How to Remove System Apps on Xiaomi with MIUI 12:4 Working Methods

Owners of Xiaomi smartphones based on the MIUI 12 shell often face the problem of unnecessary pre-installed applications that take up memory, consume battery power and show annoying advertising. Despite the manufacturer’s promises of a clean interface, dozens of system utilities remain in the firmware, from Mi Video to GetApps, which can not be removed by standard means. This article will help you understand how to safely get rid of unnecessary software without disrupting the system.

It’s important to understand that removing system applications is an interference with the structure of Android, which can lead to failures if you do something wrong. We will look at four proven methods (including options without superuser rights), assess their risks and offer alternatives for those who are not ready for radical measures. All instructions are tested on devices with MIUI 12.0-12.5 (including Redmi Note 9/10, POCO X3, Mi 10/11), but are also relevant for newer versions with specific features.

Why you can’t just remove system applications through settings

Unlike custom programs, system applications in MIUI are protected from removal for three reasons:

• 🔒 System signature:.apk system applications are signed with a Xiaomi key, which blocks their modification without special rights.
• 🛡️ Protection MIUI: The shell actively prevents changing files in folders /system and /vendor, Even if you have a root.
• 🔄 Service dependencies: Some applications (e.g. MiuiDaemon) are related to the operation of the basic functions – their removal can cause bootloop (obsession with the boot).

Even if you see the "Delete" button in the app menu, it often just disables the program, but doesn't erase its files. For example, the Mi Browser will remain in memory after "delete" and will be updated through the Play Market. To really get rid of it, you will need tools like ADB or TWRP.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global (European/Indian firmware) some system applications are tied to Google services, and their removal could disrupt Google Play Services or SafetyNet, leading to problems with banking applications and games.

Method 1: Disabling system applications without deleting (the safest way)

If you just need to hide unnecessary programs and prevent them from running, this method does not require root or ADB. It is suitable for applications like Mi Music, Mi Community or Mi Pay, which are not critical to the system.

Instructions:

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 (e.g. com.miui.videoplayer for Mi Video) and open the page.
4. Click "Disable" (if the button is inactive, the application is protected).
5. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

Once you turn it off, the app will disappear from the menu, stop updating and consume resources, but its files will remain in the device's memory, and to return the program, you just go back to its settings and click "Enable".

Unnecessary media players (Mi Video, Mi Music)|Branded browsers (Mi Browser)|Social Services (Mi Community, Xiaomi Account)|Game utilities (Game Turbo, Joyose)|Promotional modules (MSA, Analytics)-->

This method is not suitable for deeply integrated services like com.miui.securitycenter or com.android.phone, and disabling them will lead to errors in the system.

Method 2: Remove via ADB (without root, but with a PC connection)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is Google’s official debugging tool that allows you to manage system files without superuser rights.The method works on all Xiaomi devices with an unlocked bootloader, but does not require custom firmware installation.

Before we start:

• 🔌 Turn on "Debugging by" USB" In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times on the build number, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers).
• 💻 Install. ADB and Fastboot Tools on PC (Windows/Linux/Mac).
• 📱 Connect your phone to your computer with the original cable and confirm your trust in the device.

Steps to remove:

1. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Linux/Mac) in the adb folder.
2. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
3. Get a list of all system application packages: adb shell pm list packages -s
4. Find the application you want (e.g. com.miui.cleanmaster for Cleaner) and remove it by command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 flag --user 0 This means that the application is only removed for the current user, not completely from the system (this protects against crashes).

Example of Mi Browser removal:

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

adb shell cmd package install-existing name packet

This will only work if the application files have not been physically erased from memory (which is unlikely when using a flag). --user 0).-->

List of safe packets to remove (tested on MIUI 12.5):

⚠️ Note: Do not delete packages with names that contain miui.system, android or google unless you are sure about their purpose. For example, com.miui.securitycenter is responsible for app permissions, and com.google.android.gms is responsible for Google services.

ADB (no root)| Disconnect via settings | Delete from root via TWRP| Do not delete system applications | Other method-->

Method 3: Remove with root rights via TWRP or Magisk

This method gives maximum control over the system, but requires an unlocked bootloader and a TWRP installed, suitable for advanced users who are ready for potential risks such as loss of warranty or building up the device.

Advantages of the method:

• 🧹 Complete removal of application files (including cache and data).
• 🔧 Ability to edit system files (e.g., remove ads in Security).
• 🔄 Recovery through backup in TWRP faulty.

Instructions:

1. Install TWRP for your model (see instructions on XDA Developers).
2. Download and install Magisk to obtain root rights.
3. Launch TWRP, go to Mount and mark System.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and use an ADB or file manager (like Root Explorer) to navigate to /system/priv-app or /system/app.
5. Remove folders of unnecessary applications (for example, MiBrowser for the browser).
6. Reset the device.

You can use scripts like MIUI Debloater (available on GitHub) to automate the process, which removes a predefined list of applications. However, before running such a script, make sure to create a backup using TWRP!

Method 4: Use of third-party uninstallers (with caution)

There are apps in the Play Market like System App Remover or Debloater that promise to remove system software without ADB or root.

• 🚫 Require root rights (despite claims to the contrary).
• 🛑 May contain malicious code (especially little-known utilities).
• 🔄 Often, they just disable apps rather than remove them.

If you do decide to use such a tool, follow the rules:

1. Check the reviews and rating of the application (minimum 4.5 ★ and 100K+ downloads).
2. Do not give root access to unknown programs.
3. Create a restore point in TWRP before use.

An example of a reliable tool is SD Maid, which allows you not only to remove system applications, but also to clean their residues, but even with it there is a risk of removing something critical if you do not understand the names of packages.

💡

The side of uninstallers without root is almost always a hoax. Real removal of system applications on MIUI 12 is only possible through ADB, TWRP or disabling in settings.

What to do if after removing the system application, the phone stopped working

If after manipulation of system files the device:

• 🔄 I was stuck on the boot (bootloop),
• 📵 It doesn’t work at all (hard brick),
• 🚨 It makes errors like "com.android.phone stopped",

Try the following steps:

1. Hard reset: Press Power + Volume Up for 10 seconds to restart the device in Fastboot. Then select Recovery → Wipe Data.
2. Recovery via TWRP: If custom recavers are installed, swipe the backup or install clean MIUI firmware through Install → Select ZIP.
3. Fastboot firmware: Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website and run it through the command: fastboot flash all file name.zip This will return the device to factory state, but delete all data.

If the phone does not respond to the buttons, you may need to EDL-Mode (emergency firmware through port 9008). This requires a special cable or box (for example, UFi Box), as well as firmware files in.mbn format. This method is complex and risky - it is better to contact the service center.

Removal Alternatives: How to Hide or Replace System Applications

If the risks of removing system programs seem too high, consider alternative ways to:

• 🔍 Hiding from the menu: Use launchers like Nova Launcher or POCO Launcher that lets you hide apps without uninstalling them.
• 🔄 Replacement with analogues: Disable Mi Browser and install Chrome or Firefox as the default browser.
• 🛡️ Network lock: In Settings → Annexes → Permits prohibit unnecessary programs from accessing the Internet (for example, for Mi Community or for the Internet). MSA).
• 📦 Freeze through ADB: Instead of deleting the application, the command is: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 Packet name This will disable it, but save files for possible recovery.

To block ads in system applications (for example, in Security or Download), you can use Blokada or AdGuard with filter settings for miui.com and xiaomi.com domains. However, this can disrupt some services, such as MIUI updates.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing system applications on Xiaomi