How to Remove Google Services from Xiaomi Phone: 5 Ways to Work

Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI They come with Google services pre-installed, from Google Play Services to YouTube and Chrome, and for many users, these apps become a source of annoyance: they take up space in memory, use up battery power in the background, and collect data. But can they be removed without consequences for the system?

Unlike “pure” Android, where uninstallation of Google services often leads to critical crashes, MIUI However, complete removal requires caution: some components (such as the Google Services Framework) are integrated into the system at the firmware level. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods, from simple disconnection to deep cleaning by using the help of a firmware. ADB root rights, and also tell you what risks await you and how to minimize them.

If you use Xiaomi without Google services (for example, the Chinese version of firmware), some of the instructions will not work for you – such devices are initially deprived of the software. GMS. But for owners of global and European versions of Redmi, Poco or Black Shark, our recommendations are relevant.

1.Preparation: What to Know Before Removal

Before you start uninstallation, it is important to assess three key risks:

1. Application malfunction: Many programs (including banking, mapping, and instant messengers) depend on Google Play Services.
2. Update issues: Without the Google Services Framework, automatic app updates and account syncs may stop working.
3. Loss of functionality MIUI: Some firmware chips (such as Mi Share or Game Turbo) use Google API.

To minimize problems, back up important data.

• 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Backup and reset → Local backup.
• ☁️ Use Mi Cloud (if you don’t trust Google) or third-party solutions like Swift Backup (requires root).
• 💾 Copy files from internal memory to a PC or external drive.

It's important if you're planning to use it. ADB or get root rights, unblock OEM Unlock in Developer Settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Additional → Without this step, no further manipulation will be possible.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14/15 When you unlock the bootloader (fastboot oem unlock), you completely reset the data!

Method 1: Disabling and removing updates (without root)

The safest method is to deactivate unnecessary services and return them to the factory version, which will not remove them completely, but will stop background activity and free up some memory.

Step 1: Disconnect applications:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 In the search, enter the name of the service (for example, Google Play Services).
• ⚙️ Click Disable (if the button is inactive, first click Remove Updates).
• 🚫 For a complete shutdown, also block autostart: Battery and performance → Autostart control.

Step 2: Delete the cache and data:

Even the apps that are disabled can leave temporary files behind to clear them.

1. In the app menu, select Warehouse.
2. Click Clear Cache and Clear Data (this will reset the app settings).
3. For Google Play Services, repeat the step after each update. MIUI — The system can automatically restore it.

Backup of data|Unlocking OEM Unlock|Shutting down autostart|Removal of updates|Clearing the cache-->

Limitations of the method:

This doesn’t remove services completely, they will remain frozen, and some apps (like the Google Play Store) can self-repair after a reboot, and more radical intervention will be needed to avoid this.

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

Tool. ADB (Android Debug Bridge allows you to remove system applications without superuser rights. This method is suitable for most Xiaomi models, including Redmi Note 12, Poco X5 and Black Shark 5.

Step 1. Installation of ADB:

• 💻 Download Platform Tools from the official Android website.
• 📂 Unpack the archive into the root of the disk C:\ (for example, C:\platform-tools).
• 🔌 Connect your phone to the PC by USB, Turn on Debugging. USB developer-setting.

Step 2. Connection check:

Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type:

cd C:\platform-tools


adb devices

If the device appears in the list, you can continue.

Step 3: Packet removal:

Use the command adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 Name Package: The main packages of Google services:

Critical information: Deleting com.google.android.gms may make it impossible to use banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff), maps (Google Maps, Yandex.Maps) and some games.

Step 4: Recovery (if necessary):

If you have problems after removal, return the package with the command:

adb shell cmd package install-existing name packet

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI After restarting, remote packets are restored automatically. To avoid this, disable automatic system updates in Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system → ⚙️ → Auto-update.

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Before removing through ADB Check the application dependency using the adb shell dumpsys package name PAKET command. This will show which programs are using the deleted service.

Method 3: Complete removal with root rights

If you’re willing to take drastic measures, root access will open up the possibility of completely erasing Google services from the system partition, a method that is suitable for power users and requires an unlocked bootloader.

Step 1: Getting root rights:

• 🔓 Use Magisk (we recommend version 26.4)+). Download the latest version from GitHub.
• 📱 Get Magisk through Custom Recovery (TWRP Or OrangeFox).
• ✅ Check root status in the Magisk Manager app.

Step 2: Packet removal:

With root rights, you can use:

1. System App Remover (available in Magisk Modules or on the Internet) 4PDA).
2. Teams in ADB Shell with superuser rights: su pm uninstall --user 0 PACKET'S NAME
3. Manual file deletion via Root Explorer (folder) /system/priv-app/ or /system/app/).

Step 3: Replacement with alternatives:

After Google Play Services is removed, many apps will stop working.

• 📱 Install microG, an open alternative to Google Services (supports push notifications and geolocation).
• 🗺️ For cards, use OsmAnd or Yandex.Maps (work without). GMS).
• 💰 Banking applications may require Google SafetyNet. Use the Magisk – Universal SafetyNet Fix module to bypass it.

5. Method 4: Switching to custom firmware without GMS

If you don’t like half-measures, consider installing firmware without Google services. Xiaomi has the following options available:

Official firmware:

• 🇨🇳 Chinese version MIUI: It does not initially contain GMS, It may have restrictions (no Google Play, some features only work for Chinese accounts).
• 🌍 Global version without GMS: It is rare but occasionally appears on forums (e.g. for Poco). F5).

Castom firmware:

How to install custom firmware:

1. 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (see official Xiaomi instructions).
2. 📥 Download the firmware and TWRP for your model with XDA Developers or 4PDA.
3. 🔧 Please. TWRP Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
4. 🗃️ V TWRP Make a full backup (Backup) → Choose Boot, System, Data).
5. 📲 Install the firmware (Install) → choose ZIP-file).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 with Snapdragon processor) may have anti-rollback protection after custom firmware is installed. This will lead to a device brique.

Method 5: Using Magisk modules for partial removal

If you don’t have to delete all of Google’s services, but only the most intrusive ones (like Google Play Services or Google One), you can use the modules for Magisk, which is safer than completely removing them and allows you to return everything back in one click.

Popular modules:

• 🧩 De-Google Module: Removes Google’s core packages, but leaves critical components behind.
• 🧩 Universal GMS Doze: Limits background activity of Google Play Services without removal.
• 🧩 DisableFlagSecure: Allows you to take screenshots in secure applications (for example, in banking applications).

How to install the module:

1. Download. ZIP-Module file (e.g. with GitHub).
2. Open Magisk Manager → Modules → Install from storage.
3. Select the downloaded file and confirm the installation.
4. Reset the device.

Advantages of the method:

Magisk modules do not change the system partition, so they can be disabled or deleted without consequences, and many modules have settings that allow you to fine-tune which services to block.

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Magisk modules are the safest way to restrict Google services without the risk of a device blink: They don't affect system files, but work at the kernel level.

7 Risks and how to avoid them

Deleting Google services can have unpredictable consequences, especially if you use:

• 💳 Banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB).
• 🗺️ Navigation programs (Google Maps, Yandex.Navigator).
• 🎮 Games with Google Play Games (Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile).
• 📱 Applications with push notifications (Telegram, Viber).

How to minimize problems:

What should I do if something goes wrong?

• 🔄 Backup recovery: If you have made a backup copy to TWRP, Get it back through Restore.
• 📥 Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website and install it through the Mi Flash Tool.
• 🛠️ Contact the service: If the device is not turned on ("brick"), contact the service center with the reason ("failed firmware").

8.Alternatives to Google Services for Xiaomi

If you removed Google services, you'll need replacements for key features. Here are proven alternatives:

App Store:

• 📦 Aurora Store: Anonymous client for Google Play (no account required).
• 📦 F-Droid: Open Source Directory (Free Applications Only).
• 📦 APKMirror: Manual download APK-Files from Verified Sources.

Maps and navigation:

• 🗺️ OsmAnd: Offline maps based on OpenStreetMap.
• 🗺️ Yandex.Maps: Works without GMS, requires registration.
• 🗺️ Magic Earth: Google Maps Alternative with Offline Mode.

Cloud storage:

• ☁️ Nextcloud: Self-configured cloud (you can deploy it to your server).
• ☁️ Proton Drive: Encrypted storage from ProtonMail creators.
• ☁️ Mi Cloud: Built-in solution from Xiaomi (if not removed) MIUI-account).

Search the Internet:

• 🔍 DuckDuckGo: Private search engine without tracking.
• 🔍 Startpage: Anonymous Results from Google.
• 🔍 Brave Search: Search engine from Brave browser.

5.Browser:

• 🌐 Brave: Blocking Ads and Trackers.
• 🌐 Firefox Focus: Minimalist browser with enhanced privacy.
• 🌐 Bromite: Chromium with security patches.

Many of these alternatives are available on F-Droid or official sites. Check application permissions before installing - some "private" browsers can collect data as actively as Google Chrome.

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For a convenient transition from Google services, use the Shelter app (available in F-Droid), which allows you to isolate applications in a separate profile where you can test alternatives without risk to the main system.

FAQ: Frequent questions