Removing System Apps on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: A Complete Guide to Risks and Solutions

Why Xiaomi System Apps Take Memory and How to Deal With Them

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T often face a problem: even on a new device, a significant part of the internal memory is occupied by system applications that cannot be removed by standard methods. MIUI, Xiaomi’s firmware, is known for an abundance of pre-installed software – from branded services like Mi Browser and Mi Music to underutilities like Mi Pay or Mi Video. These programs not only take up space, but can consume battery power in the background, slow down the system and even collect user data.

According to an analysis of the Redmi Note 8T firmware (codename willow), up to 12-15 GB of internal memory can be occupied by system files and applications, some of which duplicate the functions of Google or third-party services. For example, Mi File Manager is often inferior in functionality to Files by Google, and Mi Browser loses to Chrome in speed and security. However, simply removing such programs can lead to loss of stability of MIUI or even a “brick” of the device if you touch critical components of the system.

In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to get rid of unnecessary system applications on the Redmi Note 8T – from safe disabling to complete removal through ADB and custom firmware, and you will learn which programs can be removed without risk and which cannot be touched categorically.

Which system applications can be removed and which can not

Before you start cleaning, it’s important to understand that not all system applications are equally useful (or useless). Some are critical to MIUI, others can be deactivated.

Special attention should be paid to applications with names starting on com.miui. or com.xiaomi. – Many of them are responsible for the operation of proprietary MIUI features, such as dark theme, navigation gestures or battery optimization. For example, removing com.miui.weather2 will lead to the disappearance of the weather widget, and com.miui.gallery – to the loss of the standard gallery (although it can be replaced with Google Photos).

⚠️ Note: If you are not sure about the purpose of the application, it is better not to touch it. for example, com.miui.analytics collects data to improve the application. MIUI, But its removal will not disrupt the system – unlike com.miui.securitycenter, without which antivirus and application permissions will not work.

Method 1: Disabling system applications without removing

The safest way to get rid of unnecessary software is to turn it off, not delete it completely. It won't free up memory, but it will stop background activity and hide apps from the menu. MIUI:

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.

The apps that are disabled will disappear from the menu, but they will remain in the system, and you can activate them again in the same settings section, which is suitable for most pre-installed programs, except for those that are responsible for the basic functions of MIUI.

Check the list of safe programs to disable (see table above)

Backup of important data

Make sure you have an alternative (e.g. Chrome instead of Mi Browser)

Remember the name of the disabled applications in case of recovery-->

The downside is that memory is not freed, and some apps (like Google Play Music) can be activated again after the MIUI update. However, this is the only method that is guaranteed not to harm your Redmi Note 8T.

Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root rights)

A more radical but still relatively safe method is to remove system applications via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which does not require super-user rights, but allows you to completely remove unnecessary software. Importantly, improper use of ADB can lead to the device’s failure, so follow the instructions carefully.

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux
• 📱 USB-cable (preferably original)
• 🔧 Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB Tools
• 🔒 Included debugging by USB phone-on

Steps to remove:

1. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times, then go back to Additional settings → For Developers).
2. Connect the Redmi Note 8T to your computer and select File Transfer mode.
3. Open the command line (or Terminal) and type:

adb devices

(Your device should show up. If not, check the drivers.)

1. To see a list of all system applications, do:

adb shell pm list packages -f | grep xiaomi

1. To remove a specific application (e.g., Mi Browser with com.android.browser) type:

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

The --user 0 key means that the application is only removed for the current user, not completely off the system, which reduces the risk of MIUI damage.

⚠️ Note: Some applications after removal through ADB They may return after the update MIUI. To avoid this, you can block their re-installation by the command: adb shell pm hide com.android.browser But this requires root rights.

💡

Before mass deletion, back up the list of installed packages with the command adb shell pm list packages > packages.txt. This will help restore the deleted applications if something goes wrong.

Method 3: Complete removal with root rights

If you're willing to take risks, you can root and remove system applications forever, and this method gives you maximum freedom, but also maximum risk, from loss of warranty to device blink. On the Redmi Note 8T root, you get it through unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk.

Advantages of root method:

• 🧹 Complete removal of applications (not just for the current user)
• 🔧 Ability to edit system files (e.g., remove ads in the MIUI)
• 📱 Install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS)

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty)
• 🔄 Risk of errors in the update MIUI
• 🛡️ Vulnerability to malware (if you do not give root rights neatly)

Instructions for obtaining root:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (Mi Unlock Tool). To do this, you need to link the Mi Account to the device and wait 7-14 days (Xiaomi limit).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP) for Redmi Note 8T (codename willow).
3. Run Magisk through TWRP.
4. Install Root Explorer or Titanium Backup and manually remove unnecessary applications from /system/app or /system/priv-app.

⚠️ Note: After getting the root Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T cease to OTA-update MIUI. To update, you will have to manually stitch new versions through TWRP or roll back root before updating.

Yes, if that's the only way to get rid of unnecessary software.

No, the risks are too great.

I will try ADB first and if it doesn’t help, root.

I already have root.-->

Method 4: Alternative methods (without ADB and root)

If you don’t want to mess with ADB or risk root, there are a few alternative ways to reduce the impact of system apps on the Redmi Note 8T:

1. Freeze through "Developer Settings"

Some system applications can be frozen so that they don't start.

1. Activate the Developer Settings (as described above).
2. Find the option of Inactive Applications or Background Processes.
3. Select an unnecessary app and limit its activity.

2.Use of Launchers

Install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair) and hide the system application icons in its settings. This won’t delete the programs, but will make them invisible.

Disconnection through the "Safety Center"

MIUI has a built-in tool for auto-start management:

1. Open the security center. → Auto-start.
2. Turn off autoplay for unnecessary apps (such as Mi Browser or Mi Video).

4. Install custom firmware without Bloatware

If you are ready for experiments, you can flash Redmi Note 8T on custom firmware like:

• 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary applications
• 📱 Pixel Experience – firmware with Google Pixel interface
• 📱 Havoc-OS – customizable firmware with many functions

The downside of this method is the loss of branded MIUI features (such as a dark theme from Xiaomi or navigation gestures), but you will get a completely “pure” Android.

Recovery of Remote System Applications

If Redmi Note 8T starts to work unstable after deleting or disabling applications (for example, the theme of the registration is lost or notifications stop coming), you need to return the deleted components.

1. through ADB (if removed without root)

If you have removed applications by pm uninstall, you can restore them as follows:

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

(Replace com.android.browser with the desired application package).

2. Through backup

If you have backups made through TWRP or Mi Backup before cleaning, restore them:

1. Reboot to TWRP (clip Power + Volume up).
2. Select Restore and point the way to the backup.

3. MIUI flashing

The last method is to completely reinstall the firmware through Fastboot or Recovery.

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi Note 8T from the Xiaomi website.
2. Flip it through Mi Flash Tool (for Fastboot) or TWRP (for Recovery).

⚠️ Warning: Flashing erases all data from the device! Pre-backup photos, contacts and other important files.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you remove system applications, Redmi Note 8T users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

To minimize risks, always check the name of the package before you delete it. For example, com.miui.weather2 is the weather widget, and com.miui.weather.provider is the service that handles weather data for other applications.

💡

Before any manipulation of system applications, back up the data and save a list of installed packages, which will help quickly restore the device to work in case of an error.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions