How to Uninstall System Applications on Xiaomi Without ROOT, Unlock bootloader and Firmware: 5 Working Ways

Why are Xiaomi’s built-in apps bothering users?

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are known for their abundance of pre-installed system applications, from Mi Browser and Mi Video to obscure services like Mijia or Xiaomi Cloud. Many of them not only take up memory space, but also work in the background, consuming battery power and traffic. The problem is compounded by the fact that standard removal methods (via the app menu) are often blocked by the system.

Most guides on the network offer radical solutions: unlocking the bootloader, receiving ROOT-But these methods void warranty, increase the risk of "bricking" the device, and require technical skills. Fortunately, there are alternative ways to disable or remove system applications without interfering with firmware. 5 proven methods that work on MIUI 12/13/14 (including HyperOS without the need to unlock.

It is important to understand that even "safe" methods have limitations, for example, some applications (such as Security or Settings) are critical to the system, and removing them can lead to failures.

Method 1: Disconnect via settings (without deleting)

The easiest and safest way is to disable unnecessary system applications through standard settings.This won't free up memory, but will stop background processes and notifications. The instruction is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5 and Xiaomi's flagship 12/13/14.

How to do this:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the upper right corner, click on three dots and select Show All Apps.
3. Find the app you want (such as Mi Browser or Mi Music) and open the page.
4. Click Disable (if the button is active).

⚠️ Note: Not all system applications can be disabled this way, such as Mi Security or Mi Account are usually blocked, and after disabling some functions (such as themes or cloud redundancy) may not work properly.

Method 2: Use ADB (without ROOT)

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a tool from Google that allows you to manage system applications through a computer. The method works for all Xiaomi with USB debugging enabled and does not require unlocking the bootloader. The main advantage is the ability to completely remove (not only disable) unnecessary applications.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
2. On your smartphone, turn it on: ⚙️ Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times to activate the developer mode). 🔧 Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB.

Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.

adb

adb devices

(Your device should be displayed. If not, check the drivers.)

adb shell pm list packages -f | grep 'miui'

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

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browser

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

⚠️ Note: Deleting some packages (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) may result in loss of functionality (e.g., the security menu disappears.

Method 3: Use the App Inspector application (to identify packets)

Before you delete it through ADB, you need to know exactly the name of the application package, and it is convenient to use the App Inspector app (available on Google Play), which shows the complete data about any installed software, including hidden system components.

How to use:

1. Install App Inspector from Play Market.
2. Open the app and give it access to information about other programs.
3. Find the system application you want in the list and copy its Package Name (e.g. com.miui.gallery for gallery).
4. Use this name in ADB commands (see Method 2).

App Inspector also shows which apps are active in the background and how much resources they consume, helping to identify the most voracious candidates for removal, for example, many users are surprised to learn that Mi Video or Mi Browser consume up to 10% of battery life per day even without active use.

💡

If the App Inspector doesn’t show system apps, try the alternative, Package Name Viewer 2.0, which works even on restricted devices.

Method 4: Removal through MIUI Lab (hidden function)

MIUI has a hidden menu called MIUI Lab that allows you to manage system components, which is suitable for devices running MIUI 12/13 and does not require a PC connection, but access to the lab may be restricted in some regional firmware.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. In the search bar (top), type the Laboratory or MIUI Laboratory.
3. Select the MIUI Lab (if it appears).
4. Go to App Management or App Management.
5. Find the unnecessary app and click Remove or Disable.

⚠️ Note: Some versions of HyperOS may not have a lab or may be renamed. If the search doesn't work, try.laboratory or hidden settings.

The advantage of this method is a visual interface that is easier for beginners than ADB commands. However, the list of applications available for removal is limited here compared to ADB.

💡

MIUI is the safest way to remove system applications, but it doesn't work on all firmware. If it's not in your version, use ADB.

Method 5: Reset to factory settings with application selection (MIUI 14/HyperOS)

The latest versions of MIUI 14 and HyperOS have introduced a selective reset feature that allows you to remove pre-installed applications without completely cleaning the device, a method that is suitable if you do not want to take risks with ADB or a lab.

How it works:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset App Settings (not to be confused with a full reset!).
3. The system will offer a list of applications that can be removed. Mark the ones that are unnecessary.
4. Confirm the action. The phone will reboot and the selected apps will disappear.

If you've manipulated the phone to stop turning on or loading into a fastboot, don't panic. Most of the time, hard resets help.

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. Select Wipe Data (manage volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
4. After resetting, the phone will boot in its original state.

⚠️ Warning: Hard reset deletes all user data (photos, contacts, messages) if you didn't have a backup, it won't be possible to restore it.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing system applications on Xiaomi