Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are known for an abundance of pre-installed apps that the user doesn’t always need, many of which run in the background, using up battery power, taking up memory, and slowing down the system, but not all programs can be removed or disabled without risk — some are critical to the stable operation of the device.
In this article, we will discuss which applications on Xiaomi can be safely disabled and which are best left intact. You will learn how to properly deactivate unnecessary services so as not to disrupt the work. MIUI, And what alternative methods will help optimize performance, POCO and Mi on the latest firmware versions.
Why Xiaomi has so many pre-installed apps
Xiaomi is integrating a lot of its own and partner services into MIUI for several reasons: First, it’s part of the business model: some apps (such as Mi Browser or Mi Video) contain advertising that generates revenue for the company. Second, Xiaomi aims to create a single ecosystem where users can manage a smart home, synchronize data between devices and use branded features.
But not all of these services are in demand, such as Mi Pay, which is useless outside of China, and Mi Community, which duplicates the functions of standard social networks, and many applications continue to work in the background even after the closure, consuming resources, and, according to tests, turning off unnecessary services can increase battery life by 10-15% and free up to 1-2 GB of memory.
What applications can be turned off without risk
Before you start shutting down, it's important to understand the difference between system and user applications: the former are critical to Android and MIUI, the latter can be deactivated, and the following are safe to disable programs that won't affect device stability.
- 🌐 Mi Browser is a branded browser with ads. You can replace it with Chrome or Firefox.
- 🎬 Mi Video is a video player with integrated advertising: VLC or MX Player.
- 💰 Mi Pay is a payment system that only works in China and India.
- 📱 Mi Community is a Xiaomi user forum, only useful for support communication.
- 🎵 Mi Music is a music player with limited functionality. You'd better use Spotify or YouTube Music.
- 📦 Mi Drop is a file transfer service. Analogues: ShareIt or built-in Quick transfer to MIUI.
- 📡 Mi Remote is a remote control for technology, only useful if you use an IR port.
- 📊 Analytics is a statistics service. The disconnection does not affect the operation of the smartphone.
⚠️ Warning: Do not disable Security, which will result in loss of antivirus, memory cleanup and permission management features, and avoid deactivating Mi Account, otherwise you will lose access to cloud backups.
☑️ Preparation for application deactivation
How to properly disable unnecessary applications
There are two main ways to disable pre-installed applications on Xiaomi: through standard MIUI settings or with ADB (for advanced users). The first method is easier and safer, but not all programs can be deactivated this way. The second requires a connection to a computer, but gives more features.
Method 1: Through MIUI settings
The safest way to do this is to use the same thing as a super-user (root) that is suitable for most of the unnecessary applications:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the app from the list (e.g. Mi Browser).
- Click Disable (if the button is active).
- Confirm the action in the window that appears.
Method 2: ADB (for experienced users)
Some system applications cannot be disabled via the menu, but can be “freezed” using ADB.
- Enable Developer Mode (click 7 times on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
- Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser (replace com.android.browser with the desired application package).
List of packages of popular Xiaomi applications
⚠️ Attention: Disabling applications through ADB It can cause the system to be unstable if you miss the name of the packet. Always check the list of commands before executing. Use adb shell pm enable com.android.browser to restore.
What apps should not be turned off (and why)
Some MIUI system services seem unnecessary, but disabling them can cause disruptions. Below is a table of apps that are best left unattended and the consequences of deactivating them.
| Annex | Package | Effects of disconnection |
|---|---|---|
| Security | com.miui.securitycenter | Loss of antivirus, memory cleanup, permission management |
| Mi Account | com.xiaomi.account | Inability to use cloud backups and synchronization |
| System UI | com.android.systemui | Crash interface, inability to use a smartphone |
| Mi Service Framework | com.miui.miservice | Failures in push notifications and system services |
| Google Play Services | com.google.android.gms | Problems with Google Apps and Updates |
Google Mobile Services (GMS) is especially dangerous to disable, without which Google Play, YouTube, Gmail, and other apps will stop working, and if you want to get rid of them (for example, on Chinese firmware without GMS), use alternative stores like the Aurora Store.
💡
Before disabling system applications, check them on the AppBrain website – you can see the security rating and reviews of other users.
How to return disabled applications back
If you notice a malfunction in your smartphone after you turn off the app, it can be easily returned, depending on how you deactivated the program.
Recovery through MIUI settings
For applications disabled in the standard way:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Turn on display of all applications (including those disabled).
- Find the right application and click Enable.
Recovery through ADB
If you have used ADB, follow the command:
adb shell pm enable package applicationsFor example, to return the Mi Browser:
adb shell pm enable com.android.browserIn extreme cases, you can reset to factory settings (Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset), but this will delete all user data. Always back up before mass disabling applications!
Alternative ways to optimize Xiaomi without disabling applications
If you don’t want to risk system stability, but want to speed up your smartphone, use alternative methods:
- 🔄 Cache Clearing: Regularly delete the app cache in Settings → Memory. → Cleanup. It'll make room without deleting data.
- 🔋 Battery Optimization: Enable Energy Saving Mode in Settings → Battery and limit background activity for unnecessary apps.
- 🚀 Use Lite versions: Replace heavy apps (like Facebook) with lighter versions (like Facebook Lite).
- 🛡️ Disabling Autostart: In Settings → Permits → Auto-Run Ban Auto-Run Unnecessary Programs.
- 📱 Update MIUI: Check for updates to Settings regularly → The phone. → Update: New versions often optimize resource consumption.
💡
Disabling auto-run apps can increase battery life by 20 to 30 percent, especially if you rarely use social media or instant messengers.
Frequent errors when disabling applications on Xiaomi
Many users experience problems after incorrectly disabling system services, and here are the most common errors and how to avoid them:
- 🔍 Disconnect without backup: Always save data before changes. Use Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
- ⚡ Using informal utilities: Programs like Debloater can remove critical components. ADB.
- 🔄 Disable Updates: Do not deactivate Updater (com.android.updater) or you will not be able to update your firmware.
- 📡 Delete Google services: Without Google Play Services, many apps, including banking, will stop working.
- 🔑 Ignoring warnings: If the system says that disabling the application may cause crashes, it is better not to risk it.
If after disabling applications, the smartphone began to slow down or give errors, try rebooting it in Safe Mode (hold the switch off button → Reboot in Safe Mode). In this mode, only system applications work, which will help identify the culprit of the problems.