Xiaomi Redmi 9 owners often face the problem of pre-installed system applications that take up memory, consume battery power and display annoying advertising. Although MIUI does not provide standard tools for completely removing such programs, there are legal ways to disable, hide or even delete them without obtaining root rights. In this article, we will discuss all working methods, including working with ADB, MIUI settings and alternative solutions.
It is important to understand that system applications are closely integrated into the shell, and their incorrect removal can lead to malfunctioning of the smartphone. However, with the right approach, you can free up to 1-3 GB of memory and get rid of unnecessary software such as Mi Browser, Mi Music, Mi Video or GetApps. All of the methods described below are tested on Redmi 9 with MIUI 12-14 version (Android 10-11) and do not require unlocking the bootloader or installing custom firmware.
Why you canβt just remove system applications in standard ways
Unlike custom programs, system applications in MIUI are protected at the Android kernel level. They are installed in the /system section, which is read-only without root rights. Even if you try to remove them through Settings β Applications, the system will either hide the Delete button or only suggest disabling or resetting settings.
In addition, many system services are interconnected, for example, deleting Mi Account can disrupt the synchronization of contacts, and removing Security can disable the antivirus and optimizer, so before any manipulations you must:
- π Create a backup of data through Settings β Additionally. β Backup and reset.
- π Charge your phone at least 50% to avoid a sudden shutdown.
- π± Make sure the version MIUI block out ADB-In some cases, it is possible for China to).
β οΈ Attention: On firmware MIUI Global and MIUI Some system applications (e.g. Google Play Services) are critical to stable operation and their removal may lead to errors when updating or using Google services.
Method 1: Disable system applications through MIUI settings
The safest method is to shut down, not delete, and it will shut down the application, hide it from the menu, and prevent it from running, but it won't free up memory, but it doesn't require a PC connection, and it's guaranteed to do no harm to the system.
To disable the unnecessary application:
- Go to Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show all apps.
- Find the app you want (such as Mi Browser) and open the page.
- Click Disable (if the button is inactive, the application is critical to the system).
- Confirm the action in the dialog window.
Once disabled, the app will disappear from the menu, but will remain on the Application Management list marked "Disabled." To return it back, repeat the steps and click "Enable."
Unnecessary browsers (Mi Browser, Chrome)
Music players (Mi Music, Google Play Music)
Video players (Mi Video)
The game is called the Mi Game Center.
Analytics services (MSA, MiuiDaemon)-->
β οΈ Please note: Do not disable Google Play Services, MIUI System UI Settings β this will lead to critical malfunctions in the phone.
Method 2: Remove system applications via ADB (without root)
A more radical method is the use of Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which allows you to delete applications completely, freeing up space in memory, but requires a PC connection and accuracy in executing commands.
The work will require:
- π₯οΈ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
- π USB-cable (preferably original).
- π¦ Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB (You can download from the official Google website).
- π§ Included debugging by USB phone-on.
Step-by-step:
- Activate USB debugging: Go to Settings β About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version to unlock Developer Mode. Go back to Settings β Additional β Developer. Enable USB Debugging and confirm permission.
Connect your phone to your PC:
- Use high-quality cables (cheap ones may not transmit data).
- On your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
- For the first time, a request for debugging permission will appear β tick Always Allow from this computer and click Allow.
- Check the connection via ADB: adb devices The response should show a string with the serial number of your Redmi 9. If the device is not detected, reinstall the drivers or try another cable.
- Delete the unnecessary application: First get a list of all packages: adb shell pm list packages Find the name of the package of the desired application (for example, com.miui.browser for Mi Browser) and execute the command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browser The flag --user 0 means that the application is removed only for the current user (without affecting system files).
This method does not physically remove applications, but makes them invisible in the menu and launcher. If necessary, you can return the application through the same Activity Launcher or reset the launcher settings (Settings β Home β Reset).
Mi Browser (pre-installed browser)
Mi Music/Mi Video (media players)
GetApps and MSA (Advertising Services)
Google Duo and other Google services
Others (write in the comments)-->
List of safe to remove system applications on Redmi 9
Not all system applications can be removed without consequences. Below is a list of packages that are not usually critical for MIUI and Android, but before deleting, we recommend turning off the application for 1-2 days and checking the stability of the phone.
| Title of the annex | Packet name | Can I remove it? | Effects of consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Browser | com.android.browser or com.miui.browser | β Yes. | The standard browser will disappear, you can use Chrome or Firefox. |
| Mi Music | com.miui.player | β Yes. | The music player will be deleted, but the files will remain. |
| Mi Video | com.miui.videoplayer | β Yes. | The standard video player will disappear. |
| GetApps (Mi App Store) | com.xiaomi.mipicks | β Yes. | Xiaomiβs branded apps will cease to be updated. |
| MSA (Mi Security Center) | com.miui.analytics | β οΈ Partially. | It may disrupt some Xiaomi services, but it will reduce data collection. |
β οΈ Note: Deleting com.google.android.gms (Google Play Services) or com.android.vending (Play Market) will render all Google services, including Gmail, YouTube and Google Maps, inoperable.
What if after removing the application, the phone began to glittle?
Alternative methods: use of third-party launchers and debloaters
If you don't want to mess with ADB or MIUI settings, you can use third-party solutions that don't physically remove apps, but make them invisible and prevent them from running.
Popular tools:
- π± Nova Launcher or Lawnchair β lets you hide apps from the menu and replace the standard launcher.
- π‘οΈ Package Disabler Pro (requires) ADB) β Disables system applications without removing.
- π§Ή Debloater Tools (such as Universal Android Debloater) β PC utilities that analyze the list of packages and offer secure ones to remove.
Example of the Nova Launcher:
- Install a launcher from Google Play.
- Press your finger on the home screen and select Launcher Settings.
- Go to Apps and Widgets β Hide Apps.
- Check the boxes for unnecessary system programs.
This solution will not free up memory, but will visually clean the interface and speed up the menu.
π‘
Third-party launchers are the safest way to βremoveβ system applications, since they do not affect system files, but only hide them from the user.
What to do if no method has helped
If youβve tried all the ways, but system applications still get in the way, there are two radical options:
- Custom firmware flashing (requires bootloader unlock): Firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience doesn't contain Xiaomi's proprietary software. However, this method requires unlocking the bootloader, which resets the phone and voids the warranty.
- Update to new MIUI: In the latest versions of MIUI 13/14, Xiaomi has added the ability to disable more system applications through settings. Check for updates in Settings β About Phone β System Update.
If you decide to re-flash, consider:
- π Unlocking the bootloader erases all data.
- π Certain functions (e.g, IR Blaster or Game Turbo may stop working.
- β οΈ The phone guarantee will be lost.