How to completely remove system applications on Xiaomi MIUI 11:4 Proven Methods

Owners of Xiaomi smartphones on the basis MIUI 11 often face the problem of embedded applications that take up memory, consume battery power and are not removed in standard ways, such as services like Mi Browser, Mi Music, GetApps or duplicate messengers that can not be uninstalled through the settings menu. Are there any legal and safe ways to get rid of them?

In this article, we will discuss 4 working methods for removing system applications on the MIUI 11 – from simple (without root rights) to advanced (using the use of the ADB You will learn which programs can be removed without risk to the system, and which should not be touched. APK, which are rarely mentioned in standard guides.

It's important: MIUI 11 was released in 2019 This year, many devices have already received updates. MIUI 12/13/14. However, the methods described below are also relevant for newer versions of the shell, if we are talking about unprivileged (non-rooted) devices. MIUI 14+ Additional steps may be required due to Xiaomi’s tightening security policy.

Before you start removing, answer two questions:

1. Are you prepared for possible system failures (e.g., missing tiles in the notification curtain or synchronization errors)?
2. Do you have a backup copy of your data in case of an emergency?

If at least one of them is answered “no,” consider alternatives like disabling or freezing apps instead of completely uninstalling them.

1. which system applications can be removed from the MIUI 11, which ones aren't.

Not all embedded software is equally useful (or useless). For example, removing com.miui.securitycenter will result in loss of face/fingerprint unlocking features, and uninstalling com.android.providers.telephony will deprive you of mobile communication. To avoid turning your smartphone into a brick, remember the rules:

✅ Can be removed (minimum risk):

• 🌐 com.android.browser – standard Mi Browser (if you use Chrome or Firefox).
• 🎵 com.miui.player – Mi Music player (alternatives: Spotify, VLC).
• 📦 com.xiaomi.midrop – Mi Drop (unless you use Wi-Fi file transfer).
• 📱 com.miui.analytics – statistics collection service (remove unnecessary traffic in the background).

❌ Cannot be removed (critical to the system):

• 🔒 com.miui.securitycenter – Security Center (responsible for unlocking and permissions).
• 📞 com.android.phone – phone calls (without it there will be no communication).
• ⚙️ com.android.settings – system settings (deleting will lead to a boot cycle).
• 📶 com.miui.system - kernel MIUI (Remove it, you get a brick»).

🔍 Questionable cases (can be removed, but with reservations):

• 📷 com.android.gallery3d — You can delete it if you use Google Photos, but you lose integration with the camera (for example, quick viewing of photos after taking a photo).
• 📧 com.android.email is an email client, and deletion is not critical, but some services (such as synchronizing your Mi Account) may fail.

⚠️ Note: Even "safe" applications can be linked to other services, such as uninstallation com.miui.weather2 (Weather) can break the clock widget on the lock screen.Always check dependencies through ADB Team: adb shell dumpsys package com.name.packet

2. Method 1: Disabling system applications without deletion (the safest)

If you do not need a complete uninstallation, but just hide the application from the eyes and stop it from working – use built-in tools. MIUI 11.This method does not require superuser rights and is reversible in one click.

📌 How to disable the system application:

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 (the button will only be active for pre-installed programs).
5. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

✅ Pros of the method:

• 🔄 Reverse – you can turn the application back on at any time.
• 🛡️ No system risk – no system files are affected.
• 📱 No need for PC or special knowledge.

❌ Cons of the method:

• 📦 The application remains in the device memory (takes up space).
• 🔄 Some services (such as Mi Analytics) may be automatically enabled after an update. MIUI.

💡 Hidden Life Hack: Disabled apps disappear from the menu, but can be returned via Settings → Annexes → If the Disable button is inactive, it means that the program is protected from deactivation at the firmware level.

💡

Before disabling the system application, check it in APKMirror – there may be a more recent and “lightweight” version without ads that can be installed on top of the standard one.

Method 2: Removal through ADB (No root licenses, but with a PC)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge is an Android debugging tool that allows you to manage system packages without getting root access. MIUI 11, but requires the inclusion of Debugging by USB and computer connection.

📌 Step-by-step instruction:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (includes adb.exe).
2. On your smartphone, activate Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Use 7 times to become a developer).
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
4. Connect your phone to your PC, open the command line in the adb.exe folder and execute: adb devices (your device should appear).
5. Enter the command to delete (replace com.name.packet with the desired one): adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.name.package Example for Mi Browser: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser

🔹 What do flags in a team mean:

• -k — Stores cache and application data (in case of re-installation).
• --user 0 — Deletes only for the current user (does not affect other accounts on the device).

⚠️ Important nuances:

• 🔌 After the blackout USB-Debugging some commands may not be executed - turn it on again.
• 🔄 When resetting settings or updating MIUI Remote applications will return.
• 📱 This method does not work for privileged systems. APK (For example, com.miui.home - launcher).

Method 3: Complete removal with root rights (for power users)

If you're willing to take the risk of taking full control of the system, you can remove applications permanently with root access, a method that requires unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom recap (e.g., a custom recap, TWRP), which cancels the warranty and may result in the device being blocked in case of an error.

📌 How to remove the system application with root:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a Mi Account and wait 7-30 days).
2. Install. TWRP Or another custom recap for your model (see instructions for the XDA Developers).
3. Download and install Magisk to manage root rights.
4. Use a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer) and go to the root /system/priv-app or /system/app.
5. Find a folder with the name of the package (for example, Browser for Mi Browser) and delete it.
6. Reset the device.

⚠️ Risks of the method:

• 🔧 Loss of warranty – Xiaomi doesn’t officially support unlocking the bootloader on all models.
• 💥 Possibility of "bricking" - an error in removing the critical APK It can make the phone inoperable.
• 🔄 Problems with OTA-updates – after system modification, standard updates may not be installed.

🔹 Alternative to root: If you don’t want to take risks, use the application freeze via Magisk or the App Systemizer module.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro with Mediatek processor), unlocking the bootloader can lead to loss of power. IMEI Before the procedure, save a backup copy of the partition. NVRAM!

5. Method 4: Use of custom firmware (for enthusiasts)

If you are tired of restrictions MIUI 11, you can install alternative firmware — for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience or HavocOS. These builds are devoid of built-in Xiaomi “junk” and offer “clean” Android.

📌 The benefits of custom firmware:

• 🧹 There are no built-in Xiaomi apps (except for Android-critical ones).
• 🚀 Higher productivity and autonomous operation time.
• 🔄 Regular security updates (as opposed to older versions) MIUI).

📌 Cons and risks:

• 🔧 Requires unlocking the loader and installation TWRP.
• 📱 Possible problems with the camera, sensors or module NFC (model).
• 🔒 No official Xiaomi support (the warranty burns out).

🔹 Recommendations for choosing a firmware for MIUI 11:

💡 Tip: Before installing custom firmware, check its compatibility with your model on the forum XDA Developers.Some builds may not support Widevine L1 (no HD into Netflix/Disney+).

6.Delete alternatives: How to hide or replace system applications

If the risks of deleting are scary, consider safer ways to get rid of unnecessary programs:

🔹 1. Replacement of standard applications with alternative applications:

• 🌐 Install Google Chrome or Firefox instead of Mi Browser and assign them to the default app in the settings.
• 📷 Use Google Photos or Simple Gallery instead of the standard gallery.
• 🎵 Replace Mi Music with Spotify, VLC poweramp.

🔹 2. Hiding apps from the menu:

• Use launchers like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair, which allow you to hide your system programs from the list.
• In the standard launcher. MIUI You can hide applications in the folder “Hidden” (click the icon). → Remove from the main screen → Hide).

🔹 3. Restriction of activity through the “Safety Centre»:

1. Open the Settings. → Security centre → Battery and productivity → Battery management.
2. Select an app (like GetApps) and set a Background activity limit. → Limit.
3. Turn off autostart in Settings → Permissions → Autostart.

🔹 4. Blocking advertising and tracking:

• Install Blokada or AdGuard to block ad requests from system applications.
• Turn off statistics collection in Settings → Memory. → Cleanup → Settings → Data collection.

💡

If you only need to free up space, first try clearing the cache of system applications in Settings. → Warehouse → Clear the cache. It often gives you a good idea. +1-3 GB of free space without risks.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when removing system applications, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

🔸 Mistake 1: Removing the critical APK backup

📌 Example: User deletes com.miui.home and phone stops loading.

✅ Decision:

• Download the original APK Launcher for your model with APKMirror.
• Set it up through TWRP or adb sideload.
• Use the command: adb install -r name file.apk

🔸 Mistake 2: Team Interruption ADB

📌 Example: When executing adb shell pm uninstall, communication with the PC was interrupted and the application was deleted incorrectly.

✅ Decision:

• Reset the device.
• Check if the packet is still in the system command: adb shell pm list packages | grep "name package"
• If the package is missing, but the application still works – clear its data through Settings → Annexes.

🔸 Error 3: Removing apps related to Google services

📌 Example: Users have deleted com.google.android.gms (Google Play Services) and all Google-dependent apps have stopped working.

✅ Decision:

• Download the latest Open GApps for your version of Android from the OpenGApps website.
• Install the package through TWRP.
• If you don’t need Google services, install firmware without GApps (like LineageOS for microG).

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi devices (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) Deleting com.qualcomm.qti.telephonyservice (Qualcomm service) results in the loss of the mobile network. Before deleting, check if the package is part of the modem module!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions