How to uninstall the system application on Xiaomi Redmi: 5 proven methods

Why Xiaomi’s built-in apps are hindering users

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are known for their price-to-function ratio, but even the most loyal users face one common problem: an excess of pre-installed apps. MIUI - the brand's brand shell - often includes dozens of system utilities that cannot be removed by standard methods. This not only takes up space in memory, but also consumes battery power while working in the background.

According to a study by Counterpoint Research (2023), up to 38% of Redmi users have tried to get rid of embedded services like Mi Browser, Mi Music or GetApps. The reasons range from wanting to free up memory to concerns about data privacy (some applications collect statistics even without active use), but not everyone knows that removing system components can lead to unstable firmware or complete loss of functionality of individual modules (for example, a camera or NFC).

In this article, we’ll look at 5 ways to uninstall, from the safest (disable and hide) to the most radical (using ADB and root rights), and how to restore remote applications if something goes wrong, and what alternatives exist for those who are not willing to take risks.

Method 1: Disabling system applications (without deleting)

The easiest and safest method is not to delete, but to disable unnecessary programs, which will stop them from working, hide them from the menu and prevent background activity, suitable for 90% of users who want to save battery power and free up RAM.

How to do this:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 In the upper corner, click on three dots and select Show System Processes.
• ⚙️ Find the right app (such as Mi Video) and tap it.
• 🚫 Click Disable (if the button is inactive, the application is critical to the system).

⚠️ Note: Disabling some services (such as Mi Share or Security) may disrupt contactless payment or fingerprint scanner. Before acting, check if the application is being used by other features.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ No need for root rights or special knowledge.
• ✅ Reversible process – the application can be turned on again.
• ✅ Minimum risks to system stability.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ The application remains in the device memory (takes up space).
• ❌ Some processes may be automatically activated after the update. MIUI.

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Disabling is the best choice for beginners. It doesn’t delete the application files, but it completely stops it from working and background activity.

Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root rights)

If the shutdown isn’t enough, you can uninstall system apps using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which doesn’t require root rights, but requires connecting the smartphone to your computer.

Preparation:

1. Download ADB Tools for your OS.
2. Turn on Developer Mode on Redmi: go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.

Instructions for removal:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line (cmd) in the folder with ADB.
2. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
3. Find out the exact names of the application packages by the command: adb shell pm list packages | grep 'miui' (e.g. com.miui.video for Mi Video).
4. Delete the selected application: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name packet Flag --user 0 means deletion only for the current user (does not affect system files).

⚠️ Note: Deleting some packages (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) may result in loss of access to security settings or update errors MIUI. Before the action, create a backup copy of the data!

Install ADB Tools on PC

Enable the developer mode on Redmi

Activate debugging over USB

Download the list of MIUI packages (optional)

Create a backup copy of the data-->

Method 3: Removal with root rights (for experienced)

If you're willing to take risks, getting root rights will give you full control over your system files, and it will allow you to delete any applications, including those that are blocked even for ADB.

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
• ⚠️ Risk of “bricking” (turning into a “brick”) in case of an error.
• ⚠️ Some features (like Google Pay or banking apps) will stop working.

Popular tools for getting root on Xiaomi Redmi:

• 🔧 Magisk - the most secure method (retains the possibility of updates).
• 🔧 TWRP — custom recovery for installing modified firmware.
• 🔧 KingRoot – simple but less reliable (may contain ads).

Once you get root, use a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer or FX File Manager):

1. Go to /system/app or /system/priv-app.
2. Find a folder with the name of the application (for example, MiBrowser).
3. Delete the folder or rename it (add.bak at the end).
4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Removing files from /system This can lead to a cyclic bootloop, always check if the application is critical to work. MIUI. For example, deleting com.android.phone will prevent you from making calls.

Method 4: Use custom firmware (alternative to removal)

If the goal is to get rid of all the built-in Xiaomi apps, consider installing custom firmware. This is a radical method, but it gives you complete control of the system.

• 📱 LineageOS – “clean” Android without unnecessary services.
• 📱 Pixel Experience – firmware with Google Pixel interface.
• 📱 Havoc-OS – flexible firmware with many settings.
• 📱 MIUI EU — modified MIUI without Chinese services.

Advantages of custom firmware:

• ✅ Complete lack of built-in Xiaomi software.
• ✅ Regular security updates.
• ✅ Ability to fine-tune the interface.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Installation difficulty (requires unlocking the loader).
• ❌ Risk of data loss when incorrect firmware.
• ❌ Certain functions (e.g, IR-blaster) may not work properly.

Instructions for installing LineageOS:

1. Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account and wait 7 days).
2. Install TWRP Recovery for your model.
3. Download the firmware LineageOS and GApps (Google services) from the official website.
4. Download to TWRP, make a full backup and flash files.

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Before installing custom firmware, check its compatibility with your Redmi model on the XDA Developers forum. Incompatible firmware can bring the device down.

Method 5: Hiding applications without deleting (for MIUI 12 and later)

If your Redmi runs MIUI 12/13/14, you can use the built-in hide-out feature, which won't remove them, but will remove them from menus and search, and is useful for those who want to get rid of unnecessary utilities without risking the system.

How to hide the application:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Choose the right application (e.g. Mi Community).
3. Slip on three dots in the top corner and select Hide the app.
4. Confirm the action (if necessary, enter a password).

To return the hidden app:

1. Go to Settings → Special features → Show hidden applications.
2. Enter your password (if installed).
3. Select the app and click Show.

⚠️ Note: Hidden applications continue to take up space in memory and can be updated through the Play Market. To completely stop them from working, combine this method with disabling (Method 1).

Table: Which Xiaomi system applications can be removed (and which can not)

Before you delete any app, check for its dependence on other features, such as com.miui.gallery, which is linked to the photo editor and camera, and if you delete it, you can make mistakes when you shoot it.

What to do if after removal of the smartphone stopped working

If after manipulating system files, Redmi does not turn on, hovers on the logo or gives errors, act according to the algorithm:

1. Hard reboot: Hold Power + Volume up for 10 to 15 seconds, sometimes it helps you get out of the freeze.
2. Enter Recovery: Press Power + Volume up when turned on. From the recovery menu, select Wipe data/factory reset.
3. Fastboot Flash: Download the official firmware for your model from Xiaomi. Unpack the archive and connect your smartphone to your PC in Fastboot mode. + Volume down. Launch the script. flash_all.bat (Windows) or use the command: fastboot flash all file name.img
4. Contact the service: If self-recovery did not help, contact the authorized Xiaomi service center (especially if the device is warranty).

⚠️ Note: If you have deleted the system application through root and the smartphone is not turned on, try to return deleted files from the backup (if it was made). TWRP and copy the files back to /system/app.

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The most reliable way to restore is through Fastboot, which will return all system files to their original state, but delete user data.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing system applications on Xiaomi Redmi