How to permanently protect applications from removal from Xiaomi: 7 working ways

Removing important apps on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO is a problem that both beginners and experienced users face. System utilities like Google Play Services, Mi Account or Security often “fly” after resetting, updating MIUI or inadvertent actions in the Settings → Apps menu. The worst thing is when applications disappear, without which the smartphone loses functionality: for example, com.miui.securitycenter (blocks access to certain settings) or com.android.v (responsible for Google Play).

In this article, we will discuss 7 proven ways to protect applications from removal, from standard MIUI 14/15 functions to advanced methods using ADB and modified firmware. Particular attention will be paid to the hidden MIUI settings, which Xiaomi does not advertise, but which allow you to block the removal of even system APKs without root rights. All methods are tested on Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and POCO F5 models with the latest updates for June 2026.

1. Enable protection through MIUI's "Special Permits"

The easiest way is to use the built-in Application Protection feature that is in MIUI 12+, which does not block the deletion completely, but complicates the process: you will need to enter a password or fingerprint to uninstall.

How to activate:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Special permissions.
2. Select Application Protection (on some models, the item is called Application Lock).
3. Turn on protection for the desired applications by moving the slider to the right.
4. Set a password or link a biometrics (if requested).

Limitations of the method:

• 🔴 It does not work for system applications (e.g. MiuiDaemon or Updater).
• 🔴 Protection removed after resetting settings.
• 🟢 Suitable for user applications (e.g. banking or instant messengers).

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If the app protection option is not on the menu, update MIUI Security via Google Play. On some firmware, the feature is hidden until system components are updated.

2. block removal via ADB (no root)

A method for advanced users that works even on locked bootloaders, using the pm hide command to hide the application from the system, making it invisible to the package manager.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB Tools and execute the commands: adb devices adb shell pm hide com.example.app Replace com.example.app with the name of the package (you can find it through adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword").

To return the application, use:

adb shell pm unhide com.example.app

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC| Enable debugging on USB| Download ADB Tools| Check the connection with the command `adb devices`| Write down the name of the application package

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Important: This method does not protect against resetting settings, but prevents accidental deletion through the MIUI interface. For system applications, pm uninstall -k --user 0 (removes only for the current user) may be required.

3. Use of the Magisk module (for rooted devices)

If you have Magisk installed on your Xiaomi, you can use the App Systemizer or Disable Flags module to “pin” applications on the system. This is the most reliable way, but requires an unlocked bootloader and root rights.

Instructions:

• 📱 Install Magisk Manager and App Systemizer module through repository.
• 🔧 Reboot to Recovery Mode (clip the power supply) + Loudness up).
• 🛠️ Choose Install. → Select and Patch a File and point the way to the module.
• 🔄 Restart the device and check the list of system applications in Settings → Annexes.

Advantages of the method:

• 🟢 It works for all applications, including system.
• 🟢 Protects against deletion even after resetting settings (if not formatting) /system).

Disadvantages:

• 🔴 Requires unlocking the bootloader (resets data!).
• 🔴 Could disrupt Google Pay and other root-sensitive services.

4. APK and data backup via MIUI Backup

If you can't protect an application, you have to back it up so you can quickly recover it after you delete it. MIUI 14/15 has a built-in Local Backup tool that stores both the APK and the application data.

How to make a backup:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Select applications for reservation (check boxes).
3. Click Create a backup and wait until it is completed.
4. The backup file will be saved to /MIUI/backup/AllBackup.

To restore:

Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Select File → Restore

Once a week.|Once a month|Only before the update MIUI|Never.|I don't know how to do that.-->

Note: the backup does not protect against removal, but allows you to restore the application in 2-3 minutes. System APKs (for example, com.miui.home) may require manual installation via ADB:

adb install -r -d --fastdeploy name file.apk

5. Hidden MIUI settings: lock through "For developers"

MIUI has hidden options that block removal of system applications without ADB or root, one of which is Background Process Limitation, which indirectly protects critical services.

How to turn on:

1. Activate Developer Mode (see Section 2).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Find the item Limit background processes and select No restrictions.
4. Scroll down and turn on Do Not remove cache when battery charge is low.

These settings do not block deletion directly, but prevent system APKs from automatically cleaning up if memory is scarce or crashes. Combine this method with ADB (Section 2) for full protection.

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Hidden MIUI settings often change after updates. If the item is not on the menu, check the firmware version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and compare it to the latest changes on Xiaomi.eu.

6.Protection through third-party launchers (Nova, Hyperion)

If the problem is that apps disappear from the home screen (but are not removed completely), the MIUI Launcher system launcher may be to blame.The solution is to install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher) and block the deletion through its settings.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

• 📲 Install a launcher from Google Play.
• 🔒 Go to Long Press on the Screen → Settings → Application protection.
• 🔐 Add the applications to the list of protected (password required).
• 🔄 Install Nova with default launcher in Settings → Annexes → By default.

Advantages:

• 🟢 It works without root and ADB.
• 🟢 Protects against accidental removal through the interface.

Disadvantages:

• 🔴 Does not protect against removal through Settings → Annexes.
• 🔴 Could be in conflict with gestures MIUI (For example, swipe down to search).

7 Modified firmware (Custom ROM)

If none of these methods worked, the last resort is to install custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience or xiaomi.eu), which does not have an aggressive policy of removing system APKs, and there are tools to protect them.

How to choose firmware:

Warnings:

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware resets all data and may deprive you of warranty. XDA Developers.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu), blocking system applications can result in a cyclical reboot. APK through ADB.

Installation process:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Install TWRP Recovery for your model.
3. Download firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).
4. Fly through TWRP by running Wipe → Format Data.

FAQ: Frequent questions about app protection on Xiaomi