How to Remove Built-in Apps on Xiaomi Redmi 8: 5 Verified Ways

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 8 often face the problem of built-in applications that take up memory, consume battery power and are not removed by standard methods. MIUI, the firmware from Xiaomi, is known for an abundance of pre-installed software - from duplicate services to advertising modules. But what if these programs interfere with the smartphone, and the button "Delete" in the menu is simply missing?

In fact, removing system applications on Redmi 8 is possible — and it doesn't always require root rights. In this article, we'll look at 5 working methods, from simply disabling through settings to deep uninstalling with ADB. You'll also learn which programs can be safely uninstalled and which ones shouldn't be touched so as not to disturb the stability of the system. Importantly, some actions require caution — incorrect removal can lead to malfunctions of the smartphone.

Before you start, check your firmware version. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. It depends on which applications can be removed without consequences. For example, in global versions of MIUI (for example, MIUI Global 12.5), the list of “safe to remove” programs is wider than in Chinese firmware.

Also note: after you uninstall your system applications, some Xiaomi features, such as themes, cloud storage, or data sync, may stop working. If you’re not sure about your actions, start by disabling your apps instead of completely uninstalling them.

1.Why embedded apps interfere with the work of Redmi 8

The built-in software on Xiaomi Redmi 8 doesn’t just take up space, it consumes resources.

• 📱 Busy memory: Pre-installed apps (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Music, Mi Video) can take up to 1-2 GB of internal storage that cannot be used for user files.
• 🔋 Battery consumption: Many system services (e.g. msa – Mi Service Framework) run in the background, reducing battery life on the market. 10-15%.
• 📊 CPU load: Apps like Security or Cleaner scan the system constantly, causing slowdowns on the budget Snapdragon 439.
• 🚫 Unusable to Upgrade: Some system programs (e.g. Google Play Services) are only updated through the Play Market but are not removed by standard means.

Tests show that Redmi 8 runs 20-30% faster after removing unwanted system applications and increases battery life by an average of 1.5-2 hours, but not all programs can be deleted without consequences, for example, deleting com.android.phone will lead to a loss of the ability to call.

To understand which apps are safe to remove, look for their batch names (e.g. com.miui.calculator for Calculator). System programs are usually named miui, xiaomi, or android. User applications (e.g. Facebook or Netflix) are removed in a standard way through Settings → Apps.

2. Method 1: Disabling embedded applications without removing

If you don't want to risk system stability, start by disabling unnecessary programs, which doesn't require root rights, and we'll reversibly turn the application back on at any time.

To disable the system application:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three points in the upper right corner and select Show System Processes.
3. Find the app you want (such as Mi Browser) and open the page.
4. Click Disable (if the button is inactive, the application is critical to the system).

The programs that are disabled will stop working, not be updated, and will not appear in the menu, but they will remain in the memory of the device.

• 🌐 Browser (Mi Browser, Google Chrome) – if you use another browser).
• 🎵 Music players (Mi Music, Google Play Music).
• 📺 Video players (Mi Video, Google Play Movies).
• 📊 Analytics Services (msa, MiuiDaemon).

Backup of important data

Check the MIUI version in the settings

Write down the names of the disabled programs

Make sure that the application is not critical to the system-->

Important: Do not disable the following programs - this will lead to failures:

• com.android.phone (Phone)
• com.android.settings (Settings)
• com.miui.home (Luncher) MIUI)
• com.google.android.gsf (Google Services)

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If the smartphone starts to slow down after the application is turned off, restart it. Sometimes the system needs to restart for proper operation.

3. Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root rights)

If the shutdown is not enough, you can completely remove embedded applications using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that does not require superuser rights, but requires connecting the smartphone to the computer.

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📦 Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB.
• 🔧 Included debugging by USB smartphone.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect Redmi 8 to your computer and select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
4. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: adb devices Make sure the device is identified (its serial number should appear).
5. To remove the application, use the command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name packet For example, to delete Mi Browser: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser

List of popular removal packages on Redmi 8:

Delete via ADB does not affect system partitions – the application is only removed for the current user, which means that after resetting settings or updating MIUI, it can appear again.

Method 3: Removal with root rights (for experienced)

If you're willing to take risks, you can get root rights and remove system applications directly, which gives you complete control of the device, but it's not warranty, and it can lead to unstable MIUI.

To obtain root rights to Redmi 8, you will need:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (bootloader).
• 📱 Installed custom recaveri (TWRP).
• 🛠️ Magisk firmware for root rights management.

Once root is available, use applications like Root App Delete or Titanium Backup to remove system programs.

⚠️ Note: Delete critical system files (e.g, /system/priv-app/) This can cause a device to crash. Always back up the system partition before making changes.

Examples of safe folders to delete (via Root Explorer):

• /system/app/MiBrowser is a browser.
• /system/app/Music is a music player.
• /system/priv-app/MiuiCamera is a standard camera (remove only if you have installed an alternative).

If the smartphone stopped booting after deleting, try recovering deleted files via TWRP or reflashing the device.

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Root rights give you maximum freedom, but they require experience. Beginners are better off using no root (ADB or shutdown) methods.

5. Method 4: Use of custom firmware

If you’re annoyed by the abundance of built-in software in MIUI, consider installing custom firmware (like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Havoc-OS) that strips away unnecessary Xiaomi apps and offers “clean” Android.

The advantages of custom firmware:

• 🧹 No pre-installed garbage.
• 🚀 Higher productivity.
• 🔄 Regular security updates.

Cons:

• ⚠️ Loss of guarantee.
• 🔧 Difficulty of installation for beginners.
• 📱 Possible bugs (e.g., a broken camera or fingerprint sensor).

To install custom firmware on Redmi 8:

1. Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account binding).
2. Install TWRP Recovery via fastboot.
3. Download the appropriate firmware (e.g. LineageOS 18.1 for Redmi 8 codenamed olive).
4. Flush the firmware through TWRP, pre-make wipe (Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Data).

Once installed, you’ll get a clean Android without any extra apps, but some Xiaomi features (like the IR Blaster for tech management) may not work.

Method 5: Recovery of Remote Applications

If Redmi 8 is unstable after you delete your system programs (for example, notifications stop coming or your mobile network goes missing), you can restore them.

No root rights:

• 🔄 Reset the settings to factory: Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge → Resetting settings.
• 📥 Flash the device through the Mi Flash Tool (you will need a computer and official firmware).

With root rights:

• 📂 Restore deleted files from backup TWRP.
• 🔧 Reinstall the application through ADB: adb install name apk

If the smartphone is not turned on (for example, it is getting stuck on the MIUI logo), try to enter Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume Reduction) and reflash the device via the Mi Flash Tool.

⚠️ Note: If after removing the system applications, Redmi 8 has ceased to determine SIM-The card, most likely, you have deleted com.android.phone or related services, in which case only a complete flashing will help.

7. Which applications can be removed and which can not

Not all embedded programs are equally useful or safe to remove. Below is a table divided into categories:

If you’re not sure if a particular application can be removed, check it out on forums (like 4PDA or XDA Developers).Users often share lists of safe to remove packages for specific versions of MIUI.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing embedded applications