Xiaomi smartphone users often face the problem of pre-installed software that cannot be removed by standard methods, such as Miui services, ad modules and duplicating applications that take up memory and consume battery power. The 4PDA forum has been discussing this topic for years, with enthusiasts testing methods of cleaning the system through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), sharing lists of safe packets to remove and warning about possible risks.
In this article, we'll gather up-to-date information from 4PDA, analyze which apps can be removed without harming the system and which ones should be abandoned, learn how to prepare your smartphone for the procedure, what commands to use, and what to do if you have problems after deleting, and pay special attention to hidden dependencies between packages, a key point that is often missed in simplified guides.
Important: The method works on all Xiaomi devices running MIUI (including POCO and Redmi), but the list of secure packages may vary depending on the firmware version.
Why you can’t just delete apps through settings
In MIUI, most system applications are protected from removal for two reasons:
- Service dependencies: Many packages are linked together, for example, deleting com.miui.analytics can disrupt the theme store.
- Xiaomi policy: the company blocks the removal of advertising modules (com.miui.systemAdSolution) and statistics collection services, even if they are not used.
Only the “Disable” function is available through the standard Settings → Applications menu, which does not free memory, but only hides the application from the user. Moreover, after updating the system, disabled programs can be activated again.
The only way to completely remove unnecessary software is to use ADB with superuser rights, a method that requires care: a faulty command can lead to a cyclical reboot or loss of functionality (for example, the disappearance of notification panels).
Preparing a smartphone for removal through ADB
Before starting the procedure, follow the mandatory steps:
Enable Developer Mode (7 times click on MIUI Version in Settings → About Phone)
Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For Developers
Install Xiaomi drivers on PC (download from the official website)
Download Platform Tools (includes adb.exe) from Android Developers
Connect your phone to your PC via USB (select File Transfer Mode)
Check the connection with the adb device command (the serial number of the device should be displayed)-->
Pay special attention to the driver item. If adb devices don't show your phone, try:
- 🔌 Reconnect. USB-cable (use the original cable)
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone and PC
- 🛠️ Install drivers manually through Device Manager (select) ADB Interface)
To verify access rights, enter the command:
adb shell pm list packages -sIf you see a list of system packages, everything is set up correctly. If not, repeat the steps with debugging enabled.
💡
Create a restore point in TWRP (if installed) before deleting packets, which will save data if the system stops booting.
List of safe to remove applications (according to 4PDA)
On the 4PDA forum, users have compiled lists of packages that can be removed on most Xiaomi devices (tested on MIUI 12-14), and we have divided them into categories according to functionality:
| Category | Packet name | Description | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising and analytics | com.miui.systemAdSolution | Module of displaying advertising in MIUI | Low. |
| Advertising and analytics | com.xiaomi.midrop | Mi Drop (file transfer) | Medium (may disrupt Mi Share) |
| Duplicate annexes | com.android.browser | Standard browser (if you use Chrome) | Low. |
| Social media | com.facebook.appmanager | Facebook's background processes | High (may break authorization in some games) |
| Gambling services | com.xiaomi.gamecenter.sdk.service | Game Turbo (if you don't play) | Low. |
The full list of ~50 packets can be found in the 4PDA theme, but check before deleting:
- 📱 Your device model (some packages are critical to your device) POCO, but not for Redmi)
- 🔄 Version MIUI (In new firmware may appear dependencies)
- 🔍 Packet assignment (use the adb shell dumpsys package command [name packet])
How to check the dependencies of the package?
Commands for packet removal and recovery
To remove the application, use the command:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 [name packet]Example of Mi Music removal:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.playerTeam keys:
- -k - saves cache and application data (in case of recovery)
- --user 0 — delete only for the current user (does not affect the system)
If you have problems after removal, restore the package with the command:
adb shell cmd package install-existing [name packet]💡
Always delete packets one at a time and restart your phone after each step, which will help identify the problem packet before the system becomes inoperable.
What to do if the phone stops working after removal
If after manipulation with packets there were failures (cyclical loading, lack of interface, errors of services), act on the algorithm:
- Recovery via ADB: Connect your phone to your PC and try to return deleted packets with the install-existing command (see section above).
- Reset via Fastboot: If ADB doesn't respond, turn the device into Fastboot mode (clamp Power + Volume Down) and execute: fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot
- Flashing through TWRP: If the system doesn't boot, restore the backup or run a clean version of MIUI through a custom recaveri.
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4PDA has special scripts for automatic recovery after a failed packet deletion, which contain commands to return critical services.
If none of the methods worked, you can still reset your settings completely via Fastboot:
fastboot -w⚠️
Warning: This command completely cleans user data, including photos and contacts. Use only as a last resort!
Alternative methods: Magisk and debloathers
If working with ADB seems challenging, consider alternatives:
- 🔧 Magisk + Debloater module: Allows you to disable system applications without removing them. Suitable for beginners, as changes are easy to roll back.
- 📱 Debloater apps (e.g. Universal Android Debloater): Convenient GUI-- package management interface.
- 🔄 Custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS): Completely replaced MIUI, Removing all unnecessary Xiaomi services, suitable for power users.
The advantage of ADB over these methods is that there is no need for root rights, but Magisk is still needed to thoroughly clean the system (for example, to remove com.miui.daemon).
Risks and limitations of the method
Removing system packages via ADB has several critical limitations:
⚠️ Note: On devices with a blocked bootloader, some packages may automatically recover after an update. MIUI. This applies to advertising modules and analytics services.
Other risks:
- 🚨 Violation OTA-updates: after removing critical packets, the system may refuse to install updates over the air".
- 🔒 SafetyNet problems: some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online) may stop working because they detect changes in the system.
- 📵 Loss of functionality: Delete com.miui.fm will disable FM-radio, even if you need it.
On 4PDA, there is a list of “untouchable” packets, the removal of which is guaranteed to cause failures:
- com.miui.home (launcher)
- com.android.settings (settings)
- com.miui.securitycenter (security)