What unnecessary programs can be removed from Xiaomi without harming the system: the full guide

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are known for their rich functionality, but users often face the problem of pre-installed software that takes up precious memory and consumes resources. Even after buying a new device — whether it’s a Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Xiaomi’s flagship 14 — you find dozens of apps that you will never use. Some of them can be safely removed, others can only be turned off, and others are strongly discouraged.

In this article, we will look at what Xiaomi programs do not affect system stability when removed, how to properly uninstall them (including hidden system applications), and what to do if after cleaning you have problems. We will focus on the differences between the versions of MIUI 14 and MIUI 15, as well as the nuances for devices with Global, EEA and China firmware, if you want to make space, reduce background activity or just get rid of intrusive advertising – this guide is for you.

Why are there so many unnecessary programs on Xiaomi?

Smartphone manufacturers, including Xiaomi, often work with partners to integrate additional services into firmware.

• 💰 Monetize devices – many pre-installed apps (such as Mi Browser or Mi Video) show ads or promote paid features.
• 🌍 Adapt to the regions – in firmware for India you will find Paytm and Hungama Music, in Europe – Facebook and Netflix.
• 🔄 Provide exclusive functionality – some applications (such as Mi Remote) are really useful, but duplicate the capabilities of third-party software.

In addition, MIUI is built on Android, which means that the system is present as system services Google (for example, Google Play Music, which was long replaced by YouTube Music), and Xiaomi utilities, which can be redundant. For example, if you do not use the Mi Cloud, then the corresponding application can be safely disabled.

It's important to understand that not all "unnecessary" programs are equally useless.

• 🔗 Dependent on other components – deleting Mi Account can disrupt synchronization.
• 🛡️ Security is responsible – for example, Security manages permissions and scans for viruses.
• ⚙️ Affects performance – Device Health Services optimizes battery life.

What applications can be removed without risk?

The list of safe to remove software varies by model and region of firmware, but there are universal candidates that do not affect critical system functions. Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO on MIUI 14/15:

You can also get rid of the following apps if you don’t use them:

• 📱 Mi Community (com.xiaomi.forum) – Xiaomi Support Forum (rarely useful).
• 🎮 Game Turbo (com.miui.gameturbo) – a utility for gamers (you can turn off if you do not play).
• 📊 Analytics (com.miui.analytics) – collects usage data (deletion improves privacy).
• 📺 Mi TV (com.mitv.tvhome – Xiaomi TV management app.

💡

Before deleting, back up important data! some apps (like Mi Notes) store notes locally and can be deleted without warning.

If you are not sure if you need an app, check it in Settings → Apps → Application Management.

• 📅 Date of last use – if the app hasn’t opened in months, it’s definitely not critical.
• 📥 Cache size – some programs (such as Mi Video) can take up gigabytes.
• 🔄 Background activity – if the application is constantly running in the background (visible in Settings) → Battery, its shutdown will save charge.

How to properly remove system applications?

There are three ways to get rid of unnecessary software on Xiaomi:

1. Standard removal - for ordinary applications (available in the Settings menu → Applications).
2. Disabling – for system programs (does not delete files, but stops work).
3. Removal via ADB – for deep cleaning (requires PC and debugging over USB).

Let us consider each method in detail.

1. Standard disposal

Suitable for applications that were installed from Google Play or preinstalled but are not system-based, such as Facebook, Netflix or LinkedIn (in some firmware).

Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management

Select an unnecessary application

Click Remove (if the button is active)

Confirm the action.-->

If the Remove button is inactive, the application is system-based – it can only be disabled or removed via ADB.

2. Disabling system applications

It's a safe way to freeze a program without deleting its files, and it's suitable for applications like Mi Browser or Mi Music.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (such as Mi Video).
3. Click Disable (Password confirmation may be required).
4. Agree with the warning (the application will stop updating and working).

3. Removal via ADB (for power users)

This method allows you to completely remove system applications, but requires caution. An error can lead to unstable operation of the device.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to unlock the developer options, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb devices

(Your device should be displayed.)

1. To remove the application, use the command:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 title.package

For example, to remove the Mi Browser:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser

💡

Delete via ADB does not require root rights, as the --user 0 flag is used, which removes the application only for the current user without affecting the system.

List of packages for popular applications:

• 🌐 Mi Browser: com.android.browser
• 🎵 Mi Music: com.miui.player
• 📺 Mi Video: com.miui.videoplayer
• 💳 Mi Pay: com.mipay.wallet
• 📱 Mi Community: com.xiaomi.forum

⚠️ Attention: Do not remove through ADB applications with com.android.* packages (except browser), com.miui.securitycenter or com.miui.system – this can lead to loss of functionality or a loopy restart of the system.

What programs should not be removed?

Some system applications are critical to Xiaomi’s stable operation, and their removal or disabling may result in:

• 🔄 Infinite Boot (Bootloop).
• 📵 Loss of network or mobile signal.
• ⚡ Fast battery discharge (due to power management failures).
• 🔒 Impossibility of updating MIUI.

Below is a list of prohibited applications:

It is also not recommended to touch:

• 📶 Sim Toolkit (com.android.stk) – Responsible for the job SIM-map.
• 🔋 Battery and Performance (com.miui.powerkeeper) – manages battery optimization.
• 📡 Bluetooth (com.android.bluetooth) – Disabling will result in loss of function.
• 📎 Download Provider (com.android.providers.downloads) – required for downloading files.

⚠️ Note: If after removing the application, the smartphone began to overheat, spontaneously reboot or not see the network, try resetting to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Reset settings. In extreme cases, you will need to flash through the Fastboot.

How to make room without removing programs?

If you don’t want to risk removing system applications, there are alternative ways to free up memory:

1.Cache cleanup

Many apps (especially Mi Video, Gallery, and Browser) accumulate gigabytes of cache to clean it up:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (such as Gallery).
3. Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache.

For mass cleaning, use the built-in Cleaner utility or third-party programs like SD Maid.

2. Transfer of data to memory card

If your Xiaomi supports microSD, transfer to it:

• 📸 Photo and video (via Gallery or Settings) → Warehouse).
• 🎵 Music and podcasts.
• 📄 Documents (PDF, Word and others.).

For this:

1. Insert a memory card (preferably class A1 or A2 for speed).
2. Open Files → Select Files → Transfer.
3. Specify the memory card as your destination.

3. Disable automatic download of updates

MIUI and Google Play often update apps in the background, taking up space.

• For Google Play: Open Play Store → Settings → Auto-Update Apps. Choose Not to Update Automatically.
• For MIUI: Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. Turn off Autoboot via mobile network.

4. Use of cloud storage

Move your rarely used files to the cloud:

• 🖥️ Google Drive (15GB free).
• ☁️ Mi Cloud (5GB for Xiaomi accounts).
• 📁 Yandex Disk or Mail.ru Cloud (10-100 GB).