Owners of budget smartphones such as Xiaomi Redmi 4A often face a shortage of internal memory due to preinstalled software. The MIUI system, based on Android, by default contains many services that the user may not need in everyday use.
The cleaning process requires caution, as removing critical components can lead to unstable operation of the gadget. In this article, we will look at proven ways to get rid of unnecessary software, ranging from standard settings to advanced methods using a computer. You will learn to distinguish between safe to remove programs and those responsible for the basic functionality of the phone.
Analysis of embedded software: what can be removed
Before you start any manipulation of the file system, you need to clearly understand what each component is responsible for. System applications are divided into custom applications that can be simply disabled, and deep services, the removal of which requires superuser rights or the use of debugging bridges. Redmi 4A often contains services from Google, as well as Xiaomi’s own developments such as Mi Video or Mi Music.
Not all processes in Task Manager can be touched without consequences, for example, deleting Security or Google Play Services can disrupt push notifications and account authorization, and it is recommended to make a list of candidates for removal, having previously studied their functions on the Internet.
- 📱 Google Services: Maps, YouTube, Play Store (delete with caution).
- 🎵 Xiaomi Multimedia: Mi Music, Mi Video, Mi Browser.
- 🛠 System utilities: Calculator, Dictaphone, Scanner QR-code.
⚠️ Note: Removal of the com.miui.securitycenter system component may make it impossible to manage permissions and Internet access for other programs.
How to find out the name of the application package?
Standard method of disconnection through settings
The safest way to combat redundant software on Redmi 4A is to use the built-in functionality of the operating system, which does not require a connection to the computer and eliminates the risk of damage to the bootloader, but allows you not to delete the file physically, but only hide it and stop the associated processes.
To start, go to your device's settings menu. Find the partition that manages installed software. Depending on the version of MIUI firmware, the path may vary slightly, but the logic remains the same for all Redmi devices.
In the list that opens, select the app you plan to deactivate. If the Remove button is inactive (gray), it is a system component, in which case only the "Disable" option is available. Once confirmed, the icon will disappear from the desktop, and the application will cease to consume RAM.
☑️ Pre-switch check
Preparing for removal through ADB
To physically remove embedded apps on Xiaomi Redmi 4A You will need to use the Android Debug Bridge toolkit (ADB). This method allows you to send commands directly to the operating system, bypassing the GUI. You will need a computer (Windows, macOS or Linux) and a serviceable computer. USB-cable.
The first step is to activate the developer mode on your smartphone. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly click on the MIUI version seven times. After that, a new option will appear in the settings menu for developers. Inside it, you need to activate the USB debugging switch.
Then download the ADB platform tools to your computer. Unpack the archive into a convenient directory, such as the root of disk C. Connect your smartphone with a cable to your PC. When you first connect to your phone, you will see a request for debugging permission on your screen — be sure to check the box “Always Allow” and click “OK”.
- 💻 Drivers: Make sure that in Windows Device Manager, your smartphone is defined as Android ADB Interface.
- 🔌 Cable: Use original or quality cable for data transfer, not just charging.
- 🔋 Charge: Battery level should be above 50% during operations.
⚠️ Note: When connecting your phone to a new computer, the security system MIUI You can ask for a password from your Mi Account, make sure you remember the login details.
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Use the original. USB-cable supplied with Redmi 4A. Cheap cables often only have power lines and do not transmit data, which will lead to a connection error in the system. ADB.
The process of removing applications through the console
Once you have successfully prepared, open the command line or terminal in the ADB tool folder. Enter the adb device command to check the connection. If a device with a serial number and device status appears on the list, then the connection is established correctly and you can proceed to delete.
There are two main types of commands to delete. The first one, adb shell pm uninstall-k --user 0 <name packet>, removes the application only for the current user, leaving it in the system formally. The second command removes the application completely, but it requires root rights that are not available on standard firmware. So we use the first method, which is effective for cleaning user space.
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.videoplayerIf you succeed, the console will give you a message of success. [DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR], So the application is protected by the system or the name of the package is incorrect. To return the remote application, use the command adb shell cmd package install-existing. <packet>.
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Team uninstall --user 0 does not physically erase the file from the system partition, but makes it invisible and inactive to the user, freeing up space in the user partition.
Use of graphical shells for ADB
Working with the command line can seem difficult for untrained users. Fortunately, there are shell programs that automate the process and provide a user-friendly interface with buttons. One of the most popular and secure utilities is Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools.
This program automatically identifies your device model, in this case Redmi 4A, and offers a list of applications that are safe to remove. The interface is divided into categories: Google, Xiaomi, System. You just tick off unnecessary components and click Uninstall.
The advantage of these slits is that they often have a built-in packet database, which eliminates the need to search for exact command names, and they allow you to backup before making changes, which greatly reduces the risk of turning a smartphone into a brick due to human error.
| Name of utility | Platform | root | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi ADB Tools | Windows/Mac/Linux | Not required | Low. |
| Universal Android Debloater | Windows/Mac/Linux | Not required | Medium |
| ADB AppControl | Windows | Not required | Low. |
Recovery of Remote System Components
If you delete an extra service or accidentally touch an important service during the optimization process, don’t panic (--user 0), The original files are left in the system partition. You can go back without flashing the device.
To restore, you just need to reconnect your phone to your computer and start the installation command of your existing package, which will return the icon to your desktop and resume the background processes. If you've used the graphics utility, there's usually a backup or a restore tab where you store a list of deleted packages.
As a last resort, if the phone is not working properly (calls are missing, the Internet is not working), you can reset the settings to the factory via the Recovery menu, which will delete all user data, but return the system applications to their original state, so backing up contacts and photos before experiments is a must.
⚠️ Warning: Resetting to factory settings (Wipe Data) will completely destroy your personal files, photos and contacts if they are not synced with the cloud.