How to completely remove factory applications on Xiaomi: 5 proven methods

Factory apps on Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones take up precious memory space, slow down the system and constantly show annoying notifications. Even after resetting, they come back β€” MIUI aggressively restores preinstalled software. But there are ways to get rid of them forever, and not everyone requires root rights or deep technical knowledge.

In this article, we will discuss legal and non-obvious methods of removing system applications on Xiaomi (including the models of 2023-2026 on MIUI 14/15 and Android 13/14). You will learn which programs can be safely uninstalled and which should not be touched so as not to break the system.

Importantly, the procedure is different for devices with unlocked and locked bootloader. If you have never worked with ADB or Fastboot, start with the simplest methods - they will work even for beginners.

Why you can’t just remove system applications through settings

Unlike the usual programs from Google Play, Xiaomi factory software is integrated into the firmware at the system level. Attempt to uninstall them through Settings β†’ Applications usually ends with:

  • πŸ”„ The "Delete" button is inactive (grey).
  • 🚫 The message β€œApplication disabled” appears instead of completely deleting.
  • ⚠️ After rebooting or updating MIUI program returns.

This is because the system is APK-files are stored in a secure partition /system, where the user does not have permission to write without root access or special tools, and some applications (for example, com.miui.securitycenter) are critical to the work of the user. MIUI β€” Removal of these will result in a cyclical restart of the device or complete loss of functionality.

Another catch: even if you managed to remove the app through ADB, Xiaomi is actively fighting to "clean" the system, recovering remote components through the OTA-updates.

Method 1: Disconnect via settings (without root and ADB)

The safest method, which does not require a PC connection or special knowledge, is suitable for removing unnecessary services like Mi Video, Mi Music or GetApps.

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Slip three dots in the upper right corner and select "Show all processes".
  3. Find the app you want (e.g. com.xiaomi.midrop for Mi Drop).
  4. Click "Disable" β†’ "Disable the application" (confirm the action).

βœ… Advantages of the method:

  • πŸ›‘οΈ No risk to the system (the application is not deleted, but only "freezes").
  • πŸ”„ You can return at any time through the same settings.
  • πŸ“± It works on all models. Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco without exception.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. com.miui.analytics) may cause errors after disconnection MIUI. If you notice the lags or FC (Force Close, return them to their original state.

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi Apps Would You Like to Remove?
Mi Video
Mi Music
GetApps
Cleaner
Themes
Others

Method 2: Remove via ADB (without root but with PC)

A more radical method to completely remove unnecessary APK-Requires the smartphone to be connected to the computer and installed ADB-driver.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn on the smartphone Developer Mode (7 times tap on "Version") MIUI" In Settings β†’ The phone).
  2. Activate Debugging by USB in Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For developers.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.
  4. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:
adb devices

(Your device should be displayed. If not, install drivers.)

adb shell


pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.midrop

(Replace com.xiaomi.midrop with the package of the desired application.)

πŸ“Œ Popular removal packages:

AnnexPacket nameRisk of removal
Mi Videocom.miui.videoplayerLow.
Mi Musiccom.miui.playerLow.
GetAppscom.xiaomi.mipicksMedium.
Cleanercom.miui.cleanmasterHigh (may disrupt the optimization)
Themescom.android.themesMedium (themes will stop being updated)

⚠️ Warning: Deleting com.miui.securitycenter or com.android.settings will cause the device to fail.Always check the packages before uninstallation!

Install ADB-PC drivers|

Enable debugging over USB on your phone |

Download the list of safe packages for your model |

Create a backup of the data |

Check the battery charge (minimum 50%)-->

Method 3: Using Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools

For those who don’t want to manually type commands, there’s a Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools utility with a GUI that automates the removal process and offers a list of safe apps to uninstall.

How to use:

  1. Download the utility with XDA Developers (check the reputation of the author!).
  2. Connect your phone to your PC in USB Debugging mode.
  3. Run XiaomiADBFastbootTools.exe and select your model.
  4. In the "Uninstall" section, tick off unnecessary applications.
  5. Click on Uninstall Selected and wait until it is completed.

⚑ Benefits of utility:

  • 🎯 Automatic definition of model and version MIUI.
  • πŸ“‹ Pre-compiled list of safe packet removal.
  • πŸ”„ Ability to restore remote applications.

⚠️ Limitations:

  • πŸ”’ Does not work on blocked downloaders of some models (for example, Xiaomi) 13T Pro).
  • πŸ›‘ It may not support the latest versions. MIUI (updates are delayed).

πŸ’‘

Before using Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools, create a restore point in TWRP (if installed) to roll back changes in case of an error.

Method 4: Removal with Magisk (for stitched devices)

If your Xiaomi has Magisk installed (root access), you can use modules to deep clean the system. One of the most popular is Universal Debloater.

Instructions:

  1. Install Magisk Manager and check root status.
  2. Download the Universal Debloater module from the Magisk repository.
  3. Install the module via Magisk and restart the device.
  4. After the reboot, open the Debloater app and select the uninstall packages.

πŸ”Ή Features of the method:

  • 🧹 It removes even those applications that do not respond. ADB.
  • πŸ”„ You can create profiles for different scenarios (e.g., β€œMaximum Cleaning” or β€œSafe Cleaning").
  • πŸ“Š Shows a relationship between packages (helps avoid removal of critical components).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Poco) F5, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) Magisk may conflict with HyperOS. Turn off the module before installing the module. MIUI Optimization in the Developer Settings.

What if gestures stopped working after removing the applications?
If navigation gestures stopped working after cleaning the system, the com.miui.home or its dependencies were most likely deleted. Restore it via ADB by command: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.home If this did not help, you will have to reflash the device via Fastboot.

Method 5: Flashing with removal of bloat (for experienced)

The most radical method is to install custom firmware without preinstalled apps.

  • πŸ“± LineageOS – pure Android without MIUI.
  • πŸ”₯ Pixel Experience – firmware with Google Pixel functionality.
  • ⚑ MIUI Mix - modified MIUI bloatless.

πŸ”§ What's needed:

  1. Unlocked bootloader (officially via Mi Unlock Tool)
  2. Installed TWRP Recovery or OrangeFox.
  3. Full backup of data (firmware erases internal memory!).

⚠️ Risks:

  • 🚨 Loss of warranty (unlocking the bootloader is fixed in hardware logs).
  • πŸ“΅ Possible problems with the camera, NFC or 5G loose-leaf.
  • πŸ”‹ Increased battery consumption in the first stages (calibration required).

πŸ’‘ Tip: If you are a beginner, start with firmware on the base MIUI (for example, MIUI Mix or MIUI EU). They retain Xiaomi’s proprietary functionality, but remove most pre-installed apps.

πŸ’‘

Flashing is the only way to get rid of bloate forever, but it requires a deep technical knowledge. For most users, methods 1-3 are enough.

What to do if after removing applications, the phone began to lag

Sometimes even safely removing system packets can cause the device to malfunction.

  1. Check the error logs: Install Logcat Extreme from the Play Market and see what processes are falling.
  2. Return deleted packets: Through ADB, execute: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.name.packet
  3. Reset the cache: In TWRP, select Wipe β†’ Advanced Wipe β†’ Dalvik/ART Cache + Cache.
  4. Remove the update MIUI: If the lags started after OTA-Update, try to roll back to the previous version via Fastboot.

πŸ“Š Typical symptoms and their causes:

Problem.Probable causeDecision
Cyclical rebootA critical package (e.g. com.miui.home) has been removedFastboot flashing through Fastboot
The gestures don't work.Damaged by com.miui.touchassistantRestore the package via ADB
Wi-Fi is off.Removed com.android.wifi or its dependenciesResetting network settings
Persistent FC (errors)Conflict between the remaining packagesRemove the cache of all applications

⚠️ Note: If after manipulating the system packages Xiaomi stopped loading (hang on the logo), do not try to solve the problem through Hard Reset - this can aggravate the situation. TWRP repair.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing system applications

Can I remove Mi Browser without consequences?
Yes, com.android.browser or com.miui.browser can be safely deleted via ADB. The system will automatically redirect links to your default browser of choice. However, on some models (Redmi Note 11 Pro+), this may disrupt the web preview in MIUI.
Will remote applications return after the MIUI update?
Xiaomi is restoring pre-installed software when OTA-To avoid this, either disable automatic updates to Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Update the system, or use the DisableForceUpdate module in Magisk.
How do you know which application is responsible for a particular package (e.g. com.xiaomi.scanner)?
Use the App Inspector app (available from Play Market) or the ADB command: adb shell dumpsys package com.xiaomi.scanner This will show the app name, version and other metadata.
Can I remove Google apps (YouTube, Play Market) from Xiaomi?
Technically, yes, but it violates Google's license agreement: Deleting com.google.android.gm (Gmail) or com.android.vending (Play Market) will result in: Google services shutdown (no sync, no fluffs work) inability to install apps from Play Market. Geolocation issues and Google Pay. Alternative: disable auto-update for unnecessary Google apps in Play Market.
Is there a way to remove system applications without a PC?
Yes, but with reservations: Use apps like Debloater (requires root). Install Shizuku + App Manager, which will disable packets without ADB, but not delete them completely. Use Termux - type ADB commands directly on your phone (you need root or Shizuku). Without PCs and root, you can not completely remove system APKs.