How to Remove Unnecessary System Apps on Xiaomi Redmi with MIUI 12:5 Proven Methods

MIUI 12

Xiaomi Redmi

Mi Browser

Mi Music

yes

Many users are afraid to “break” the system by deleting system files, and for good reason: careless actions can lead to a cyclical restart (bootloop) or loss of functionality (for example, the camera or mobile network will stop working). However, there are legitimate ways to get rid of unnecessary software, both without the rights of the superuser (root), and with them. MIUI 12, including hidden settings, ADB-commands and tools for firmware.

It's important to understand that not all system applications can be removed without consequences, some are critical to MIUI, and others are simply duplicate functions (for example, two browsers or two file managers), and we will help you determine what you can touch and what you can leave.

1. Which system applications can be removed and which cannot be removed

Before you take down, you need to be clear about which programs are safe to remove and which are better to disable or replace. In MIUI 12, all preinstalled applications fall into three categories:

• 🔹 Safe to remove: duplicate programs (Mi Browser with Chrome, Mi Music with Spotify), advertising services (Msa, Analytics), unnecessary utilities (Mi Drop, Mi Remote).
• 🔸 Conditionally safe: you can delete, but it will affect the functionality (for example, Mi Video - will lose support for some codecs, Security - will lose antivirus and optimizer).
• 🔴 Critical: Deletion will lead to failures (Mi Account, Settings, System) UI, Google Play Services).

How do you determine which category an app belongs to? Use the table below or check it out through ADB (more on that later). For example, Mi Browser (com.android.browser) can be easily deleted if you use Chrome or Firefox. But Mi Account (com.xiaomi.account) is not worth touching - without it, data synchronization and cloud backup will not work.

If you are not sure if you can remove a particular application, first disable it through settings (Settings → Applications → Application Management → [name] → Disable).

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Before you uninstall any system application, back up your data via Settings → About Phone → Backup. This will help restore the system if something goes wrong.

Method 1: Disabling system applications without deleting

The safest method is to disable unnecessary programs, not delete them completely, which won't free up memory, but will stop background activity and remove icons from the menu, suitable for those who don't want to risk system stability.

How to turn it off:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Show All Apps.
3. Find the right app (like Mi Browser) and tap it.
4. Click Disable (if the button is inactive, the application is critical to the system).
5. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

After the shutdown:

• 📱 The app icon will disappear from the menu.
• 🔄 It will no longer be updated through the Play Market.
• 🛑 Background processes will be stopped (saves battery power).

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g., Security or Mi Account) cannot be turned off, the system simply won’t let you do it, and associated features may disappear after the shutdown (e.g., disabling Mi Video will remove support for some video formats in the gallery).

If you want to return a disabled application, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → [three dots] → Show disabled and click Enable.

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Disabling system applications is the only method that does not require superuser rights and does not violate Xiaomi’s warranty.

3. Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root rights)

If the shutdown is not enough, you can uninstall system applications via Android Debug Bridge (ADB).This method does not require root, but will require connecting the smartphone to the computer.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or quality).
• 📦 Utility. ADB (You can download from the official Android website).
• ⚙️ Included debugging by USB smartphone.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging and confirm permission.
2. Connect your smartphone to your computer and select File Transfer mode.
3. Open the command prompt (CMD in Windows or Terminal in macOS/Linux) in the ADB folder.
4. Check the connection command: adb devices If the device is displayed – the connection is established.
5. Remove the unnecessary application by command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name.pack For example, to remove Mi Browser: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser

After the command is executed, the application will be deleted only for the current user (parameter). --user 0). That means it's still in the system, but it won't be visible and it won't work:

adb shell cmd package install-existing name.packet

⚠️ Attention: Removal through ADB does not free up space in the section /system, Because the application files are left on the device, but it stops taking up space in the user's memory and does not consume resources.

Method 3: Removal with root rights (for experienced)

If you have root access (for example, through Magisk), you can completely remove system applications by freeing up space in the /system partition. This method is the most radical and requires caution: an error can lead to a bootloop (cyclical reboot).

What you need:

• 🔓 Installed by Magisk or other root manager.
• 📱 Root Explorer or System App Remover (available on Play Market).
• 🔄 Backup copy of the firmware (recommended to be done through TWRP).

Instructions via System App Remover:

1. Open the application and provide root access.
2. In the list, find an unnecessary system application (for example, Mi Browser).
3. Then click on it and select Remove (do not disable!).
4. Confirm the action and restart the smartphone.

Alternative method through ADB root:

adb shell


su




mount -o rw,remount /system




rm -rf /system/app/Name Apps




rm -rf /system/priv-app/NameFoldsApplications




mount -o ro,remount /system




exit




exit

Where Application Names are the folder with APK-You can find out the exact name through Root Explorer in the folder. /system/app or /system/priv-app.

⚠️ Note: After the system application is completely removed, it can only be restored through firmware (reinstallation). MIUI). Backup copy through TWRP Or Magisk is required! Also note that some updates are required. MIUI Can return remote applications.

5. Method 4: Use of custom firmware (alternative to removal)

If you’re tired of constantly struggling with system applications, consider installing custom firmware (like LineageOS, Pixel Experience, or MIUI without bloat) that lacks Xiaomi’s pre-installed software and often offers a cleaner, faster interface.

The advantages of custom firmware:

• 🧹 No unnecessary applications MIUI.
• 🚀 Higher productivity (no background processes).
• 🔄 Regular updates (as opposed to official updates, which may be delayed).

Cons:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if you do not return the stock firmware before the service).
• 🔧 Installation difficulty (needs an unlocked boot loader and TWRP).
• 📱 Possible bugs (not all functions can work correctly).

Popular firmware for Xiaomi Redmi:

Installation of custom firmware requires:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool.
2. Installations of custom recavery (TWRP).
3. Create a backup copy of the current firmware.
4. Firmware of the new system through TWRP.

If you're a beginner, you'd better start with a Bloat-free MIUI firmware, which retains all the features but removes unnecessary applications, and examples of these firmware can be found on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forum.

6. Method 5: Reset to factory settings with a selection of applications

Little-known fact: when resetting to factory settings, MIUI 12 can choose which system applications to restore, which won't remove them completely, but will keep you from installing unnecessary programs after reset.

How it works:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset all settings (do not delete all data!).
3. At the setup stage after the reset, the system will prompt you to choose which applications to restore.
4. Uncheck the boxes from unnecessary programs (for example, Mi Browser, Mi Music).

This method does not physically remove applications, but prevents them from being automatically installed after being reset, and is suitable for those who want a clean system without any extra software, but are not ready to use ADB or root.

⚠️ Attention: Resetting will delete all your data (photos, contacts, messages) if it is not stored in the cloud or on a memory card. backup via Settings → The phone. → Backup or Mi Cloud Backup.

7 Risks and How to Restore the System After Errors

Removing system applications is always risky, and even if you follow the instructions, you may face:

• 🔄 Bootloop (Cyclical Reboot) – if a critical application is removed.
• 📵 Loss of communication – if you have touched Google Play services or modules MIUI.
• 🔧 Camera, sensor, or Wi-Fi failures – if drivers or system libraries are removed.

How to restore the system:

If the smartphone does not turn on, the only way out is through Fastboot:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website.
2. Unpack the archive and launch the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (Loudness down + Power).
4. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

The only way to ensure that you can return to work after a failed deletion of system files is to completely flash through Fastboot. Backups via TWRP or Magisk may not help if the system area is damaged.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing system applications on Xiaomi