How to permanently remove unnecessary standard apps on Xiaomi Redmi Note 4

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is still one of the most popular budget smartphones due to its reliability and performance. However, many users are faced with the problem of built-in MIUI applications that take up memory, consume battery power and are not deleted in standard ways. In this article, we will discuss all the working methods of removing system programs, from safe to radical, and also tell you how to return everything back if something goes wrong.

It is important to understand that removing pre-installed applications can affect the stability of MIUI. Some services (for example, com.miui.analytics) are associated with updates and security, and their removal will lead to loss of warranty and possible failures in the operation of the camera or push notifications.

Why can’t you just remove the standard apps from the menu?

Unlike custom software, Xiaomi system applications are protected from removal for three reasons:

• 🔒 Politics MIUI: Xiaomi blocks the removal of key services to ensure the operation of branded features (for example, theme store or security).
• 📱 System Dependencies: Some applications (e.g. com.android.providers.media) are necessary for Android to work properly.
• 🛡️ Security: Removal of system APK without ROOT It can lead to bootloop (a looped reboot) or loss of functionality (for example, access to settings will disappear). SIM-map).

Even if you see the Remove button in the app menu, it often just disables updates, but doesn't erase files from the device.To really get rid of unnecessary software, you'll need additional tools.

Method 1: Disabling system applications (without deleting)

If you don't need radical measures, start by disabling unnecessary programs. This method doesn't require ROOT, and we'll revert:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (such as Mi Video or Mi Music).
3. Click “Disable” (if the button is inactive, the application is critical to the system).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

The programs that are disabled will no longer be consuming resources, but they will remain in the memory of the device, and they can be activated again in the same menu.

⚠️ Warning: Do not disable services called com.android. or com.miui. unless you are sure of their purpose. For example, disabling com.miui.home will cause the desktop to disappear.

Method 2: Remove via ADB (without ROOT but with PC)

For those willing to go further, there is a method using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) that allows you to uninstall apps without superuser rights, but requires a connection to a computer.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📥 Installed Xiaomi drivers and package ADB Tools.

Steps:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and type in the command line: adb devices If the device is displayed, execute: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.video (replace com.miui.video with the package of the desired application).

List of standard Redmi Note 4 application packages:

⚠️ Attention: Removal through ADB It doesn't erase the application completely -- it's going to stay in the system partition, but it's going to become inaccessible to the current user.

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Before deleting through ADB, back up your application list with the adb shell pm list packages > apps.txt command. This will help restore packet names if something goes wrong.

Method 3: Complete removal by using ROOT-rights

If you are ready for radical measures, ROOT-The system will have full control, but this method will have no control over the system:

• 🔓 Cancels the guarantee.
• 🔄 It can lead to unstable work. MIUI.
• 🛡️ Requires the installation of custom recast (for example, TWRP).

Instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (Mi Account is required).
2. Install TWRP Recovery for Redmi Note 4 (model mido).
3. Download Magisk to get ROOT.
4. Use Root Explorer or Titanium Backup to remove the device. APK-file /system/app or /system/priv-app.

Example of dangerous packets to remove:

• 🚨 com.miui.home – launcher (desktop will disappear).
• 🚨 com.android.phone – telephone functions.
• 🚨 com.miui.securitycenter – Security Center (can block access to settings).

How to return remote applications?

If you have lost important functions after manipulation, there are three ways to recover:

1. Reset to factory settings: Returns all standard applications, but deletes user data. Path: Settings → Additional → Reset and Reset → Reset settings.
2. Download the official firmware for Redmi Note 4 (mido) from Xiaomi and run through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.
3. Recovery via ADB: If removed via ADB, return the application with the command: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.video

For ROOT-Users are the easiest to download remotely APK from system backup or from sites like APKMirror and install them manually.

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Even if you delete the app completely, you can restore it through flashing, and the key is not to format the system partition manually!

What applications can be removed without risk?

The following programs are safely removed on the Redmi Note 4 (checked for MIUI 9-12):

• 🎵 com.miui.player - Mi Music (replace with Spotify or VLC).
• 🎬 com.miui.video - Mi Video (alternative: MX Player).
• 🌐 com.android.browser – Mi Browser (use Chrome or Firefox).
• 🧹 com.miui.cleanmaster - Cleaner (replace with com.miui.cleanmaster) SD Maid).
• 📞 com.miui.yellowpage – Yellow Pages (no use in most regions).

Don't touch it.

• 📱 com.miui.home – launcher (without it there will be no desktop).
• 📶 com.android.phone – telephone services.
• 🔒 com.miui.securitycenter – Security Center (can block access to settings).

Before removing, check the app's dependency through AIDA64 or Package Viewer from Google Play.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Redmi Note 4 users often face the following problems:

1. Bootloop after removing system APKs: Reason: Removing critical services (e.g. com.miui.home) Solution: flash the original firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Push notifications disappeared: Reason: Delete com.xiaomi.xmsf (Push service from Xiaomi) Solution: restore via ADB or roll back.
3. Camera Fails: Cause: Damage to com.android.camera or com.miui.camera packets. Solution: reinstall APK manually.

To minimize the risks:

• 🔄 Make a backup through TWRP or Mi PC Suite before any manipulation.
• 📋 Keep a list of deleted packets (for example, in a notebook).
• 🔍 Check the assignment of unknown packages in forums (for example, XDA).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions