How to safely remove the system application on Xiaomi without a computer: a step-by-step guide

Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphone owners often face the problem of pre-installed system applications that take up memory, consume battery power and display annoying advertising. Unlike conventional programs, such applications cannot be removed in the standard way - there is simply no "Delete" button on the menu. However, there are legal methods of uninstalling them without using a computer that work on most devices with a MIUI shell (versions 12-14).

It’s important to understand that removing system applications can cause a phone to malfunction if critical components are affected, such as deleting com.miui.securitycenter will deprive you of access to security settings, and uninstalling com.android.phone will disrupt phone communication. In this article, we’ll discuss safe ways to minimize risks, and also explain which applications can be removed without consequences.

Before you start, check:

• 📱 Phone model (e.g. Redmi Note 11, Poco) X5 Pro – Some methods do not work on older devices MIUI 11 and below).
• 🔄 Version MIUI (Path: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI).
• 🔒 Root rights (if any, opportunities expand, but this is a separate topic).

1. disable system applications through settings (without deletion)

The safest method is to disable unnecessary programs instead of removing them, which will free up RAM and stop background activity, but the application files will remain in the system, and this method works on all Xiaomi devices without exception.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip three dots in the top right corner and select Show All Applications (or System Processes).
3. Find the right app (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music, Browser).
4. Click Disable (if the button is inactive, the application is critical to the system).

⚠️ Caution: Disabling some services (e.g. com.miui.analytics) may disrupt the operation MIUI-specific features such as themes or cloud storage. Before disabling, check the name of the application in the table below.

💡

If the “Disable” button is inactive, try stopping the app first (the “Stop” button) and then trying to disable it again.

2. Removal through ADB-teams (without root)

A more radical way is to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) directly from your phone, which doesn’t require a computer, but requires the installation of a special ADB AppControl app (available on Google Play), which works on MIUI 12-14 and most Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco models.

Step-by-step:

Install ADB AppControl from Google Play| Enable USB debugging in developer settings | Connect to Wi-Fi (data download required) | Backup important data-->

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Enable USB Debugging and Wi-Fi Debugging.

ADB AppControl

local ADB-server

Connect

In the list, find an unnecessary system application and tap on it.

Uninstall

Disable

⚠️ Attention: Removal through ADB The only way to irreversibly restore the application is through a full reset or flashing:

• com.android.* (Android system services)
• com.miui.home (main screen),
• com.xiaomi.* (unless you are sure of their purpose).

3. Use the App Inspector application to identify packets

Before deleting, you need to know exactly the name of the application package. It is convenient to use the App Inspector utility (available on Google Play), which shows all installed programs, including system ones, with their full names (com.xiaomi.*).

How to use:

1. Install the App Inspector and open it.
2. Find the right app (e.g. Mi Browser) in the list.
3. Copy the Package Name (e.g. com.android.browser).
4. Use this name to remove via ADB or other methods.

Example: If you want to remove Mi Music, you'll find it in the App Inspector as com.miui.player, which is the name you want to type into ADB AppControl or other tools.

💡

Always check the name of the package before deleting it – a single letter error can result in the removal of a critical system component.

4. Removal via "MiXplorer" (for power users)

This method is suitable for those who are ready to work with the Android file system. the MiXplorer app (an unofficial version with root support) allows you to manually delete the file system. APK-The danger of the method: if you make an error, you can damage the system, so it is recommended only for confident users.

Instructions:

1. Download MiXplorer (for example, from the 4PDA forum) and install APK.
2. Open the application and give access to the storage.
3. Go to /system/priv-app or /system/app.
4. Find a folder with the name of the unwanted app (e.g. Browser for Mi Browser).
5. Delete the folder or rename it (add at the end of.bak).
6. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Attention: After such removal:

• 🔄 Update MIUI through OTA Deleted files can be restored.
• 🛠️ For complete removal, you will need to flash the firmware with a modified firmware (for example, xiaomi.eu).

5. Alternatives to Deletion: Hiding and Replacement

If the risks of removing system applications scare you, consider alternative options:

• 🔍 Hiding from the menu: Use launchers like Nova Launcher or POCO Launcher to hide unnecessary icons.It won't delete the app, but it will make it invisible.
• 🔄 Replacement of standard applications: In settings Settings → Annexes → By default, you can select third-party programs for the browser, gallery or player.
• 🚫 Ad Blocking: Install Blokada or AdGuard to disable ads in system apps without removing them.

For example, instead of removing the Mi Browser, you can install Google Chrome and make it the default browser. Similar to Mi Music, replace it with Spotify or VLC.

6 Recovery of Remote System Applications

If the phone is unstable after deleting (for example, notifications stopped coming or mobile communication disappeared), you will have to restore deleted files.

1. Through Backup: If you have backups made through Mi Cloud or Google Drive, recover data from it. In Settings → System → Backup, select the last restore point.

Through resetting settings

• Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
• Select Reset all settings (the data on the memory card will not be affected).
• After the reboot, the system applications will recover.

⚠️ Note: If you have removed the application through MiXplorer, resetting may not help. In this case, you will need to flash it through Fastboot or Recovery.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When removing system applications, users often face typical problems:

To minimize the risks:

• 📌 Always back up before deleting (via Settings) → System system → Backup).
• 🔍 Check the destination of the package before deleting (for example, on the Android Package Names website).
• 🛠️ Start by turning it off, not removing it, it’s easier to get it back.

FAQ: Frequent questions