How to completely remove built-in apps on Android Xiaomi: 5 proven methods

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones come with dozens of pre-installed apps, from useful MIUI services to advertising utilities like Mi Browser or Mi Video. Many of them can’t be removed in the standard way, but they take up memory, consume battery power and sometimes show annoying ads. In this article, we’ll look at all the working ways to remove embedded applications on Xiaomi in 2026, from secure deactivation to radical methods using ADB and root rights.

It's important to understand that not all system applications can be removed without consequences. Some of them are critical to MIUI work, because removing them can lead to interface failures, update errors, or even a device "brick." We'll take a detailed look at which applications can be removed without risk, and which ones can not be touched categorically, even if they seem useless. And you'll learn how to return everything back if something goes wrong.

Why you can’t just remove built-in apps on Xiaomi

Unlike Google Play apps, Xiaomi system utilities are firmware-protected, and here are the main reasons why they can’t be removed in the standard way:

• 🔒 System partition protection: Applications are stored in the section /system, And even with the rights of the superuser (root), removing them can violate the integrity of the firmware.
• 🔄 Dependencies MIUI: Many services (e.g. com.miui.system) are associated with the operation of the shell, and their removal will lead to errors in the interface or complete inoperability of the smartphone.
• 📱 Manufacturer policy: Xiaomi blocks removal of pre-installed apps to ensure the stability of the device and monetize advertising in its services.
• 🔄 Automatic Recovery: After Updating MIUI Some remote applications may return if they are part of the firmware.

However, there are workarounds, such as disabling an application (stop it without deleting files) or using tools like ADB for soft removal, and then we'll look at all the methods available, from the safest to the riskiest.

Method 1: Disabling embedded applications without removing

The safest method is to deactivate unwanted apps through Android settings, which won't free up space in memory, but will stop background activity and remove icons from the menu, and is suitable for most users who don't want to risk system stability.

How to disable the application:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want (such as Mi Browser).
3. Click Disable (if the button is inactive, the application is critical to the system).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

After the shutdown:

• ✅ The app will disappear from the menu and stop running.
• ✅ Battery and Internet traffic will be stopped.
• ❌ Application files will remain in memory (no space will be freed up).
• ❌ After updating MIUI The application may be activated again.

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

⚠️ Note: Do not disable apps called com.miui., com.android. or com.qualcomm.* – they are critical to the system’s operation. Also avoid deactivating Google Play Services and Mi Account, otherwise you will lose access to Xiaomi account and Google services.

Method 2: Removal via ADB (no root rights)

If the shutdown isn’t enough, you can uninstall embedded apps using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to execute commands at the system level, which does not require root rights, but requires computer connectivity and accuracy.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 📱 Cable USB Type-C (original or quality).
• 🔧 Utility. ADB (You can download from the official website of Android Developers).
• 🔒 Included debugging by USB smartphone.

Step-by-step:

Enable debugging over USB in the developer settings |

Install ADB drivers on your computer |

Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm trust |

Download the list of application packages (adb shell pm list packages command)|

Create a backup copy of important data

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1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and tap it 7 times until the message “You’re a Developer” appears. Then go back to Settings → Additional → Developer → and enable USB Debugging.
2. Connect your smartphone to your computer: Use the original cable and select File Transfer Mode (MTP). On the smartphone screen, confirm your trust in your computer.
3. Check ADB Connection: Open the command line (or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and type: Adb devices If the device appears in the list, you can continue.
4. Get a list of all packages: adb shell pm list packages Find the name of the package of the desired application (for example, com.miui.videoplayer for Mi Video).
5. Delete the application: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 name package Example for Mi Browser: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser

Once the command is executed, the application will disappear from the system, but its files will remain in memory (they will not be available to the current user), this method is called “uninstall for user” and is the safest way to delete without root rights.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) cannot be removed even through the ADB — This will lead to errors in the work. MIUI. Always check the name of the package before removing it!

💡

Before deleting, back up a list of all packages with the adb shell pm list packages > packages.txt command. This will help restore remote applications if something goes wrong.

Method 3: Complete removal with root rights (for experienced)

If you want to completely erase the files of the built-in application (rather than just disable it), root rights are required. This method is risky - wrong actions can lead to a device blink (complete failure).

What you need:

• 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with unlocked bootloader and installed Magisk or other root solution.
• 🖥️ Computer installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 🔧 Root-enabled file manager (e.g., Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
• 📝 Backup firmware (TWRP backup or OrangeFox).

Instructions:

1. Backup: Use TWRP or OrangeFox to make a full backup of system and data partitions. This will save your smartphone if something goes wrong.
2. Install root file manager: Download Root Explorer or Mixplorer from Google Play and give them superuser rights.
3. Find the folder with the application: Go to /system/priv-app or /system/app and find the folder with the name of the package (for example, MiBrowser).
4. Remove or rename the folder: You can either delete the folder completely or add the.bak suffix (e.g. MiBrowser.bak) to the folder's name. The second option is safer, you can return it all back if necessary.
5. Clear cache and data: Go to Settings → Apps, find the remote application (it can be displayed in gray) and click Clear Data and Clear Cache.
6. Reboot the device: After the restart, the application should disappear from the system.

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ Completely freeing up space in memory.
• ✅ The app will not return after the update MIUI (unless you reflash the device).

Risks:

• ❌ Possible errors in work MIUI, If you remove the critical application.
• ❌ When updating the firmware through OTA may cause failures.
• ❌ Loss of warranty (if the device is warranty, Xiaomi may refuse repairs).

Method 4: Use of specialized utilities (without root)

If you don't want to work with ADB manually, you can use third-party utilities that automate the process of removing embedded applications.

• 🛠️ Debloater Tools (e.g. Universal Android Debloater) – run through the ADB, but provide a convenient graphical interface.
• 📱 App Inspector – shows all installed packets and allows you to disable them without a computer.
• 🔧 LADB (Local ADB) — launcher ADB directly on a smartphone without connecting to a PC.

Example of Universal Android Debloater:

1. Download the utility from GitHub and install it on your computer.
2. Connect your smartphone via USB with debugging enabled.
3. Run the program and wait for the list of packages to load.
4. Check the boxes for unnecessary applications (the program will tell you which can be safely removed).
5. Click Uninstall selected packages.

The advantages of utilities:

• ✅ Convenient interface with tips.
• ✅ Possibility of rollback of changes.
• ✅ Support for mass removal.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Computer required (except for the LADB).
• ❌ Not all utilities support the latest versions. MIUI.

Method 5: Flashing with Remote Applications (for enthusiasts)

The most radical, but also the most effective way is to install custom firmware without unnecessary applications, such as firmware based on LineageOS or Pixel Experience, which lacks pre-installed Xiaomi software, but requires unlocking the bootloader and Fastboot skills.

Pros:

• ✅ Complete lack of built-in Xiaomi applications.
• ✅ Cleaner and faster Android.
• ✅ Regular security updates.

Cons:

• ❌ Loss of function MIUI (Second Space, Game Turbo, and the Game Turbo).
• ❌ Risk of "brike" with incorrect firmware.
• ❌ Lack of official support (probable camera bugs, NFC etc.).

Popular firmware for Xiaomi:

The instruction for installing custom firmware is outside the scope of this article, but the general algorithm is as follows:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a wait of 7-15 days).
2. Install custom Recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
3. Download the firmware for your model from the XDA Developers or 4PDA forum.
4. Run the firmware through the Recovery.
5. If necessary, install Magisk for root rights.

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware will void the warranty and may cause the device to work unstable.Be sure to check compatibility with your Xiaomi model before firmware!

How to return remote applications if something goes wrong

If after removing the system application, the smartphone started to glittle, stopped updating or does not turn on at all, do not panic. In most cases, the situation can be corrected.

Recovery methods:

• 🔄 Pushback through ADB: If you delete the application with the command adb shell pm uninstall, you can return it as follows: adb shell cmd package install-existing name packet
• 📦 Backup recovery: If you have a backup TWRP, Load to the Recovery and restore the System partition.
• 🔧 Fastboot Firmware: Download the official firmware for your model from Xiaomi and run it through the Mi Flash Tool.
• 🛠️ Reset to factory settings: If the smartphone turns on but is unstable, reset to Settings → The phone. → Setting reset. It will bring back all system applications, but it will delete your data.

If none of the methods worked and the smartphone doesn’t turn on, contact Xiaomi Service Center.Inform that the device does not boot after the update – in most cases it will be restored under warranty (if there were no root rights).

💡

Before any manipulation of system applications, always back up your data and firmware, which will save you time and nerves if something goes wrong.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing embedded apps on Xiaomi