How to remove system programs on Xiaomi: safe ways and risks

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the problem of pre-installed system applications that take up space in memory, consume battery power and display annoying advertising. Although the manufacturer integrates these programs into the MIUI firmware to expand functionality, many users prefer to remove them. However, not everyone knows that improper removal can lead to malfunctions of the device, from small interface glitches to complete failure of the phone.

In this article, we'll look at which system programs can be removed without risk and which ones are not recommended to be touched. We'll talk about three main methods: through MIUI settings, with ADB, and through root permissions. You'll also learn how to recover remote components if something went wrong, and what alternatives exist instead of completely removing. It's important to understand that the procedure requires caution - some actions can deprive you of warranty or lead to data loss.

Before you start, make sure your device has enough battery power (at least 50%) and important data synced to the cloud or copied to your computer.If you’re new to Android setup, we recommend starting with the safest methods and avoiding radical changes to the system.

What system programs can be removed and which can not

Not all pre-installed apps on Xiaomi are equally useful or secure to remove, and the manufacturer divides them into three categories:

• 🔹 Safe to remove: applications that don't affect system stability, such as Mi Music, Mi Video, Mi Browser, Mi Pay or Mi Community, can be uninstalled without consequences.
• 🔸 Conditionally safe programs, which can cause minor failures, such as Mi Security, Cleaner, or Game Turbo, without which the phone will work, but will lose some of the functions.
• 🔴 System critical components are those that will cause errors or complete failure of the device. MIUI System, Services Framework, Telephony (calls), Settings (settings) and other nuclear services.

To determine which category an app belongs to, check its name in the list below. If you are not sure, it is better not to take risks.It is also worth considering that different versions of MIUI (12, 13, 14) and models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T) may have different set of preinstalled programs.

⚠️ Note: Deleting Google Play Services or Google Play Store apps will render most Google services inoperable, including account sync, push notifications and app store access.

Method 1: Remove via MIUI settings (without root)

The easiest and safest way to get rid of unnecessary software is to use built-in MIUI tools, which are not knowledge-based and are suitable for most users, but only remove applications that the manufacturer has authorized to be uninstalled.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the upper right corner, click on three dots and select Show All Apps.
3. Find an unnecessary app (such as Mi Music) and tap it.
4. Press the Remove button (if it is active). If the button is not, the application is protected from removal.

If the Remove button is inactive, try disabling the application first, this will stop it from working and hide it from the menu, but will not free up space in memory. ADB root-right.

Download and install ADB-PC-driver

Enable debugging over USB in the developer settings

Connect the phone to the computer via cable

Check the connection with the adb device command

Download the list of packages with the command adb shell pm list packages

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Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root but with PC)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is an Android debugging tool that allows you to control your device via the command line, and it can remove even those applications that are not removed through the MIUI settings.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (including ADB) on your computer.
2. Activate the developer mode on your phone: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap it 7 times.
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
4. Connect the phone to the PC via cable and enter in the command line:

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, run the command to delete (replace com.example.app with the packet name):

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.example.app

To find out the exact names of the packages, use:

adb shell pm list packages | grep 'miui'

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If the application reappears after the MIUI update after removal, use the command adb shell pm hide com.example.app – this hides it without completely removing it.

⚠️ Note: Removing system applications through ADB It does not remove them completely from the device, but only for the current user (--user 0). When you reset your settings or update your firmware, they can come back.

Method 3: Root-rights removal (for power users)

Getting root rights gives you complete control over the system, including the ability to remove any application, even critical ones.

• 🚫 Violation of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
• 🛡️ Risk of blocking the bootloader (bootloop).
• 🔒 Loss of ability to renew “over the air" (OTA).
• 🔐 Vulnerability to malware.

If you do decide to use root, follow the instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account and wait 7-30 days).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP) for your model.
3. Sweep through Magisk to get root.
4. Use a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer) or command:

su


rm -rf /system/app/Name Apps

Removing root-enabled system applications can make it impossible to boot your phone.Always back up the /system partition before making changes.

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How to Restore Remote System Programs

If you delete the app and it starts to glitch or stops turning on, don't panic. Most of the time, you can fix it. Here are three ways to recover:

1. Reinstallation via ADB (if the phone is switched on):

adb install name apk

Download the original.apk system application files for your model from trusted forums (e.g., XDA Developers or 4PDA).

1. Reset to factory settings (if ADB doesn't help):

Go to Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset. This method will return all remote applications, but erase all user data.

1. Fastboot flashing (if the phone doesn't turn on):

Download the official firmware for your model from Xiaomi and run it through the Mi Flash Tool. This is a radical method, but it is guaranteed to restore the system.

Alternatives to Remove: How to Disable or Replace System Programs

If you don’t want to risk system stability, but still want to get rid of intrusive applications, consider alternative methods:

• 🔕 Disconnecting through Settings: Go to Settings → Apps, select an unnecessary app and click Disable. It will disappear from the menu and stop working, but will remain in memory.
• 🔄 Replacement with analogues: Install alternative apps (e.g. Google Chrome instead of Mi Browser) and disable standard apps.
• 🚫 Restriction of Rights: In the app settings, turn off notification permissions, contact access, or location.
• 📵 Ad Blocking: Use Blokada or AdGuard to block banner ads in system applications.

For example, instead of removing the Mi Browser, you can simply install Google Chrome or Firefox and make it the default browser, which eliminates the need to risk the stability of the system.

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Disabling applications instead of uninstalling them is the safest way to get rid of unnecessary programs without risking the system.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you delete system programs, users often make mistakes that lead to failures, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

• 🔧 Delete without backup: Always backup important data and partition /system (for example, through TWRP).
• 📱 Use of unofficial firmware: Download firmware only from official sources or trusted forums.
• 🔄 Interruption of the process ADB: Do not disconnect your phone from your PC while executing commands.
• 🔑 Delete Google Components: This Will Lose Account and App Store Functionality.
• 📉 Ignoring dependencies: Some apps depend on each other. for example, deleting Mi Account can break sync.

If after removing the application, the phone stopped turning on or got stuck on the MI logo, try going to Fastboot mode (hold Power + Volume down) and reflash the device.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 or X-ray) POCO F4) Deleting the Mi Security app can lead to persistent security error notifications, in which case only flashing the software will help.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions