How to return remote system applications on Xiaomi smartphones: 5 working ways

Removing system applications on Xiaomi smartphones is a common problem among users who are trying to make room or get rid of the “garbage” in MIUI. However, many do not realize that such applications are often associated with the operation of the operating system: their removal can lead to updates failures, the disappearance of functions (for example, Themes or Security), and sometimes to the “brick” of the device, which is harder to restore than regular programs from Google Play, but perhaps even without root rights.

In this article, we will look at 5 proven methods for returning system applications, from simple (via MIUI settings) to complex (using ADB or TWRP custom Recovery). Each method is suitable for different situations - for example, if you have left access to the system or the phone does not turn on at all, you will learn which applications can not be removed under any circumstances, and how to avoid repeated problems.

⚠️ Warning: Restore system applications can lead to data loss or firmware failure. If you are not sure about your actions, contact the Xiaomi service center. ADB and TWRP, Which require unlocking the loader.

Why you can’t remove system applications on Xiaomi

System applications in MIUI are divided into three categories:

1. Critical (e.g. com.android.phone – phone calls) – their removal makes the device inoperable.

2.Service (com.miui.securitycenter – security center) – without them, functions disappear, but the phone turns on.

3. Branded (com.xiaomi.midrop – file transfer) – you can delete, but lose the Xiaomi branded chips.

Many users mistakenly believe that system applications are just “junk” that can be safely uninstalled via ADB or Root Uninstaller. However, even deleting com.miui.weather2 (weather) can cause widget system failures, and the absence of com.android.providers.media can lead to errors when working with media files.

⚠️ Warning: If after deleting applications, the phone stopped turning on or stuck on the logo MI, Don't try to flash it through Fastboot without backup. 80 percent of the time, it's a total loss of data. TWRP (section).

Method 1: Recovery through hidden MIUI menu (no root)

This method works if you did not delete the app through ADB, but using standard means (for example, turned off in the settings).It is suitable for most Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4 and Xiaomi flagships 13/14.

Steps:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show all apps.
3. Find a remote app (like Camera or Themes) and tap it.
4. If the Enable button is active, press it. If not, move on to the next one.

If the app doesn’t appear in the list, try resetting the app settings:

1. Go to Settings → System → Resetting settings.
2. Select Reset App Settings (not to be confused with a full reset!).
3. Confirm the action. After the reboot, check if the app has appeared.

💡 Tip: If you delete com.miui.home, the phone can boot without a desktop.In this case, connect the device to the PC and install any launcher through the ADB (3-way).

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Resetting application settings does not delete personal data, but returns all system programs to their original state.

Method 2: Installation APK-manual file (for non-critical applications)

Some Xiaomi system applications can be restored by installing them APK-This method is suitable for programs like Camera, Gallery or Records, but it won't help you return Settings or Phone.

Where to get APK:

• 🔍 Official website APKMIUI — Here they put out original versions of applications from firmware MIUI.
• 📦 Firmware Archives: Download the firmware for your model with Xiaomi Firmware Updater and extract the desired APK file-based system/app.
• ⚠️ Don't use it. APK The risk of catching a virus or an incompatible version.

How to determine:

1. Download APK to your phone or PC.
2. Transfer the file to the device (for example, through USB-debugging).
3. Install APK through any file manager (e.g. Mi File Manager).
4. If the installation is blocked, allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Security.

⚠️ Note: Installation of an incompatible version APK (for example MIUI 14 on MIUI 13) may cause permanent failures. Check firmware version compliance!

Method 3: Recovery through ADB (for power users)

If the system application has been removed through ADB (team pm uninstall -k --user 0), You can return it in the same way, but with the installation command. USB and works on most Xiaomi models, except for devices with a locked bootloader (for example, newer ones). POCO M6 or Redmi 13C).

Preparation:

Enable USB debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (7 times tap, then in Additional → For developers)

Install Android Platform Tools on PC

Connect your phone to your PC via USB (select File Transfer Mode)

Allow debugging on the phone (pop-up window)

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Recovery teams:

1. Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
2. Check the device connection: Adb devices must display the serial number of the phone.
3. Install the application (replace package.name with a real name, such as com.miui.gallery): adb shell cmd package install-existing package.name
4. If the command is not working, try reinstalling APK: adb install path/to/app.apk

Critical information: If you delete com.android.settings, you won’t be able to restore it via ADB – you’ll need firmware via TWRP or reset to factory settings.

Method 4: Reset to factory settings (last chance without firmware)

If previous methods didn't work and the phone is still turning on, factory resets will bring back all system applications, but this will delete all user data (photos, contacts, messages), so pre-backup.

How to reset:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose to Erase All Data (not to be confused with Settings Reset!).
3. Enter a password (if required) and confirm the action.
4. After the reboot, the device will be as new as it is with all system applications.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro with the MIUI 12.5) After reset, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account. If you forget your password, unlocking it will take up to 72 hours!

💡 Tip: If the phone doesn't respond to the sensor but turns on, reset through recovery mode:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up until the MI logo appears.
3. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (Change Volume Buttons).

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Remove before resetting SIM-Card and memory card – this will speed up the process and reduce the risk of errors.

Method 5: Firmware via TWRP (for advanced users)

If the phone doesn’t turn on or the reset doesn’t help, the firmware remains through the custom TWRP recavator. This method requires an unlocked bootloader and is suitable for TWRP-enabled devices (e.g. POCO F3, Redmi K40, Xiaomi Mi 11).

What you need:

• 🔧 Unlocked bootloader (instruction: official Xiaomi website).
• 📱 Established TWRP For your model (download on twrp.me).
• 💾 Firmware MIUI.zip (download from Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• 🖥️ Computer with ADB and Fastboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the phone to Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down).
2. TWRP: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
3. In TWRP, select Wipe → Advanced Wipe and tick Dalvik, Cache, Data (don’t touch System!).
4. Go to Install and select the downloaded MIUI firmware file.
5. After installation, run the Wipe Cache and restart.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through TWRP may result in loss IMEI or Baseband error on some models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro with Mediatek chip). NVRAM!

What system applications cannot be removed under any circumstances

Even if you are confident in your actions, never delete the following applications – this will lead to the failure of the device:

• 📞 com.android.phone – phone calls and mobile network.
• ⚙️ com.android.settings – System settings.
• 🔄 com.android.systemui – notification panel and interface.
• 📶 com.android.providers.telephony - work SIM-map.
• 🔒 com.android.server.telecom – call processing.
• 📱 com.miui.home – launcher (without it there will be no desktop).

Also avoid removal:

• 🔋 com.miui.powerkeeper - Battery management (will result in quick discharge).
• 🛡️ com.miui.securitycenter – Security Center (blocks installation) APK).
• 📡 com.android.bluetooth – Bluetooth module (headphones and smart devices will stop working).

💡 Tip: If you are disturbed by a specific system application (for example, com.miui.analytics – statistics collection), instead of deleting it, freeze it through the system. ADB:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 package.name

This will shut down the program without risking the system.

FAQ: Frequent questions about system application recovery