Owners of budget smartphones often face a shortage of free space, and Xiaomi Redmi 5 is no exception. The abundance of preinstalled software that can not be removed in the usual way, annoys many users. It is not just advertising garbage, but real cargo that consumes RAM and CPU resources even in the background. In this article, we will discuss proven ways to clean the system of excess ballast.
Optimization requires care, because carelessly removing system components can lead to unstable Android. We'll look at methods of varying complexity, from simple settings to using computer utilities. The choice of the specific method depends on your skills and goals. The main thing is to act consistently and understand what each component is responsible for.
Before you take any action, you need to evaluate the current state of storage, and often users delete things that you can just turn off, or vice versa, are afraid to touch the services you need, and understanding the structure of the MIUI shell will help you avoid critical errors, and let's figure out which tools will be most effective for your model.
Analysis of preinstalled software and the risks of removal
The first step is always diagnostics. In the MIUI shell, there is a division into user, system and mission-critical applications: the former is safe to remove, the latter can often be turned off, and the others can not be touched categorically without deep knowledge, for example, Google Play services or the system framework are necessary for the basic operation of the phone.
Many applications, such as Mi Video, Mi Music or third-party games, are candidates for removal. They take up space and can transmit user data. However, some components, such as Security or Updater, are deeply integrated into the system, and their removal can lead to cyclical reboots or errors in other functions.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Before removing any system packages, be sure to create a complete backup of data.Restore system health after removing critical components may require reflashing the device.
It's also worth considering that after a firmware update, remote standard applications can return, because of the MIUI self-healing mechanisms. So it's important to know not only how to remove them, but also how to prevent them from being re-installed or activated. In some cases, it's easier to replace a standard application with a lighter one.
Basic method: Disconnection through system settings
The safest way to do that, without root rights or a computer connection, is to turn off the standard shutdown, which doesn't physically delete files, but it prevents the application from running and updating, and frees up RAM and space in the user partition, even though the APK files remain in the system partition.
To perform this operation, go to the Settings menu โ Annexes โ All apps. Find a list of unnecessary programs, like Mi Pay or Mail. If the "Delete" button is inactive, click "Disable" and the system will alert you to the consequences, but for most junk apps, it's safe.
- ๐ฑ Open your smartphone settings and go to the app section.
- ๐ Find the target application you want to deactivate.
- โ Click the "Disable" button and confirm the action in the pop-up window.
This is ideal for those who are afraid of damaging the system, because when the application is disabled, it disappears from the menu and it stops consuming resources, but if you want to make room in the /system partition, it's not going to work, it's just hiding the program from the user's eyes and blocking its processes.
Using ADB for removal without root rights
A more advanced method involves using USB debugging and a computer. Android Debug Bridge (ADB) allows you to control the system at the command line level, which allows you to delete applications for the current user without affecting the system partition directly, and when you reset the settings, they can come back, but in normal operation they will not.
First, you need to activate the developer mode. To do this, quickly click seven times on the build number in the About Phone menu. Then, in the Developer menu that appears, turn on "Debugging by USB." Connect the phone to your PC and install the drivers.
โ๏ธ Check before removal through ADB
Once connected, open the console on your computer and enter the command to delete.
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name.packetFor example, to remove a standard browser, the command will look like an adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser. It is important to know the exact name of the package. If you delete something extra, you can return everything back with the command adb shell cmd package install-existing name.packet.
This is considered the middle ground between security and efficiency, and you don't get root rights, which is a guarantee (formally), but you get a clean system, and the key is not to delete packets that you're not sure about, especially those that contain the words framework, service or provider.
Third-party utilities for automatic cleaning
For those who don't want to mess with the command line, there are specialized applications, and one of the most popular and reliable is Universal Android Debloater or System App Remover, which has a database of packages that tells you what can be removed safely.
Using them simplifies the process to a few clicks. It scans the system, sorts applications into categories (safe, questionable, system), and allows you to remove them en masse. It saves time, but requires trust in the software developer. Always check the reviews and reputation of the tool before using it.
- ๐ก๏ธ Download the proven utility to remove system applications.
- ๐ Give the program the necessary permissions (through the program) ADB root).
- ๐๏ธ Select unnecessary components from the list and press the cleaning button.
Some utilities allow you to create cleaning scripts, which is useful if you reflash your phone often, you can save a list of uninstall packages and apply it every time you install a new version of MIUI, which makes the initial setup process instant.
Comparison of System Cleaning Methods
Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on your technical background and the desired result, and below is a table that will help you determine the best way for your case.
| Method | Difficulty | Security | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disconnection in settings | Low. | Tall. | Medium (files remain) |
| ADB team | Medium | Tall. | High (User cleansing) |
| Root + Removal | Tall. | Low (brick risk) | Maximum (full cleaning) |
As you can see from the table, ADB is the most balanced method, and it delivers a great result without the risk of building up the device that is present when you get root rights and edit the system partition directly, which is enough for most Redmi 5 users.
What is root rights?
Recovery of Remote Components
If you accidentally delete an important component during the cleaning process, don't panic. In most cases, if the deletion was done through ADB, the data is not permanently erased, but only hidden to the current user.
Use the adb shell cmd package install-existing command <packet>. This will restore the application to its original state, and if you delete the root-righted application, you will need reinstall through Recovery or firmware. ADB preferable to beginners.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not attempt to restore system files manually by copying them from the Internet. This can lead to version conflict and system instability.
It's also worth noting that once you reset to the factory settings (Wipe Data/Factory Reset), all the applications that are removed through ADB will return, which is normal, because resetting returns the system to the "out of the box" state, you will have to repeat the cleaning procedure or use the automation script.
Optimization after garbage removal
After you've got rid of the software, you should do some additional optimization. Deleting apps is just the first step, and you should set up your autoload and permissions so that the remaining software doesn't nullify your efforts.
Go to the Safety app and check autorun. Turn off all unnecessary things. Also, limit background activity for heavy applications that you rarely use, which will significantly extend the battery life of the Redmi 5.
- โ๏ธ Go through the settings of each abandoned application.
- ๐ Limit background activities for social networks and shops.
- ๐งน Clear the system cache through the restore menu or settings.
๐ก
Use the "light" versions of applications (Lite) if you have little memory, they consume less resources and take up less space.
Regularly reviewing installed software should become a habit, check the list of applications every six months and delete what you have stopped using, which will allow you to keep the Xiaomi Redmi 5 in great shape even years after its release.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it safe to remove Google Play Services?
Will the apps return after the MIUI update?
Do you need root rights to remove system debris?
What if the phone stops turning on after removal?
Can I delete the Downloads or Files app?
๐ก
The optimal balance between safety and cleanliness of the system is given by the ADB method. It allows you to remove excess without risk of damaging the bootloader or losing the warranty.