Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners often encounter intrusive pre-installed software that not only takes up valuable space in internal memory, but also consumes processor resources. MIUI is known for its rich functionality, but the abundance of built-in services that cannot be eliminated by standard methods can annoy even experienced users.
The process of cleaning the system requires caution, as improper interference with Android can lead to instability or even software failure. There are several ways to get rid of unnecessary components, from relatively safe deactivation through settings to advanced removal through a computer using the ADB debugging bridge. In this article, we will discuss in detail the methods that will help you make the interface cleaner and faster.
Before you take any action, you need to clearly understand the difference between deleting and disabling an application. The program that is disabled stops starting, updating and using up the battery, but physically stays in the memory of the device. Deleting completely erases the application files, freeing up space, but this process is irreversible without reinstalling the firmware or complex backup manipulations.
Preparation of the smartphone for the cleaning procedure
The first and most important step is to properly prepare the device for interaction with the computer. You need to activate the hidden menu for developers, because without this step, the computer will not be able to access the system commands of the smartphone. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly press 7-10 times on the MIUI version until the message about successful activation appears.
After activating the developer menu, you need to turn on the debugging mode via USB. Go to Settings → Advanced Settings → For developers and activate the debugging switch over USB. When you connect the cable to the PC, a request for debugging permission will appear on the smartphone screen, which must be confirmed, otherwise the connection will not be installed.
⚠️ Warning: Before any manipulations begin, be sure to back up your critical data. Deleting critical system components can lead to an endless bootloop cycle, and recovery without a backup will be impossible.
It is also recommended to charge the device to at least 60-70% so that a sudden power outage while working with ADB does not interrupt the process halfway.
☑️ Readiness to remove system applications
Installation and configuration of ADB tools
To execute the removal commands, you will need Android Debug Bridge (ADB) software tool, a versatile tool that allows you to control your Android device from your computer. The easiest way to get the necessary files is to download the Platform Tools package from the official Google developer site or use proven builders of the minimum versions of ADB.
After downloading the archive, unpack it into the root folder of the disk, for example, in C:\adb, so that the path to the files is short and does not contain Cyrillic. To start the command line in the tool folder, press the Shift key, right click on the empty space and select "Open PowerShell window here" or "Open command line".
Check the connection by entering the adb device command. If a debugging permission request appears on your smartphone screen, confirm it and re-enter the command. The terminal should display the serial number of your device with device status, which indicates a successful connection.
adb devicesIf you see an unauthorized status instead of a device number, check your smartphone screen and allow the connection. If you don't respond, check the integrity. USB-Try another port, preferably a different one. USB 2.0, as some ports are USB 3.0 can cause driver conflicts.
What to do if your computer can’t see your phone?
Secure removal of applications through ADB
The most reliable method of cleaning is using the command line to force packet removal. The command to delete looks like an adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 name packet. It is important to understand that you delete the application only for the current user (user 0), but the files remain in the system partition, so when you reset the settings, they can return.
To find out the exact name of the package you want to remove, you can use the adb shell pm list packages command, which will display the full list of installed applications. ADB/Fastboot Tools or Universal Android Debloater that automatically detects redundant apps.
- 📦 com.miui.analytics is a system analytics service that collects user data.
- 📺 com.miui.miservice – Service and Feedback application, often responsible for advertising.
- 🌐 com.facebook.katana is a built-in Facebook client that can be removed if you don’t need it.
- 🛒 com.amazon.mShop.android.shopping – Amazon app preinstalled in global versions.
When you remove critical components such as SystemUI or Phone, the phone may stop functioning correctly. Always check the destination of the packet on the Internet before entering the uninstall command. If in doubt, it is better to simply disable the application with the command adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 name packet.
Using graphical slits for debloating
For those who don’t want to work with console teams, there are specialized programs with a graphical interface. ADB/Fastboot Tools, built specifically for the manufacturer's devices, allows you to delete applications, clear cache, and even change the firmware region in one click.
Another powerful tool is Universal Android Debloater (UAD), which is open source and contains a secure package removal database for most manufacturers. UAD highlights applications that are considered safe to remove, warns of risks, and allows you to instantly restore remote ones.
| Name of utility | Difficulty | Security | Functional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi ADB Tools | Low. | Tall. | Specific for Xiaomi |
| Universal Debloater | Medium | Tall. | Universal. |
| ADB AppControl | Low. | Medium | Advertising management |
| Command line | Tall. | Depends on the user. | Full control. |
Using GUIs significantly reduces the risk of error, as the program often takes over dependency testing, but even with such tools, you should exercise prudence and not delete anything that is labeled as “advertising” unless you are sure of the consequences for your personal use cases.
What system applications cannot be removed
There is a list of applications that are guaranteed to be removed will lead to unstable system operation or complete inoperability of the smartphone, primarily these are the components responsible for basic functionality: Phone (calls), Contacts (contacts) and SystemUI (interface).
Also, refrain from removing security-related and update packages, such as Security Center or Updater. Although MIUI is often criticized for being intrusive to antivirus and security center, removing them can disrupt permissions and network access for other applications.
⚠️ Note: Deleting com.android.providers.downloads or com.android.providers.downloadmanager will make it impossible to download files from the browser and install applications from the browser. APK-file.
If you accidentally delete an important component, you can restore it only by commanding adb shell cmd package install-existing name packet or by completely resetting the device to factory settings. So keep a list of deleted packages or take screenshots before cleaning.
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Save the list of deleted packets in a text file. In case of problems, this will help quickly restore the system to work, reinstalling only the necessary components, rather than returning all the garbage back.
Recovery of Remote Applications and Problem Solving
If you have problems, such as persistent pop-ups or freezes, try restarting your device to Safe Mode first. If the problem persists, you will likely need to restore remote system components via ADB.
To restore a remote application, use the installation command for an existing package. This is only possible if the application has been removed by the method. --user 0, Not physically erased from the system partition (which requires root rights), the team will return the icon and the application functionality to the system.
adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.analyticsIf your smartphone is back on a bootloop, you need to enter Recovery mode. On the device turned off, press the Volume Up and Power buttons at the same time. On the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data, but remember that this will completely delete all your personal data.
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The safest way to “delete” is to disable the application, which stops working and consumes resources, but remains available for recovery at any time without losing data.