Removing system applications on Xiaomi Redmi 4X: safe methods and pitfalls

Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) is still a popular budget smartphone, but its MIUI firmware is overloaded with unnecessary system applications. Users are faced with the fact that even after resetting to factory settings, some of the software comes back, taking up precious space in memory and using up battery power. In this article, we will discuss how to safely remove embedded applications on the Redmi 4X without damaging the system, and what methods really work in 2026.

It is important to understand that removing system components is an interference with the structure of Android, which can lead to unstable operation of the device. 4X with its modest characteristics (Snapdragon processor) 435, 2/3 GB of RAM) every unnecessary process counts, but not all applications can be removed without consequences: some are related to the kernel. MIUI They are responsible for basic functions, from energy management to work. SIM-map.

We have analyzed current methods (including ADB, manual removal via TWRP and hiding applications) given the specifics of the firmware for Redmi 4X. Below are only proven methods with explanations of which applications can be removed and which ones should not be touched.

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

Unlike custom programs, the system applications on Xiaomi Redmi 4X are protected from standard removal. Even if you see the “Delete” button in the Settings → Apps menu, it often just disables updates or hides the icon, but does not free up memory.

• 🔒 Protection MIUI: The firmware blocks the removal of critical components such as com.miui.securitycenter or com.android.phone).
• 📦 Built-in services: Applications like com.xiaomi.midrop (Mi Drop) or com.miui.videoplayer are integrated into the system and do not have a separate application. APK-file /data/app.
• 🔄 Auto-Recovery: After a Reboot or Update MIUI Some remote applications may return (especially if they are linked to Google Mobile Services).

Moreover, the Redmi 4X with factory firmware does not have an unlocked bootloader, which limits the user’s ability. Attempting to remove the system application through standard means often leads to the error “Delete is impossible” or “Application is protected”.

⚠️ Note: Deleting applications like com.miui.home (Launcher) or com.android.settings will cause the system to fail.

What system applications on Redmi 4X can be removed without risk

Before you start uninstalling, you need to determine which applications are not critical to the system, and here is a list of safe to remove components on Redmi 4X (checked at MIUI 10-12).

Critical apps that cannot be removed on Redmi 4X: com.miui.securitycenter, com.android.phone, com.miui.home (Launcher), com.android.settings, and deleting them will lead to a device blink.

To determine exactly which app to uninstall, use the App Inspector utility (available on Google Play) that shows batch names and app dependencies, and it’s also helpful to check reviews on forums like 4PDA or XDA Developers — they often discuss the experience of removing specific components on santoni.

Method 1: Removing system applications via ADB (without root)

The safest way to remove unnecessary apps on Redmi 4X is to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB).This method does not require superuser rights (root), but allows you to uninstall system APKs. Important: after removal via ADB, applications will not return after rebooting (unlike the standard shutdown).

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS and installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (path: Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to unlock Developer Settings, then enable debugging).
• 🔗 Cable USB (It is preferably original to avoid connection problems).
• 📦 Utility. ADB (Download from the official website of Android Developers).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Redmi 4X to your computer and confirm the debugging permission on your smartphone screen.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) in the folder with adb.exe.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Get a list of all installed packages: adb shell pm list packages
5. Remove an unnecessary application (e.g. Mi Video): adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer Flag --user 0 means deletion only for the current user (does not affect the system).

If the command is successful, you'll see Success. The application will disappear from the menu and its data will be deleted. To return it, you'll need to reset or flash it.

USB debugging enabled

Xiaomi drivers installed

Downloaded utility ADB (platform-tools)

The smartphone is connected in file transfer mode (MTP).

Backup of important data is made-->

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. com.google.android.gms) cannot be removed via ADB Trying to do that will lead to the Failure error. [DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR]. Also avoid removing anything related to com.miui or com.android – this could disrupt your work. MIUI.

Method 2: Remove via TWRP (unlocked bootloader required)

If your Redmi 4X has a custom TWRP recap, you can remove system applications directly from the /system partition, which is more radical and allows you to get rid of even those components that the ADB does not touch.

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (bootloader).
• 📱 Established TWRP Recovery (version for Santoni).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 50% (to avoid failures during the process).

Instructions:

1. Download to TWRP (turn off your phone, then press Power + Volume Up).
2. Go to Mount and make sure that the box is marked opposite the System.
3. Connect your phone to your computer and use the ADB or TWRP-built file manager to navigate the /system/priv-app or /system/app folder.
4. Find a folder with an unnecessary application (for example, MiBrowser) and delete it entirely or only APK-file (extension.apk).
5. Restart the device. It can take up to 10 minutes to boot first.

The advantage of this method is that applications are physically removed, not just for the current user, but there are risks:

• 🚨 Error when deleting a critical file can lead to bootloop (cyclical reboot).
• 🔄 After updating MIUI through OTA Remote applications can return.
• 🛠️ To restore the working capacity will require flashing through Fastboot.

Method 3: Hiding system applications without removing

If you don't want to risk system stability, but you want to get rid of the intrusive icons, you can hide the system applications. This method doesn't free up memory, but makes the interface cleaner. There are two working ways on the Redmi 4X:

Method 1: Through the MIUI settings

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select an unused app (such as Mi Community).
3. Click Disable (if the button is active) This hides the app and stops it from running in the background.

Method 2: With the launcher Nova Launcher

• Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
• Press your finger on your desktop → Settings Nova → Apps and widgets → Hidden applications.
• Check the apps you want to hide (such as Mi Pay or Mi Credit).

The advantage of this method is that you can return applications at any time, but they will still take up space in memory and consume resources in the background (unless disabled through the settings).

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Before hiding apps through Nova Launcher, back up their data using Titanium Backup (requires root) or Swift Backup. This will help restore the settings if the application is needed.

What to do if after removing the applications Redmi 4X began to slow down

Sometimes, after removing system components, Redmi 4X starts to run slower or gives out errors, which is because some applications were part of MIUI service chains.

• 🔄 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Memory. → Clean up and delete unnecessary data. Also clear the cache of individual applications in Settings → Annexes.
• 🔧 Resetting: If the brakes are critical, reset via Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and reset. This will bring back all the remote system applications, but restore stability.
• 📥 Flashing: If the reset didn't help, swipe Redmi 4X via Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool. Use stock firmware for your model (e.g, santoni_global_images_V12.0.2.0).

If the problem occurs after removing a particular application, try returning it via ADB:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.videoplayer

This command will restore the application from the system backup (unless it was physically removed via TWRP).

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing system applications on Redmi 4X

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On Xiaomi Redmi 4X, it is safer not to remove, but to disable or hide system applications. Complete removal via ADB or TWRP requires understanding the structure of MIUI and always carries the risk of disrupting the device.