How to completely remove all applications on Xiaomi: safe ways and hidden nuances

Removing all applications on Xiaomi smartphones is a task that users face when selling the device, resetting to factory settings or fighting “junk” software. However, a simple click “Delete” in the application menu does not always work: system utilities, preinstalled services MIUI hidden APK-Files require a special approach. In this article, we will examine all possible methods, from standard tools to advanced techniques using the use of the computer. ADB Fastboot and tell you which applications can not be removed, so as not to disrupt the system.

It is important to understand that the complete removal of all applications on Xiaomi is not only memory free, but also a potential risk to the stability of MIUI. For example, the removal of services com.miui.securitycenter or com.android.providers.media can lead to errors when you start the camera or the inability to connect to Wi-Fi. So we will focus on the safe alternatives: shutdown, freezing and selective removal. If you are ready for experiments, read further. If not, use our optimization tips without radical measures.

The article is relevant for all modern models Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO based on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS, including flagships like Xiaomi 14 Ultra and budget devices like Redmi Note 12. Particular attention will be paid to the differences between global (MI) and Chinese (CN) firmware - they affect the availability of certain functions.

1.Preparation: What to Know Before Deleting Applications

Before proceeding with mass removal, answer three key questions:

• 🔍 Why do you need it? If you want to sell your phone, you can stop resetting to factory settings. If you want to get rid of junk, you just have to turn off unnecessary services.
• 📱 What's your firmware? MIUI (CN) Remove system applications easier, but risk of 'bricking' is higher (MI/EU) more.
• 🔧 Is there a backup? Removing critical apps can lead to bootloop. Make a backup through Mi Cloud or TWRP.

Pay attention to the types of applications in MIUI:

⚠️ Note: On devices with a blocked bootloader, an attempt to remove system applications through ADB or file managers will cause an "Operation not allowed" error!

2. Method 1: Standard removal through MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in system tools, which are suitable for removing custom applications and some pre-installed utilities (for example, Mi Video or Mi Music).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Show all apps."
3. Select the unneeded application → Delete (or Disable if the delete button is inactive).

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 Does not work for system services (e.g. com.miui.securityadd).
• 🔄 Some apps (such as Mi Browser) can only be disabled, but not removed.
• 📱 On Chinese firmware (CN) list of removed applications wider.

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If the Remove button is inactive, try first to disable the application and then clear its data through Settings → Applications → Storage. Sometimes this will unlock the option of deletion.

Method 2: Mass removal via ADB (for advanced)

The ADB (Android Debug Bridge) tool allows you to remove system applications without root rights, but requires an unlocked bootloader on most Xiaomi devices.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb devices


adb shell pm list packages -f | grep "miui\|xiaomi" | cut -d= -f1 | sort

This command will display a list of all MIUI packages. Use:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.packet name

Examples of safe packets to remove (checked on MIUI 14):

• 🎵 com.miui.player - Music
• 📺 com.miui.videoplayer - Video player
• 📖 com.miui.notes - Notes (if not used)
• 🌐 com.android.browser – Standard browser

⚠️ Note: Removing packages like com.miui.home or com.android.settings will result in soft-brick — the phone will turn on but will not be usable.

Install ADB Tools on PC|Enable debugging on USB phone-on|Backup important data|Check the list of packages for security removal-->

Method 3: Using Fastboot for deep cleaning

If you plan to completely reflash the device or want to delete all user data and applications (for example, before selling), the best option is a Fastboot reset.This method does not require unlocking the bootloader, but erases all information, including photos and contacts.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect the device to the PC and start the command:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

These commands will completely clear the partition with user data and cache, returning the phone to a "clean" state.

• 🧹 Deletes all applications, including residual files.
• 🔒 Does not affect system packages (the risk of errors is minimal).
• 🔄 Suitable for devices with a blocked loader.

Disadvantages:

• 📱 Wipes all user information (photos, messages, accounts).
• ⚙️ Does not remove pre-installed system applications (they will recover after restarting).

5. Method 4: Alternative firmware (for enthusiasts)

If you're annoyed by the pre-installed MIUI software, the radical solution is to install custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, which is stripped of Xiaomi's junk and offers a clean Android, but requires:

• 🔓 Unlocked loader (erases data!).
• 🛠️ Installations of custom recaveri (TWRP).
• 📥 Compatible firmware for your model.

The advantages of custom firmware:

• 🧹 No pre-installed Xiaomi apps.
• 🔄 Regular security updates.
• ⚡ Better performance (due to lack of background services) MIUI).

Cons:

• 🚫 Loss of function MIUI (For example, the Game Turbo or Second Space).
• 🔋 Possible battery problems (unoptimized core).
• 📱 Risk of “bricking” when error occurs during firmware.

Popular firmware for Xiaomi:

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Installing custom firmware is the most radical way to get rid of unnecessary applications, but it is only suitable for advanced users, and for most tasks, standard removal or disabling of services will suffice.

Method 5: Disabling instead of deleting (safe alternative)

If you're not sure what the consequences of deleting are, or if you're afraid of disrupting your system, disabling applications is the best trade-off.

• ✅ They don't take up RAM.
• ✅ Not updated through the Play Market.
• ✅ Not displayed in the app menu.
• ❌ But take up space in the device's memory (APK-files remain).

How to turn it off:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application → Shut down.
3. Confirm the action (a password may be required).

List of apps that can be safely disabled on most Xiaomi devices:

• 🎮 Mi Game Center (com.xiaomi.gamecenter.sdk.service)
• 📰 Mi Browser (com.android.browser)
• 🎬 Mi Video (com.miui.videoplayer)
• 📊 Analytics (com.miui.analytics)
• 📡 Mi Remote (unless you use the remote com.duokan.phone.remotecontroller)

⚠️ Note: Do not disable services called com.miui. or com.android. unless you are sure of their purpose. For example, disabling com.miui.daemon will cause notifications to work in error.

7. How to Restore Remote System Applications

If the phone starts to work incorrectly after deleting the applications (for example, the gallery is missing or notifications stop coming), there are several ways to return everything back:

1. Reset to factory settings: Restore all pre-installed apps but delete user data. Way: Settings → About phone → Reset settings.
2. Firmware via Fastboot: Refuse the phone with stock firmware from the official Xiaomi website (instructions in the spoiler above).
3. Restore through ADB: If you removed the app with pm uninstall, try returning it like this:

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

To restore specific APK-file:

• Download the desired.apk from the APKMirror site (for example, Mi Gallery).
• Install the name file.apk via adb install.
• Reboot the phone.

If none of the methods worked, only flashing through the Mi Flash Tool with the option "Clean all and lock" (will return the phone to its original state with the bootloader locked).

8. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When you uninstall applications on Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and here’s how to prevent them:

A few more tips to avoid problems:

• 🔄 Always backup before mass removal (via Mi Cloud or other TWRP).
• 📋 Keep a list of deleted packets – this will help you restore them if necessary.
• 🔍 Check dependencies: for example, deleting com.google.android.gms will disrupt all Google services.

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If you're not sure, don't delete! Most MIUI system applications can be safely disabled without risking the stability of the phone.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions