How to Uninstall System Apps on Xiaomi MIUI: The Complete Guide

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face an intrusive set of pre-installed software that takes up space in memory and consumes battery power. The MIUI shell is known for its aggressive policy of promoting its own services, many of which are not practical for the average user. Removing these components allows not only to free up gigabytes of space, but also to significantly speed up the device by removing unnecessary background processes.

However, the cleaning process requires caution, as accidental deletion of critical system files can cause a gadget to fail. Unlike standard uninstallation of programs, working with system components requires the use of special tools or superuser rights. In this article, we will discuss safe cleaning methods relevant to current firmware versions, and provide a list of applications that can be touched without fear.

Before you start to act, you need to understand the difference between user data and the system partition. System applications are integrated into the operating system kernel and are responsible for the basic functionality of the device, and their removal is possible only through advanced methods, such as using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or having root rights, which gives you full control over the file system.

Preparing a smartphone to remove system software

The process should start with the preparation of the device itself, as Xiaomi’s standard security settings block external interference. The first step is to activate the developer mode, which is hidden from the eyes of the average user. To do this, go to the Settings → About phone menu and quickly click 7-10 times on the MIUI version field until a notification of successful activation appears.

After activating the hidden menu, you need to turn on debugging USB, So you can send commands to your smartphone. → Advanced settings → For developers and activate the "Debugging by" switch USB». It is also recommended to include the option “Installation through” USB» and «USB-Debugging (Security Mode) if available in your firmware version.

⚠️ Attention: Enabling the developer mode and debugging by USB After all the work is completed, we strongly advise you to disable these functions to prevent unauthorized access to data in the event of loss of the gadget.

It is important to ensure a stable connection between your computer and your smartphone. Use the original cable or a quality analogue, because cheap wires can only support charging, but not data transfer. Connect the device to your PC and confirm debugging permission on your smartphone screen by ticking the box "Always allow from this computer."

Deletion methods: ADB vs. Root rights

There are two main ways to clean the system deeply: using a computer with ADB tools or obtaining superuser (root) rights.The ADB method is considered the most secure and versatile, since it does not require unlocking the bootloader and does not disrupt the operation of banking applications such as Google Pay or Mir Pay.

Getting root rights (usually through Magisk) gives absolute control, allowing you to remove even those components that are hidden from ADB. However, this method has serious drawbacks: it resets the warranty, makes it impossible to work some banking applications without complex manipulations with disguise, and increases the risk of turning the phone into a “brick” if mistaken.

For most users, ADB is the best option, which allows you to remove 95% of unnecessary garbage without risk.This method works on all versions of Android and MIUI without requiring complex flashing. Below we will discuss this option in detail, as it balances efficiency and security.

Installation and configuration of ADB tools

To implement the method, you will need a computer running Windows, macOS or Linux. The first step is to download platform tools from Google. Download the Platform Tools archive from the official Android developer site and unpack it to the root of the disk, for example, in the folder C:\platform-tools, so that the path does not contain Cyrillic characters.

Xiaomi smartphones often require a universal ADB Interface driver or a specific manufacturer driver. If Windows does not recognize the device automatically, you can use the Minimal ADB and Fastboot program, which contains the necessary set of drivers in the kit.

Check the connection via the command line. Open the terminal in the tool folder (click Shift + Right mouse button → “Open PowerShell window here” or “Open terminal”) and type in the command:

adb devices

If you have a device with a serial number and a device status on the list, you have the right connection. Unauthorized status means you have to look at your smartphone screen and confirm debugging. Offline status indicates you have driver or cable problems.

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If your computer can’t see your phone, try switching mode. USB-Connect in the notification curtain from “Charging only” to “File transfer (MTP)». Sometimes it helps the system to re-detect the device.

List of safe to remove MIUI packets

The most critical part of the process is understanding which packets can be removed. There are hundreds of processes in a MIUI system, and removing a key component can lead to a cyclical bootloop. Below is a table of the main packets that users often delete to make the system easier.

Special attention should be paid to the package com.miui.msa.global.This process is responsible for displaying advertising in system applications such as Explorer, Music and Themes. its removal is the first step to comfortable use of the smartphone. Also often removed Joyose, which is responsible for collecting game data and sometimes causes the device to heat up in the background.

It is not recommended to remove components related to telephony (com.android.phone), system interface (com.android.systemui) and power management. Even if you do not use certain functions, they can be associated with other system processes, and their absence will cause instability.

Removal process through the command line

After preparing the list and checking the connection, you can proceed to direct deletion. The command to uninstall the application for the current user is as follows:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 <name packet>

For example, to remove an ad service, type: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.msa.global. --user 0 means that the application is removed for the main user, but physically remains in the system partition. This is an important nuance: disk space will not be freed, but the application will stop running, consuming the battery and showing ads.

If you want to completely erase the application from memory (requires root or unlocked bootloader with system rights), the command adb shell pm uninstall <name packet> is used without specifying the user, but in standard conditions this will not work. To return the remote application, use the command: adb shell cmd package install-existing <name packet>.

⚠️ Note: pm uninstall is executed instantly and without further confirmation. Carefully check the name of the package before entering the command, as restoring the remote system component may require resetting to factory settings.

To automate the process, there are graphical shells like Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools or Universal Android Debloater. These programs have ready-made checklists, which eliminates the risk of a typo in the title, and they can also show a description of each package, which is convenient for beginners.

Alternative ways and disabling advertising

If you don't want to mess with the command line, you can use a simpler, less effective method: turn off ads through settings. Go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Access to data and find the msa process. Disable Wi-Fi and mobile Internet access for this process, which will prevent banner ads from loading, although the process will remain on the system.

Also, every MIUI system application (Themes, Music, Explorer) has a hidden settings menu, and you usually click on three dots or a gear and find "Get recommendations" or "Show ads" and then switch the switch to "Off" which takes longer than uninstalling through ADB, but does not require a PC connection.

Another option is to install custom launchers like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher, which completely replace the desktop and often allow you to hide the icons of system applications, making them invisible to the user, although the processes will continue to work in the background.

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Disabling internet access for system processes is a “lazy” way to combat advertising that doesn’t require a PC, but doesn’t reduce the CPU load and doesn’t save battery as effectively as removing it completely through ADB.

Recovery of the system after errors

If the phone is not behaving properly after the packets are deleted (sound is lost, the network is not working, the interface is out), you need to return the deleted components. As mentioned earlier, the install-existing command allows you to restore the application if it has not been physically erased. If the phone goes into reboot, you will have to boot in Recovery mode.

To enter Recovery mode, press the volume up and power button simultaneously on the device turned off. From the recovery menu, select Wipe Data, which will return the phone to factory status by deleting all your personal files but restoring the system to work.

To avoid such situations, always make a full backup before experimenting. Use Xiaomi’s built-in cloud or third-party backup solutions for contacts, photos and messages. Remember that removing system applications is an interference with the OS, which always carries minimal but existing risks.