Removing Xiaomi System Applications via PC: A Complete Guide with Risks and Solutions

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the problem of “junk” system applications that take up memory, consume battery power and are not removed by standard methods. The manufacturer blocks the ability to uninstall them through the settings menu, leaving users with two options: put up with unnecessary software or resort to radical measures. The second way requires connecting the device to a PC and using specialized tools — ADB, Fastboot or custom firmware.

This article will help you understand how to safely remove system applications on Xiaomi through your computer without turning your smartphone into a brick. We will look at the official and informal methods, assess the risks of each approach, and give recommendations for restoring the system in case of failure. Importantly, the procedure requires technical training and can be unwarranted - weigh all the pros and cons before you start.

Why you can’t just remove system applications through settings

Smartphone manufacturers, including Xiaomi, are integrating pre-installed apps (bloatware) into firmware for several reasons:

• 💰 Affiliate agreements – many utilities (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Music, GetApps) generate revenue from advertising or content sales.
• 🛠️ Functional dependency – some services (such as Mi Cloud or Security) are associated with the operation of the system and are removed only with a risk to stability.
• 🔒 Security Policy – Android restricts user rights to prevent accidental damage to critical components.

Even if you disable the app from the Settings → Apps menu, it will remain in the device’s memory, taking up space and periodically updating through Google Play. Complete removal requires super-user rights (root) or access to system partitions via ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

⚠️ Note: Removal of system applications may result in loss of functionality MIUI (For example, they will stop working themes, cloud backups or navigation gestures. On models with HyperOS (2026)+) Risks are higher due to more stringent integration of services.

Preparing for removal: what to do before connecting to a PC

Before you start manipulating system files, follow the necessary preparatory steps:

Make a backup copy of data (photos, contacts, messages)|Check the battery charge (minimum) 50%)|Install drivers ADB/Fastboot Xiaomi|Enable debugging on USB developer-setting|Write down the model and version MIUI/HyperOS-->

Pay special attention to backup. Use Mi Cloud or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup. If something goes wrong, recovering data from the backup will save you time.

To enable USB debugging, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and 7 times click on the version number bar. Then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and activate the USB Debugging option. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm your trust in the computer window that appears.

Redmi Note 12/13|POCO X5/F5|Mi 11/12/13|Redmi 10/9|Another model-->

Method 1: Removal via ADB (without root rights)

The most popular way to remove system applications on Xiaomi is to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to send commands to the device directly from the PC without requiring you to unlock the bootloader or get root, but it only works with applications that are not critical to the system.

Download and install Google's Platform Tools (includes adb.exe and fastboot.exe). Unpack the archive to the root of the C:\ drive for convenience.

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line (Win + R → cmd).
2. Go to the folder with ADB: cd C:\platform-tools
3. Check the device connection: Adb devices (the serial number of your Xiaomi should be displayed).
4. Get a list of all packages: adb shell pm list packages -f
5. Find an unnecessary app (e.g. com.miui.browser for Mi Browser) and delete it: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browser

The --user 0 command removes the app only for the current user, without affecting system files. This reduces the risk of failure, but does not guarantee 100% security. The full list of packages for Xiaomi can be found on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums.

Method 2: Delete via Fastboot (for power users)

If ADB failed to do so (e.g., the application is not removed due to MIUI protection), you can try Fastboot.This mode allows you to modify system partitions, but requires an unlocked bootloader. On new Xiaomi models (2023-2026), unlocking takes up to 7 days due to security policy.

Instructions for deleting via Fastboot:

1. Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot Mode.
2. Connect the device to your PC and check the connection: fastboot devices
3. Download modified firmware without unnecessary apps (e.g. from Xiaomi.eu) or use the command to remove the package: fastboot erase system_app_name (substitute system_app_name section, for example, mi_browser).
4. Reboot the device: fastboot reboot

⚠️ Warning: Misuse of Fastboot can lead to loss IMEI or camera failure (especially on models with MediaTek) Before experimenting, explore thematic forums for your particular model.

Method 3: Use of custom firmware (complete removal of blot)

The most radical, but also the most effective way to get rid of system applications is to install custom firmware, such as Xiaomi.eu, LineageOS or Pixel Experience, which are assemblies that lack most “junk” utilities and offer advanced settings.

The installation process shall include:

1. Unlock the bootloader (via Mi Unlock Tool).
2. Installation of custom recavery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
3. ZIP-archive firmware with a new version of the software.

Before installing, check the firmware compatibility with your model on the developer's website. For example, Xiaomi.eu publishes lists of supported devices here.

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If the NFC or fingerprint sensor has stopped working after firmware, try resetting the settings to TWRP (Format Data option) and repeat the installation.

How to Restore Remote Apps If Something Goes Wrong

If Xiaomi has started to glittle after manipulating system files (for example, the settings stopped opening or the mobile network disappeared), do not panic. In most cases, the problem can be fixed without going to the service center.

Recovery methods:

• 🔄 Fastboot reset – returns the stock firmware without data loss (if the userdata partition is not formatted): fastboot flash system system.img
• 📦 Missing Installation APK — If one application is missing, download it. APK with APKMirror and install manually.
• 🛠️ Recovery via Mi Flash – complete flashing of official software (erases all data!).

For models with HyperOS (2026), recovery is complicated by the new partition structure, in which case it is recommended to use the Mi Flash Pro with the Clean All and Lock option, which will return the device to its factory state and lock the bootloader.

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Before any manipulation of the system save the file persist.img — It contains unique device data (IMEI, MAC-Losing it could make your smartphone unsuitable for calls.

Which system applications can be removed and which can not

Not all preinstalled utilities are equally safe to remove, and below is a list of apps that can and cannot be touched on most Xiaomi devices:

On models with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) Deleting even “safe” packages can cause disruptions due to deeper service integration. 4PDA or XDA.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing system applications on Xiaomi