How to remove system applications on Xiaomi: 5 proven methods

Xiaomi smartphones are known for their rich functionality, but many users face the problem of unnecessary system applications that take up memory, consume battery power and interfere with work. Unlike conventional programs, embedded software cannot be removed in the standard way - this requires special tools and knowledge of the nuances of MIUI. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of removal, from safe to advanced, taking into account the features of the latest versions of firmware.

It's important to understand that not all system applications can be removed without consequences. Some are critical to the stable operation of MIUI, and their removal can lead to camera failure, communication, or even complete failure of the device. We will explain in detail which applications can be removed without risk, and which are better to simply disable, and you will learn how to restore remote software if something goes wrong.

Why you can’t just remove system applications through settings

Unlike custom software, Xiaomi system applications are protected from accidental removal, and many of them are responsible for:

• 🔄 Update firmware (com.android.updater) – without it, the device will not be able to receive OTA-update.
• 📡 Mobile network operation (com.android.phone) – deletion will result in loss of communication.
• 🔐 Security (com.miui.guardprovider) – responsible for virus protection and permission control.
• 📷 Camera and multimedia (com.android.gallery3d) — Without it, even a third-party camera won’t work.

When you try to remove such software through the standard Settings menu → You will only see the "Disable" or "Delete Updates" buttons in the applications. APK-files are stored in a protected memory area /system, And to get around that restriction, you're going to need super-user rights, or you're going to need special tools like this. ADB.

⚠️ Note: Removing critical system applications (e.g. com.android.systemui) can lead to a “bootloop” – an endless reboot of the smartphone.

If you're not sure what you're doing, you'd better start by turning off unnecessary apps instead of completely deleting them, which won't free up memory, but stops background processes and notifications, and we'll show you how to do it right in the next section.

Method 1: Disabling system applications without deleting (the safest method)

If your goal is to get rid of intrusive notifications or stop the background activity of unnecessary programs, just turn them off. This method does not require root rights and is completely reversible.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Show all apps."
3. Find the right app (such as Mi Video, Mi Music, or Browser).
4. Click "Disable" and confirm the action.

The app that is disabled will disappear from the menu, stop using the battery and display notifications, but will remain in the device memory, and it can be turned on again at any time through the same menu.

Make a backup copy of important data

Check if the application is critically important

Remember the name of the package (in case of recovery)

Reboot the smartphone after disconnecting-->

Some apps (such as Mi Pay or Mi Roaming) can be removed in the standard way if they were installed as updates through Google Play.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → [Application name].
2. Click on the three dots in the top corner and select "Delete Updates".
3. After that, a "Delete" button may appear.

⚠️ Note: Do not disable apps with names that contain Android, miui or google unless you are sure about their purpose. For example, com.android.vending is Google Play Market, and com.miui.home is the standard launcher.

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

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is Google’s official tool that allows you to control your smartphone through a computer, which allows you to remove system applications without obtaining root rights, but with some restrictions.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging and confirm permission.

Install ADB on your PC:

• Download Platform Tools from the official Android website.
• Unpack the archive in any folder (for example, C:\adb).
• Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB and select the File Transfer mode.
• Check the connection: Adb devices Your device’s serial number should appear in response.
• Remove the unnecessary app: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.package.name Replace com.package.name with the real package name (e.g. com.miui.video for Mi Video).

List of popular removal packages:

An important nuance: the pm uninstall command with the --user 0 flag deletes the application only for the current user, without affecting the system files, which means that after resetting the settings or updating the firmware, the application can return.

adb shell pm list packages > packages.txt

This will help you recover the remote software if needed.-->

Method 3: Removal with Magisk (for root devices)

If your Xiaomi has an unlocked bootloader and Magisk installed, you can remove system applications using modules or manually through a file manager. This method gives more freedom, but also the risks are higher - wrong actions can lead to a "brick" (breakdown) of the device.

Here's how to do it:

1. Install Magisk Module: Download the System App Remover module for Magisk. Install it through the Magisk Manager app (Modules section). Reboot the device.

Use a file manager with root access:

• Install Root Explorer or FX File Explorer.
• Go to /system/priv-app or /system/app.
• Find a folder with an unnecessary app (like MiuiVideo).
• Rename it by adding.bak at the end (e.g. MiuiVideo.bak).
• Reboot your smartphone.

The advantage of this method is that you can completely erase the application from the system, not just hide it for the user.

• 🚨 Disruption of work MIUI: Deleting some packages can lead to interface errors.
• 🔄 Problems with updates: After OTA-Remote applications can return.
• 🛡️ Loss of warranty: Unlocking the bootloader and root deprive you of the official warranty Xiaomi.

Method 4: Using TWRP to remove system APKs

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery that allows you to take full control of your smartphone file system, and you can remove system applications even without constant root access.

• Unlocked bootloader (bootloader).
• Installed TWRP Recovery for your Xiaomi model.
• Backup (nandroid backup) in case of failure.

Instructions for removal:

1. Boot to TWRP (hold Power + Volume up when turned on).
2. Go to the File Manager section.
3. Open the /system/priv-app or /system/app folder.
4. Find and delete folders with unnecessary apps (e.g. Browser, Music).
5. Go back to the main menu and select "Wipe → Dalvik / ART Cache".
6. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Delete files through TWRP If the phone does not boot after that, restore the backup or reflash the device via Fastboot.

List of folders that cannot be deleted under any circumstances:

• Settings (com.android.settings) – system settings.
• SystemUI (com.android.systemui) is a notification interface and control panel.
• Frameworks are the system libraries without which Android will not run.

💡

TWRP removal is the most radical method, and only use it if you're confident in your actions and have done a full backup.

Method 5: Special applications for removing system software

If you don't want to mess with ADB or TWRP, you can use specialized utilities, which automate the process, but require root access.

When using such programs, follow the rules:

• 🔍 Check reviews before deleting – some apps may show incorrect information about packet dependency.
• 📥 Create a backup before each deletion (most utilities support this feature).
• 🔄 Test after removal – restart your smartphone and check if there are any errors.

Example of System App Remover:

1. Open the application and provide root access.
2. In the list, find unnecessary system software (for example, Mi Browser).
3. Click on it and select "Delete" (or "Disable" if you fear the consequences).
4. Confirm the action and restart the device.

What to do if after removal of the smartphone stopped working

If you delete a critical system application and Xiaomi stops loading or starts to give out errors, don't panic. In most cases, the device can be restored.

1. Load to Safe Mode: Hold the power button until the turn off menu appears. Press and hold off "Stop" and prompts you to go to Safe Mode. This mode disabled all third-party applications to help diagnose the problem.

Restore the Remote Software via ADB:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.package.name

If you don’t know the name of the package, check the error log in TWRP or use the backup list.

Check the smartphone:

• Download the official firmware for your model.
• Use the Mi Flash Tool to run through Fastboot.
• Select the “Clean all” option to delete all user data.

If your smartphone doesn’t even include Fastboot, try:

• 🔌 Charging 30.+ Minutes: Sometimes the device does not respond due to a discharged battery.
• 🔧 Test Point: For some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro) there is a method of emergency unlocking through the circuit of contacts on the board.
• 📞 Service center: If nothing helps, contact the official Xiaomi service (but note that the warranty when unlocking the bootloader is canceled).

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If your smartphone doesn't turn on after you manipulate your system files, don't try to stitch it through the "pumpkin method." Use only official firmware and tools from Xiaomi.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing system applications on Xiaomi