Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphone owners often face the problem of pre-installed system applications that take up memory, consume battery power and display annoying advertising. Unlike conventional programs, such applications cannot be removed in the standard way - there is simply no "Delete" button on the menu. However, there are legal and informal methods of uninstallation, each of which has its own nuances and levels of risk.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to remove system applications on Xiaomi devices running MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS, including methods without root rights and obtaining superuser rights. You will learn which applications can be safely removed and which should not be touched, how to return the system to working condition in case of failures, and what alternatives exist instead of completely removing.
Why you can’t just remove system applications in the standard way
System applications in MIUI and HyperOS are integrated into firmware at the operating system kernel level, stored in a secure /system partition that is restricted even to a user with administrator privileges.
- 🔒 Protection against accidental removal: the manufacturer blocks the removal of critical components without which the smartphone will not be able to work correctly (for example, com.android.phone - telephone module).
- 📦 Components interdependencies: Some applications are linked to Google or Xiaomi services (e.g. com.miui.analytics is responsible for collecting statistics) and their removal may lead to errors in other applications.
- 🛡️ Security Policy: Xiaomi prohibits modifying system files without unlocking the bootloader to prevent malware installation.
What's more, even if you manage to uninstall an application via ADB or TWRP, it can come back automatically after the next MIUI update, due to the system file recovery mechanism that works when you install new firmware versions.
⚠️ Attention: Deleting system applications without a backup can lead to a device bric (complete failure).For example, deleting com.android.settings will make it impossible to access smartphone settings.
What Xiaomi System Applications Can Be Removed Safely
Not all pre-installed programs are equally important. Below is a list of apps that can be removed without critical consequences for the system, but even removing them can affect the functionality of some services (for example, the ability to sync with Mi Cloud or Google Pay will disappear).
| Title of the annex | Package name (package name) | What happens after removal? | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Browser | com.android.browser | The standard browser will disappear, but you can use Chrome or another browser. | Low. |
| Mi Music | com.miui.player | There won’t be a standard player, but music files will remain. | Low. |
| Mi Video | com.miui.videoplayer | Video player will be deleted, but files will remain available | Low. |
| Mi Pay | com.miui.mipay | Xiaomi’s contactless payment service will not work | Medium. |
| Analytics (Collection of Statistics) | com.miui.analytics | Anonymous usage statistics will no longer be sent | Low. |
The list of prohibited applications for removal includes:
- 🚫 com.android.phone – phone module (smartphone will stop ringing).
- 🚫 com.android.settings – System settings.
- 🚫 com.miui.home – launcher (desktop will disappear).
- 🚫 com.google.android.gsf – Google services (Play Market and other apps will stop working).
Method 1: Disabling system applications without deleting (the safest way)
If your goal is to free up memory and prevent the background activity of unnecessary programs, but you don’t want to risk the stability of the system, the best option is to disable instead of delete.
How to disable the system application:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Show All Apps.
- Find the right app (like Mi Browser) and tap it.
- Click Disable (if the button is inactive, the application is critical).
- Confirm the action in the dialog window.
After deactivation, the annex:
- ✅ It will stop showing up on the menu.
- ✅ It will not consume battery power.
- ✅ No updates will be made through the Play Market.
- ❌ But it will remain in the memory of the device (taken). ~50-70% base-size).
💡
You can turn apps off again in the same menu, which is useful if you have problems with other functions after you turn off (for example, notifications stopped coming).
Method 2: Removing system applications via ADB (without root)
For users willing to take a small risk, but do not want to get root rights, the method of removing through Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is suitable. This method requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and executing commands in the terminal.
Advantages of the method:
- 🔧 Does not require unlocking the loader.
- 🔄 Reverse (you can restore the application through the same application) ADB).
- 📱 It works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version.
USB debugging
Settings → Additional → For Developers
Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-Cable (use the original cable for stability).
ADB Tools
adb devices
adb shell
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browser(Replace com.miui.browser with the desired application package).
⚠️ Attention: After update MIUI remotely ADB To avoid this, please do the pm uninstall command before updating. -k --user 0 [package] freshly.
Download ADB Tools from the official website|Enable the developer mode|Activate debugging by USB|Connect the original USB-cable|Check the connection of the adb device team-->
Method 3: Removal with Magisk (with root rights)
If you're willing to go for more radical measures and get root rights, the ability to remove system applications is greatly expanded.
- Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool.
- Install the custom TWRP recavator.
- Switch Magisk to get root.
Installation of custom firmware requires:
- Unlock the bootloader (via Mi Unlock Tool).
- TWRP or other recavator installations.
- Create a full backup of the current system.
- Firmware via fastboot or recovery.
💡
Custom firmware is the only way to permanently get rid of Xiaomi system applications, but it requires technical skills and leads to a loss of warranty.
Method 5: Alternative methods (without removal)
If removing system applications seems too risky, consider alternative options:
- 🔕 Freeze through Titanium Backup (requires root) The app is "freeze" but not removed, making it easy to bring it back.
- 📵 Background activity restriction: Go to Settings → Annexes → [Select the application] → Battery → Limit background activity. Turn off autostart in Settings → Permits → Auto-start.
- 🚫 Block notifications: Go to the app settings and turn off notifications. Use apps like Notisave to filter spam.
- 🔄 Reset to factory settings with automatic installation disabled: Before reset, disable Settings → Google → Restore apps. After a reset, don’t log in to your Mi Account immediately — first remove unnecessary apps through the reset. ADB.
These methods will not release memory as effectively as complete deletion, but will reduce the load on the system and get rid of intrusive notifications.
What to do if after removing system applications, the smartphone is not working correctly
If you have problems following the manipulation of system files (e.g., persistent errors, interface crashes, or lack of network), try the following steps:
- Recovery via ADB: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.browser (replace the package with a remote application).
- Cache reset: Go to Settings → Memory → Clean. Select Clear App cache.
- Recovery via TWRP: Load into the recaveri (Nutrition + Volume Up). Select Restore and restore the backup.
Fastboot flashing through Fastboot
- Download the original firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
- Sweat it through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.
⚠️ Note: If the smartphone does not turn on even after flashing, it may be damaged EMMC-In this case, you'll need repairs at the service center.