Removing System Apps on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: A Complete Guide to Risks and Solutions

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (codenamed whyred) often face the problem of intrusive system applications that take up memory, consume battery power and display unnecessary advertising. MIUI, even in the global version, installs dozens of services — from Mi Browser to Cleaner, which can not be removed by standard methods, but there are ligal and illegal methods of uninstallation.

It is important to understand that removing system applications is an interference with firmware that can make it impossible to update MIUI through an OTA or even a device brik, but with the right approach, the risks are minimal. In this article, we will discuss all working methods from safe disabling to complete removal through ADB, including recovery from errors.

Before you start, check the MIUI version: go to Settings → About → MIUI version. Redmi Note 5 is up to date on MIUI 9 to MIUI 14 (inclusive). If your device is running on HyperOS, some of the instructions may not work, we will warn you about this separately.

Why you can’t just remove system apps from the menu

MIUI blocks the removal of embedded applications for three reasons:

• 🔒 System protection: many services (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) are critical to work MIUI. Removing them can cause interface errors or update failures.
• 📦 Related to the firmware: system APK-files are stored in the section /system, which is protected from records without root or ADB.
• 💰 Monetization: Apps like Mi Video or Mi Music contain ads that generate revenue for Xiaomi, and their removal violates the manufacturer’s business model.

Even if you see the "Delete" button in the app menu, it often just disables updates but doesn't erase APK. For example, this is how it works with Google Play Music or Mi Pay. Complete removal requires workarounds.

⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 5 with firmware MIUI 12.5+ Xiaomi has added Anti-Rollback protection.If you delete critical system files, the phone may lock when you try to upgrade.Before any manipulation, back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Method 1: Disabling system applications without root rights

The safest method is to disable, not delete, which hides the app from the menu, stops it from running in the background, but doesn't free up the memory completely. It's suitable for most users.

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 (such as Mi Browser) and open the page.
4. Click Disable (if the button is inactive, the application is critical to the system).
5. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

Once you turn it off, the app will disappear from the menu, but its data will remain in memory. To return it back, repeat the steps and click Enable.

Unnecessary Google apps (Duo, Play Music, Play Movies)

Mi Browser (if you use Chrome)

Mi Music (if you listen to music on other services)

Mi Video (unless you watch the video through a standard player)

Cleaner (if you don’t use optimization)-->

Don't turn it off.

• 🚫 Settings (com.android.settings)
• 🚫 Google Play Services (com.google.android.gms)
• 🚫 MIUI Security (com.miui.securitycenter)

💡

If notifications or mobile internet stop working after the app is turned off, return it back. Some system services are linked to communication modules.

Method 2: Removal via ADB (no root rights)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is an Android debugging tool that lets you manage system files from a computer. On the Redmi Note 5, it works even without root rights, but requires you to enable debugging over USB.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Does not require unlocking the loader.
• ✅ It works on any version. MIUI.
• ✅ You can return the application back with the install command.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ If you make an error, you can remove the critical service.
• ❌ Some apps will recover after the update MIUI.
• ❌ A computer with drivers installed is required.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers. Activate USB debugging and confirm permission.
2. Connect your phone to your PC: Use the original USB Type-C cable. On your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode. For the first time, confirm your trust in this computer.
3. Install ADB on your computer: Download Platform Tools from Google. Unpack the archive in the C:\platform-tools folder. Open the Command Prompt in this folder (click Shift + PCM → Open the PowerShell window here).
4. Check the connection: Adb devices Should show the serial number of your Redmi Note 5. If not, install drivers from here.
5. Get a list of packages: adb shell pm list packages -f Find the desired application in the list (for example, package:/system/priv-app/MiBrowser/MiBrowser.apk=com.android.browser).
6. Delete the app: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser Flag -k saves data, --user 0 indicates the current user.

To return the application, use:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.browser

⚠️ Note: Do not delete packages called miui., android. or google. without checking! For example, deleting com.google.android.gsf will result in loss of access to Google services.

Method 3: Removal with Magisk (requires root rights)

If you’re ready to unlock the bootloader and install Magisk, this method gives you full control over system files. However, on the Redmi Note 5, the unlocking process can take up to 720 hours (30 days) due to Xiaomi’s policy.

Advantages:

• ✅ Complete removal APK and their data.
• ✅ Ability to use Magisk modules for fine tuning.
• ✅ It even works on HyperOS.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ All data is reset when the loader is unlocked.
• ❌ Risk of "brike" in an error.
• ❌ Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).

Instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader: Sign up on Xiaomi and get permission to unlock. Download Mi Unlock Tool. Put your phone in Fastboot mode (turn off, then press Power + Volume Down). Connect to your PC and follow the instructions in Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Install. TWRP: Download. TWRP For the Redmi Note 5. Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-whyred.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-whyred.img
3. Select Magisk: Download the latest version of Magisk. In TWRP, select Install → Select Magisk.zip → Swipe to Confirm.
4. Remove applications: Install System App Remover from Magisk. Mark unnecessary applications and confirm removal.

Once you reboot the apps, they'll be completely removed, and to get them back, you'll have to reflash MIUI through Fastboot.

Yes, a long time |Yes, but back on stock |No, I'm afraid to lose my warranty |Tryed, but it didn't work |I don't see the point-->

Method 4: Using Debloater Tools (for experienced users)

If ADB seems complicated, you can use specialized utilities like Universal Android Debloater (GUI for ADB) or App Inspector (for package analysis), which automate the process, but require the same permissions as manual ADB.

Popular utilities:

Example of Universal Android Debloater:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and activate ADB (as in Method 2).
2. Open the utility and click Read device packages.
3. Filter the list by keyword (e.g., “miui”).
4. Select the unneeded packages and select Uninstall selected.
5. Create a backup (Backup selected) in case of an error.

⚠️ Note: Some debloater tools may offer to remove packets critical to the Redmi Note 5, such as com.qualcomm.qti.telephonyservice (responsible for mobile communications).Always check the packet name manually before deleting.

What to do if the phone stops working after removal

If after manipulation with the system applications Redmi Note 5:

• 🔄 He's fixated on the logo. MIUI;
• 📵 Not included;
• 🚨 Always making mistakes;

Don’t panic – 90% of the time, the device can be rebuilt.

Recovery methods:

1. Return the application via ADB: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.browser If ADB is not connected, proceed to the next step.
2. Reset settings: Press Power + Volume Up to log in to Recovery. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data. Confirm reset (data will be deleted!).
3. Check it out. MIUI Fastboot: Download the firmware for whyred from the official website. Unpack the archive and launch it. flash_all.bat (Windows or flash_all.sh (Linux/Mac).
4. Use it. EDL-Mode (extreme): Requires an authorized Xiaomi account and boxing (e.g. Mi Flash Pro) Suitable if the phone doesn't respond to buttons.

If none of these methods worked, contact the service center, and indicate that the problem occurred after the cache was cleaned, which will save time for diagnosis.

💡

Always keep a log of deleted packets (the adb shell pm list packages -u command will show disabled applications) and this will help you quickly restore them if something goes wrong.

Removal Alternatives: How to Hide and Limit System Applications

If removal risks 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 removing them.
• 🚫 Background Limitation: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management. Select the application. → Battery → Limit background activity.
• 🛡️ Ad Blocking: Install Blokada or AdGuard to disable ads in system apps without removing them.
• 📥 Freeze through Titanium Backup (requires root): The app is “freezed” but not removed, which is safer.