Xiaomi smartphone owners regularly face the problem of pre-installed system applications that take up space in memory, consume battery power and sometimes even show annoying advertising. Deleting such programs without ROOT-rights seems impossible β the manufacturer blocks standard methods of uninstallation, and the official settings offer only βdisconnection.β
In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods for MIUI 14/15 (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark) that will help free up memory and speed up the device. Importantly, all methods are tested on current firmware in 2026 and do not require unlocking the bootloader or superuser rights. But before you start, make sure that you understand that removing system applications can violate the stability of MIUI - some functions (such as themes or cloud backup) may stop working.
Why Xiaomi is blocking the removal of system applications?
The manufacturer integrates pre-installed software for several reasons, and not all of them are related to βgreedβ or advertising. First, some applications (Mi Video, Mi Music, Themes) provide key functions of MIUI, such as synchronizing themes or accessing branded services. Second, Xiaomi enters into partnerships with developers (for example, Facebook, Netflix, LinkedIn), for which it receives financial benefits.
From a technical point of view, system applications are stored in the section /system, recordless ROOT. Even if you delete APK-So if you manually reset the file, the system will restore it the next time you update it or reboot it. β Annexes β Delete for such programs is simply not available.
- π Failure Protection: Removing critical services (such as Mi Account or Security) can lead to a βbootloopβ (cyclical reboot).
- π± One experience MIUI: The firmware is optimized for a specific set of software - its absence can disrupt the work of gestures or animations.
- π° Monetization: Affiliate apps (such as Mi Browser with embedded ads) generate revenue for the company.
β οΈ Warning: Removing applications like com.miui.securitycenter or com.android.phone will make your device unusable for calls or network connections. Always check the name of the package before uninstallation!
Method 1: Disconnect via settings (without deleting)
The safest method is not to delete, but to disable unnecessary applications, which will stop their background activity, hide icons from the menu and prevent automatic updating.
Instructions for MIUI 14/15:
- Open Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show all apps.
- Find the right app (such as Mi Browser or Mi Pay).
- Click Disconnect β Confirm the action.
Use a filter to mass disable: in the same application management menu, select Systems at the top, and all pre-installed programs are displayed here, sorted by size.
Check the name of the package in Settings β About Phone β MIUI version (for compatibility)
Create a backup copy of important data
Make sure the app is not linked to basic features (calls, SMS, Wi-Fi)
Turn off auto-update for this app in Play Market-->
| Annex | Package | Can I turn it off? | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Browser | com.android.browser | β Yes. | Loss of access to the web browser by default |
| Mi Video | com.miui.videoplayer | β Yes. | You canβt play the video through the gallery. |
| Mi Pay | com.mipay.wallet | β Yes. | Contactless payment via MIUI is not available |
| Security (Security) | com.miui.securitycenter | β No. | Violation of antivirus and optimization |
| Themes | com.android.themes | β οΈ Partially. | Resetting the themes of the design to the standard |
Method 2: Use ADB (without ROOT but with debugging)
Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is Google's official tool for controlling a device via the command line, and even though ADB requires a computer to run, there are mobile wrappers that emulate its features directly on a smartphone, like ADB AppControl or App Inspector.
Algorithm of action:
- Download the ADB AppControl app from Play Market (XDA developer).
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings β About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
- Return to Settings β Additional β For developers and enable USB debugging.
- Run ADB AppControl, connect to a local server, and select Uninstall for all users for the desired application.
Example of manual input command (if you use a PC):
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browserπ‘
Before deleting via ADB, check dependent packets with the adb shell dumpsys package com.name.packet.If the output contains the line "required-for":, the application is associated with other services and its removal may cause failures.
β οΈ Note: Some applications (e.g. com.google.android.gsf β Google services) after being deleted via ADB They will recover the next time you connect to the Internet. To avoid this, pre-disable auto-update in the Play Market.
Method 3: Deactivation through MIUI Laboratory (hidden mode)
Xiaomi hides advanced settings in the MIUI Lab menu, which is not available on all firmware, which allows you not only to disable, but also completely remove some system applications without ROOT. However, the path to the menu depends on the version of MIUI and the device model.
How to find the Lab:
- Open the Settings. β The phone.
- Tap 5 times on the MIUI version (not to be confused with the developer mode!).
- Return to the main settings menu and a new item will appear in the MIUI Lab.
- Go to Application Management β Uninstallation of system applications.
The list of applications available for removal is limited, for example, you can get rid of Mi Browser, Mi Music or Mi Pay, but not Security or Settings. Once deleted, the application files will disappear from memory, but can be restored after a major MIUI update.
What happens if the MIUI Lab does not open?
Method 4: Using third-party launchers to hide applications
If your goal is simply to remove unnecessary icons from the screen, rather than free up memory, alternative launchers will be the easiest solution, and apps like Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher, or Microsoft Launcher allow you to hide system programs without tampering with the file system.
How to hide apps in Nova Launcher:
- Install Nova Launcher from Play Market and make it the default launcher.
- Press your finger on the home screen β select Settings Nova.
- Go to Hidden Applications and tick off unnecessary programs.
- Save the settings β the icons will disappear from the menu.
Advantages of the method:
- π Reversibility: Applications remain in the system and can be returned in two clicks.
- π‘οΈ Security: No risk of damaging firmware or losing functionality.
- π¨ Additional chips: Launchers offer customization of icons, gestures and animations.
β οΈ Attention: applications hidden through the launcher continue to work in the background and consume resources. MIUI (see method 1).
Disconnect via MIUI|ADB settings without ROOT| MIUI |Lab |Hide through launcher |I do not delete system applications-->
Method 5: Recovery Removal (Advanced Method)
This method is suitable for experienced users and requires an unlocked bootloader (but not a single one). ROOT!). The essence of the method is to boot into Recovery Mode and manually remove APK-System application files. Risks are high: if the device fails, it may stop booting.
Step-by-step:
- Download TWRP Recovery for your Xiaomi model (for example, for Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5).
- Install TWRP via Fastboot (you need a computer for this step!).
- Boot in Recovery: Turn off the phone, then press Power + Volume Up.
- In TWRP, select File Manager β go to /system/priv-app or /system/app.
- Find a folder with the name of an unwanted app (such as MiBrowser) and delete it.
- Reset the device.
Important: Before deleting, back up /system partition to TWRP (Backup item). If the phone doesn't boot after manipulation, restore the backup.
π‘
Recovery is the only way to physically erase system applications without ROOT, but it requires unlocking the bootloader and carries the risk of "bricking" the device.
What should I do if there are problems after removal?
Even if you follow the instructions, removing system applications can cause crashes, and here are the typical symptoms and ways to address them:
| Problem. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Persistent errors com.android.phone | Critical System Process Removed | Restore the application via ADB: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.phone |
| Themes or fonts don't work | Deleted com.android.themes | Install themes manually via APKMirror or roll back to factory settings |
| The device is cyclically restarted | The /system partition is damaged | Flush the firmware through Fastboot or restore the backup to TWRP |
| Play Market is not working. | Google Services (GMS) Removed | Reinstall Google Play Services via APK |
If the device is not booting, try the following steps:
- Download to Fastboot Mode (press Power + Volume Down when the phone is off).
- Connect your phone to your PC and run the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
- If the bootloader is blocked, unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account binding).