Hidden apps on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones take up precious space in memory, consume battery power in the background and are often unnecessary. Although MIUI allows you to disable some of the preinstalled software, many system services remain unavailable through the standard interface. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods to get rid of hidden applications – from simple ways without superuser rights to advanced techniques using ADB and modified firmware.
It's important to understand that not all hidden applications can be removed without consequences. Some of them are critical to MIUI operation, because removing them can cause a camera malfunction, a mobile network, or even a complete system failure. We'll take a look at which applications can be removed safely and which ones should not be touched. And you'll learn how to restore remote software if something goes wrong.
The instructions in this article are relevant for all modern Xiaomi devices based on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS, including the Redmi Note 12/13, POCO F5/X5, Xiaomi 13/14 and others. If your device runs on an older version of the firmware, some methods may not work – we will mention this too.
1.What are hidden apps on Xiaomi and why they can’t be removed in standard ways
Hidden (or system) applications on Xiaomi fall into three categories:
- 📱 Pre-installed services MIUI — Apps like Mi Browser, Mi Video, Music that can be disabled but not deleted through settings.
- 🔧 Android service components like Android Auto, Google Play Movies, Mi Pay that are not used by most users.
- ⚙️ Critical system processes – MiuiDaemon, SecurityCenter, SystemUI, the removal of which will disrupt the operation of the phone.
Why is Xiaomi blocking removal? The manufacturer argues that it is firmware stability and security. Many system applications are interrelated: for example, removing MiuiGallery can disrupt photo processing in other services. In addition, some applications (for example, Mi Credit or Mi Finance) generate revenue for Xiaomi through advertising and affiliate programs.
The standard application manager in MIUI allows you to only disable some software, but not delete it completely. Even after disabling, application files remain in the device's memory, taking up from 50 MB to 1 GB depending on the model. The only way to completely get rid of unnecessary programs is to use alternative methods, which we will describe below.
Method 2: Disable hidden applications via MIUI settings (without root)
If you don't have to completely remove applications, but you just stop them and hide them from the menu, you can do without complex manipulations. This method is safe and requires no special knowledge.
Step-by-step:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show All Applications (or System Processes in newer versions of MIUI).
- In the list, look for an unneeded app (such as Mi Browser or Mi Music).
- Click on it, then select Disable (or Remove Updates if the button is active).
- Confirm the action in the window that appears.
What applications can be turned off without risk:
- 🌐 Mi Browser (if you use Chrome or other browser)
- 🎵 Mi Music (if you listen to music on Spotify or YouTube Music)
- 🎬 Mi Video / Video Player
- 💳 Mi Pay/Mi Credit (if you don’t use Xiaomi Payment Services)
- 📡 Mi Remote (unless you use your phone as a remote control)
Make a backup copy of important data
Check if the application is used by other services
Remember the name of the application in case of recovery
Reboot your phone after disconnecting-->
Limitations of the method:
- Applications remain in the device’s memory (just don’t start).
- Some system services (e.g., SecurityCenter) cannot be disabled.
- After resetting or updating MIUI, disabled applications can be activated again.
💡
If the “Disable” button is inactive, try removing all app updates first (if any) and then try again.
Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root but with a computer)
ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is an Android debugging tool that allows you to manage system files without superuser permissions, and it can completely remove many hidden applications that cannot be uninstalled in standard ways.
What you need:
- 💻 Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
- 📱 Included debugging by USB phone-on.
- 🛠️ Utility. ADB (You can download from the official Android website).
Step-by-step:
- Activate USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Enable USB debugging and confirm action.
- Connect your phone to your computer: Use the original cable. Select File Transfer Mode (MTP) on your phone. Confirm trust in your computer when you first connect.
Install ADB and check the connection:
- Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack the archive.
- Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
- Enter the command: Adb devices If the phone is connected correctly, you will see its serial number.
- Get a list of all apps: adb shell pm list packages Copy the names of unnecessary packages (e.g. com.android.browser for Mi Browser).
- Delete the application: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 name packet For example, to remove Mi Browser: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser
Advantages of the method:
- 📱 It does not require a connection to a computer.
- 🔍 Shows hidden system applications that are not in the standard manager.
- 🔄 Allows you to restore deleted applications (if they were simply disabled).
Disadvantages:
- ❌ Not all apps can be removed (many only turn off).
- ⚠️ On the new versions MIUI 14 and HyperOS may be blocked from some functions.
- 🔒 Careful – Removing critical components can break the system.