Xiaomi’s current MIUI-enclosed smartphones or the new HyperOS have a huge amount of functionality that often outweighs the flaws of the devices. However, many users are annoyed by the intrusive nature of the system offering to install additional games or utilities right on the desktop, a phenomenon known as bloatware that not only takes up precious memory space, but also consumes CPU resources in the background.
Fortunately, Android allows you to manage installed software with a lot of flexibility, even if the manufacturer tried to hide this possibility. Removing recommended apps is not just a way to clean up the menu, but also an important step to improve the security and autonomy of your gadget. In this article, we will discuss all available methods, from simply removing shortcuts to disabling the system services responsible for displaying ads.
It is worth noting that the standard removal procedure may vary depending on the firmware version and region.Some system applications are not removed in the usual way, requiring deeper intervention through settings or ADB-Careful follow-up to the instructions will help you avoid accidentally removing important system components.
Why there are extra apps and folder GetApps
The main reason for the unwanted software is the company’s business model: Xiaomi sells its smartphones at a minimal margin, offsetting costs by advertising and promoting services in the shell, which is why after the first switch on or update the system, you may find new shortcuts in the Tools folder or on the desktop.
Most often, we are talking about the GetApps store, which is analogous to Google Play, but with an aggressive promotion policy, and the system can pre-instal games, hotel reservation apps or news aggregators, these programs are often system-based, which makes it difficult to remove them from the standard menu.
⚠️ Warning: Complete removal of system components through third-party programs can lead to unstable system operation.
Developers are constantly changing the algorithms of the shell, so the methods that worked a year ago may not be relevant. A key element of the advertising system is the MSA (MIUI System Ads), which disables most pop-up offers. Understanding what processes are responsible for imposing content allows you to spot the problem without affecting the basic functionality of the smartphone.
Basic removal through application settings
The easiest and safest way to get rid of unnecessary software is to use built-in application management tools, which is suitable for most custom programs that have been preinstalled but are not critical to the operating system.
To start, you need to go to the settings menu of your device. Find the Apps section and select All Apps. Here is the full list of installed software. In the list you need to find the application you want to remove. If it is a third-party program or Xiaomi service (such as Mi Credit or Mi Pay), you will see the Remove button.
In some cases, the delete button may be inactive or missing, meaning that the application has a higher level of access or is a system component, in which case the system will only prompt you to turn off the application or limit its operation, disabling will hide the icon and prevent the process from starting, which is almost equivalent to deleting the application for the average user.
- 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → All applications.
- 🔍 Find an unnecessary program in the list (for example, WPS Office or Booking).
- 🗑️ Press the Remove button and confirm the action.
- 🚫 If deletion is not available, select Disable or Limit.
Once these steps are done, the label will disappear from the desktop and the application will no longer consume resources, but this may not be enough to remove recommendations in the Tools folder and advertising widgets, as they are often managed by separate services.
Removing recommendations in the Tools folder
A separate headache for Xiaomi owners is the Tools folder on the desktop, where the system most often adds shortcuts to recommended games and applications. Fortunately, modern versions of MIUI and HyperOS have the ability to flexibly customize the content of this folder.
To clear the folder, click on it and hold your finger until the edit menu appears, or click on the settings button inside the folder (usually a gear or three dots). Here you will see a list of applications. Next to recommended programs, often a "Recommended" note or they are simply highlighted. By clicking on the cross or delete button next to the icon, you will remove it from the folder.
☑️ Cleaning the Tools folder
It's important to understand the difference between deleting the shortcut and deleting the app itself. When you remove the icon from the folder, you often just hide the link. So that the program is guaranteed not to update and start to call your eyes again, it's better to delete it completely through the settings menu, as described in the previous section. If the application is system, you can at least turn it off.
Sometimes the system suggests "cleaning" the folder of unused applications. Do not agree to a mass cleaning if you are not sure about the purpose of each file, as you can accidentally delete an important system component, such as a scanner or a calculator.
Disabling MSA and system advertising
The most effective way to combat intrusive recommendations is to disable the MSA (MIUI System Ads) service, which is responsible for collecting data about your actions and showing personalized advertising, including application recommendations on the desktop.
The shutdown procedure requires care, because the shutdown button can run away or require waiting. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Access to data. Find the msa app in the list and turn off the network access switch. The system will alert you to the consequences and start a countdown of 10 seconds. You need to wait for the timer to end and press OK.
What to do if the MSA disable button does not work?
In addition to MSA, it is recommended to disable ads in system applications. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Privacy and find the Advertising Services section. Here you need to disable the Receive Recommendations option. This action will significantly reduce the number of intrusive offers.
| System component | Appointment | Recommendation | Risk of shutdown |
|---|---|---|---|
| msa | Systemic advertising | Disable network access | Low. |
| GetApps | App store | Delete/Disable | Low. |
| Mi Video/Mi Music | Media players | Remove (if not used) | Low. |
| Analytics | Statistics collection | Shut down. | Low. |
Once you turn off these services, restart your smartphone, and you'll notice that the number of pop-ups and recommendations in the interface has decreased significantly, which is a basic privacy setting that you want to do immediately after you buy the device.
Using ADB to Remove System Garbage
For advanced users who want to clear the system of undeletable bloatware, there is a method using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to remove even those applications that are hidden from the average user, but it requires connection to the computer and caution.
First, you need to activate the developer mode. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on the build number (MIUI Version) 7 times. After that, the Advanced Settings menu will appear in the Developer Settings item. Enable Debugging on USB there.
Connect your smartphone to your PC via a high-quality cable. The computer should have a Platform-tools installed. Open the command line in the folder with ADB and enter a command to check the connection:
adb devicesYou'll see a request for debugging permission on your phone screen -- click Allow. If the console displays the serial number of the device, the connection is set. You can now delete packets. For example, you use the command to delete the GetApps store:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks⚠️ Be very careful when removing packages through ADB. Removing system components such as com.miui.securitycenter or com.android.packageinstaller may result in the inability to boot the system).
There is a list of safe to remove packages that can be found in specialized communities. Using graphical shells for ADBs like Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools can make it easier, since packages are already sorted by risk category.
Configure the Download folder and browser
Often, app recommendations come not only from the system, but also from the built-in Mi Browser browser or download manager, and these apps can display notifications about “recommended games” or “phone acceleration”, which are essentially advertising.
To remove notifications from your browser, go to its settings (three bars in the corner), select Settings → Notifications, and disable all items related to news and recommendations. A similar procedure should be done for the Downloads app. In its settings, find the About section and turn off Receive recommendations.
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Use a third-party browser like Chrome or Firefox and set it as default. This will completely eliminate the appearance of push notifications from the system browser Xiaomi.
Also worth checking the permissions for these apps. In the App menu, find your browser and turn off notifications completely if you don't use its news feed, which will save you from the constant visual noise in the notification curtain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it safe to remove apps through ADB?
Why did remote applications reappear after the update?
Can I remove Google services from Xiaomi?
Does removing ads affect the speed of your phone?
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Comprehensive cleaning of Xiaomi includes not only the removal of shortcuts, but also the disconnection of network activity of advertising services, which makes the use of the smartphone comfortable and safe.