Owners of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO They often face the problem of imposed system applications that take up memory, consume battery power and display unnecessary advertising. ROOT-access or computer, long debunked β there are legal ways to clean the system even on the latest versions MIUI 14 and HyperOS. However, it is important to understand that not all applications can be removed without consequences, and some methods require caution not to disrupt the stability of the device.
This article will detail 5 proven ways to remove embedded applications without superuser and PC rights, including hidden MIUI features, using ADB through the terminal on the phone itself, and alternative methods of disabling. We will also explain which applications are strictly forbidden to touch so as not to turn a smartphone into a brick, and how to restore deleted by mistake software. All instructions are relevant for models of 2020-2026 release, including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12/13 and POCO F5/X5.
Why System Applications Cannot Be Simply Removed Through the Menu
Unlike custom programs that are installed through Google Play or APK-files, system applications (bloatware) are integrated into firmware MIUI/HyperOS At the core level, the manufacturer is blocking their removal for several reasons:
- π Security: Some applications (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) are responsible for data protection and threat scanning.
- π± Functionality: Services like Mi Account or Find Device enable cloud-based functions and device search.
- π° Monetization: Apps like Mi Video, Mi Browser or GetApps show revenue-generating ads for Xiaomi.
- π Updates: System components (e.g. Updater) are required to install security patches.
When you try to remove such software through the standard Settings β Applications menu, you will see a gray button Delete or a message saying βThe application cannot be removed because it is part of the system.β However, this does not mean that it cannot be deactivated or removed by alternative methods.
β οΈ Warning: Removing critical system components (e.g. com.android.phone or com.miui.home) will result in loss of communication, interface errors, or complete smartphone failure!
Method 1: Disable system applications through settings (without deleting)
If your goal is simply to hide unnecessary programs and prevent them from running in the background, just turn them off.
- Open Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Slip on the three points in the upper right corner and select Show System.
- Find an unneeded app (such as Mi Music or Mi Browser).
- Click Disable (if the button is active) and confirm the action.
Application disabled:
- β Disappears from the menu and list of recently opened.
- β Stop using battery and traffic.
- β No updates will be received through the Play Market.
- β May be activated again after resetting settings or updating the firmware.
π‘
To return the disabled application, repeat the steps above and click "Enable". This method is safe and recommended for beginners.
| Annex | Can I turn it off? | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Video, Mi Music | β Yes. | No. |
| GetApps, Mi Browser | β Yes. | Loss of access to the company's app store |
| Mi Account, Find Device | β No. | Loss of cloud backup and device search functions |
| Security (Security) | β No. | Disabling antivirus and protection against phishing |
Method 2: Uninstall with ADB without computer (for experienced ones only)
Tool. ADB (Android Debug Bridge allows you to manage system files directly, but usually requires a connection to a PC. ADB-commands directly from the phone through the terminal:
Enable the developer mode (7 taps by build number in "About phone")
Activate debugging over USB in "Settings β Additional β For developers"
Install a terminal (e.g. Termux from F-Droid)
Download ADB-Tools on the phone (archive with adb, fastboot)
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Follow the instructions:
- Unpack the archive with ADB in a folder on your phone (e.g. /sdcard/Download/adb).
- Open Termux and enter commands in turn: su cd /sdcard/Download/adb./adb shell pm list packages -f | GREP 'MIUI' This team will display a list of all Xiaomi system packages.
- To remove the application, use: pm uninstall -k --user 0 name.package For example, to delete Mi Browser: pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser
Important nuances:
- πΉ Team team. --user 0 removes the application only for the current user without affecting the system.
- πΉ Flag. -k Stores cache and data, allowing you to restore the application later.
- πΉ Some packages (e.g. com.miui.home) are protected β deleting them will require rights. ROOT.
β οΈ Note: If after removing the application, the smartphone began to slow down or issue errors, restore it with the command: cmd package install-existing name.packet For example: cmd package install-existing com.android.browser.
List of safe to remove Xiaomi packages
Method 3: Use the App Inspector application to identify packets
Before deleting, it is important to know exactly the name of the application package, and it is convenient to use the App Inspector utility (available on Google Play).
- π¦ Full name of the package (e.g. com.miui.gallery).
- π The way APK-file.
- π Dependence on other applications.
How to use:
- Install the App Inspector.
- Launch and provide access to the application settings.
- Find the app you want in the list and copy its Package Name.
- Use this name for ADB commands or other removal methods.
Example: If you want to remove the Mi Calculator, the App Inspector will show it as com.miui.calculator.
- Disable it through settings (see Method 1).
- Delete via ADB (see Method 2).
- Freeze with Shizuku (see Method 4).
π‘
Always check packages through the App Inspector before removing them, which will help you avoid errors with critical system components.
Method 4: Freeze applications with Shizuku + App Manager
If deletion seems risky, the alternative is to freeze system applications.
- Install Shizuku (allows you to manage the Android API without ROOT).
- Install App Manager.
- Shizuku to run the service (requires permission via ADB or wireless debugging).
- In App Manager, find the unnecessary app and select Freeze.
Advantages of the method:
- β It does not delete files, it only suspends work.
- β Easy to cancel (click Unfreeze).
- β Works on MIUI 14 and HyperOS without ROOT.
Disadvantages:
- β Requires periodic Shizuku updates (every 7-30 days).
- β Some applications may βunfreezeβ after rebooting.
Method 5: Remove via TWRP (only for unlocked bootloader)
If you have a bootloader unlocked on your Xiaomi, you can install custom recovery TWRP and remove system applications through the file manager, which is the most radical method, but it gives you complete control over the firmware.
Step-by-step:
- Unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a wait of 7-168 hours).
- Install TWRP for your model (instructions are available on XDA Developers).
- Download to TWRP (Power buttons + Volume up).
- Go to Advanced β File Manager.
- Find the /system/priv-app or /system/app folder and delete the folders of unnecessary applications (e.g. MiBrowser).
- Reboot.
β οΈ Note: Delete files through TWRP It can lead to bootloop if you remove critical components. /system change!
π‘
If the smartphone does not boot after removal, restore the backup via TWRP or reflash the firmware through Fastboot.
What Xiaomi System Apps Can Be Deleted Without Risk
Below is a list of apps that most users delete without consequences, but remember that even "safe" packages may be needed to run some functions (e.g. Mi Video is required to play some video formats).
| Name of name | Package | What's he doing? | Can I remove it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Video | com.miui.videoplayer | Standard video player | β Yes. |
| Mi Music | com.miui.player | Music player | β Yes. |
| Mi Browser | com.android.browser | Browser with ads | β Yes. |
| GetApps | com.xiaomi.mipicks | Branded app store | β Yes (but you'll lose access to topics) MIUI) |
| Mi Drop | com.xiaomi.midrop | File transfer over Wi-Fi | β Yes (there are alternatives) |
| Mi Pay | com.mipay.wallet | Payment system (only in China) | β Yes. |
| Yellow Pages | com.android.yellowpages | Directory of organizations (for India) | β Yes. |
What can't be removed:
- π« com.android.phone β phone calls.
- π« com.miui.home β launcher (desktop).
- π« com.android.settings β System settings.
- π« com.miui.securitycenter β Security Center.
- π« com.google.android.gsf β Google services (will cause Play Market errors).