Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face the problem of crowded memory. Even on devices with large storage capacity, there is a feeling of lack of space over time, this is because the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS preinstalles many services that you may never use. The standard menu offers only the option to “Delete” for some programs, leaving the rest available only for shutdown.
There are proven ways to get around these limitations, however: Removing system software requires care, but frees up hundreds of megabytes and speeds up the gadget. In this article, we’ll explore safe methods for cleaning up junk apps without having to obtain full superuser rights (Root), which keeps the device guaranteed.
Before taking drastic action, you need to understand the difference between user data and system files. MIUI-based Android protects critical components from accidental removal. Trying to get rid of them with standard means through the settings menu often ends in nothing - the button is simply inactive or hidden.
Why Xiaomi apps aren’t removed in the standard way
The main reason for the inability to delete is access rights, applications installed by the manufacturer are system-based, located in a secure memory area and marked with flags that prohibit modification by the average user, this is done to ensure the stability of the smartphone and prevent accidental damage to critical functions.
Xiaomi also contracts with service developers (e.g. Facebook, Booking, various games) to pre-install their software, which is often embedded deep in the shell, and if you try to remove them through a standard controller, the system will give an error or simply prevent you from pressing the appropriate button.
It's important to distinguish between "delete" and "disable." Disabling hides the icon and stops processes, but the installation file stays on the disk, taking up space. To fully clean it requires the use of special tools such as ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or obtaining Root rights.
⚠️ Attention: Removing critical system components (e.g., Security, Google Play Services, Phone) can cause a cyclic device reboot. Always check the purpose of the package before removing it.
Preparing a smartphone to remove system applications
Before you start any manipulation of system files, you need to configure the device correctly. The first step is to activate the developer mode. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click 7 times on the MIUI Version or OS Version field. After that, a new section will appear in the menu.
Then you need to enable USB debugging. Go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Developer. Find USB Debugging and activate it. It is also recommended to enable the option “Install via USB” and “Debug via USB (security only)” if they are available in your version of the firmware.
Remember to back up your important data. Although the methods described are considered safe, working with system partitions always carries minimal risk.
Delete method via computer and ADB (No Root-Rights)
The safest and most professional way of cleaning is the use of a utility. ADB This method doesn't require unlocking the bootloader or obtaining superuser rights, which saves the warranty of the device, USB-Cable and platform tools from Google.
Once you have your smartphone connected and you have the drivers installed, open the command line on your computer. Enter the adb device command to check the connection. The phone screen will see a request for debugging permission — click "Allow." If the list shows the serial number of the device, the connection is established.
To remove a particular application, you need to know its exact packet name (e.g., com.facebook.katana).
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name packet
This command removes the application only for the current user (user 0), effectively hiding it and stopping processes, but not physically erasing it from the system partition. This allows you to return everything back in case of an error. To delete the program completely (requires Root), you use the command adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 without the -k flag, but this is risky.
List of useful ADB commands for Xiaomi
adb shell pm list packages – lists all packages|adb shell pm list packages -s — It only shows system applications|adb shell dumpsys package name packet - details of the application> Use of the ADB It gives you complete control over the software you've installed, and you can delete even those programs that aren't on the installed list, and the key is not to delete packets that you don't know what they're supposed to be. Use of specialized applications-uninstallers If working with the command line seems difficult to you, there are graphical shells for ADB. Popular programs like Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools or Universal Android Debloater automate the process. They scan the device and offer a list of applications with recommendations: can be removed or dangerous. For example, they mark advertising services in green. MIUI (com.miui.misys, com.miui.analytics, which can be eliminated. Red usually marks the components of the system that will cause the system to break down. 🚀 Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools - a specialized utility with a graphical interface, sharpened under the brands Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco. 🛡️ Universal Android Debloater is an open source cross-platform solution that supports most Android devices. 📱 App Manager is a powerful app that can be installed directly on the phone, allowing you to manage packages without a PC (requires additional settings via shizuku). Using GUIs reduces the risk of human error. You see the name of the app, not just the technical code. However, even in this case, backup remains a mandatory stage of preparation. Table: Safe to remove system applications Xiaomi Below is a table with the most common system components MIUI, It's a packet that's often not needed by the average user. ADB The application name is the name of the package The risk of deletion Description MIUI Analytics com.miui.analytics Low Collects usage statistics, advertising. MSA (Advertising service) com.miui.msa.global Low Responsible for banner ads in the system. Mi Browser com.android.browser Medium Standard Browser. Remove if there is an alternative. GetApps (Store) com.xiaomi.mipicks Low Alternative Application Store Xiaomi. Mi Video com.miui.videoplayer Low standard video player, replaced by VLC or MX Player. Remember that package names may vary slightly depending on the firmware region (Global, EU, Always check the exact name through adb shell pm list packages. Radical measures: Root rights and Magisk For those who are willing to go further, there is a method for obtaining SuperUser (Root) rights. This gives full access to the file system. The most popular tool for this is Magisk. However, to install it on modern Xiaomi requires unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader), which is waiting for the user to use the device. 168 hours (7 With Root rights, you can use file managers with access to the system partition (for example, Root Explorer or Root Explorer). MT Manager) and physically delete apk files from folders /system/app or /system/priv-app. It frees up space for real, not just hides the app. ⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader and obtaining Root rights will void the manufacturer’s warranty, and some high-security banking applications and services will stop working (Google Pay may require a Magisk Hide bypass). Root is suitable for experienced users who understand the risks. For conventional removal of advertising and garbage, it is quite enough methods with the help of the Internet. ADB, Don't risk data security to delete a couple of megabytes. 📊 Which application removal method do you think is most effective?ADB through the command line Graphic snails (Debloater)Getting Root-rights Standard disconnection If you still decided on Root, be sure to make a full backup section /system It's the only insurance against turning a smartphone into a brick». In rare cases, removing a critical system component leads to a cyclic bootloop. If the smartphone doesn't turn on, don't panic. Try booting into safe mode. To do this, when you turn on, press the volume down button. If Safe Mode doesn't work, you'll have to reset to the factory settings (Hard Reset) through the Recovery menu. To log in, turn off your phone, then press the Volume Up and Power buttons at the same time. Select Wipe Data. 💡The most reliable way to restore health after a system file error is a complete reset via Recovery Menu with pre-saving data on a PC. To avoid such situations, never remove applications that have the words “System”, “Framework”, “Service” or “Provider” in their name unless you know their features. Can you remove Google services on Xiaomi? Technically, it's possible to remove Google services from Xiaomi. ADB Deleting Google Play Services will disrupt most applications, including maps, mail, YouTube and banking programs; the smartphone will become virtually useless to the average user; will the remote application return after the system update? Yes, if you used the method ADB (When you reset or flash it, the app will come back. If you physically delete a file through Root, it can only come back when you completely flash it with the stock firmware and rubbing the partitions. Is it safe to delete the Security app on Xiaomi? No, it's a critical system component. MIUI. It manages permissions, memory cleansing and antivirus protection, and its removal will lead to unstable system operation and possible bootloop. It's recommended that you just turn it off, not delete it. Do you need to reflash the phone to remove ads? No, flashing it to a global version or custom firmware (like Pixel Experience) is a radical method. To remove ads and excess software, you just need to use ADB Debloater tools, which takes 10-15 minutes and does not require flashing.