How to completely remove native Xiaomi programs: 5 proven ways to do no harm to the system

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a problem: the MIUI operating system is stuffed out of the box with dozens of pre-installed applications that cannot be removed by standard means. Mi Browser, Mi Video, GetApps, Mi Pay and other services take up space in memory, consume battery power in the background and sometimes even collect data without the user’s knowledge.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of removing system applications on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, from simple deactivation to complete erasure using ADB and custom firmware. Particular attention will be paid to the risks of each method: which applications can not be touched so as not to break the system, and how to restore the phone if something goes wrong. Instructions are tested on MIUI 14/15 (Android 13/14) and are suitable for most models, including Xiaomi 13/14 series, Redmi Note 12/13 and POCO F5/X5.

Why you can’t just remove system apps from the menu

Unlike Google Play apps, Xiaomi's pre-installed programs are system-level protected. Even if you see the "Delete" button in the app menu, it often just hides the icon, but doesn't erase files from the device.

• 🔒 Protection MIUI: Systemic APK-files are stored in the section /system, It's a read-only device that you can't change without a super-user or a special command.
• 🔄 Recovery after updates: After update MIUI All remote applications can return automatically if they were part of the firmware.
• ⚠️ System damage risk: Deleting critical services (e.g. com.miui.system) can result in endless boot or loss of functionality (no sound, no camera, etc.).

The manufacturer deliberately restricts users: many of the “extra” apps (Mi Music, Mi Community) generate revenue for Xiaomi through advertising or affiliate programs, but there are workarounds, from secure deactivation to radical measures.

⚠️ Note: Removal of system applications may disrupt Google Pay, Widevine L1 (viewable HD into Netflix/Disney+) If you use banking applications or streaming services, check compatibility first!

Method 1: Deactivation through settings (without root and ADB)

The safest method is to disable unnecessary applications, not delete them. This will stop background processes, free up RAM and prevent automatic updating. /system.

How to deactivate:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select “Show All Apps” (or “System Processes”).
3. Find an unnecessary app (e.g. Mi Browser – com.android.browser).
4. Click “Disable” (if the button is inactive, the application is critical to the system).

What applications can be turned off without risk:

• 🌐 Mi Browser (com.android.browser) – replace it with Chrome or Firefox.
• 🎵 Mi Music (com.miui.player) – use Spotify or YouTube Music.
• 📺 Mi Video (com.miui.videoplayer) - alternative: VLC or MX Player.
• 🛒 GetApps (com.xiaomi.mipicks) – Xiaomi app store, backing up Google Play.

Check the list of critical annexes (see table below)

Create a backup copy of important data

Make sure there are alternative applications

Write down the names of the disabled APK (in case of restoration)-->

Some apps (such as Mi Security or Mi Share) cannot be disabled via the menu, but can be limited in the background:

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Management.
2. Select “Background Limitation” for an unnecessary application.
3. Turn off autostart in Settings → Permissions → Autostart.

Method 2: Remove via ADB (without root, but with PC)

If deactivation is not enough, you can uninstall system applications without obtaining root permissions using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that works on most Xiaomi devices with the bootloader unlocked, but requires caution: the wrong command can disrupt the system.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🛠️ Utility. ADB Tools by Google.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and allow debugging (a request will appear on the smartphone screen).
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Get a list of all packages: adb shell pm list packages -f
5. Remove the unnecessary app (e.g. Mi Browser): adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser

List of safe packet removal:

⚠️ Note: Do not delete packages with the names com.miui., com.android. (except browser) or com.google.* - this can lead to loss of functionality (for example, the notification panel will disappear or the camera will stop working!

Through the "Delete" menu.

Turning it off in the settings.

I'm using ADB.

I'm installing custom firmware.

I do not remove system applications-->

Method 3: Removal with root rights (for experienced)

If you're willing to take risks, getting root rights gives you complete control of the system, and it allows you to remove any applications, including those that are blocked in ADB.

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
• 🔐 Security problems: banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) and Google Pay will stop working.
• 🔄 Risk of "brika" (turning the phone into a "brick") with incorrect actions.

How to get root on Xiaomi:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a Mi Account and wait 7-15 days).
2. Install a custom recap (TWRP) for your model.
3. Sweep Magisk through the Recovery to get root.

Once root is obtained, use Root Explorer or Titanium Backup to remove applications:

1. Open a file manager with root access.
2. Go to /system/priv-app or /system/app.
3. Remove folders with unnecessary APKs (e.g. Browser for Mi Browser).
4. Reset the device.

Method 4: Install custom firmware (radical method)

If you're annoyed not only by the presence of system applications, but also by the MIUI shell itself, with its advertising and restrictions, you can install alternative firmware.

• 📱 Pixel Experience – pure Android without unnecessary apps.
• 🔄 LineageOS – Lightweight and stable open source firmware.
• ⚡ ArrowOS – Balance between performance and functionality.
• 🎨 crDroid - firmware with advanced settings.

Advantages of custom firmware:

• ✅ No pre-installed Xiaomi apps.
• ✅ Regular security updates.
• ✅ Ability to fine-tune the interface.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Loss of certain functions, for example, IR Blaster for managing equipment or brand gestures MIUI).
• ❌ Risk of unstable camera operation (GCam installation required).
• ❌ Difficulty returning to official firmware (it may be necessary to unlock the bootloader again).

Where to look for firmware:

• 🔗 XDA Developers – the largest community with specific model instructions.
• 🔗 Telegram chats on firmware (for example, Pixel Experience Russia).

💡

Before installing custom firmware, check if it supports Widevine L1 (for watching Full HD on Netflix).Some firmware up to Widevine L3, limiting streaming quality to 480p.

Method 5: Using Magisk modules (for root users)

If you don’t want to remove system applications permanently, but want to hide or replace them, you can use modules for Magisk.This is safer than direct removal, since changes are easy to undo.

Popular modules:

• 🧹 Debloater – Remove or freeze unnecessary applications.
• 🔄 Universal SafetyNet Fix – Restores Google Pay after receiving root.
• 📱 MIUI Blur – removes advertising and optimizes the interface.

How to install the module:

1. Download the module file (.zip format) from XDA or Telegram channels.
2. Open Magisk Manager and go to the Modules section.
3. Click “Install from storage” and select the downloaded file.
4. Reset the device.

Example: MIUI Debloater module allows you to disable:

• 📢 Advertising in system applications.
• 🔍 Analytics (Mi Analytics).
• 📱 Pre-installed games and services.

What cannot be removed under any circumstances

Some system applications are critical to MIUI, and if they are removed, they will crash, not be able to boot the phone, or lose key features, and here is a full list of untouchable packages:

Also avoid removal:

• 📶 Communication modules (com.android.phone, com.miui.telephony) – loss of network.
• 📷 Cameras (com.android.camera) – even if you use GCam, a system camera is needed for some features.
• 🔋 Battery services (com.miui.powerkeeper) – power optimization will be disrupted.

💡

If you accidentally delete a critical app, don’t panic: you can restore it through flashing the official MIUI in Fastboot Mode or installing the MIUI Restore module in Magisk.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing system applications