How to Remove Google’s Built-in Apps on Xiaomi Smartphones: Safe Techniques 2026

Xiaomi MIUI-based smartphones come with Google Mobile Services (GMS) pre-installed, even if you don’t use them. These apps (YouTube, Google Play Store, Chrome, and others) take up space in memory, use up battery power in the background, and collect data. You can’t delete them by standard means: the system blocks the “Delete” button or offers only “Disable”.

In this guide, we will discuss 5 working ways to get rid of unnecessary Google apps on Xiaomi, Redmi and other apps. POCO — from simple concealment of icons to complete removal through ADB and MIUI-Optimizer. Important: Some methods require unlocking the bootloader or the superuser rights (root), which can affect warranty and security. We will specify the risks for each option and propose alternatives.

Why you can’t just delete Google apps through settings

Google applications in MIUI are system-based – they are integrated into firmware at /system/priv-app/ or /system/app/.

• 🔒 Removal protection: Android blocks changes to the system partition without special rights.
• 🔄 Auto-Recovery: After Updating MIUI Remote applications can return.
• ⚠️ Instability risk: Deleting critical services (e.g. Google Play Services) can disrupt other programs.

Even if you see the Remove Updates button in the app settings, it won't delete it completely, it'll just go back to the factory version. Delete it completely requires access to system files.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global or MIUI Deleting Google Play Services will cause account sync errors, problems with Google Pay and some banking applications.

Method 1: Disabling and Hiding Icons (without Root)

The safest method is to disable unwanted apps and hide their icons from your desktop, which won't free up memory, but will stop background activity and remove visual debris.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (like Google Duo) and click “Disable”.
3. To hide icons: 📱 Press and hold the icon on your desktop. → «Delete it (it will disappear from the screen only). 🔍 V MIUI 14+ Use search by settings: enter “Hide apps» → add to the list.

✅ Pros: Risk-free, reversible, does not require technical skills.

❌ Cons: Applications stay in the system, take up space and can be updated.

Method 2: Remove via ADB (without root, but with bootloader unlocking)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a debugging tool that allows you to remove system applications without root.The method works on most Xiaomi devices, but requires unlocking the bootloader and enabling debugging over USB.

Step-by-step:

1. Preparation: 🔧 Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires Mi Account binding and 7 days waiting). 📱 Turn on Debugging. USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers. 💻 Install. ADB Tools on PC.
2. Connection: Connect your phone to your PC via USB, select File Transfer mode. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the adb folder and type: Adb devices should appear on your device.
3. Delete: List of Google packages: adb shell pm list packages | grep 'google' Remove the unnecessary (youtube example): adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.youtube

📌 Google packages (remove only those that you don’t use):

⚠️ Note: Deleting com.google.android.gms (Google Play Services) will lead to errors in applications dependent on Google API (If you're not sure, turn off the app for 2-3 days and check the stability of the system.

bootloader unlocked | USB | Installed ADB Tools on PC | Data backup created |Removable packet dependencies checked-->

Method 3: Use MIUI-Optimizer (requires root)

For users with superuser rights (root), the most convenient way is the MIUI Optimizer app (formerly MIUI Hidden Settings), which allows you to remove system applications in a few clicks, including Google services.

Instructions:

1. Install Magisk and get root (instructions for Xiaomi here).
2. Download MIUI Optimizer (available on the developer’s Telegram channel).
3. Open the app → App Manager → search for Google app → Uninstall.

✅ Pluses:

• 🎯 Precise removal without commands ADB.
• 🔄 Ability to restore the application through the backup.

❌ Cons:

• ⚠️ Requires root, which deprives of warranties and increases security risk.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI Applications may return.

Method 4: Debloating through Custom Recovery (TWRP)

If your Xiaomi has custom Recovery (TWRP) installed, you can use scripts for debloating - mass removal of unnecessary applications, including Google.

Algorithm of action:

1. Install TWRP for your model (instructions on twrp.me).
2. Download the MIUI Debloater script (check compatibility with your version of MIUI).
3. Reboot to TWRP, scripe like ZIP-file.
4. Select the option “Remove Google Apps” (if available).

Debloating scripts often remove not only Google, but also Xiaomi system applications (e.g. Mi Browser, Music), which can lead to broken features like the themes of the design or cloud backup.

🔹 Alternative: Use Universal Debloater from the XDA, where you can manually choose what to remove:

# Example of list to delete (for script)


GoogleApps=[




"com.google.android.youtube"




"com.google.android.gm"




"com.android.chrome"




]

💡

Before you run the script in TWRP, make a full /system backup to allow you to roll back if something goes wrong. Use the adb backup -apk -shared -all -f backup.ab command or the Backup function in the TWRP itself.

Method 5: Install MIUI without GMS (Castom firmware)

The radical, but most effective way is to flash a version of MIUI without Google services, which are built by enthusiasts on the official firmware, but with remote GMS and pre-installed alternatives (such as MicroG for push notifications).

Where to look:

• 🌍 Xiaomi.eu – European firmware with the option of choice GMS/without GMS.
• 📱 MIUI RU — Russian-language assemblies with support for MicroG.
• 🛠️ XDA Developers – custom firmware for specific models.

⚠️ It's important:

• The firmware without GMS will not pass SafetyNet, which will block Google Pay, Netflix HD and some banking applications.
• For push notifications, you will need to set up MicroG (instructions here).

📌 How to check the compatibility of the firmware:

1. Find out the code name of your model (for example, raphael for the Redmi K20 Pro).
2. Find a theme on XDA or in Telegram channels with your device mentioned.
3. Check user reviews about build stability.

💡

Firmware without GMS This is only suitable if you are not using Google services. For most users, the best option is to disable unnecessary applications through the Internet. ADB or MIUI-optimizer.

Risks and how to avoid them

Removing system applications is always associated with potential problems, and here are the key risks and ways to minimize them:

🔹 Checklist security before removing Google apps:

1. Check if you are using services that depend on Google Play Services (e.g. Uber, Google Maps).
2. Create a backup of important data (photos, contacts) to an external drive.
3. Make sure you know how to return the device to its original state (e.g., via the Mi Flash Tool).
4. Start by turning off applications for 1-2 days to assess system stability.

FAQ: Frequent questions