How to remove unnecessary system programs on Xiaomi: 5 proven methods

Xiaomi smartphones out of the box come with dozens of pre-installed apps, from useful MIUI services to advertising utilities like Mi Browser or Mi Video. Many of them can't be removed by standard means, but they take up space in memory, consume battery power and sometimes show annoying ads. If you want to make room or get rid of unnecessary software, this guide will help you do it safely.

It's important to understand that uninstalling system programs is an interference with Android that can cause malfunctions. We'll look at methods of varying degrees of risk, from harmless disabling to complete removal using ADB or root rights. You'll also learn which applications can be removed without consequences, and which ones can not be touched categorically. If you're a beginner, start with the safest ways and make sure to back up your data.

Why you can’t just remove system applications through settings

Unlike custom software, system applications in MIUI are protected from accidental removal, and this is done for a reason: many of them are responsible for:

• 🔄 Operation of the operating system (e.g, MIUI System UI or Android System WebView)
• 📶 Network and Communication (Mi Connectivity Services, Carrier Services)
• 🔒 Security: Google Play Services, Mi Security)
• 📱 Basic functionality (calls, SMS, camera)

If you remove a critical app, your smartphone can:

• ❌ Stop turning on (bootloop)
• 📵 Losing connection to the network
• 🔳 Hang on the logo. MI
• 🚨 Begin to overheat or discharge quickly

⚠️ Note: Even if an app seems useless (such as Mi Music or Mi Calendar), removing it may disrupt other services. Always check user reviews before uninstalling it!

Fortunately, there are ways to disable unnecessary programs without completely uninstalling them, and it's safer and often solves the problem without risk.

Method 1: Disabling system applications without root (the safest method)

If you just need to free up RAM and get rid of intrusive notifications, just turn off unnecessary programs. This will not delete them completely, but stop background activity and hide icons from the menu.

How to disable the system application:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show all apps.
3. Find the right app (such as Mi Browser or Mi Video).
4. Click Disable (if the button is active).
5. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

Not all system programs can be disabled this way, and if the Disable button is inactive, the application is critical to the system.

☑️ What can be turned off without risk

0

⚠️ Warning: Disabling Google Play Services or Mi Security may disrupt the app store, push notifications and fingerprint scanner.

Method 2: Remove via ADB (without root, but with a computer)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a tool for debugging Android devices through a computer, which can remove many system applications without getting root permissions. The method works on most Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Mi 11.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original)
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB smartphone
• 🛠️ Utility. ADB (You can download from the official Android website)

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Turn on USB Debugging.

Connect your smartphone to your computer and confirm access to debugging on your phone screen.

ADB

adb devices

The name of your device should appear.

adb shell pm list packages -f

com.android.browser

Mi Browser

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser

The --user 0 command removes the application only for the current user, without affecting system files, which reduces the risk of failure.

If the application returned after rebooting after deleting it, it is protected by the system, in which case root or complete removal through custom recovery will help.

Method 3: Removal with root rights (for power users)

Getting root rights gives you complete control of the system, but it gives you no warranty and increases the risk of failure, and if you're willing to do that, you can uninstall any system applications, including those that don't lend themselves to ADB.

What needs to be done:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (can take up to 7 days).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
3. Sweep through Magisk to get root.
4. Use Root Explorer or Titanium Backup to uninstall applications.

Examples of safe applications to remove (after root):

⚠️ Note: Deleting com.miui.securitycenter or com.google.android.gms will cause the device to fail!

Method 4: Use custom firmware (alternative to removal)

If you don't like the built-in MIUI apps, but you don't want to risk removing them manually, you can install custom firmware.

• 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without extra software
• 🔄 Pixel Experience – firmware with an interface like Google Pixel
• 🛠️ Havoc-OS – flexible firmware with many settings
• 🎨 crDroid – Balance between performance and functionality

Advantages of custom firmware:

• ✅ No pre-installed Xiaomi apps
• ✅ Regular security updates
• ✅ Ability to fine-tune the interface
• ✅ Better performance on older devices

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Loss of guarantee
• ❌ Possible bugs with camera or sensors
• ❌ No official support (manual updates)

You can install custom firmware via TWRP or OrangeFox, and instructions are usually posted on the XDA-Developers or 4PDA forums.

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Before installing custom firmware, check if your Xiaomi model is supported on the firmware site. Some devices (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro) have unofficial bug ports.

Method 5: Recovery of Remote System Applications

If the system application is deactivated, the smartphone can be rebuilt, depending on how you delete the program:

If removed via ADB:

1. Connect your phone to your computer and open ADB.
2. Enter the command to re-install: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.browser (replace com.android.browser with the desired package).

If removed from root:

1. Download the original firmware for your model from the MIUI Downloads website.
2. Remove the system.img file from it and find the remote application in the /system/app or /system/priv-app folder.
3. Copy the folder with the application back to the system through Root Explorer.
4. Set the right permissions (usually 644 for files and 755 for folders).

If the smartphone does not turn on:

• Load to Fastboot (clip Power + Volume down).
• Sweep the original firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

⚠️ Warning: If the smartphone still doesn't work after the app is restored, the system libraries may have been damaged, in which case only a complete flashing through Fastboot will help.

What Xiaomi System Apps Can Be Deleted Without Risk

Not all pre-installed programs are equally important, but here is a list of apps that can be removed or disabled without serious consequences:

Applications that cannot be removed:

• 🚫 com.miui.securitycenter – Security Center (unlocking breaks)
• 🚫 com.google.android.gms – Google Play Services (the store will not work)
• 🚫 com.android.phone – phone calls
• 🚫 com.android.settings – System settings
• 🚫 com.miui.system – System components MIUI

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Before you uninstall any system application, check its name online. Even "safe" packages can be critical for some Xiaomi models.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing system programs on Xiaomi