How to safely remove the system application on Xiaomi: 5 proven methods

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the problem of pre-installed system applications that take up memory, consume battery power and display annoying advertising. Removing such programs is not a trivial task: standard methods through the Applications menu are usually blocked by the MIUI system. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to remove embedded applications on Xiaomi in 2026, including methods without superuser rights and using ADB, and also describe the hidden risks of each approach.

It is important to understand that system applications are integrated into MIUI firmware and are associated with key phone functions. Deleting them can cause interface failures, loss of functionality (such as a camera or calls), or even a device brik. So make sure to back up your data before any manipulations and make sure you understand the consequences. If you are a beginner, consider alternatives like shutting down or freezing apps instead of completely deleting them.

Why you can’t just remove the system application through settings

Unlike custom programs, system applications on Xiaomi are protected at the firmware level. This is why the standard Settings path → Applications → Delete for them is not available:

• 🔒 Protection MIUI: The system blocks the removal of critical components even if they seem useless (e.g. Mi Browser or Mi Video).
• 📦 Built-in dependencies: Many apps are linked to Google or Xiaomi services (such as Security or Finder) and may disrupt other features.
• 🛡️ Security Policy: Manufacturer restricts user actions to prevent accidental system damage.

Even if the Remove button is active for some applications (e.g. Mi Pay or Mi Home), often only the update is deleted and the program itself remains in the system and is restored after the reboot, due to the Protected Apps mechanism in MIUI, which automatically restores "important" components.

Method 1: Disabling system applications (without root and ADB)

The safest method is to disable, not delete, which hides the app from the menu, stops its background activity and saves battery power, but does not free up memory completely, suitable for beginners and those who do not want to risk the stability of the system.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want (such as Mi Browser).
3. Click Disable (if the button is inactive, the application is critical to the system).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

Backup of important data

Check if the app is critical (Google search)

Write down the name of the application in case of recovery

Reboot the phone after disconnecting-->

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Security or Finder) cannot be disabled in the standard way. ADB (Also, after disconnecting, associated functions may disappear - for example, disabling Mi Video will remove the tab "Video" from the gallery.

Method 2: Removing System Application Updates

Many embedded programs (Mi Browser, Mi Music, GetApps) have two versions: the basic (stitched into the firmware) and the updated (installed through the Play Market or MIUI Updater). By removing only updates, you return the application to the factory version, which is usually less functional and shows less ads.

How to remove updates:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select your target app (e.g. Mi Browser).
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Remove Updates.
4. Confirm the action. The app will return to the factory version.

💡 Useful tip: After removing updates, block the automatic update of the application. To do this, open the Play Market, find the application, click on three dots and uncheck the Auto Update box.

Method 3: Remove via ADB (without root rights)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method allows you to remove system applications without obtaining root rights.This is a more radical way than disabling, but requires connecting the phone to a computer and basic command line knowledge.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can cause phone malfunctions, and only remove apps that are not critical to your phone. MIUI. For a list of safe applications to remove, see the end of the article.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and press 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable (use the original cable for connection stability).
4. Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
5. Open the command prompt (cmd in Windows or Terminal in macOS/Linux) and type:

adb devices

(Your device name should appear. If not, check the driver and cable.)

adb shell


pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser

(Replace com.android.browser with the package of the desired application.

Once the command is executed, the application will be removed for the current user (not completely from the system), and to return it, you just need to reinstall it from the Play Market or execute the command:

cmd package install-existing com.android.browser

💡

Delete via ADB does not require root rights, but only applies to the current user profile.

Method 4: Removal with Magisk (for hard-wired phones)

If your Xiaomi has an unlocked bootloader and Magisk (root rights management tool) installed, you can use modules to deep-remove system applications.This method is suitable for power users, as it requires unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom recap (TWRP).

Instructions:

1. Install Magisk Manager from the official repository.
2. Download the System App Remover (or similar) module.
3. Install the module via Magisk and restart the phone.
4. After the reboot, open the System App Remover app, select unnecessary programs, and uninstall them.

⚠️ Note: Removing system applications via Magisk may result in:

• 🔄 Cyclical reboot if you remove a critical component.
• 📵 Loss of functionality (for example, the “Security” section in the settings will disappear).
• 🔧 Problems with OTA-Updates (the system may refuse to install updates).

💡 Useful tip: Before removing, create a full backup through TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery, which will allow you to restore the system in the event of a failure.

Method 5: Use custom firmware (for advanced)

The most radical method is to install custom firmware, such as LineageOS, Pixel Experience or MIUI without bloatware (a modified version from the community), which initially lacks most of Xiaomi's built-in applications and offers a cleaner Android.

Advantages:

• ✅ Total absence of system debris.
• ✅ Regular security updates.
• ✅ Ability to fine-tune the interface.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Installation difficulty (requires bootloader unlock, installation) TWRP).
• ❌ Possible bugs (unstable camera, sensors, or mobile network performance).
• ❌ Loss of warranty (if the phone is under warranty).

🔹 Recommended Firmware for Xiaomi:

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware erases all data from the phone:

1. Create a backup with Mi Cloud or TWRP.
2. Unlock the bootloader (the process takes up to 72 hours due to Xiaomi restrictions).
3. Make sure the firmware is compatible with your phone model.

Which system applications can be removed and which can not

Not all embedded programs are equally useful or safe to remove, and below is a list of apps that can be removed without serious consequences, and those that cannot be touched.

✅ Can be removed (with reservations):

• 🌐 Mi Browser – can be replaced with Chrome or Firefox.
• 🎵 Mi Music – if you use Spotify or YouTube Music.
• 🎬 Mi Video – if you watch videos in other players.
• 🛒 GetApps – Xiaomi app store, not needed when using Play Market.
• 🧹 Cleaner: A garbage cleaner, often shows false warnings.

❌ Cannot be removed (critical to the system):

• 🔐 Security (com.miui.securitycenter) – responsible for permissions and security.
• 📞 Phone Services (com.android.phone) – Call management.
• 📶 MIUI System (com.miui.system) - the interface core.
• 🔄 Updater (com.android.updater) – responsible for system updates.
• 📷 Camera (com.android.camera) – Deletion will result in a non-working camera.

⚠️ Note: Even “safe” apps to remove can be linked to other features, such as removing Mi Video will remove the “Video” tab in the standard gallery, and removing Mi Browser may disrupt web browsing in some system menus.

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 system can be restored.

🔹 Recovery methods:

1. Recovery via ADB: If the phone is turned on but is glitchy, try returning the remote application with the command: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.videoplayer
2. Recovery Reset: Press Power + Volume Up when downloading, select Wipe Data (erase all data!).
3. Fastboot Firmware: Download the official firmware for your model from Xiaomi’s website and run through the Mi Flash Tool.
4. Recovery via TWRP: If custom recavers are installed, restore the backup or run through ZIP with missing apps.

💡 Useful Tip: If the phone doesn't turn on at all (brick), try the method EDL (Emergency Download Mode requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable. XDA Developers or 4PDA.

💡

Before any experiment with system applications, save the log of the deleted packets (adb shell pm list packages -f) to help restore them in case of a failure.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing system applications on Xiaomi