Xiaomi’s MIUI or HyperOS smartphones are known for their abundance of pre-installed apps, from branded services (Mi Browser, Mi Video) to affiliate software (Facebook, Netflix, LinkedIn), many of which cannot be removed in the standard way, but that doesn’t mean they should take up space in memory and background. In this article, we’ll look at all the current methods, from secure disconnection to complete removal without superuser rights (root).
It's important to understand that not all embedded software can be removed without consequences, some are system-related (Mi Security, Mi Share) and their removal can cause failures, and we will mark such cases with separate warnings and offer alternatives. Also in the article - table of compatibility of methods with different versions MIUI/HyperOS Answering frequent questions (for example, why apps come back after an update).
Why can’t you just delete embedded programs through Delete?
Xiaomi has three types of pre-installed software:
- 📱 System applications – critical to the job MIUI/HyperOS (For example, com.miui.securitycenter for the security center, removing them without replacing them with an analogue will lead to errors.
- 🎯 Branded services - Mi Browser, Mi Music, Mi Pay. These can be disabled or removed, but some will return after the OS update.
- 🤝 Partner apps like Facebook, LinkedIn, Tencent Games, and they're mostly removed first because they're not connected to the system.
The “Delete” button in the app menu is not available for most embedded programs for two reasons:
- Custom error protection: Xiaomi blocks removal of system components to avoid "bricking" the device.
- Marketing agreements: Affiliate apps (such as Amazon Shopping) are pre-installed and it is against company policy to remove them.
Method 1: Disconnect via settings (without root and ADB)
The safest way to do this is to disable unnecessary programs that will remain in memory, but will stop working in the background, display notifications and update. POCO any version MIUI/HyperOS.
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the application you want (such as Mi Browser).
- Click “Disable”** (if the button is inactive, the application is critical to the system).
- Confirm the action in the dialog window.
Make a backup copy of important data
Check if the application is system-based (list below)
Turn off auto-update in Google Play for affiliate apps
Reboot your phone after disconnecting-->
What applications can be turned off without risk?
| Annex | Packet (name in ADB) | Can I turn it off? | Effects of consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Browser | com.android.browser | Yes. | There will be no standard browser (use Chrome) |
| Mi Video | com.miui.videoplayer | Yes. | Videos from the gallery will not open by default |
| Facebook Services | com.facebook.services | Yes. | Facebook integrations will stop working (for example, login via account) |
| Mi Pay | com.mipay.wallet | Yes. | You can’t pay with Mi Pay (use Google Pay) |
| Mi Share | com.miui.mishare.connectivity | No. | Failed to quickly transfer files between Xiaomi devices |
⚠️ Note: Disabled applications may be activated again after the update MIUI/HyperOS. To avoid this, use the method of ADB (described below).
Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root but with PC)
ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is an Android debugging tool that allows you to remove system applications without superuser rights.The method works on all Xiaomi smartphones, but requires a connection to a computer.
Advantages of the method:
- 🔧 No root access required.
- 📉 Applications are deleted completely (free up space in memory).
- 🔄 After updating the OS, remote programs do not return (unlike disabling).
Disadvantages:
- 🖥️ Requires a PC with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
- ⚠️ Error in the command can lead to system failure (watch carefully for input!).
Step-by-step:
- Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and press 7 times to activate Developer Mode. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and turn on “Debugging by USB”**.
Connect your phone to your PC
Download ADB
- For Windows: Google’s official Platform Tools package.
- For macOS/Linux: install brew install android-platform-tools or sudo apt install adb.
- Open the command line in the ADB folder and type: Adb devices Make sure your phone appears in the list.
- Get a list of all applications: adb shell pm list packages -f Find the packets you want to delete in the output (see table above).
- Delete the application by command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name.pack Example for Mi Browser: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser
adb shell am force-stop name.packet
⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) cannot be removed even through the ADB — This will result in loss of security center functionality and possible download failures. Before deleting, check the package in the table above or in specialized forums (for example, before deleting it, XDA Developers).
Method 3: Removal with Magisk (root required)
If your Xiaomi has Magisk installed (root permission module), you can use modules to remove system applications, which is suitable for advanced users, as it requires unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom recap (TWRP).
Advantages:
- 🧹 Complete removal of applications (including updates).
- 🔄 Recovery via Magisk if something goes wrong.
- 📦 You can even remove programs that are not amenable to ADB.
Disadvantages:
- ⚠️ Risk of losing the warranty (unlocking the bootloader resets it).
- 🔧 Difficulty for beginners (you need to understand the TWRP Magisk).
- 📵 Failures are possible OTA-Updates (you will need to install firmware manually).
Instructions:
- Install Magisk and TWRP on your Xiaomi (instructions depend on the model – look for XDA or 4PDA).
- Download the Universal System App Remover* module for Magisk (available from Magisk or GitHub).
- Install the module via Magisk and restart the phone.
- Open the System App Remover application** (will appear after installing the module) and select the uninstall programs.
- Confirm the deletion and restart the device.
What if the phone is not turned on after deleting via Magisk?
Method 4: Use of third-party applications (without root)
If ADB seems complicated, you can use specialized utilities to remove system applications, which automate the process, but require the same permissions as manual command entry.
Top.-3 tested applications:
- App Inspector (to search for packet names): 🔍 Shows all installed applications with their packages (com.xxx.xxx). 📋 You can export the list for further use in ADB.
- Debloater Tool (for PC): 🖥️ Works through ADB, but with a convenient graphical interface. 📝 Allows you to create backups before removal.
Universal Android Debloater
- 🎛️ Supports batch removal of multiple applications.
- 🔄 You can cancel changes if something goes wrong.
⚠️ Note: Some utilities (e.g., Google Play's System App Remover) require root rights, state otherwise. Be careful - installing such programs without root can lead to data loss or locking your phone.
Method 5: Flashing with Remote Applications (for Advanced)
The most radical way is to flash custom firmware without any unnecessary software, a method that is suitable for users who are willing to sacrifice official updates for the sake of cleanliness.
Popular firmware for Xiaomi:
- 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without branded services Xiaomi.
- 🔧 Pixel Experience – firmware with the interface and features of Google Pixel.
- 🌍 Havoc-OS - customizable firmware with a large selection of settings.
- 📲 MIUI EU — modified MIUI Chinese-free apps and ads.