How to Uninstall System Apps on Xiaomi Redmi: 3 Proven Methods (2026)

Xiaomi Redmi smartphone owners often face the problem of embedded applications that take up memory, consume battery power and interfere with comfortable work. Even after resetting the Mi Browser, Mi Music, GetApps and other MIUI services, they come back. Why is this happening? The fact is that the manufacturer integrates them at the firmware level, blocking the standard deletion through the menu.

In this article, we’ll break down three working ways to uninstall system applications on Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/11 and other models – from simple (no root) to advanced (with unlocking the bootloader), learn which programs can be safely deactivated and which ones should not be touched so as not to disrupt the MIUI. We’ll also tell you how to return everything back if something goes wrong.

⚠️ Important: Before any manipulations, back up your data through Settings → The phone. → Backup: Some methods can result in system failure or loss of warranty.

Why you can’t just remove system apps from the menu

Unlike custom software, Xiaomi’s firmware-based applications are protected at the firmware level, and here are the key reasons why they can’t be removed in the standard way:

• 🔒 Protection MIUI: Systemic APK-flag-marked files system/app or a private app that blocks their removal without special rights.
• 🔄 Auto-Recovery: After a Reboot or Update MIUI Automatically restores deleted components from backup in the folder /system.
• 📱 Dependencies: Some applications (e.g. MiuiSystemUI) are interface-related, and removing them will lead to system ruin.
• 🛡️ Security: Manufacturer restricts access to system files to prevent malware installation.

Even if you find the "Delete" option in the app menu, it will be inactive or replaced with "Disable"; the latter option only hides the program from the user, but does not free memory or stop background processes.

Method 1: Disabling system applications without root (the safest)

If you just need to hide unwanted programs and stop them, use the built-in shutdown feature, which does not require superuser rights and is suitable for all versions of MIUI 12/13/14.

How it works:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show all apps.
3. Find the app you want (such as Mi Browser) and open the page.
4. Click Disable (if the button is inactive, the application is critical to the system).
5. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

✅ Pros of the method: does not require technical skills, reversible, does not affect the warranty.

❌ Cons: the application remains in memory, and its data takes up space, and some programs (for example, Google Play Services) can not be disabled without consequences.

🌐 Mi Browser (if you use Chrome)

🎵 Mi Music (replace with Spotify or Yandex Music)

📦 GetApps (Xiaomi app store)

📺 Mi Video (unless you watch local videos)

📊 Security (if you use a third-party antivirus)-->

Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root but with PC)

For a deeper cleanup, Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a tool from Google that allows you to manage system files through a computer, which removes applications completely, but requires a connection to a PC and enable debugging over USB.

Step-by-step:

1. Preparation: Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive. Enable Developer Mode on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (tap 7 times). Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For Developers.
2. Connection: Connect your phone to your PC via USB-cable (use the original!) in the folder with ADB Start the command line (Shift) + PCM → Open the command window. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is displayed, go further.
3. Delete: Get a list of all packages: adb shell pm list packages -f Find the name of the package of the desired application (for example, com.miui.browser for Mi Browser). Delete it by command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browser The flag --user 0 means deletion only for the current user (does not affect system files).

🔹 Example of commands for popular applications:

⚠️ Note: Do not delete packages with the names com.android., com.qualcomm. or com.miui.home – this can cause your phone to fail!

💡

Before you delete, take a screenshot of the packet list or save it to a text file, which will help restore the applications if something goes wrong.

Method 3: Complete removal with Magisk (for advanced)

If you're willing to take drastic measures, you can get root rights through Magisk and manually remove system applications, which gives you maximum control, but requires unlocking the bootloader and voiding the warranty.

📌 What's the matter:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (instructions on the official Xiaomi website).
• 📱 Installed by Magisk (last version).
• 💻 PC ADB/Fastboot and Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60%.

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (the process takes up to 72 hours to wait).
2. Install a custom TWRP recavator for your Redmi model.
3. Sweep Magisk through TWRP and restart.
4. Install System App Remover from Magisk or use a root-access file manager (e.g., Root Explorer).
5. Go to the folder. /system/app or /system/priv-app and remove unnecessary APK-file.
6. Clean the cache in Settings → Memory → Clear the cache.

⚠️ Note: Delete critical files (e.g, MiuiSystemUI.apk) This will lead to a bootloop, and you can only recover the phone through Fastboot.

What system applications can be removed without risk

Not all embedded programs are equally useful, and here are some apps that can be safely removed or disabled on most Redmi devices:

🚫 What can't be removed:

• 📱 MiuiHome (main screen)
• ⚙️ Settings (settings)
• 📞 Phone and Contacts (calls/contacts)
• 🔒 Security (Security, but can be turned off)
• 📶 TeleService (communication module)

Deleting com.google.android.gsf or com.google.android.gms will result in loss of Google Play features and account sync.

How to Restore Remote System Applications

If you have encountered errors after cleaning or want to return standard programs, use one of the methods:

1. via ADB (if removed by the --user 0 command):

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.browser

This command will restore the application to the current user.

2. Through resetting:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset all settings (does not delete files, but returns system applications).

3. Through firmware:

• Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website.
• Fastboot or Recovery (instructions are available on the 4PDA or XDA forums).

💡

If applications fail after recovery, clear the cache in Settings → Memory → Clear the cache. This often solves startup problems.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When removing system applications, users often face the following problems:

⚠️ Note: If links from other apps stop opening after removing Mi Browser, install an alternative browser and configure it as the default app in Settings → Annexes → By default.

Typical errors:

• 🔄 "App stopped": It occurs when you delete a program that other services depend on (e.g. Mi Account). ADB.
• 📵 Mobile network gone: Chances are you deleted TeleService or MiuiTeleService. restore via firmware.
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge: After removing optimizers (Cleaner), background processes may not work properly.Install an alternative (e.g. Greenify).
• 🔒 Blocking Mi Account: If you delete Mi Account, the security may work.

💡 Tip: Before removing, check the dependency of the application through the command:

adb shell dumpsys package com.miui.browser

The conclusion will include information about related services.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions