Xiaomi MIUI-based smartphones are known for their abundance of pre-installed applications, from useful services to unnecessary โgarbageโ that takes up memory and consumes battery power. Many users want to get rid of unnecessary programs but are afraid to disrupt the stability of the system. In this article, we will discuss which applications can be safely removed on Xiaomi without risking the device, and which should not be touched.
It's important to understand that not all built-in software is equally useful, for example, Mi Video or Mi Music duplicate the functions of Google Play Music and YouTube, and Cleaner or Security can conflict with third-party antiviruses, on the other hand, removing system components like com.android.phone will lead to a complete failure of the phone - it can only be restored through firmware.
We have analyzed hundreds of user reports and official MIUI 14/15 documentation to create a current list of safe to remove applications, and you will learn how to properly uninstall programs (including hidden system ones), and what to do if problems arise after cleaning.
Why are there so many pre-installed apps on Xiaomi?
Xiaomiโs MIUI shell was originally designed with a focus on maximum out-of-the-box functionality, meaning that the manufacturer not only installs basic services (calls, messages) on the devices, but also:
- ๐ฑ Duplicate apps โ your own browsers, galleries, music players instead of Google-like.
- ๐ Local services โ programs for China (such as Mi Pay or Mi Home for smart home) that are useless in other countries.
- ๐ฐ Advertising modules โ components responsible for displaying advertising in MIUI (For example, msa or analytics).
- ๐ง Service Utilities โ Diagnostic, Update, or Backup Tools that are rarely used by users.
Xiaomi also works with partners (e.g. Facebook, Netflix, LinkedIn) to pre-install their apps for a fee, which can often be uninstalled in standard ways, but can be disabled or uninstalled with ADB (as discussed below).
According to a study by AppBrain (2023), new Xiaomi smartphones have an average of 40-60 pre-installed apps, of which only 15-20 are really necessary for basic system operation, the rest either duplicate features or are imposed by marketing agreements.
What applications can be removed without risk to the system?
We have divided safe to remove programs into three categories: completely unnecessary (you can delete everyone), conditionally unnecessary (depending on your needs) and advertising modules (improved performance, but not critical). Below is a verified list for MIUI 14/15 (relevant to the Redmi Note 12/13, POCO X5/F5, Xiaomi 13/14, etc.).
1. Completely unnecessary applications (can be deleted by everyone)
- ๐ต com.miui.player โ Mi Music. A standard music player that duplicates Google Play Music or Spotify.
- ๐ฌ com.miui.videoplayer - Mi Video. video player, conceded VLC or MX Player.
- ๐ com.miui.notes โ Notes. If you use Google Keep or Evernote, delete it safely.
- ๐ก com.miui.fm โ FM-It's useless without the antenna headphones (and almost no one uses them).
- ๐ฆ com.miui.cleanmaster โ Cleaner. a garbage cleaning utility, but often works aggressively and removes the cache of the right applications.
- ๐ com.miui.home โ Launcher MIUI. You can delete it if you use a third-party launcher (Nova, Apex).
- ๐ com.miui.analytics - Analytics MIUI. Sends phone usage data to Xiaomi (privacy!).
2. conditionally unnecessary (remove if you do not use)
- ๐ท com.miui.gallery - Gallery. can be replaced with Google Photos, but deleting will deprive you of the built-in editor.
- ๐ com.android.browser - Mi Browser. If you use Chrome or Firefox, uninstall.
- ๐ฌ com.miui.miservice โ Mi Service Framework.Need for some Xiaomi services (e.g. Mi Cloud).
- ๐ฎ com.xiaomi.gamecenter.sdk.service - Game Center. Useful only for gamers (optimizes game performance).
- ๐ฑ com.miui.screenrecorder - Screen recording. You can delete if you use third-party software (AZ Screen Recorder).
3. Advertising modules (will improve performance)
- ๐ข com.xiaomi.midrop - Mi Drop. service for transferring files over Wi-Fi (advertises itself in notifications).
- ๐ com.miui.systemAdSolution - System Advertising. Responsible for displaying banners in settings and menus.
- ๐ com.xiaomi.market - GetApps. Xiaomi's branded app store (often imposing unnecessary programs).
- ๐ค com.miui.hybrid โ Hybrid Platform. a platform for running mini-applications (rarely used).
โ๏ธ What to do before removing applications
How to properly remove system applications?
You can remove pre-installed programs on Xiaomi in three ways: through settings (for custom applications), with ADB (for system applications), or through root rights (the riskiest method). We recommend the first or second option - they do not require unlocking the bootloader and keep the warranty.
Method 1: Standard removal (for user applications)
This method is suitable for programs that can be uninstalled without additional tools:
- Open Settings โ Applications โ Application Management.
- Find the desired application in the list and tap it.
- Click Delete (if the button is active). If the button is not, the application is system-based and can only be removed via ADB.
โ ๏ธ Note: Some apps (such as GetApps or Mi Video) can only be disabled but not deleted, in which case they will remain in memory, but will stop working and update.
Method 2: Removal via ADB (for system applications)
To remove embedded programs, you will need a computer and an ADB utility (Android Debug Bridge), which is safer than obtaining root rights, since it does not violate the integrity of the system.
Instructions:
- Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
- Turn on the phone Developer Mode (go to Settings โ About Phone โ MIUI version and tap 7 times on this item).
- Activate USB Debugging in Settings โ Additional โ For developers.
- Connect the phone to the PC and type in the command line:
adb devices(Your device should appear)
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name.packetFor example, to remove Mi Music:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.playerโ ๏ธ Attention: Team --user 0 It removes the application only for the current user, without affecting the system files, and it allows you to restore the program through a reset or command:
adb shell cmd package install-existing name.packet๐ก
Before mass uninstalling apps through ADB, check for compatibility with your version of MIUI. For example, on some firmware, removing com.miui.home can cause icons to disappear on the desktop.
Method 3: Remove Root Rights (for Power Users)
This method gives you complete control over the system, but it is not warranty-free and can cause permanent damage to the firmware. Use it only if you are confident in your actions.
To obtain root rights:
- Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires an account binding Mi).
- Install custom recovery (such as TWRP).
- Slice Magisk to manage root access.
- Use Root Explorer or Titanium Backup to remove system applications.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Removing critical components (e.g. com.android.settings) will result in a bootloop.
What applications should not be removed (critical list)
Some system programs can't be deleted under any circumstances, which will cause the phone to fail.
| Package name | What happens when you remove it? | Can I turn it off? |
|---|---|---|
| com.android.phone | Mobile phone service will disappear (no calls and no internet) | No. |
| com.android.settings | Phone settings will be unavailable | No. |
| com.miui.securitycenter | Application permissions will cease to work | Partially (you can disable individual functions) |
| com.android.providers.media | All media files (photos, videos, music) will disappear | No. |
| com.miui.system | The phone will not turn on (bootloop) | No. |
It is also not recommended to remove:
- ๐ com.miui.powerkeeper โ responsible for battery optimization.
- ๐ถ com.android.bluetooth โ Bluetooth management.
- ๐ com.android.soundrecorder โ sound recording (required for voice notes).
- ๐ฑ com.miui.core - core MIUI (Deleting will result in a phone reset).
๐ก
If you accidentally delete a critical app and your phone stops working, the only way to restore it is through Fastboot or Recovery.
What to do if after removing the applications the phone began to glittle?
Even if you only uninstall "safe" programs, sometimes you can have problems: badges go missing, notifications don't work, or your phone starts to slow down.
1. Recovery of Remote Application
If you delete a program with the --user 0 flag via ADB, you can return it by command:
adb shell cmd package install-existing name.packetFor example, to restore the Mi Gallery:
adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.gallery2. Resetting settings
If the phone is unstable, try resetting to factory settings:
- Go to Settings โ About the phone โ Reset settings.
- Select Reset all settings (does not delete files) or Delete all data (complete cleanup).
- Confirm the action.
โ ๏ธ Note: After resetting all removed through ADB Applications will return, but user data (photos, contacts) will remain intact if you choose to Reset all settings.
3. Flashing through Recovery
If the phone doesnโt turn on or is stuck on the logo, try flashing it through Recovery:
- Turn off the phone, then press the Power button + Volume up to enter Recovery.
- Select Wipe Data โ Wipe All Data (complete cleanup).
- Then select Reboot โ Reboot to System.
If this does not help, download the official firmware for your model and swipe through Fastboot (the instructions are on the forum Xiaomi EU).
How to prevent unnecessary applications from reappearing?
Even after deletion, some programs may return after the MIUI update.
- ๐ Turn off automatic updates MIUI In Settings โ The phone. โ Updating the system โ โ๏ธ โ Auto-update.
- ๐ซ Block updates for specific applications through Settings โ Annexes โ Application management โ โ๏ธ โ Auto-update.
- ๐ต Disable Advertising Services: Adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution
- ๐ Install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher) to hide system applications.
You can also use the App Inspector utility (available on Google Play) to track which programs are trying to update or reinstall.