How to Remove Embedded Apps on Xiaomi: 5 Working Methods

Owners of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO They often have problems with unnecessary pre-installed applications that take up memory, consume battery power, and display annoying ads, and even after resetting to factory settings, these programs come back. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to remove embedded applications – from secure methods without root rights to radical solutions for power users.

It's important to understand that not all system applications can be removed without consequences. MIUI, We will explain in detail which programs can be removed and which can only be disabled, and also provide lists of safe and dangerous packages for popular models (Xiaomi). 13/14, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5).

If you're a beginner, start with the first three methods -- they don't require special knowledge and they won't violate the warranty. ADB, debloating MIUI Optimizer and even manual editing of system files (only for firmware with unlocked bootloader).

1. Which embedded applications can be removed and which cannot be removed

Before you start deleting, you need to be clear about which programs are safe to remove and which are better to simply disable. MIUI All pre-installed applications are divided into three categories:

• 🔹 Safe to remove: Advertising services (com.miui.analytics), duplicate apps (such as Mi Browser if you use Chrome), games and unnecessary utilities like Mi Pay or Mi Credit.
• 🔸 Conditionally secure: System services that can be deleted but may affect individual functions (e.g., com.xiaomi.midrop, which is responsible for fast file transfers).
• 🔴 Critical to the system: com.android.systemui, com.miui.home, com.miui.securitycenter, and others, and their removal will lead to the inoperability of the smartphone.

Below is a table with examples of safe and dangerous packages for MIUI 14 (relevant to most models 2022-2026):

If you are not sure if you can uninstall a particular application, use the list of safe packages for your model. 4PDA or XDA Developers (look for themes by device, for example, "Redmi Note 12 Pro debloat list").

⚠️ Note: Removal of system applications may result in loss of warranty if the smartphone is still in warranty service. the manufacturer has the right to refuse repair if it detects changes in firmware.

2. Method 1: Disabling embedded applications without removal (safe)

If you don't want to risk system stability, but you want to get rid of unnecessary programs, the easiest way is to disable them through settings. It won't free up memory, but the apps will stop working and show notifications.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the upper right corner, click on three dots and select Show All Apps.
3. Find an unnecessary app (such as Mi Browser or Mi Music) and tap it.
4. Click Disable (if the button is inactive, the application is critical to the system).
5. Confirm the action by clicking Disable the application.

Disabled programs:

• 📱 Will not be displayed in the app menu.
• 🔔 Stop showing notifications and advertisements.
• 🔄 No updates will be made through the Play Market.
• 📉 They will not consume battery power in the background.

This method is suitable for most users, because it does not require special knowledge and does not disrupt the system.

• ❌ Applications remain in the device memory.
• ❌ After resetting to factory settings, they are activated again.
• ❌ Some system services (e.g., com.miui.analytics) cannot be disabled in the standard way.

💡

If the "Disable" button is inactive, try removing all app updates first (the "Remove Updates" button is in the same menu).

Method 2: Removal through ADB (No root rights, but with a PC)

A more radical but still safe method is to remove applications through the use of a ADB (Android Debug Bridge. This way doesn't require root rights, but you need a computer and a computer. USB-Advantage before shutting down: applications are removed completely, freeing up memory.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB smartphone.
• 🛠 Utility. ADB (You can download from the official website of Android Developers).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging and confirm permission.

Connect your smartphone to your PC

File Transfer (MTP)

Open the command line (Windows)

macOS/Linux

ADB

Check the connection.

adb devices

The serial number of your device should appear.

Get a list of all packages

adb shell pm list packages

(To save the list to the file, use adb shell pm list packages. > packages.txt)

Remove the unnecessary application

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 title.packet

For example, to remove the Mi Browser:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser

Key points:

• 🔹 Flag. -k Stores cache and application data (if you want to restore it later).
• 🔹 Flag. --user 0 This means that the application is only deleted for the current user (does not affect the system).
• 🔹 After the reboot, the changes will persist, but the application can be restored through the adb shell cmd package install-existing title.packet.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) cannot be removed even through the ADB No root rights. The system will return them after the restart.

Method 3: Use of MIUI Optimizer (for experienced users)

MIUI Optimizer is an unofficial utility that allows you to deeply customize MIUI, including removing system applications, disabling ads, and optimizing performance, it works on devices with unlocked bootloader (but not necessarily root rights).

The advantages of MIUI Optimizer:

• 🔧 Removal of applications that are not available through ADB.
• 🚀 Optimization of the system (acceleration of animation, disabling unnecessary services).
• 🛡 Blocking Advertising at System Level.
• 🔄 Possibility of rollback of changes.

How to use:

1. Download the latest version MIUI Optimizer from the forum 4PDA (Find the latest version for your model).
2. Install. APK-file on your smartphone (allow installation from unknown sources).
3. Launch the application and give it permission ADB (if you ask).
4. Go to the App Manager section.
5. Select unnecessary apps and click Uninstall.
6. Confirm the action and restart the smartphone.

Example of interface MIUI Optimizer (Deleting Applications):

Important nuances:

• 🔹 MIUI Optimizer may require an unlocked bootloader for some features.
• 🔹 Before using, make a backup copy of important data.
• 🔹 Some features (such as deleting com.miui.home) can lead to a boot in a recavery.

💡

MIUI Optimizer is Xiaomi’s most powerful debloating tool, but requires caution.Always check reviews about a particular version of the utility on forums before using it.

5. Method 4: Removal with root rights (for advanced)

If your smartphone has a bootloader unlocked and root rights installed (e.g., via Magisk), you can remove system applications using a root-enabled file manager (e.g., Root Explorer or Solid Explorer), which gives you maximum control over the system but also maximum risk.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Magisk and get root rights (instructions are available on the site). 4PDA or XDA for your model).
2. Download a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer).
3. Go to /system/app or /system/priv-app (there are stored system applications).
4. Find a folder with an unnecessary app (like Browser for Mi Browser).
5. Delete the folder or rename it (e.g. add at the end of.bak).
6. Reboot your smartphone.

Warnings:

• 🔴 Removal of critical packets (e.g. com.miui.home) will result in system failure.
• 🔴 After updating MIUI Remote applications can return.
• 🔴 Some banking applications (such as SberBank Online) may stop working on root devices.

An alternative way for root users to use a terminal, for example, to remove Mi Browser, you can type in:

su


mount -o rw,remount /system




rm -rf /system/app/Browser




mount -o ro,remount /system




reboot

⚠️ Note: If after deleting system files, the smartphone stopped booting, try to restore them through TWRP (If you have custom recavator installed, download the original firmware for your model and extract the necessary files from it.

6. Method 5: Install custom firmware (radical solution)

If you are annoyed not only by the presence of built-in applications, but also by the shell itself MIUI With its advertising and its limitations, you might consider installing custom firmware:

• 🔹 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary applications.
• 🔹 Pixel Experience – firmware with an interface, like on Google Pixel.
• 🔹 Havoc-OS – customizable firmware with many functions.
• 🔹 MIUI EU — modified MIUI Advertising-free and Chinese-based.

The advantages of custom firmware:

• ✅ Complete lack of built-in Xiaomi applications.
• ✅ Faster and stable operation (due to the absence of background processes) MIUI).
• ✅ Regular security updates.
• ✅ Ability to fine-tune the interface.

Cons:

• ❌ Loss of warranty (if the bootloader is unlocked).
• ❌ Risk of "bricking" of the device when installed incorrectly.
• ❌ Certain functions (e.g, IR-blaster NFC) They may not work properly.
• ❌ No official support (you have to rely on the community).

Installation instructions (briefly):

1. Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool (you need a Xiaomi account and wait 7-15 days).
2. Install a custom Recovery (TWRP Or OrangeFox).
3. Download the right firmware for your model (for example, from the site) XDA Developers).
4. Make a backup of the current firmware through TWRP.
5. Sweep through custom firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).

Example of popular firmware for different models:

7. How to Restore Remote System Applications

If after removing applications, the smartphone began to work incorrectly (for example, stopped working). NFC, IR-The blaster or the camera, they can be recovered, depending on how you delete them:

If removed through ADB (rootless):

• Connect your smartphone to your PC and type in the command: adb shell cmd package install-existing title.pack For example, to recover Mi Browser: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.browser

If removed through root or MIUI Optimizer:

• Download the original firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website.
• Remove the necessary files from it (for example, Browser.apk folder /system/app/Browser).
• Copy them back to system folders using root conductor.
• Set the right permissions (usually 644 for files and 755 for folders).
• Reboot your smartphone.

If the smartphone does not load:

• Download to Fastboot (click Power) + Vol Down when switched on).
• Sweep through the original firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (instructions are available on the 4PDA).
• If it doesn’t help, try to cross-check it. TWRP (if established).

⚠️ Note: If you have deleted critical system files and your smartphone doesn’t even include Fastboot, you may need firmware through the EDL-mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable), in this case, it is better to contact the service center.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing embedded apps on Xiaomi