Google Play Services is an integral part of the Android ecosystem, but on Xiaomi smartphones, they often become a source of problems, from increased battery consumption to uncontrolled traffic. Many MIUI users want to get rid of them for the sake of saving resources, privacy or installing alternative services (such as MicroG).
In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods for removing or disabling Google Play Services on Xiaomi (including Redmi, POCO and Mi models), their consequences and ways to circumvent the limitations of MIUI. Importantly, the procedure requires technical training - improper actions can lead to loss of functionality of key applications (Gmail, YouTube, maps) or even a "brick" of the device. If you are not ready for risks, consider alternatives such as disabling auto updates or using Greenify.
Why Google Play Services canβt be removed in standard ways
Google Play Services in MIUI is integrated at the firmware level as a system application with priv-app rights.
- π Deletion protection: even with superuser (root) rights, the system can block direct uninstallation via Settings β Annexes.
- π Auto-recovery: after forced removal (e.g. through ADB) Services can be restored when you update Google Play or reset your settings.
- π± Google Play Services is used by over 50% of Play Market apps, including banking, social media and navigators.
Xiaomi is also modifying standard Android by adding its own security layers, for example, on devices with MIUI 14+ and HyperOS, blocking system applications is strengthened due to Google Mobile Services (GMS) certification requirements.
- β οΈ Losing Google Certification (Device Will Stop Being Checked by SafetyNet).
- π« Mistakes in Mi Account, Mi Cloud and other Xiaomi services.
- π Increased battery consumption due to the systemβs constant attempts to recover remote components.
Method 1: Disable Google Play Services without deleting
If your goal is to reduce the system load, not to delete it completely, start with deactivation, which is reversible and does not require root rights.
Instructions:
- Open Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Slip on the three points in the upper right corner and select Show System Processes.
- Search for Google Play Services (could be called Google Play Services or com.google.android.gms).
- Click Disable (if the button is inactive, click Stop first).
- Confirm the action in the dialog window.
After the shutdown:
- β Googleβs background processes (geolocation, push notifications, auto-updates) will stop working).
- β Some apps (such as Google Maps or Gmail) may fail or close.
- π To return functionality, it is enough to turn on services again in the settings.
π‘
If the βDisableβ button is inactive, try removing the updates for Google Play Services first: click on the app menu to click on three dots β βDelete Updates.β
Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root)
For users who are ready for more radical measures, Android Debug Bridge (ADB) removal is suitable. This method does not require root, but requires debugging rights and a computer.
Preparation:
Install ADB on PC (download from [the official Android site](https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools))
Enable "Developer Mode" on Xiaomi (7 times tap on "Version" MIUI" customized)
Activate βDebugging by USBβ in the developer menu
Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in the device
Download the archive with the command to delete (or use manual input)
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Step-by-step:
- Connect Xiaomi to your PC and open the command prompt (cmd) in the adb folder.
- Check the connection command: Adb devices should appear serial number of your device.
- Run the command to delete Google Play Services: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.gms
- Reboot the phone.
Important: After a reboot, services can recover if:
- You have other Google apps installed (such as Play Market or YouTube).
- The system has been updated through OTA.
- You reset the settings to factory.
How to return Google Play Services after deleting it via ADB?
Method 3: Remove root rights (for power users)
If you have root access (e.g., through Magisk), you can delete Google Play Services completely, including system files. This method is the riskiest, but also the most effective.
Instructions:
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Go to /system/priv-app/GoogleServicesFramework or /system/app/GoogleServicesFramework (the path may vary depending on the version of MIUI).
- Delete or rename files: GoogleServicesFramework.apk GoogleServicesFramework.odex (if any)
Reset the device.
Warnings:
π‘
Deleting root-righted system APKs can lead to a device "brick" if you delete dependent files. Always backup TWRP before making changes!
β οΈ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO F3) Deleting Google Play Services causes the com.google.process.gapps error to boot.
Method 4: Replace with MicroG (alternative to Google Play Services)
If your goal is to get rid of Googleβs surveillance but keep apps functional, consider installing MicroG, an open-source alternative to Google Play Services with minimal data collection.
What you need:
- π± Device with root or unlocked bootloader.
- π§ Installed by Magisk (for MicroG module).
- π Access to F-Droid for MicroG and FakeStore downloads.
Step-by-step installation:
- Download MicroG from [the official website] (https://microg.org/) or via F-Droid.
- Install. APK-MicroG Services Core MicroG Services Framework Proxy FakeStore (for emulation of Google Play)
Magisk
MicroG Installer Revived
MicroG
Settings β MicroG
Pros and cons of MicroG:
| Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|
| π Minimum data collection (no connection to Google) | β οΈ Not all applications work correctly (e.g., bank clients) |
| π Lower battery consumption | π§ Requires settings (manually specify servers for push notifications) |
| π± Compatible with most F-Droid applications | π You need to update manually. |
Method 5: Removal through custom firmware (for enthusiasts)
The most radical way is to install custom firmware without Google Play Services.
- π± LineageOS (without GApps)
- π§ Pixel Experience (you can choose a version without Google)
- π GrapheneOS (maximum privacy)
How to determine:
- Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a wait of 7-14 days for new Mi accounts).
- Install TWRP or another custom recaveri.
- Download firmware without GApps (e.g. LineageOS for microG).
- Swipe through the recavities by doing wipe data/factory reset.
β οΈ Note: Installing custom firmware voids Xiaomi warranty and may lead to loss of features like Widevine L1 (no HD Before you run your firmware, check compatibility with your model in the forum. XDA Developers.
What to do if your phone stops working after Google Play Services is deleted
If Xiaomi has started to glittle or doesnβt turn on after manipulating Google Play Services, try the following steps:
- π Cache reset: go to Recovery Mode (clutch power) + Loud up and select the Wipe Cache Partition.
- π± Recovery through ADB: If the phone is not loading, connect it to your PC and do: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.google.android.gms
- π§ Fastboot Firmware: Download the official firmware for your model from Xiaomi and run through the Mi Flash Tool.
If nothing helps, there is an extreme option β EDL-This method requires special equipment and knowledge, so it is better to contact the service center.