How to Remove Embedded Apps on Xiaomi: 5 Proven Methods

Why users want to get rid of standard Xiaomi apps

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones come with dozens of pre-installed programs, from the proprietary launcher MIUI Launcher to Mi Browser, Mi Video and GetApps. Many of them duplicate the features of Google services or go unused. According to Counterpoint Research (2023), 68% of Xiaomi owners have tried to disable or remove the firmware at least once.

The main reasons for wanting to clean up the system are saving disk space (especially for models with 64 GB of memory), increasing battery life, protecting privacy (some applications collect data even in the background), and simply aesthetic inconvenience from a clogged menu. However, removing system applications is a risky process: improper actions can lead to malfunctions in the phone or even “bricking” the device.

In this article, we will look at all the available ways, from secure shutdown to complete deletion with ADB and superuser rights, and how to get it back if something goes wrong. Importantly, the methods are different for devices on MIUI 12/13/14 and new versions of HyperOS (2026).

Method 1: Simple shutdown (without root and ADB)

The safest way to get rid of unnecessary programs is to disable them through system settings. This won't delete application files from the device, but will stop them from working and hide them from the menu. It's suitable for 90% of users who don't want to risk system stability.

Instructions for MIUI 14 and HyperOS:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show all apps.
3. Find the app you want (such as Mi Browser) and open the page.
4. Click Disable (in some versions – Remove Updates, then Disable).

⚠️ Note: Not all system applications can be disabled this way, such as Security or Settings will be blocked by the system, and after some services are disabled (such as Mi Share), functions such as fast file transfer may stop working.

📱 Mi Browser (if you use Chrome)

🎵 Mi Music (replace by Mi Music) Spotify/YouTube Music)

📺 Mi Video (alternative — MX Player)

📦 GetApps (Xiaomi app store)

🧹 Cleaner (cleaning the cache is better done manually)

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Method 2: Removal via ADB (no root rights)

For those willing to go further than shutting down, there is a way to completely remove unnecessary apps using Android Debug Bridge (ADB).This method doesn't require root rights, but will require connecting the phone to a computer and basic command line knowledge.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔹 Remove applications permanently (frees up disk space).
• 🔹 Does not require unlocking the bootloader or root.
• 🔹 It works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO (including new ones on HyperOS).

Step-by-step:

1. Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
2. Turn on the phone Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in Settings → About phone).
3. Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
4. Connect your phone to your PC, open the command line in the ADB folder, and type in: Adb devices (your device should appear).
5. To uninstall the app, use the command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.namespace For example, to uninstall Mi Browser: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser

🔍 How to find out the name of the package? Install the App Inspector app from Google Play or use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep 'xiaomi'

(Outputs all the packages with "Xiaomi" in the title).

💡

Before mass removal, back up your system via adb backup or built-in MIUI tools to help restore the system if something goes wrong.

Method 3: Removal with root rights (for experienced)

If you are willing to take the risk of taking full control of the system, you can remove embedded applications using root rights, which gives you maximum freedom, but also maximum risks: improper removal of critical components can lead to the inability to boot the system ("brick").

What you'll need:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (bootloader).
• 📱 Established custom Recovery (e.g, TWRP).
• 🛠️ Ruth-Right (Magisk or SuperSU).
• 💾 Backup copy of section /system.

Methods of disposal:

1. Through a file manager with root access (e.g. Root Explorer): Go to /system/app or /system/priv-app. Find a folder with the name of an unwanted application (e.g. Browser). Delete the folder or rename it (add.bak at the end).

Through Termux with root access

su


mount -o rw,remount /system




rm -rf /system/app/Folder name




mount -o ro,remount /system

⚠️ Attention: Deleting the following packages is almost guaranteed to bring the system down: com.android.settings – Settings com.miui.home – Launcher MIUI com.android.phone – Phone services com.miui.securitycenter – Security Before deleting, check the purpose of the package on the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA.

Method 4: Use of custom firmware (radical approach)

If you're annoyed not only by the presence of embedded applications, but also by the MIUI/HyperOS shell itself, you might want to consider installing custom firmware.

• 📱 LineageOS – “clean” Android without bloatware.
• 🔥 Pixel Experience – firmware with Google Pixel interface.
• ⚡ ArrowOS – Easy and fast build.

Advantages of the method:

• 🧹 Complete lack of built-in Xiaomi applications.
• 🚀 Higher productivity (no background processes) MIUI).
• 🔄 Regular security updates.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
• 📱 Possible problems with the camera, NFC or other functions (depending on the model).
• 🔧 Requires unlocking the bootloader and technical skills.

🔗 Where to download firmware:

• XDA Developers (Search by Device Model)
• 4PDA (Russian-speaking community).
• The official website of LineageOS.

💡

Installing custom firmware is the most radical, but also the most effective way to get rid of embedded applications, but it is only suitable for advanced users, ready for possible bugs and loss of functionality.

Method 5: Alternative solutions (without deletion)

If you don’t want to take risks, but put up with unnecessary apps too, there are several alternative ways to make them less noticeable:

1. Hide through Launcher: Use alternative launchers like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair. In the launcher settings, find the Hide Apps option and add unnecessary programs.
2. Freeze with Shizuku: Install Shizuku and App Manager. Connect to ADB via Shizuku and freeze unnecessary apps (they will stay on the system, but will not work).

Limitation of activity

• In Settings → Applications → Permissions disable all permissions for unnecessary programs.
• In Settings → Battery → Background restriction forbid them to work in the background.

✅ Advantages of these methods:

• 🔒 Security – No changes to system files.
• 🔄 Reversing – you can bring it back at any time.
• 📱 Suitable for warranty devices.

What to do if the phone stops working after removal

If Xiaomi stopped turning on after manipulating system applications, stuck on the logo or gave out errors, don’t panic. In most cases, the device can be restored.

Recovery methods:

1. Reset via Recovery: Turn off your phone, press Power + Volume Up to log in to Recovery. Select Wipe Data → Factory Reset (all data will be deleted!).
2. Fastboot Flash: Download the official firmware for your model from Xiaomi's website. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (press Power). + Volume Down. Launch the script flash_all.bat firmware-film.

Recovery through ADB Sideload

• In Recovery, select Apply update → Apply from ADB.
• On PC, execute the command: adb sideload firmware.zip

⚠️ Warning: If the phone doesn't respond to buttons and doesn't load even in the Fastboot, the bootloader may be damaged. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable).

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing embedded applications