Xiaomi smartphones are known for their rich functionality, but many users face the problem of imposed system applications that take up memory, consume battery power and are not removed in standard ways. Unlike conventional programs that can be uninstalled through Settings → Applications, system utilities (for example, Mi Browser, Mi Video, GetApps or Security) are often blocked by the manufacturer. Their removal requires special tools and knowledge to not disturb the stability of MIUI.
In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods for removing system applications on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, including root-free and ADB-based methods. Particular attention will be paid to the risks that arise when removing critical MIUI components – for example, deleting the Mi Account or Framework can lead to a device “brick”.
Why Xiaomi is blocking the removal of system applications?
The manufacturer integrates dozens of pre-installed programs into MIUI firmware for several reasons:
- 🔄 Service Ecosystem: Apps like Mi Home or Mi Cloud synchronize data between Xiaomi devices (smart watches, lamps, vacuum cleaners).
- 💰 Monetization: Advertising modules in Mi Browser or GetApps bring revenue to companies.
- 🛡️ Security: Security or Cleaner-type utilities protect against viruses and optimize system performance.
- 📱 Functionality MIUI: Some applications (for example, Theme Manager) are responsible for the work of themes and widgets.
But not all of these programs are useful, such as Mi Music or Mi Pay, which duplicates Google Play Music and Google Pay, while Mi Community is considered unnecessary by many users, and some system applications run in the background, consuming up to 10% of battery life per day (according to XDA Developers’ tests on the Redmi Note 12 Pro).
⚠️ Attention: Removal of applications related to MIUI Framework (e.g. com.miui.system) can cause a cyclical reboot or a complete failure of the smartphone. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
Method 1: Disabling system applications without deletion (Secure Method)
If you just need to free up the memory and stop the background activity of unnecessary programs, you just need to turn them off. This method does not require root rights and does not violate the integrity of the system.
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show all apps.
- Find the app you want (such as Mi Browser) and open your card.
- Click Disable (if the button is inactive, the application is critical to the system).
After deactivation, the annex:
- ✅ Disappears from the menu and launcher.
- ✅ It will stop updating through the Play Market.
- ✅ It will not consume battery power in the background.
- ❌ But it will remain in the memory of the device (the seat occupied will not be vacant).
This method is suitable for most “junk” applications, such as:
- 🌐 Mi Browser (com.android.browser)
- 🎵 Mi Music (com.miui.player)
- 📺 Mi Video (com.miui.videoplayer)
- 🛒 GetApps (com.xiaomi.mipicks)
⚠️ Note: Do not disable Mi Account (com.xiaomi.account), Security (com.miui.securitycenter), or System UI (com.miui.systemui – this will cause errors in the interface.
Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root rights)
ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is an Android debugging tool that allows you to manage system files without obtaining root rights. The method works on all Xiaomi smartphones with an unlocked bootloader and enabled debugging over USB.
Advantages of the method:
- ✅ Doesn't require root rights.
- ✅ It works on most models (Redmi Note 11, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and others.).
- ✅ You can return the remote application with the adb install command.
Disadvantages:
- ❌ Requires a connection to the PC.
- ❌ If you make an error, you can remove a critical application.
Step-by-step:
- Activate USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI to turn on Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers. Enable USB debugging and confirm permission.
Install ADB on PC
- Download the Google Platform Tools.
- Unpack the archive in the folder C:\platform-tools.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB (select File Transfer mode).
- Check Connection: Adb devices If the device appears in the list, you can continue.
- Remove the unnecessary application: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name package Example for Mi Browser: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser
Limitations of the method:
- ❌ It does not work on all models (only on the POCO F5 The App Manager section may not open).
- ❌ Requires root or ADB-permissions for full functionality.
- ❌ Not all system applications are available for removal.
The advantage of this is that it has a visual interface that makes it easier to find unnecessary packages, for example, you can see which apps take up the most space or have active background processes.
What if MIUI Hidden Settings doesn’t see system applications?
Method 4: Delete with root rights (for power users)
Getting root rights gives you complete control over the system, but it takes away the guarantee and increases the risk of bricking the device, a method that is only suitable for experienced users who are prepared for the possible consequences.
What you need:
- 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (instructions on the Xiaomi website).
- 📱 Installed Recovery (TWRP Or OrangeFox).
- 🛠️ Magisk Program for Root Rights Management.
- Fly the device through the Mi Flash Tool: Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website. Use the Mi Flash Tool to restore the system. If the smartphone does not turn on even after reset, the boot partition may be damaged. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable). FAQ: Frequent questions about removing system applications on Xiaomi Can you uninstall Mi Browser without consequences? Yes, Mi Browser (com.android.browser) can be safely removed via ADB It doesn't affect how the system works, but some web links from other applications (e.g. Mi Community) can be opened with an error, in which case install an alternative browser (e.g. Chrome) and assign it to the default browser. How to know which system application can be removed and which can not? List of safe packet removal: 📁 com.android.browser — Mi Browser 🎵 com.miui.player — Mi Music 📺 com.miui.videoplayer — Mi Video 🛒 com.xiaomi.mipicks — GetApps 💬 com.xiaomi.forum - Mi Community Do not delete packets with names: 🚫 com.miui.securitycenter - Security (System Protection) 🚫 com.xiaomi.account – Mi Account (Xiaomi account) 🚫 com.miui.system — MIUI Will Google Pay work after removing system applications? Google Pay depends on Google Play Services, not Xiaomi system applications. However, if you delete Mi Security (com.miui.securitycenter), it may disrupt SafetyNet and Google Pay will stop accepting payments.To avoid the problem, check SafetyNet status through the SafetyNet Test app? Yes, but with limitations: Use MIUI Hidden Settings (requires root or ADB-Install the App Inspector (from Play Market) to find packet names, then turn them off in the settings, MIUI EU) There's a built-in debloating feature. But you can only delete completely without a PC with root rights. How do you return a remote system application if you don't have a backup? There are two ways: ADB (if the package has not been completely erased: adb shell cmd package install-existing name packet Through firmware: Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website. system.img. Use it. 7-Zip or WinRAR to open. system.img And find the folder with the application you want. /system/app on a smartphone (root rights required).