How to Remove Embedded Apps on Xiaomi: Safe and Radical Techniques

Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI We're known for a lot of pre-installed apps, from useful services like Mi Home to intrusive games and advertising utilities. Many users want to get rid of this junk, but standard methods often don't work: the Delete button is inactive, and turning it off doesn't free up memory. In this article, we will analyze all working methods for removing embedded applications - from secure (hiding, disabling) to radical (complete removal through the use of a computer). ADB root-rights).

It's important to understand that not all system applications can be removed without consequences. MIUI — Deleting them can cause interface failures, update issues, or even a device blink, and we'll mark them in this article and show you how to minimize the risks, and you'll learn how to return remote programs if something goes wrong.

The instructions in the article are relevant for all modern smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO base MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS. If your device runs on an older firmware version, some methods may not work, we'll warn you about this too.

1. Which applications can be removed and which can not

Before you start cleaning the system, you need to clearly understand which applications are safe to remove and which should not be touched. MIUI All pre-installed programs are divided into three categories:

• 🟢 Safe to remove: Advertising services (com.miui.analytics), games (Mi Game Center), duplicate applications (for example, Mi Browser if you use Chrome).
• 🟡 Conditionally safe: Mi Home, Mi Remote, Themes – they can be removed, but lose some of the features (for example, managing smart devices or changing themes).
• 🔴 Critical for the system: com.android.systemui, com.miui.securitycenter, Mi Account – their removal will lead to the inoperability of the smartphone.

Below is a table with the most common built-in Xiaomi applications and recommendations for their removal:

If you're not sure if you can uninstall a particular app, use AppBrain to type in the package name (com.xiaomi...) and see the description. It's also helpful to check out reviews on forums like this. 4PDA or XDA Developers, where users share experience of removing certain programs.

⚠️ Note: Even if an application seems unnecessary, removing it may affect other features. com.miui.weather2 (weather) can break the weather widget on the home screen. Always back up before experimenting!

2. Method 1: Disabling embedded applications (without deleting)

The safest method is to disable unnecessary programs, which won't free up disk space, but will stop them from working in the background, remove icons from the home screen, and stop showing notifications, which is suitable for most users who don't want to risk system stability.

How to disable the application:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an unneeded app (such as Mi Browser).
3. Click "Disable" (if the button is inactive, the application is critical to the system).
4. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

Disabled apps will not be updated through the Play Market and will not be able to run automatically, and can be turned on again in the same menu if you suddenly need them.

Check the list of critical applications (see table above)

Backup of important data

Make sure you have an alternative (such as another browser)

Write down the names of disabled applications in case of recovery-->

This method does not require root rights or a PC connection, but has limitations:

• 🔹 Not all applications can be disabled (e.g. Mi Account or Security).
• 🔹 Memory on the disk is not released – application files remain in the system.
• 🔹 Some applications may be activated again after the update MIUI.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) may cause gallery errors to be disabled, and if there are glitches after the app is turned off, return the app to work.

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

If the shutdown is not enough, you can completely remove unnecessary applications using the ADB (Android Debug Bridge. This method doesn't require root rights, but it will require a computer and a little bit of technical skill.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 📱 USB-smartphone-wire.
• 🔧 Installed drivers ADB Fastboot (you can download from the official Android website).
• 🔓 Included debugging by USB smartphone.

Step-by-step:

1. Put the debugging on. USB: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Press "Version" MIUI" 7 times until the message "You became a developer" appears. → Additionally. → For developers, activate Debugging by USB" and confirm the authorization.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and select file transfer mode (MTP).
3. Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and go to the folder with the platform-tools:
4. Check the connection command: Adb devices should appear serial number of your device.
5. Remove the unnecessary application by command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.packet name For example, to remove Mi Browser: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser

Once you execute the command, the application will disappear from the system. To return it, use the command:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.xiaomi.

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Before you delete each application, restart your smartphone and check its health, which will help you notice possible failures in time.

List of popular packages to remove via ADB:

• 🌐 Mi Browser: com.android.browser
• 🎵 Mi Music: com.miui.player
• 🎬 Mi Video: com.miui.videoplayer
• 🎮 Mi Game Center: com.xiaomi.gamecenter.sdk.service
• 📊 Analytics (statistics collection): com.miui.analytics

⚠️ Attention: Removal through ADB It doesn't affect system updates. MIUI Some applications may come back. To avoid this, disable automatic firmware updates in Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system.

Method 3: Use of MIUI Optimizer (for experienced users)

For those who are not afraid of experimentation, there is a more flexible tool — MIUI Optimizer (previously) MIUI Hidden Settings: This application allows you to disable and remove system components that are not available through standard settings or ADB. However, you need to work with it carefully: wrong actions can lead to failures.

How to use MIUI Optimizer:

1. Download the latest version of the application with 4PDA (only verified sources!).
2. Install. APK-file on your smartphone (allow installation from unknown sources in Settings) → Security).
3. Open up. MIUI Optimizer and grant root rights (if any) or permissions through ADB.
4. Go to the "App Management" section and select unnecessary programs.
5. Click on "Delete" or "Disable" (depending on the options available).

The advantages of MIUI Optimizer:

• 🔧 More features than standard settings.
• 📱 You can remove applications that are not available through ADB.
• 🔄 There is a function of restoring remote programs.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Risk of failures in the removal of critical components.
• 🔒 Requires root rights for full functionality (without them not all options are available).
• 🛑 On the new versions MIUI Some functions may be blocked.

5. Method 4: Complete removal with root rights (for advanced)

If you're willing to take risks, root rights give you the maximum freedom to manage system applications, and they can remove any program, including those that are blocked in the system. MIUI Optimizer or ADB. However, this method requires unlocking the loader, installing a custom recavery (TWRP) Getting root through Magisk is a complex and potentially dangerous process for beginners.

Warnings before receiving root:

• 🔐 Unlocking the bootloader will reset all data on the smartphone.
• 🛡️ The guarantee is violated (if it is still valid).
• 🔄 Updates MIUI through OTA They will be inaccessible (you will have to install them manually).
• 🚨 Risk of "bricking" of the device in case of errors in the process.

If you do, follow this algorithm:

1. Unlock the bootloader: Apply for unlocking through the official Xiaomi website (Mi Account will be required). Download Mi Unlock Tool and connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode (press Power). + Vol Down when you turn off. Follow the instructions of the unlock program.
2. Install. TWRP: Download the image TWRP For your model from the official website, run it through Fastboot with the command: fastboot flash recovery. twrp.img
3. Get root rights: Download Magisk from GitHub. Download to TWRP and search Magisk.zip.
4. Remove unnecessary apps: Install Root Explorer or Titanium Backup. /system/app or /system/priv-app. Remove folders with unnecessary apps (e.g. Browser for Mi Browser).

After deleting, restart your smartphone and check if you have problems (such as Wi-Fi or mobile network) and try to return deleted files or reflash the device.

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Root rights give you complete control of the system, but you need to be careful. TWRP before deleting system files!

6. Method 5: Hiding icons without removal (cosmetic method)

If you're just getting in the way of icons of pre-installed apps on the home screen, but you don't want to risk the stability of the system, you can hide them without deleting them. MIUI There are two ways to hide:

Method 1: Hiding through the launcher

1. Press and hold the empty space on the main screen.
2. Select "Settings" (cog icon).
3. Go to Hide Apps.
4. Check the unneeded programs and click "Done".

Method 2: Use of a third-party launcher

Install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair) and hide unnecessary icons in its settings. The advantage is that many launchers allow you not only to hide, but also to replace icons, change animations and customize gestures.

List of popular launchers for Xiaomi:

• 🌟 Nova Launcher – flexible configuration, gesture support.
• 🎨 Lawnchair – minimalist design, close to “pure” Android.
• 🔧 Microsoft Launcher – Integration with Windows, synchronization with PC.
• 📱 Action Launcher – unique features like “shutter” (fast access to the widget).

Cons of this method:

• 📵 Applications continue to work in the background and take up memory.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI Hidden icons may reappear.
• 🎯 Not all launchers support all functions. MIUI (For example, double-pressing to lock the screen).

7. How to return remote applications

If after removing the system programs, the smartphone began to glittle or you suddenly needed to return the application, there are several ways to restore:

Method 1: Through ADB (If the command pm uninstall is removed)

Use the command:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.xiaomi.

For example, to return the Mi Browser:

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

Method 2: Reset to factory settings

This is a radical method that will bring back all system applications, but also delete all your data.

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
2. Select "Settings Reset."
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

Method 3: Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fast Fastboot Fastboot Fast

If the smartphone stopped turning on after deleting critical files, a full flashing of the official firmware will help:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website.
2. Unpack the archive and connect the smartphone in Fastboot mode.
3. Run the script. flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for macOS/Linux).

⚠️ Warning: If after removing system applications, the smartphone does not turn on or hovers on the logo MIUI, Don't try to reboot it repeatedly, it can make the problem worse.

8. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When removing embedded applications, users often face typical problems, and let's look at the most common errors and ways to solve them:

To minimize the risks, follow these rules:

• 📌 Backup before any manipulation of system files (via TWRP Mi Cloud).
• 🔍 Check packet names before deleting – one typo can lead to the wrong application being removed.
• 📱 Test after each deletion: check the health of Wi-Fi, cameras, calls.
• 🔄 Do not delete multiple apps at once – it is easier to identify the culprit of the failure.

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If you're not sure what you're doing, start with the safest method, which is disabling apps. Uninstall via ADB or root is suitable only for experienced users!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions