How to remove built-in apps on Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S: disabling and complete removal

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is a popular smartphone with a shell MIUI, which is known for an abundance of preinstalled applications. Many of them can not be removed by standard methods, but this does not mean that they should take up space in memory and consume battery power. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to get rid of unnecessary system programs, from simple disconnection to complete removal with ADB and root rights.

It's important to understand that not all embedded applications can be safely removed, some are connected to MIUI and Android, and uninstallation can cause failures, we'll detail which programs can be removed and which ones can only be disabled, and you'll learn how to get it back if something goes wrong.

Why you can’t just uninstall embedded apps on the Redmi Note 10S

Unlike custom software, the system applications on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S are protected from accidental removal, and this is done to ensure the stability of MIUI and Android 11 (or Android 12, depending on the firmware version).

• 🔒 System protection: many applications (e.g. com.miui.system) are responsible for the interface, settings and updates, and their removal can lead to “departures” or inability to download the smartphone.
• 📦 Interdependence: some services (like Google Play Services) are used by other programs.
• 🔄 Updates MIUI: After the system update, remote applications can return if they are critical to the new firmware version.

However, some pre-installed programs (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Music, Mi Video) can be safely removed or at least disabled.

Method 1: Disabling embedded applications without removing

The safest method is to disable, not delete, and the app stops working, doesn't take up RAM, but stays on the system and can be turned on again, which is a good way for most Redmi Note 10S users, because it doesn't require any special knowledge.

How to disable unnecessary application:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want to disable (such as Mi Browser or Mi Pay).
3. Click Disable (the button may be gray if the application is critical to the system).
4. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

Some applications (e.g. com.xiaomi.midrop – Mi Drop) can only be disabled via ADB, as this option is blocked in the settings.

Disable Mi Browser (if you use Chrome)

Disable Mi Music (if you are listening to music on Spotify/YouTube Music)

Disable Mi Video (if you watch videos in other players)

Disable Mi Pay (if you don’t use Xiaomi wallet)

Turn off Game Turbo (if you don't play games)

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Method 2: Remove embedded applications via ADB (without root)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a debugging tool that allows you to control your smartphone from a computer, and it can remove many of the system applications on the Redmi Note 10S without getting root rights. This method works on all versions of MIUI, but requires caution.

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 → For Developers. Activate USB Debugging and confirm permission.

Connect your smartphone to your computer

File transfer

Open the command line.

Terminal

macOS/Linux

adb devices

If the device is displayed in the list, then the connection.

Remove the unnecessary application

Mi Browser

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

Replace com.android.browser with the batch name of the desired application (package lists are below).

Once you execute the command, the application will disappear from the menu, but its data will remain in memory. To return it, use the command:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.browser

💡

Before deleting, back up your important data. Some apps (such as Mi Cloud) may be linked to your Xiaomi account, and deleting them will affect sync.

Method 3: Complete removal with root rights

If you are willing to take risks, you can get root rights and remove any system applications, including those that block ADB. This method gives maximum freedom, but requires unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom recavator (for example, TWRP).

⚠️ Warning: Getting root rights voids Redmi Note warranty 10S Some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online) may stop working due to a SafetyNet trigger.

How to remove apps from root:

1. Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account binding and wait 7-168 hours).
2. Install a custom TWRP recavator for the Redmi Note 10S (rosemary model).
3. Please use Magisk to obtain root rights.
4. Use a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer) and manually remove application folders from /system/priv-app or /system/app.

An alternative way is to use the Titanium Backup app (requires root), which allows you to remove system programs with backup creation.

Which apps can be removed and which can not be removed

Not all systems on the Redmi Note 10S are equally secure to remove.

✅ It can be removed (without risk to the system)

• 🌐 Mi Browser (com.android.browser) – can be deleted if you use Chrome or another browser.
• 🎵 Mi Music (com.miui.player) – not required if you are listening to music on Spotify or YouTube Music.
• 🎬 Mi Video (com.miui.videoplayer) can be replaced by VLC or MX Player.
• 💳 Mi Pay (com.mipay.wallet.in) – useless outside India.
• 🎮 Game Turbo (com.miui.phrase) – only gamers need.
• 📝 Notes (com.miui.notes) can be replaced by Google Keep.

⚠️ You can remove it, but with caution.

• 📱 Security (com.miui.securitycenter) – is responsible for protection, but its removal is not critical.
• 🔍 Cleaner (com.miui.cleanmaster) – can be removed but lose built-in optimization.
• 📡 Mi Remote (com.duokan.phone.remotecontroller) – only required for control of equipment.

❌ It cannot be removed (critical for the MIUI)

• ⚙️ Settings (com.android.settings) – phone settings.
• 📱 System UI (com.android.systemui – System interface.
• 🔄 Updater (com.android.updater) – responsible for updates.
• 📶 Telephony (com.android.phone) – network and call.
• 🔒 MIUI Core (com.lbe.security.miui) – the core of the shell.

Removing apps from the latter group will lead to a phone “brick” or serious crashes, and even with root rights, it is not recommended to touch them.

💡

Before you delete any system application, check its name online. For example, a search on the query "can I delete com.miui.phrase on Xiaomi" will show the experience of other users.

How to return remote applications back

If something goes wrong after deleting (e.g., calls or Wi-Fi stopped working), the application can be restored.

1. If disconnected through settings

Just go back to Settings → Applications, find the disabled application and click Enable.

2.If removed through ADB

Use the command to re-install:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.browser

where com.android.browser is the batch name of the remote application.

3. If removed from root rights

Restore the app from the backup (if you did it through Titanium Backup) or reflash your smartphone via Fastboot:

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi Note 10S (rosemary) from the Xiaomi website.
2. Unpack the archive and launch the script flash_all.bat (Windows).
3. Wait until the firmware is completed (the data will be erased!).

⚠️ Note: if after removing the system application, the phone stopped turning on ("brick"), only firmware through Fastboot or EDL. In this case, the warranty Xiaomi does not work, and you may need to contact the service center.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you remove embedded applications on the Redmi Note 10S, users often face some problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

If you're not sure what you're doing, it's better to start by disabling applications, not deleting them, and it's also helpful to back up important data before you manipulate system files.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions