How to safely remove the system app on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: 4 proven methods

Owners of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T often face the problem of pre-installed system applications that take up memory, consume battery power and are not removed by standard methods. MIUI is known for an abundance of built-in software — from duplicate Google services to Xiaomi utilities that are not always in demand. But trying to get rid of them can lead to malfunctions in the smartphone if you act at random.

In this article, we will discuss 4 legal ways to remove system applications on the Redmi Note 8T (willow model), including root-free methods using ADB, as well as alternative solutions for those who are not willing to risk system stability.

Before you start, consider that even “safe” manipulation of system files can affect the operation of MIUI. We recommend you to back up your data and be ready to restore firmware in case of errors.

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

Unlike custom software, the system applications on the Redmi Note 8T are protected from standard removal for several reasons:

• 🔒 Integration with MIUI: Many utilities (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) are linked to the shell core, and their removal can disrupt the security center, updates, or even lock the screen.
• 📦 Layer division: Applications are stored in protected sections /system and /vendor, Where the average user can’t access without special tools.
• 🔄 Automatic Recovery: Some programs (such as Mi Video or Mi Music) recover from a reboot if they were removed without blocking updates.

Even if you managed to delete an application through a root-righted file manager, the system can “return” it the next MIUI update.

⚠️ Note: Deleting apps like com.android.phone or com.miui.home will render your smartphone completely inoperable.

Method 1: Disabling system applications without removing

The safest method is to deactivate unnecessary programs, which won't free up memory, but will stop them from working in the background and remove them from the menu.

How to turn it off:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show all apps.
3. Find the app you want (such as Mi Pay or Mi Browser) and open the page.
4. Click Disable (if the button is active).

Not all system utilities can be disabled this way, such as Google Play Services or Mi Account are blocked from deactivation.

Unnecessary launchers (e.g. POCO Launcher)

Branded apps (Mi Video, Mi Music)

Duplicate services (Google Duo if you use WhatsApp)

Game utilities (Game Turbo)

-->

Once you turn it off, the app will disappear from the menu, but it will remain in memory. To return it, you just go back to its settings and click Enable.

Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root rights)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is Google’s official tool for managing a system through a computer, which does not require root rights, but allows you to remove most embedded applications.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 📱 Cable USB Type-C (original or qualitative analogue).
• 🔧 Installed Xiaomi drivers and package ADB Tools.

Step-by-step:

1. Download ADB Tools from Google and unpack the archive.
2. On your smartphone, activate Developer Mode: go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
4. Connect the Redmi Note 8T to your computer and enter it in the terminal (from the folder with ADB):

adb devices

(Series numbered device should appear. If not, check the drivers or cable.)

adb shell


pm list packages | grep 'miui'

(This team will list all of Xiaomi’s system packages.)

pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer

(Replace com.miui.videoplayer with the name of the application package.)

The --user 0 flag means that the application is only removed for the current user, not completely off the system, which reduces the risk of crashes.

⚠️ Note: Do not delete packages called com.android., com.qualcomm. or com.miui.home!

Method 3: Use MIUI Optimizer (requires unlocking the bootloader)

MIUI Optimizer is an informal application that allows you to deeply configure MIUI, including removing system packages.

How to unlock the bootloader on Redmi Note 8T:

1. Apply for unlocking via Xiaomi’s official website (Mi Account is required).
2. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and connect your phone in Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume down when the device is off).
3. Follow the instructions of the program. Usually, unlocking takes 72-168 hours of waiting.

After unlocking:

1. Install MIUI Optimizer (available on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums).
2. Launch the app and go to the App Manager section.
3. Check the unneeded apps and click Uninstall.

MIUI Optimizer also allows you to freeze applications (similar to disabling, but with the ability to defrost in one click) and block their updates.

Disconnection through settings

Removal via ADB

MIUI Optimizer (with unlocking)

root rights and File Manager

I do not remove system applications-->

Method 4: Manual removal with root rights (for experienced)

If you're willing to take risks, root rights give you complete control of the system, but on the Redmi Note 8T, it can be dangerous.

• 🚫 Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).
• 🔄 Update issues MIUI (You will have to install them manually).
• 🛡️ Risk of locking the device in case of incorrect actions (for example, deletion) /system/priv-app).

How to get root on Redmi Note 8T:

1. Unlock the bootloader (see the previous section).
2. Install a custom TWRP recavator for willow (Redmi Note 8T model).
3. Sweep Magisk through TWRP to obtain root rights.

To remove system applications, use Root Explorer or Titanium Backup:

1. Go to /system/app or /system/priv-app.
2. Remove folders with unnecessary apps (such as MiBrowser).
3. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Removing files from /system This can lead to bootloop. Always back up the partition before making changes!

💡

Before you delete the system application, check its dependencies. For example, Mi Account (com.xiaomi.account) is associated with synchronization services - its removal will disrupt the cloud backup.

What to do if the phone does not work after removal

If after manipulating the system files Redmi Note 8T stopped turning on or stuck on the logo, use these recovery methods:

If you're not sure what you're doing, the most reliable way to do this is to flash the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

1. Download the latest version of MIUI for Redmi Note 8T (willow) from Xiaomi.
2. Unpack the archive and launch the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and select the Clean All option.

This will bring the phone back to factory status, but it will delete all the data. If you had a backup, restore it after you have firmware.

Removal Alternatives: How to Hide or Replace System Applications

If the risks of removal are frightening, consider alternative ways to:

• 📱 Hiding through the launcher: Use third-party launchers (Nova Launcher, Lawnchair), which allow you to hide applications from the menu.
• 🔄 Replacement with analogues: Disable Mi Browser and install Chrome or Firefox as your primary browser.
• 🛡️ Greenify Blocking: This App “Freezes” Background Processes, Saving Battery.
• 📦 Debloater scripts: On forums XDA There are ready-made scripts for mass disabling unnecessary services through ADB.

For example, to replace Mi Music with Spotify:

1. Turn off Mi Music via settings (see Method 1).
2. Install Spotify from Google Play.
3. In the Application settings, select Spotify to play music by default.

This will avoid the risks associated with deleting system files, but at the same time eliminate intrusive notifications and background activity.

💡

Disabling and replacing system applications is the safest way to optimize the Redmi Note 8T without the risk of damaging the system.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing system applications