Removing Xiaomi System Applications Without Root Rights: Expert Guide

Xiaomi’s modern smartphones are famous for their functionality and affordable price, but often suffer from excessive amounts of pre-installed software known as bloatware. Users wanting to free up RAM and increase device autonomy often wonder how to remove system applications on the Xiaomi without root rights.

The cleaning process does not require the acquisition of extended superuser rights, which preserves the official warranty on the device. However, interference with system components requires careful understanding of what a particular package is responsible for. Incorrect removal of critical services can lead to unstable gadget operation or even cyclical restart.

In this article, we'll look at safe cleaning methods, see which packets can be removed and which ones should be left alone, learn how to prepare your phone, install the necessary drivers, and execute commands to deactivate unnecessary software. Removing system components through ADB doesn't physically erase them from the Recovery partition, it only disables them for the current user, making it easy to restore everything back.

Preparing a smartphone and computer to work with ADB

Before you start any manipulation of system files, you need to set the environment correctly, first of all, you need a computer running Windows, macOS or Linux, as well as a high-quality computer. USB-On your smartphone, you need to activate the developer mode, hidden in the depth of the settings.

To do this, go to the Settings menu. → About the phone and find the line "Version" MIUI». You need to press this line quickly. 7-10 Once in a row, until the notification "You became a developer" appears, and then a new option "Developers" will appear in the menu of additional settings».

Inside the developer menu, you need to find and enable two important options: “Debugging by USB” and “Debugging by USB (Security Settings).” The second option allows the computer to control the device by simulating clicks. Without it, the computer will see the phone, but will not be able to send deletion commands.

☑️ Checking readiness

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You have to download and unpack the Platform-tools package from Google's official website, a set of utilities that includes ADB (Android Debug Bridge), and when you connect your smartphone to your PC with a cable, you'll see a request for debugging permission on your phone's screen -- be sure to tick "Always Allow" and click "OK."

Installation and configuration of removal tools

There are two main ways to interact with the system: through the command line (console) and using graphical shells. The console method is the most reliable and versatile, since it does not depend on the versions of third-party programs. ADB/Fastboot Tools or Universal Android Debloater, can simplify the process for beginners.

If you choose the console method, open the folder with the Platform-tools unpacked. In the address bar of Windows Explorer, type cmd and press Enter. The terminal window will open black. Enter the adb device command. If done correctly, you will see your device serial number and device status.

⚠️ Warning: If the device number is unauthorized, look at the smartphone screen. RSA-Without the confirmation of this request on the phone screen, the computer will not have access to the file system.

For those who are afraid of the command line, there are shell programs that automatically read the list of installed packages and suggest that they be removed with a single button. However, such programs may not support the latest models or specific versions of MIUI, so manual method through the console is often preferable for expert work.

📊 What is the method of working with ADB you prefer?
Command line (manual input)
Graphical Utilities (GUI)
Third-party application managers
I'm not risking removing the system.

Search for packet names to remove

The hardest part of the process is figuring out which app is responsible for what. In Android, each application has a unique package name, usually starting with the developer domain (e.g. com.android.chrome or com.miui.player). You can't just delete the Calculator by name, you need to know its exact identifier.

To get a complete list of all installed packets, enter the command in the terminal:

adb shell pm list packages

This command will display a huge list of lines. To find a specific application, use a filter. For example, to search for all Google services, type: adb shell pm list packages | findstr google (in Windows) or adb shell pm list packages | grep google (in macOS/Linux).

There is also a useful table of common Xiaomi system packages that users often delete:

Packet nameDescription of the componentRecommendation
com.miui.analyticsCollection of usage statistics (Msa)Safe to remove
com.miui.miserviceApplication "Services and feedback"Can be removed
com.android.browserStandard Mi browserDelete if there is Chrome
com.miui.playerStandard music playerAs you wish.
com.google.android.apps.photosGoogle PhotoDon't touch (needs backup)

There are package databases on the Internet that can check the destination of an unknown name. Never delete packets that you don't know what they're supposed to be, especially if the name includes the words framework, provider, or service without explicitly referring to a specific application.

The process of removing and hiding applications

Once you have decided on the list of candidates for removal, you can start the practical part. The command to remove the application for the current user is as follows:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name packet

Here. -k means storing cache and data (in case of recovery) and --user 0 It's important to understand that the application doesn't disappear completely from the disk, it just becomes invisible to the system and the user.

If you want to simply hide the app without removing it, you can use the Freeze command:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 name packet

This method is considered safer, since at any time the application can be defrost with the command pm enable. Freeze completely stops the application processes, freeing up RAM and stopping battery consumption, but leaves the files in place.

What to do if the team is not executed?
If you get a Failure [not installed for 0] error, it means that the application has already been removed for the current user. If the error is "Permission denied", check if the debugging is enabled over USB and if the cable is connected.

Once the command is completed, the terminal will issue a Success message. The changes are effective instantly, no reboot is usually required. You can check the result by opening the menu of all the apps on the phone - the icon should disappear.

Recovery of Remote System Components

Since we didn’t physically erase files, but only disabled them for the user, the recovery process is as simple as possible. To return a remote application, you just need to execute the reinstll command for the current user.

Use the following syntax:

adb shell cmd package install-existing name packet

This command forces the package system manager to re-register the application for user 0. Once it is executed, the icon will appear in the menu, and the services will begin to work normally.

⚠️ Note: If you have removed a critical system component (e.g. com.android.phone or com.miui.home), the phone may go into a cyclic bootloop, in which case only resetting to factory settings via Recovery Mode (Strong Up buttons) will help. + Nutrition).

It is recommended to keep a text file with a list of all deleted packets before cleaning, which will quickly restore the system to work in case of unforeseen errors, copying commands to the clipboard before inserting into the terminal also reduces the risk of typos.

Risks and Limitations of Working with MIUI

The MIUI shell has its own security features: some system applications, such as Security, Themes, or Explorer, are deeply integrated into the system, and their removal can cause Task Manager failures, file downloads, or lock screen failures.

Also, after a major firmware update, the system can automatically restore previously deleted stock applications, which is normal, since the updated system partition contains the full set of source files, in which case the cleaning procedure will have to be repeated.

💡

Before you remove the standard gallery, install an alternative like Google Photos or Simple Gallery, otherwise you won’t have a default viewing app.

Also, consider that some Xiaomi services are tied together. Removing the "Framework Services" (com.xiaomi.mipicks or similar) can cause the GetApps app store or cloud services to fail. Always test removing one or two packets before mass sweeping.

💡

It is safest to remove only explicitly advertising services (Msa, Analytics) and duplicate applications (browsers, players), leaving the basic system services unuched.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I remove Google services on the Chinese version of Xiaomi?
Yes, global firmware versions have Google services built in; Chinese (CN) versions can install them separately and then uninstall them in the standard way through ADB if they are no longer needed; however, deleting services (com.google.android.gms) will render most Western applications inoperable.
Will the warranty fly off after using ADB?
No, using USB debugging and uninstalling applications via ADB is not a system hack (root) and will not unlock the bootloader. Software this action is reversible, so formally the warranty is maintained unless you physically damage the device or “brick” it by removing critical drivers.
What if the phone stops turning on after removal?
If the device goes into a bootloom, you need to reset the data (Wipe Data) through the Recovery menu. To enter it, turn off the phone and press the power and volume button (usually up), which will return the phone to factory state with all the original applications.
Do I need to re-enable USB debugging after each reboot?
No, the "Debugging by" setting USB» It's permanent, but if you change your computer, or USB-cable, Android security system may request confirmation again RSA-keyboard.