How to remove system applications on Xiaomi Redmi 3s

Xiaomi Redmi 3s is still a popular device due to its reliability, but the standard shell MIUI is often overloaded with pre-installed software. Many users face a lack of RAM and intrusive advertising, which comes from hidden system processes. Deleting bloatware is an effective way to free up resources and speed up the gadget without losing warranty if you act carefully.

Unlike the standard removal of programs through menus, cleaning the system partition requires a deeper intervention in Android settings.You do not need to get root permissions, which significantly reduces the risk of turning the phone into a β€œbrick.”We will look at safe methods that allow you to deactivate or completely remove system components, making the interface cleaner and more responsive.

Before you start to act, you need to prepare the device and the computer. A stable connection and installed drivers are the key to successful execution of the procedure. Ignoring the preparatory stage can lead to connection errors, which will make it impossible to execute commands.

═══ Section 1: Preparation of the Smartphone and PC ═══

The first step is to activate the developer mode, which is hidden by default for security purposes. You need to go to the Settings β†’ About phone menu and quickly click 7-10 times on the MIUI version. After the message β€œYou became a developer” appears, you can proceed to the debugging setting.

On the menu Additional. β†’ For developers, you need to find and activate the debugging switch USB. It is also important to include the option. USB-debugging (security settings) if it is available in your firmware version to allow you to change system files.

  • πŸ”Œ Connect with a quality cable USB Type-C or Micro-USB smartphone to your computer.
  • πŸ’» Install universal Google drivers USB Driver or official Xiaomi drivers on PC.
  • πŸ” Unlock the device screen and allow debugging in the window that appears on the phone display.

⚠️ Warning: Make sure the battery is at least 50% charged. interruption due to discharge may cause system services to malfunction.

The connection is checked via the command line, and if everything is set up correctly, you will see the serial number of the device after you enter the adb device command, and if the device is not listed, it indicates a driver or cable problem.

═══ Section 2: Instruments for Removal ═══

For secure work with system partitions of Android, it is best to use proven utilities that automate the process of entering commands. Manual deletion through the console is possible, but requires accurate knowledge of packet names, an error in one character can lead to instability.

The most popular and convenient tool is Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools. It is a cross-platform application with a graphical interface that finds the connected smartphone itself and offers a list of applications to remove. The alternative is the Universal Android Debloater utility, which supports many brands.

β˜‘οΈ Checking readiness for removal

Done: 0 / 4

If you prefer the classic method, you will need to download Platform Tools from the official Android website. This set contains the basic executable files adb.exe and fastboot.exe, necessary for communication with the device.

adb shell pm list packages

This command lists all the packages installed, and studying the list helps you understand the naming structure: system applications usually have the prefix com.miui or com.android.

═══ Section 3: Safe List for Removing Applications ═══

Not all system applications can be removed without consequences. There is a critical set of services in the MIUI shell that provide basic call, network, and interface functionality, and removing such components will result in a cyclical reboot or inability to turn on the screen.

Below is a table listing the packages that users most often delete to make the system easier, and these components do not affect the basic functions of the phone.

Title of the annexPacket nameSecurity of removal
Type of dataExampleRisk assessment
Mi Videocom.miui.videoplayerSafe.
Mi Musiccom.miui.playerSafe.
Mi Browsercom.android.browserSafe.
MSA (Advertising)com.miui.msa.globalRecommended
Postcom.android.emailSafe.
What is the com.miui.msa.global package?
This package is responsible for the operation of the MIUI advertising system, its removal completely stops the display of advertising in system applications, but does not affect the operation of third-party programs.

Special attention should be paid to the MSA (MIUI System Ads) service, which broadcasts banner ads in standard utilities, and turning it off is a priority for comfortable use.

⚠️ Note: You should not remove packages containing the words framework, systemui, settings or telephony unless you have a deep knowledge of the Android architecture.

═══ Section 4: Removal process through PC ═══

Once you have the list and installed the software, you can start cleaning up. If you use graphics tools like Xiaomi ADB Tools, the process is to press the Uninstall button opposite the selected item, and the program will generate and send the necessary command.

For manual removal via the Windows or Linux command line, use the following syntax: The command removes the application for the current user without physically erasing it from the system partition, making it easy to restore everything back.

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

For example, to remove a standard browser, type: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser. Once the command is executed, the application will disappear from the menu and the list of processes.

  • πŸš€ Type commands carefully by checking the packet name twice.
  • πŸ“‹ Save the list of deleted packets in a text file just in case.
  • πŸ”„ Don't remove any more. 5-10 Applications at a time without rebooting.

This method of deletion is reversible. Application data stays in the system partition /system, but ceases to be active for the main user.This takes up space, but ensures that the phone does not lose critical files.

═══ Section 5: Recovery of remote components ═══

If you notice strange system behavior or important functions disappearing after cleaning, you can return the deleted applications. Because we used the --user 0 method, the files are still there, they're just hidden.

To restore, use the install-existing command. It's a forceful reinstallit package for the current user. The syntax of the command is as follows:

adb shell cmd package install-existing name packet

For example: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.videoplayer. After this command, the video player icon will reappear in the menu, and the services will launch.

πŸ’‘

Make a full backup of your data before you start any manipulation of your system files, even if you are confident in your actions, and this will save your photos and contacts in the event of an unforeseen failure.

In some cases, if standard recovery doesn't work, a full reset to factory settings may be required, so it's important to keep a log of changes to know exactly what was removed.

═══ Section 6: Optimization after cleaning ═══

After removing the excess software, the system may work differently. The cache of some services may have accumulated, so it is recommended to reboot the device, which will allow Android to reassemble applications and free up RAM.

You'll notice that the interface has become more responsive and the number of background processes has decreased. The battery can last longer, as advertising services and analytics no longer consume CPU life in the background.

πŸ“Š What results did you get after removing bloatware?
Work has accelerated.
Autonomy has increased.
Nothing's changed.
There were mistakes.

To fix the effect, you can turn off auto-run the remaining applications. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Auto-run and leave only messengers and alarms on. The rest of the programs do not need to start with the system.

⚠️ Warning: After deep cleaning, it is not recommended to immediately update the system over the air (OTA). The update may attempt to recover deleted files, causing a version conflict.

Check the installed list regularly, and over time, some services may return after major MIUI updates, and the procedure will have to be repeated.

═══ Section 7: Frequent questions (FAQ) ═══

Can I remove Google Play Services from Redmi 3s?
Technically possible, but highly discouraged: Google Play Services provides maps, push notifications, account syncs, and most third-party apps, and its removal will turn a smartphone into a device with limited functionality.
Do you need root rights to remove system applications?
No, the method described through ADB does not require superuser rights. You remove applications only for your user profile, leaving them in the system partition intact.
What to do if your phone is in an endless reboot?
Try booting into Recovery mode (clutching Volume Up + Power) and doing Wipe Data. If that doesn't work, you'll need to flash the device through the Mi Flash Tool utility in Fastboot mode.
Will the ads return after the MIUI update?
Yes, a major system update (e.g., from MIUI 10 to MIUI 11 or higher) often restores system files, including ad modules.

πŸ’‘

Using ADB to remove applications is a β€œmiddle ground” between standard removal and complete custom OS flashing, which allows you to maintain system stability.