How to remove unnecessary system applications on Xiaomi Mi 9: a detailed guide

Why users want to get rid of system applications on Xiaomi Mi 9

The Xiaomi Mi 9, released in 2019, is still a popular device thanks to its powerful hardware and regular MIUI updates. However, many owners face the same problem: an abundance of preinstalled apps that cannot be removed by standard methods, including Mi Browser, Mi Music, Mi Video, GetApps, Mi Pay and dozens of other utilities that take up space in memory, consume battery power in the background and sometimes even send analytics without the user’s knowledge.

According to research, on Xiaomi Mi 9 with MIUI 12/13/14 firmware, system applications can take up to 3-5 GB of internal memory, some of which duplicate the functions of Google services or third-party programs. For example, why do you need Google Chrome and Mi Browser at the same time if the first one is more stable? Or why keep Mi Music if you use Spotify or Yandex Music? Unfortunately, Xiaomi does not provide the ability to completely remove them through the menu - only a shutdown that does not free up space.

In this article, we will discuss three working methods for removing system applications on Xiaomi Mi 9 without receiving the system. ROOT-We will also explain the risks and how to get it back if something goes wrong. Importantly, the procedure requires care – incorrect actions can lead to a cyclical reboot or loss of functionality (for example, a camera or mobile network failure).

Preparing for removal: what you need to know before starting

Before you start removing system applications, you need to follow a few critical steps: First, back up all your data. Even if you plan to use a secure method through ADB, there is always a risk of failure. The backup will suit the built-in Settings → About Phone → Backup or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires ROOT).

Second, check the MIUI version and device model. Some firmware (especially global MIUI Global) can block ADB commands or restore remote applications after an update. You can find out the version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. For Xiaomi Mi 9, firmware from MIUI 10 to MIUI 14 (based on Android 9-12) is relevant.

• 📱 Make sure the battery is above 50% – interrupting the process due to discharge can lead to a “brick».
• 🔌 Use the original. USB-cables – cheap cables often don’t transmit data to the ADB.
• 🔒 Turn off the screen lock (PIN/pattern lock for the duration of operation – this will simplify access to the device.
• 📡 Connect to stable Wi-Fi – some methods require downloading files.

⚠️ Note: Removal of system applications may disrupt Google Mobile Services (GMS) or Xiaomi features such as themes, cloud storage or push notifications, such as deleting com.miui.cloudservice will make it impossible to synchronize notes and contacts.

Method 1: Removal via ADB (without ROOT)

The most popular and relatively safe way to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This tool allows you to control the device through the PC command line, including uninstallation of system packages. The advantage of the method is that it does not require unlocking the bootloader or receiving the download. ROOT-right, but only works for deblocked applications (those that can be disabled in settings).

First you need to turn on debugging via USB:

1. Go to Settings → About phone and tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission on the smartphone screen.

Next, download and install. ADB-Windows drivers (official Platform Tools package) or use Minimal ADB and Fastboot. After connecting the device, open the command line in the folder with ADB enter:

adb devices

If the phone is listed, you can start deleting it. First, you get a list of all the packages.

adb shell pm list packages -f

Now, find an unnecessary app (e.g. com.android.browser for Mi Browser) and follow the command:

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

• 🔄 Flag. -k saves cache and application data (in case of recovery).
• 👤 Flag. --user 0 Indicates the current user (does not affect system files).

⚠️ Note: Some packages (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) are critical to the system, and if they are deleted, they will result in loss of access to security settings or inability to install applications.

Method 2: Using MIUI Optimizer (requires unlocking the bootloader)

If ADB failed to perform the task (for example, the application is not deleted due to restrictions) MIUI), we can use the utility MIUI Optimizer. This method requires an unlocked bootloader, but not necessarily ROOT-The utility allows you to disable or delete system packets through a graphical interface, which is more convenient than commands. ADB.

First, unlock the bootloader on the Xiaomi Mi 9 through the official Mi Unlock Tool (instructions on the Xiaomi website).

1. Download MIUI Optimizer (the version for your firmware).
2. Install. APK-phone-file.
3. Run the utility and grant the rights of the superuser (if required).
4. Go to the App Manager section and select the removal apps.

The advantage of MIUI Optimizer is that it shows the dependencies of packets and warns about the possible consequences. For example, deleting com.miui.gallery may disrupt the work of a standard gallery, but the utility will offer an alternative (for example, Google Photos).

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Before you delete the package via MIUI Optimizer, take a screenshot of its name and version. If you have problems after you delete it, you can quickly find the APK to restore manually.

Method 3: Disabling system applications (without deleting)

If the risks of deleting you are frightening, you can go a safer route of disabling unnecessary applications, which will not free up space on the disk, but will stop them from working in the background and remove icons from the menu.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an unneeded app (such as Mi Browser).
3. Click Disable and confirm the action.

The apps that are disabled won't update through the Play Market and won't be able to run automatically, but they will stay on the system and take up space. To bring them back, just click Enable in the same menu.

List of apps that can be safely disabled on Xiaomi Mi 9:

• 🌐 Mi Browser – if you use Chrome or Firefox.
• 🎵 Mi Music – if you listen to music on other services.
• 🎬 Mi Video – if you watch videos on YouTube or MX Player.
• 📦 GetApps – if you do not use the Xiaomi store.
• 💳 Mi Pay – if you don’t pay through NFC Xiaomi.

⚠️ Note: Do not disable services with the names com.android. or com.google. – this may lead to Play Market inoperability, loss of account sync or system errors.

How to return remote system applications

If you run into problems after you've been removed (for example, notifications or settings have stopped working), don't panic - almost any application can be restored.

1. Through ADB (if deleted with the -k flag): adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.browser This command will recover the application from the cache (if it was deleted with data saved).
2. Installation APK manually: Download the original APK-file of the desired application (for example, from the APKMirror site) and install it through adb install or manually. MIUI.
3. Factory Reset: The last method is a full reset via Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset. This will bring back all system applications, but delete user data. Remember the backup!

If none of these methods work, you can only reflash the device via Fastboot or Recovery. To do this, download the official firmware for Xiaomi Mi 9 (codename cepheus) from the MIUI Download site and follow the firmware instructions.

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Always check firmware compatibility with your model! Installing firmware for Xiaomi Mi 9 SE (grus code) on Mi 9 (cepheus) will result in a "brick."

Alternative methods: Magisk and custom firmware

For experienced users willing to take more drastic measures, there are two additional options:

1. Using Magisk and System App Remover: If you already have ROOT (received through Magisk), install the System App Remover module, which allows you to remove system applications with a GUI and automatically creates a backup before deleting.

Advantages of custom firmware:

• 🚀 Higher productivity due to lack of background processes MIUI.
• 🔄 Regular security updates (as opposed to official security updates) MIUI, frequent-delayed).
• 🎨 Flexible interface setting (themes, animations, gestures).

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the bootloader is unlocked).
• 📱 Possible iron bugs (e.g., a failed proximity sensor).
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption on some assemblies.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing system applications on Xiaomi Mi 9