How to completely remove apps on your Xiaomi phone: 5 proven ways

Removing unnecessary apps on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that every user faces. Even after buying a new device, MIUI preinstalles dozens of services, many of which duplicate functions or are not used at all. But what not everyone knows is that simply clicking “Delete” on the menu often leads to the program being turned off, not completely erased from the device’s memory, especially for system applications like Mi Browser, Mi Video or GetApps.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to remove applications on Xiaomi in 2026, including hidden methods for Redmi, Poco and Black Shark based on MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS. You will learn how the process differs for user and system programs, what tools will help to clear memory without root rights, and what to do if the application is not deleted by standard methods.

1. Standard removal through the settings menu

The most obvious and secure way is to use built-in MIUI tools.It is suitable for most custom applications (installed from Google Play or APK), but has limitations for system services.

To remove the program:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Find the right app in the list (use a search by name).
• 🗑️ Click "Delete" (if the button is active). For some applications, it will be "Disable" or "Delete Updates" instead».
• 🔄 Confirm the action in the dialog window.

⚠️ Note: If the Remove button is inactive (grey), the application is system-based and requires alternative methods. ADB or rut may disrupt stability MIUI.

Availability of a backup copy of important application data

Free space on the device (at least 10% of the total volume)

No attachment of the deleted application to the Mi/Xiaomi account

Battery condition (at least 20% to avoid failures)-->

For applications installed through Google Play, you can use an alternative path:

1. Open the Play Store.
2. Go to the menu → My apps and games → Installed.
3. Select the program and click "Delete".

2. disabling system applications (without deletion)

Many pre-installed Xiaomi services (e.g. Mi Music, Mi Pay, Themes) cannot be removed completely without root rights, but they can be disabled, freeing up RAM and stopping background activity.

Instructions:

• 🛠️ Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 📌 Select a system application (e.g. Cleaner or Security).
• 🔕 Click “Disable” (button will appear if deletion is not available).
• ⚙️ Confirm the disconnection in the window that appears.

Applications disabled:

• ✅ They won't be on the menu.
• ✅ Stop consuming resources (CPU, RAM, battery).
• ❌ It will not free up space in memory (files will remain on the device).
• ❌ Can be automatically activated after the update MIUI.

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If the disabled application reappears after the system update, check the settings in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. You may need to repeat the procedure.

List of safe to disable system applications (for most Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco models):

3. Removal via ADB (no root rights)

For advanced users who are ready to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), there is a way to remove even system applications without getting root access, which requires connecting the phone to a computer and activating debugging mode.

Step-by-step:

1. 🖥️ Install. ADB Tools on PC.
2. 📱 On the phone, activate Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times to turn on the developer mode).
3. 🔧 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include “Debugging by” USB».
4. 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.
5. 💻 Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (macOS/Linux) file ADB.
6. 📋 Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices (the name of your device should be displayed).
7. 🗑️ Remove the application by command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.example.package (replace com.example.package with a real package, for example com.miui.browser).

⚠️ Note: Some packages (e.g. com.android.settings or com.miui.home) are critical to the system, and if they are removed, they will result in a bootloop or a complete device failure. TWRP.

Once the command is executed, the application will disappear from the menu and its data will be deleted for the current user, but the files will remain in the system partition and can be restored after resetting or updating the MIUI.

4. Complete removal through root rights

If you're willing to take risks and get root access, it opens up opportunities for deep cleaning, a method suitable for experienced users, as improper actions can lead to a device blink.

What will be required:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (instructions on the official Xiaomi website).
• 📱 Established custom restoration (TWRP Or OrangeFox).
• 💾 Backup copy of NANDroid (required!).
• 🛠️ Root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer or Root Explorer) FX File Explorer).

The removal process:

1. Download to TWRP (hold Power + Volume Up when enabled).
2. Create a backup copy of the System section.
3. Start a file manager with root access.
4. Go to /system/app/ or /system/priv-app/.
5. Find a folder with the name of the application you are removing (for example, Browser for Mi Browser).
6. Delete the folder or rename it (add.bak at the end).
7. Clear the cache and Dalvik-cache in TWRP.
8. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Deleting system applications may disrupt Google services or MIUI. For example, deleting com.google.android.gms will lead to the collapse of all applications that depend on Google Play Services.

Standard removal through settings

Disabling system applications

ADB without root rights

Root-access removal

Don't delete apps.-->

5. Removal of System Application Updates

Many Xiaomi system apps are updated via Google Play or GetApps, which increases their size and can add unnecessary features.

How to do this:

• 📦 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Select an app with the available “Delete Updates” button (e.g. Mi Browser or Security).
• 🔙 Click “Delete Updates” and confirm the action.
• 🔄 If necessary, turn off automatic updates in Google Play (go to the app page). → ⚙️ → «Auto-update» → «Not update»).

This method is useful if:

• 📉 The app was slower after the update.
• 🔄 Unnecessary features or advertising appear.
• 📱 The new version conflicts with other programs.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Security) may lose some functionality after rolling back the version, such as virus scanning or garbage cleaning.In this case, it is recommended to use alternative programs (e.g. Malwarebytes or other software). SD Maid).

6. Alternative methods: hiding and replacing applications

If deleting or disabling for some reason is impossible, you can go for a trick:

Hiding applications

MIUI has a built-in function to hide programs from the menu:

• 🔒 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Hiding applications.
• 🔍 Select the apps you want to hide (such as Mi Credit or Mi Community).
• 🔑 Set a password or pattern lock to access hidden programs.

Hidden annexes:

• ✅ Not displayed in the main menu.
• ✅ Notified (unless manually launched).
• ❌ They keep taking up a place in memory.
• ❌ Can be launched in the background (check in Settings) → Battery → Battery utilization).

Replacement of system applications

Some system programs (for example, a browser or gallery) can be replaced with third-party analogues, previously disabling the original:

• 🌐 For the browser: disable Mi Browser and install Chrome or Firefox.
• 📷 For Gallery: Turn off Gallery and use Google Photos or Simple Gallery.
• 🎵 For music: Turn off Mi Music and install Poweramp or VLC.

⚠️ Warning: Replacing system applications with custom applications may lead to conflicts with services MIUI. For example, some features like Quick Answers in notifications or Mi Account integration may stop working.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When you remove applications on Xiaomi, users often face some serious problems, and let's look at the most common and ways to solve them.

If after removing the application, the device began to work unstable (for example, lags or departures appeared), follow the following steps:

1. 🔄 Reboot the phone.
2. 🧹 Clear the cache in Settings → Memory. → Cleanup.
3. 🔧 Check the error logs in Settings → The phone. → Report on the problem.
4. 📥 If the problem persists, restore the remote application through ADB: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.example.package

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Before experimenting with system applications, always back up your device via Mi Cloud or TWRP, which will allow you to quickly restore the device to work in the event of a failure.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions