How to Uninstall the System App on Xiaomi Redmi 9: 5 Proven Methods

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but its MIUI firmware is known for its abundance of preinstalled system applications. Many of them can not be removed by standard means, which annoys users: they take up memory, consume battery power and can monitor activity. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to remove system applications on Redmi 9 — from safe to radical, requiring root rights.

It is important to understand that removing system components can lead to unstable device operation, interface errors, or even a “brick” (completely inoperable) of the phone. So before any manipulation, back up your data via Settings → System → Backup and make sure you have access to the original firmware for recovery. If you are a beginner, start with methods without root, they are less risky.

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

In MIUI (even in the latest versions for Redmi 9), most embedded applications are protected from removal.

• 🔒 Xiaomi policy: The manufacturer blocks the removal of “important” services (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Video, Security) to ensure the ecosystem and advertising mechanisms work.
• 🛡️ System protection: Removing critical components (e.g. com.android.phone) can disrupt your phone from network loss to inability to download.
• 📦 Separation of "custom" and "system" applications: Even if the application seems unnecessary (for example, Mi Pay), it is installed in the section /system, which is protected from change without root.

What happens when you try to remove a system application in the standard way?

• 🗑️ The “Delete” button in the app menu is inactive or absent.
• ⚙️ B Settings → Applications are only offered to "disable" instead of deleting (which does not free up memory).
• 🔄 After disabling the application can be activated again after the update. MIUI.

⚠️ Attention: Disable system applications through the Settings menu → Annexes → Application management doesn't delete their files. They still take up space in memory and can run in the background. Complete deletion requires other methods.

Method 1: Disabling system applications without root (the safest)

If you just have to hide the apps that you don't need and stop them from running, this is the best way to do this, and it doesn't require root rights, and we'll reversing:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show all apps.
3. Find the right app (such as Mi Music or Mi Browser).
4. Click Disable (if the button is active) or Remove Updates (will return the application to the factory version).
5. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

What this method does:

• ✅ The app will disappear from the menu and stop running.
• ✅ No battery or internet traffic will be consumed.
• ❌ Does not free up memory – application files remain in the system.
• ❌ After updating MIUI The application may be activated again.

Backup of important data |

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About phone |

Write down the names of the applications that are disabled (for recovery) |

Make sure the application is not critical to the system (e.g., com.android.phone cannot be disabled)-->

For mass shutdown, it is convenient to use third-party utilities, such as Package Disabler Pro+ (requires ADB connection), which allows you to disable packets in groups and restore them if necessary.

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

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is an Android debugging tool that lets you control your system via the command line, and it can remove many system applications without getting root rights. However, the wrong command can disrupt your phone, so follow the instructions carefully.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 📱 Xiaomi Redmi 9 with enabled debugging USB.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (you can download from the official Android website).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging and confirm permission.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and select File Transfer Mode (not Charge).
3. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) in the folder with ADB.
4. Check the connection command: Adb devices should appear with a serial number.
5. Get a list of all packages: adb shell pm list packages -f Find the right application in the list (e.g. com.miui.browser for Mi Browser).
6. Delete the application by command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name package Example for Mi Browser: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browser

What do flags in a team mean:

• -k - saves the cache and application data (in case of recovery).
• --user 0 — delete only for the current user (does not affect the system).

⚠️ Note: Some packages (e.g. com.android.phone, com.miui.home) are critical to the phone's operation and will result in network loss, launch errors, or "bricks." Before deleting, check the list of safe to remove packages for Redmi 9 (see table below).

Yes, through ADB|.

Yeah, root-rights.|

No, I'm afraid to break my phone.|

I tried it, but it didn't work out.-->

Method 3: Root rights removal (for power users)

If you are willing to take risks for the sake of full control of the device, obtaining root permissions will open access to the removal of any system applications, including those blocked in ADB.

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (Xiaomi cancels warranty if root is detected).
• 🔓 Security risk: Root opens up access to the system for malware.
• 🔄 Problems with OTA-Updates: After receiving root updates MIUI may not be installed.
• 💥 Brick Possibility: Incorrectly deleting system files will make your phone inoperable.

How to get root on Redmi 9:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool (requires Xiaomi account binding and waits 7-30 days).
2. Install custom recovery (such as TWRP).
3. Ride Magisk (a popular root rights manager) through TWRP.

After obtaining root, you can delete applications:

• 📱 Through a root-access file manager (e.g., Root Explorer).
• 🖥️ Through ADB with the command su (for example, adb shell su) -c "pm uninstall --user 0 packet").
• 🛠️ With specialized utilities such as System App Remover.

Example of removal through Root Explorer:

1. Open the manager and go to /system/app or /system/priv-app.
2. Find a folder with the name of the application (for example, Browser).
3. Remove the folder or rename it (for example, in the Browser_bak).
4. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Attention: Removal of folders from /system This can cause a cyclical reboot of the phone.Always back up the folder before deleting!Restore may require flashing through Fastboot.

Method 4: Use of custom firmware (radical solution)

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 might consider installing custom firmware. Popular options for Redmi 9:

• 🌍 LineageOS – “clean” Android without unnecessary applications.
• 🔧 Pixel Experience – firmware with an interface like Google Pixel.
• 🚀 HaventOS – Optimized version MIUI no-bloatware.

The advantages of custom firmware:

• ✅ No pre-installed Xiaomi apps.
• ✅ More smooth operation (due to the absence of background processes) MIUI).
• ✅ Regular security updates.

Cons:

• ❌ Requires unlocking the bootloader and root rights.
• ❌ Possible bugs (for example, non-functioning) NFC camera).
• ❌ Loss of official Xiaomi support.

Where to download firmware:

• The official website of XDA Developers (look for the section for Redmi 9 model code - lancelot).
• Telegram chats and groups dedicated to Xiaomi (e.g. MIUI Russia).

Installation instructions (briefly):

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Set up TWRP.
3. Download firmware (like LineageOS) and GApps (Google services if needed).
4. Download to TWRP and run Wipe → Advanced Wipe (check Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
5. Sweep through the firmware and GApps.
6. Reboot.

💡

Before installing custom firmware, check that it is compatible with the model code of your Redmi 9. For example, the firmware for Redmi 9C (angelica) will not work for Redmi 9 (lancelot). The model code can be found in Settings → About Phone → Model or through the command adb shell getprop ro.product.model.

Method 5: Alternatives to Deletion – How to Hide and Limit System Applications

If you don’t want to take risks, but system applications interfere, you can go another way:

• 👁️ Hide from the menu: Use launchers like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher, which let you hide apps without removing them.
• 🚫 Prohibit Autostart: In Settings → Battery and productivity → Autostart Management Disable Unnecessary Apps.
• 📵 Restricting Internet Access: In Settings → Mobile network → Using traffic to ban background traffic for unnecessary apps.
• 🔕 Disable notifications: Go to notification settings for each app and turn them off.

Example of setting up Nova Launcher to hide applications:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Click the empty space on the home screen → Nova Settings.
3. Go to App Hide.
4. Check the apps you want to hide (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Music).
5. Save the settings.

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ Without risk to the system.
• ✅ Reversible at any time.
• ✅ Does not require technical skills.

💡

Hiding apps through the launcher is the safest way to get rid of visual debris on the menu, but it doesn't free up memory or stop background processes. It still requires ADB or root to completely remove them.

What to do if the phone stops working after removal

If you have removed the critical system application and Redmi 9:

• 🔄 I was fixated on the logo (bootloop).
• 📵 Not included or left in Fastboot.
• 📶 The network stopped working./Wi-Fi.

Act on the algorithm:

1. Try booting into Safe Mode: Turn off your phone. Press the Power button and hold until the Redmi logo appears. Release Power and immediately press Volume down, hold until boot. In Safe Mode, try rolling back changes or removing the problematic app back.
2. Restore via TWRP: Boot to TWRP (Power + Volume Up). Select Mount → System. Connect your phone to your PC and copy back deleted files (if you have a backup).
3. Reflash the original MIUI: Download the official firmware for Redmi 9 (lancelot) from Xiaomi. Unpack the archive and stream through the Mi Flash Tool in Fastboot mode.

If the phone doesn't respond at all (black screen, no vibration), the bootloader may be damaged, and only the EDL (emergency mode) firmware will help, but this requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing system applications on Redmi 9