How to completely remove embedded applications on Xiaomi Redmi: from shutdown to deep cleaning

Embedded apps on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are a real headache for many users. They take up space in memory, consume battery power in the background and often duplicate the functions of popular services. But the manufacturer does not provide standard tools to remove them completely: at best, you can only disable or hide unnecessary programs. In this article, we will analyze all possible methods, from safe to radical, that will help get rid of system software on devices running MIUI 12, 13 and 14.

It's important to understand that not all apps can be removed without consequences. Some are critical to operating system operation, and removing them can lead to the inability to boot a smartphone or malfunction of basic functions (calls, SMS, mobile Internet). We will explain in detail which programs should not be touched, and which can be safely deactivated or deleted. We will also consider alternative ways - from manually disconnecting to using ADB and specialized utilities.

Why Xiaomi’s built-in apps can’t be removed in standard ways

Smartphone manufacturers, including Xiaomi, are integrating dozens of pre-installed apps into MIUI firmware for several reasons:

• 💰 Partnership agreements – many programs (e.g. Facebook, Netflix, LinkedIn) are contracted by developers, and their removal would violate the terms of cooperation.
• 🔄 Xiaomi ecosystem – services like Mi Browser, Mi Video or Mi Music are designed to keep users within the brand, offering alternatives to Google services.
• 🛠️ System dependency – some applications (e.g. Security or Cleaner) are closely related to the kernel MIUI and are responsible for optimization, updates or security.

Android separates user rights from systems: standard settings allow you to only disable applications (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Disable), but not physically remove them. This is done to protect against random actions that can disrupt the stability of the device.

Method 1: Disabling embedded applications without root rights

The safest method is to deactivate unnecessary programs through settings, which will not free up memory completely, but will stop background activity and hide applications from the menu. 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 etc.):

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show all apps.
3. Find an unnecessary app (such as Mi Browser) and open its card.
4. Click Disable (if the button is inactive, the application is critical to the system).
5. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

Once you turn it off, the app will disappear from the menu, but it will remain in memory. To return it, you just need to re-enter the settings and click Enable.

⚠️ Note: Do not disable applications called com.android. or com.miui. at the beginning of the package (for example, com.miui.securitycenter). MIUI, including the inability to connect to a mobile network or Wi-Fi.

Method 2: Remove via ADB (without root but with PC)

More radical method - using Android Debug Bridge (ADB). It allows you to delete system applications without getting root permissions, but it requires you to connect your smartphone to your computer. The advantage of the method is that the applications are physically deleted, freeing up space in memory. MIUI.

The work will require:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB (You can download from the official Android website).
• 📱 Smartphone Redmi with enabled debugging USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap the assembly number → return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm your trust in the computer on the device screen.
2. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type:

adb devices

If the device appears on the list, move to the next step. If not, check the drivers and re-confirm the debugging on your smartphone.

1. Get a list of all packages installed:

adb shell pm list packages

1. Find the name of the unwanted app (e.g. com.miui.browser for Mi Browser) and delete it:

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

The --user 0 key means that the application is only deleted for the current user (without affecting system files), which reduces the risk of critical errors.

⚠️ Note: If, after removing the application through ADB The smartphone started to slow down or issue errors, restore it with the command: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.name.packet This will return the program to its original state.

Method 3: Complete removal with root rights (for power users)

If you are willing to take risks, root rights will give you access to the complete removal of any system applications, a method that is suitable for users who:

• 🔧 They're good at working with TWRP Magisk.
• 📱 Have a backup of data (root can cause resetting of settings).
• 🛡️ Ready for possible loss of warranty (unlocking the bootloader will void the Xiaomi warranty).

To remove system applications from root, use:

1. Root Explorer or FX File Explorer are file managers with access to system folders. Find the application in /system/app/ or /system/priv-app/ and delete its folder.
2. Titanium Backup is a utility for freezing or completely removing system and user programs.
3. SD Maid is a tool for deep cleaning, including removing the remnants of remote applications.

Example of Titanium Backup Removal:

1. Open the application and provide root access.
2. Go to the Freeze/Defrosting tab.
3. Find an unnecessary app and tap it.
4. Choose Delete! (do not Freeze if you want to delete it completely).

💡

Before removing root-enabled system applications, create a full backup through TWRP (Backup section) to restore the system if something goes wrong.

How to return remote applications if something goes wrong

If after manipulation with embedded programs, the smartphone began to behave unstable (for example, the camera stopped working, the mobile Internet disappeared or the device does not boot), there are several ways to return everything back:

• 🔄 Resetting to factory settings is the most reliable, but radical, method. All data will be erased and system applications restored. → The phone. → Resetting settings.
• 📦 Recovery through ADB — If you have removed applications through ADB, use the command:

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

• 🛠️ Fastboot Flashing – If your smartphone doesn’t boot, download the official firmware for your model from Xiaomi’s website and run it through the Mi Flash Tool.

For Redmi models with unlocked bootloader, you can use custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), which does not have pre-installed software from Xiaomi. However, this requires deep knowledge and may deprive you of some functions (for example, this requires a lot of knowledge, IR-blaster MIUI).

💡

If after removing system applications, the smartphone stopped booting, try to go to Fastboot Mode (clamp Power + Volume down) and reflash the device with the official firmware.

Alternative methods: Hiding and replacing system applications

If removal seems too risky, consider alternative options:

• 👁️ Hiding from the menu – Use launchers like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher, which let you hide apps without uninstalling them.
• 🔄 Replacement with analogues – for example, instead of Mi Browser, install Google Chrome or Firefox, and instead of Mi Music, Spotify or Spotify VLC.
• 🚫 Activity restriction - in the application settings (Settings) → Annexes → [name] → Battery) select Limit background activity.

For Redmi models with MIUI 14, the Hidden Applications function is available:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app and tap Hide (if the option is available).
3. Confirm the action – the application will disappear from the menu, but will remain in the system.

These methods will not free up memory, but will make working with a smartphone more comfortable, removing unnecessary programs from view.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing embedded apps on Xiaomi Redmi