How to completely remove standard applications on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro

Why Xiaomi’s built-in apps are hindering users

Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro even after years remains popular thanks to the powerful processor Mediatek Helio G90T And it's a 64MP camera, but many owners are facing the same problem: dozens of pre-installed apps that can't be removed by standard methods. MIUI-Services like Mi Video, Mi Music, GetApps, and duplicate Google services that take up space in memory and consume battery power.

Research has shown that Redmi Note 8 Pro with factory firmware up to 15-20 GB of internal memory is occupied by system files and pre-installed programs, some of which can be disabled, but they still stay on the system and are updated through Google Play. Another problem is advertising in MIUI, which is integrated into some standard applications (for example, Mi Browser or Security), removing unnecessary programs will not only free up space, but also speed up the smartphone.

In this article, we will discuss three working ways to remove embedded applications: ADB (without root, with the help of a hidden function MIUI-Optimizer and icon hiding method for those who don't want to take risks. Each method is tested on Redmi Note 8 Pro with firmware MIUI 12–14 (including global and Chinese versions).

Method 1: Removal via ADB (without root rights)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is the most reliable way to get rid of embedded apps without getting root permissions. It works on all versions of MIUI, but requires connecting a smartphone to a computer.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux
• 📱 USB-cable (preferably original)
• 🔧 Utility. ADB Platform Tools by Google
• 🔒 Included debugging by USB smartphone

Steps:

1. Download and unpack the platform-tools in any folder on your computer.
2. On your smartphone, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on this item to activate the developer mode.
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
4. Connect Redmi Note 8 Pro to your computer, select File Transfer mode and confirm debugging permission.
5. Open the command prompt (or Terminal on macOS/Linux) in the platform-tools folder and type:

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, enter a command to delete (for example, for Mi Video):

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.mi.android.video

Download platform-tools

Enable the developer mode

Activate debugging over USB

Connect the phone to the PC

Check the connection with the adb device command-->

List of popular removal packages:

⚠️ Warning: Do not remove system components like com.miui.securitycenter or com.android.settings, which will cause your smartphone to fail and require flashing. → Additionally. → Backup.

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If the command doesn’t work, try adding sudo before adb (on macOS/Linux) or running the command prompt on behalf of the administrator (Windows).

Method 2: Hidden menu MIUI-optimizer (without PC)

Few people know, but MIUI has a hidden feature called “Application Optimizer” that allows you to disable system programs without ADB. This method works on all versions of the Redmi Note 8 Pro, but requires activation through an access code.

Instructions:

1. Open the Security app (shield icon).
2. Go to the Optimization section → ⚙️ Settings (cog icon in the upper corner).
3. Slip on the empty space at the top of the screen (over the label "Optimization") 5 times in a row - the hidden menu will open.
4. Enter the code: ##4636## (if it doesn't work, try ##284###).
5. Select Application Management and tick unnecessary programs.
6. Click Disable – apps will disappear from the menu and stop working.

Advantages of the method:

• 📱 No computer.
• 🔄 Applications are not removed completely, but they stop updating and consuming resources.
• 🔒 You can return at any time through the same menu.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 13/14 The code may not work the first time. 5 There is nothing happening, try using a touch gesture (hold your finger). 2–3 Also check if the antivirus or security is blocking access. MIUI.

Method 3: Hiding icons (for beginners)

If the two previous methods seem complicated, you can just hide the icons of standard applications. This won't free up memory, but will clear the desktop and menus of unnecessary shortcuts. MIUI has a built-in feature for this.

How to hide icons:

1. Press your finger on the empty space of the desktop and select Settings (cog icon).
2. Go to Hide Apps.
3. Check the boxes for unnecessary programs (for example, Mi Video, Mi Music, Games).
4. Click Ready – the icons will disappear from the menu.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Applications remain in the system and are updated
• ❌ Take up a place in memory
• ✅ Quickly and safely.
• ✅ You can return at any time.

For deeper cleaning, you can combine this method with disabling autostart:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an unneeded app (such as Mi Browser).
3. Press AutoRun and turn off all permissions.
4. In the same menu, select Battery → Limit background activity.

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Hiding icons is the safest method, but it does not solve the problem of memory consumption and background activity. ADB or MIUI-optimizer.

Which apps can be removed and which ones can’t

Not all system programs are equally useful, some critical to MIUI, some just advertising trash, and the following is a table that divides them into secure, secure, and critical applications.

Removing apps from the Critical category will result in a smartphone being "bricked"; the only way to recover is through Fastboot.

If you are in doubt whether it is possible to remove a particular application, check it through the command:

adb shell dumpsys package com.name.packet

In the conclusion, pay attention to the string isSystem=. If the value is true, then the application is system, and its removal can be dangerous.

Recovery of Remote Applications

If, after removal, ADB or MIUI-The optimizer you realize is the application you needed, you can return it:

If removed via ADB:

• 🔄 Refuse your smartphone via Fastboot (full reset).
• 📥 Install. APK-Manual application file (not working for all system programs).
• 🔧 Use the command to re-install:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.name.packet

If you are using MIUI-optimizer:

• 🔙 Return to the hidden menu and uncheck the app.
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – the app will appear again in the menu.

If the icons were hidden:

• 📂 Go to the Desktop Settings → Hidden apps and uncheck the tick.

⚠️ Note: Some system applications (e.g. com.miui.gallery) after uninstalling via ADB Can be automatically restored after the update MIUI. To avoid this, disable automatic firmware updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → ⚙️ Settings.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you remove standard applications, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common errors and solutions:

1.ADB doesn't see the device

• 🔌 Check it out. USB-cable (use the original cable).
• 🔄 Reinstall Mi drivers USB Driver from the official Xiaomi website.
• 📱 Turn on Debugging. USB (security parameters in the developer settings.

2. ADB commands are not executed

• 🔒 Make sure you run the command line on behalf of the administrator (Windows).
• 📁 Check that you are in the folder with the platform-tools.
• 🔄 Restart your smartphone and computer.

3 After deleting the application, it reappears

• 🔄 This is due to automatic system packet recovery. To avoid this, disable the update. MIUI customized.
• 📵 If the application is critical (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter), it cannot be removed.

4.The smartphone stopped turning on after removal

• 🛠️ Download the official firmware for the Redmi Note 8 Pro (codename begonia) from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
• 📥 Firmware instructions: fastboot flash all name file.zip.

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Before experimenting with system files, back up via TWRP (if installed) or the standard MIUI tool in Settings → Additional → Backup.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions