How to Remove Standard Apps on Xiaomi: 5 Proven Ways

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones out of the box are loaded with dozens of pre-installed apps, from Mi Browser and Mi Music to GetApps and Mi Video. Many of them duplicate Google services, consume resources in the background and annoy with pop-up notifications. But just remove them through the Apps menu will not work: the system blocks the “Delete” button for system packages.

In this article, we will discuss the 2026 ways to remove embedded applications on Xiaomi, including root-free (through ADB and hidden settings) and root (via Magisk or TWRP). We will analyze the risks of each approach, list safe packets to remove, and explain how to return the application if something goes wrong. Importantly, some methods can disrupt MIUI or lead to a device breakage — so make a backup before you start.

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

Unlike custom programs, Xiaomi’s pre-installed applications are integrated into the system-level MIUI firmware, and cannot be uninstalled in the standard way for three reasons:

  • 🔒 Protection from change: MIUI Blocks modification of the system partition (/system), to prevent accidental damage to the OS.
  • 🔄 Component dependencies: Some applications (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) are associated with the operation of a security center, notifications or registration themes.
  • 📦 Manufacturer policy: Xiaomi receives income from affiliate services (for example, Mi Browser with advertising), so their removal is not provided for.

If you try to remove the system application through Settings → Applications, you will see:

  • The "Delete" button is inactive (grey).
  • Only the “Disable” option is accessible – it hides the application, but does not free up space and does not stop background processes.
  • In some versions of MIUI (e.g. MIUI 14 for global firmware), even disabling is blocked for critical services.
📊 What Xiaomi System App Irritates You the Most?
Mi Browser
GetApps
Mi Music
Mi Video
Cleaner
Themes
Other

There are workarounds, but they require technical knowledge, like disabling through ADB or manually removing packet files with root access, but not all applications can be safely removed — some are critical to MIUI.

List of safe to remove system applications Xiaomi

Before you start uninstalling, check if the application is system critical. Below is a table of packets that can be removed without risking MIUI stability (relevant to MIUI 12-14 on most Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO models).

Title of the annexPackage name (package name)Effects of removalRecommendation
Mi Browsercom.android.browsercom.miui.browserThe standard browser will disappear, advertising notifications will leave✅ Safe.
GetApps (Mi App Store)com.xiaomi.mipicksYou will not be able to install applications from the Xiaomi store✅ Safe.
Mi Musiccom.miui.playerThe music player will disappear, but the files will remain.✅ Safe.
Mi Videocom.miui.videoplayerThere won’t be a standard video player, but videos will open in other apps.✅ Safe.
Cleaner (Optimizer)com.miui.cleanmasterWill disappear built-in cache and garbage cleaner⚠️ It can slow down the system without an alternative.

❌ Do not delete the following packages – this will cause failures MIUI:

  • com.miui.securitycenter (Security Center)
  • com.android.settings (System settings)
  • com.miui.home (Luncher) MIUI)
  • com.xiaomi.finddevice (Device Search)

💡

Before removing any package, check its name in APKMirror or through a Google search. If the application is associated with system services (for example, com.miui.weather2 manages weather widgets), its removal may disrupt the interface.

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

The safest method is to disable (rather than remove) unwanted applications via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which won't free up disk space, but will stop background processes and hide apps from the menu.

  • 🔧 Doesn't require root rights.
  • 🔄 You can return the application at any time.
  • 🛡️ Minimum risk to the system.

The work will require:

  • 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
  • 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with enabled debugging USB.
  • 🔌 Cable USB (better-than-original).
  • 📦 Utility. ADB Tools by Google.

Enable "Developer Mode" (7 times click on "Version" MIUI» on the telephone»)|Activate “Debugging by” USB» in “Developer settings»|Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trusted device|Download and unpack ADB Tools on the computer|Open the command line in the folder with ADB-->

Instructions for unsetting:

  1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with ADB.
  2. Check the connection command: Adb devices should appear serial number of your device.
  3. Enter the command to disable the application (replace package.name with a real package, for example com.miui.browser): adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 package.name
  4. Reboot the phone. The app will disappear from the menu.

To return the application, use the command:

adb shell cmd package install-existing package.name

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Disabling through ADB does not delete application files from the device, but only hides it for the current user.This is safe, but does not free up disk space.

Method 2: Removing root-right system applications

If you have root access (for example, through Magisk), you can completely remove unnecessary packets. This will free up space on the disk, but requires caution: improper removal can lead to a bootloop ( looped reboot) or loss of MIUI functionality.

The work will require:

  • ✅ Unlocked bootloader (unlocked bootloader).
  • ✅ Installed by Magisk or SuperSU.
  • ✅ Root Explorer application (e.g, FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer).

Step-by-step:

  1. Open Root Explorer and go to /system/app or /system/priv-app (there are system applications stored).
  2. Find a folder with the name of the packet being removed (e.g. Browser for com.android.browser).
  3. Delete the folder or rename it (add at the end of.bak – this will allow you to restore the application if necessary).
  4. Reboot the phone.
What if MIUI does not start after removal?
If the phone is stuck on the Xiaomi logo or reboots in a loop: 1. Come in. TWRP Recovery (holding power) + Volume Up when switched on). 2. Connect your phone to your PC and copy the app folder backup back to /system/app. 3. If there is no backup copy, re-follow. MIUI via Fastboot (instructions on the official website). 4. In the future, avoid removing packages called miui, android, or Xiaomi at the beginning.—> ⚠️ Warning: Removing the following packets is almost guaranteed to break MIUI: com.miui.home – launcher (desktop will disappear). com.android.systemui – system interface (phone will not turn on). com.miui.securitycenter – security center (notifications will stop working). Method 3: Using Magisk modules for debloate If you do not want to manually remove applications, you can use ready-made modules for Magisk, which automatically clean up the application. MIUI from unnecessary software. Popular solutions: 🧹 Universal Debloater – Removes most of Xiaomi’s Bloat apps. 🎯 MIUI Debloater – a specialized module for MIUI 12–14. 🔍 App Systemizer - allows you to convert system applications to custom (for easy removal). How to install the module: Download the module file (extension.zip) XDA Developers. Open Magisk Manager and go to Modules. Click "Install" and select the downloaded file. Reboot the phone. Benefits of the method: ⚡ Quickly remove dozens of apps at a time. 🔧 Recoilability (remove the module in Magisk to return everything back). 🛡️ Less risk of error compared to manual removal. Method 4: Removal through TWRP (for experienced users) If your device has custom Recovery installed TWRP, You can remove system applications directly from it. This is a method that is suitable for deep cleaning. MIUI, But you need an unlocked bootloader and a backup (nandroid backup). TWRP (hold on to the power + Volume Up when enabled. Go to Advanced → File Manager, open the folder. /system/app or /system/priv-app. Find a folder with the name of an unnecessary package (such as MiBrowser) and delete it. ⚠️ Note: Delete files through TWRP It can lead to: loss of performance MIUI (if critical packet is removed. Failure to update firmware through OTA (Google service failures (if com.google packets are removed.*). Recommended: Before deleting, create a full backup copy of the TWRP (Backup → Select System and Boot. Method 5: Alternative methods (without root and root) ADB) If you do not want to unlock the bootloader or use ADB, There are less radical ways to get rid of annoying apps: 🔕 Disabling Notifications: Go to Settings → Annexes → [Title of the annex] → Notifications and disable all switches. 🚫 Background activity restriction: In the same app settings, select "Battery" → Background activity → Limit». 📱 Hiding from the menu: Use launchers like Nova Launcher or Hyperion, which let you hide apps without removing them. 🔄 Reflashing to custom MIUI: Firmware like Xiaomi.eu or MIUI Mix goes without bloat by default. Cons of alternative methods: Doesn't free up disk space. Doesn't stop background processes completely (only limiting). They may not work on new versions. MIUI (for example, MIUI 14 Blocks some services from being disabled What to do if applications are removed MIUI If after manipulation with system packages the phone: 🔄 I’m stuck with the Xiaomi logo. 📵 Does not turn on or go to bootloop. 🚨 Issues startup errors (e.g., “Interface Stopped”) MIUI»). Restore the working capacity in the following ways: Problem Solution Instruction Bootloop (cyclical reboot) Recovery through TWRP Go in. TWRP → Restore → Select System backup.Com.android.systemui has stopped. TWRP: Wipe → Advanced Wipe → Dalvik/ART Cache + Cache. Notifications or flashing themes don't work MIUI Download the official firmware from the Xiaomi website and flash through Fastboot. If you don't have a backup, the only reliable way is to completely reflash through Fastboot: Download the official firmware for your model from Xiaomi. Unpack the archive and launch the script. flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for macOS/Linux). Wait for the process to be completed (the phone will reboot automatically). 💡Fastboot flashing removes all data from the device. Before the process, remove the memory card and back up important files on your PC. FAQ: Frequent questions about removing Xiaomi system applications Can I remove Mi Browser without root? Yes, but only disable via ADB Adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser. Complete removal without root is impossible, since the package is in a secure system partition. Why did apps stop updating after getting GetApps was deleted? com.xiaomi.mipicks (GetApps) is not related to the work of Google Play. The problem may be removing other packages, such as com.google.android.gms (Google Play Services), checking if you have removed Google system services, how to return a remote application if you have not backuped it, if the application has been removed through root or TWRP, The only way is to ask again. MIUI via Fastboot or copy a packet folder from another device of the same model (e.g., from.zip firmware). Is it safe to delete Mi Video and Mi Music? Yes, these apps are not critical to work MIUI. Deleting them will not affect the playback of media files – you can use alternatives (for example, the user can use them, VLC Can you uninstall Google apps (YouTube, Chrome) on Xiaomi? Technically yes, but it will disrupt Google services (e.g., account sync or push notifications will disappear). ADB or hide in the launcher.