working methods (including ADB and manual cache cleaning), explain why some applications are not deleted, and show how to get rid of even preinstalled software without root rights.

Feature Redmi (unlike naked Android) – aggressive policy MIUI For example, Mi Video or Mi Music can not be removed through the standard menu, but they can be disabled or uninstalled through the standard menu. ADB. We tested all the methods on Redmi Note models. 12 Pro+, Redmi 10C and POCO X5 Pro (2023–2026 d.) - instructions are relevant to all devices on MIUI 14/15 HyperOS.

1. Standard removal through the settings menu

The most obvious way is to uninstall via Settings → Apps. It is suitable for most custom programs (e.g. VK, TikTok, Google Podcasts), but it will not work for Xiaomi system utilities. Here is how to do it correctly:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. In the list, find the desired application and tap on it.
4. Press the Remove button (if it is active).

⚠️ Note: If the Remove button is inactive (grey), then the application is protected. MIUI. In this case, try the methods from the following sections.

Try to disable the application (section 2)

Use ADB (Section 4)

Remove updates (section 3)

Clear cache and data (section 5)-->

Some Redmi models (like the Redmi Note 11 Pro) have a filter on the app menu that reads: All → System → Custom. This will speed up the search for unnecessary software. Also pay attention to the size of the app — if it takes more than 100 MB, but you don’t use it, it’s definitely worth removing.

2. disabling system applications (without deletion)

If MIUI blocks deletion (for example, for Mi Browser, Mi Pay or GetApps), the best way to do this is to disable the program. This will free up RAM and stop background processes, but the application files will remain in the system.

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Find the right app (e.g. Mi Community).
• 🚫 Tap Disable (button will appear if deletion is blocked).
• ✅ Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

The disabled application will disappear from the menu, but it can be turned back on in the same settings section, which is secure and does not require superuser rights.

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Disabling Mi Browser and Mi Video increases battery life by 5-10% by stopping background processes.

⚠️ Note: Do not disable system services called com.android. or miui. (e.g. com.android.phone) This can cause your phone to run unstable or make phone calls.

3. Removal of updates to system applications

Many pre-installed programs (Mi Calculator, Mi Calendar) can't be completely removed, but you can return them to the factory version, which will remove all updates, save space and reset settings.

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 📦 Select an app (e.g. Mi Music).
• ⚙️ Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Remove Updates.
• 🔄 Confirm the action.

After that, the app will return to the original version, which takes up less space, for example, Mi Video after removing the updates will “lose weight” from 150 MB to 30 MB.

Mi Browser|Mi Music|Mi Video|GetApps|Mi Pay|Other |I will not delete system applications-->

4. Removal via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don't work, Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to remove even secure applications, requires you to connect your smartphone to your PC and works without root rights, but improper use can disrupt the stability of the system.

1. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.

Connect your phone to your PC

Xiaomi

official website

Download ADB

Platform Tools

Open the command line.

Shift + right-button → Open the PowerShell window here

Enter commands.

adb devices

(Your Redmi serial number should appear).

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

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

⚠️ Note: Removing system packages (e.g. com.miui.home) may cause a broken interface.Before experimenting, back up through Settings → System and device → Backup.

Once the command is executed, the application will disappear from the system, but it can be restored through a reset or flashing. If you want a complete uninstallation (including files in /system), root rights will be required.

Cleaning of residues after disposal (cache and data)

Even after deleting the app, its files can remain in the phone’s memory. For example, Instagram or Telegram cache can take up to 1 GB. To completely clear the tails, follow the following steps:

• 🧹 Go to Settings. → Warehouse → Cleanup.
• 🔍 Choose Deep Cleaning and wait for analysis.
• 🗑️ Scroll through the list to the Residual Files section and delete unnecessary ones.
• 📁 For manual cleaning, use a file manager (such as Mi File Manager) and delete folders: /Android/data/[packet] /Android/obb/[packet]

If you have deleted the application through ADB but its folders are still there, use the command:

adb shell rm -rf /data/data/com.example.app

(Replace com.example.app with the Remote Application Package)

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Cleaning up residual files frees up to 20% of memory on devices with 64/128 GB of storage, where each megabyte is in the account.

6. Remove via Safe Mode (if the application is not removed)

If the application has blocked the removal (for example, a virus or aggressive software like Clean Master), try to remove it in Safe Mode, a mode where only system programs work.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the power button and hold it until the Redmi logo appears.
3. Once the logo appears, press and hold the volume button until the phone boots.
4. In the lower left corner of the screen, the inscription Safe Mode will appear.
5. Go to Settings → Applications and remove the problem software.
6. Reboot your phone to exit Safe Mode.

In this mode, all third-party applications are disabled, so viruses or blockers can not prevent removal. If in Safe Mode the Remove button is inactive, then the application is protected at the MIUI level - use ADB (section 4).

7.Alternative methods: third-party utilities and root

If neither method works, radical measures remain: utility to remove system applications (such as App Inspector or Debloater) or gain root rights.

• 🔓 Third-party utilities (without root): Require connection by ADB. They may not work on new versions. MIUI 14/15. Examples: Universal Android Debloater, ADB AppControl.
• 🛠️ Root rights: Allows you to remove any application, including system, violate warranty and block updates OTA. Requires unlocking the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website.

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking bootloader on Xiaomi requires a Mi Account binding and waiting 7 days (Xiaomi policy since 2023). MIUI You have to install it manually.

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Before unlocking the bootloader, check if your Redmi model supports the official way. For example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro (2021) unlocks without problems, and there may be restrictions on the POCO F5 (2023).

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing apps on Xiaomi Redmi