Xiaomi smartphone owners running the MIUI 12 shell often face the problem of crowded memory and intrusive advertising that broadcasts embedded services. Android operating system itself takes up a significant amount of space, and in combination with numerous Chinese additions from the manufacturer, free space is rapidly running out. Many users wonder how to safely free up gigabytes of space without disrupting the stability of the gadget.
Removing excess software is not just a way to win photo space, but also the ability to reduce the load on RAM and CPU. This is especially true for the budget models of the Redmi and Poco series, where iron resources are limited. However, interfering with system files requires caution, since removing critical components can turn a smartphone into a brick or cause cyclical reboots.
In this article, we will discuss in detail which APK-Files can be uninstalled painlessly, and which ones are strictly forbidden to touch. We will consider cleaning methods both through standard settings and using the use of the system. ADB-You'll learn how to turn your smartphone into a clean and fast tool by getting rid of digital trash.
Analysis of Xiaomi system applications: what is what
Before you take any drastic action, you need to understand the structure of MIUI software. All applications fall into three main categories: system-critical, functional add-ons and advertising junk. The first group includes services responsible for the basic functionality of the phone: calls, SMS, screen operation and communication with Xiaomi Cloud servers.
The second category is utility that extends the interface but is not strictly necessary for the system to survive, including design themes, security scanners, voice recorders and gallery, which are the components that most often raise questions for users who want to optimize their system. The third group is pre-installed services like Mi Browser or Mi Video, which often duplicate the functionality of third-party counterparts.
⚠️ Warning: Before you start cleaning, be sure to create a full backup of your data.Even secure deletion can lead to unpredictable errors in the system cache.
Understanding the differences between these groups will allow you to make informed decisions, don't blindly follow instructions from the Internet if you're not sure what the process is, leave an extra application rather than disrupt the system framework.
Secure list of applications for removal
There is a list of programs that can be removed on almost all Xiaomi models without the risk of disrupting basic functions. These applications are often heavyweights, consuming resources in the background, and they are usually uninstalled painlessly for the user experience.
First of all, you should pay attention to duplicates of standard Google applications. If you are used to products of the corporation, then you will hardly need analogues from Xiaomi, and you can also safely remove services related to multimedia if you use third-party players like VLC or MX Player.
- 📱 Mi Browser is a heavy browser with built-in news feed that often triggers advertising processes.
- 🎵 Mi Music and Mi Video are standard players that can be replaced with lighter and more functional counterparts.
- 🧹 Security – a comprehensive application that can be removed if you use third-party antiviruses, but with caution.
- 📺 Mi TV — TV app useless unless you’re using Xiaomi’s smart home ecosystem.
⚠️ Warning: Removing the Security app may cause some system permissions to reset and the memory cleaner to stop working.
Also worth considering is the removal of GetApps, an alternative app store from Xiaomi that often acts as a source of intrusive notifications. If you only download software from Google Play, you don’t need this service.
Dangerous Zone: What to Remove in No Case
There is a critical list of MIUI components that are guaranteed to cause unstable device operation or complete loss of functionality, and these processes are closely integrated into the system core and the SystemUI shell.
It is strictly forbidden to touch services related to telephony and contacts, if you do not want to lose the ability to make calls, it is also important to leave intact the components responsible for the operation of the display and touch screen. Even if the name of the process seems unclear to you, it is better to check its purpose in specialized databases before deleting.
- 🚫 SystemUI – Responsible for displaying the interface, status bar and navigation buttons.
- 📞 MIUI Dialer and Contacts – basic modules for making calls and storing the phone book.
- 🔋 Battery and performance – a critical module for energy management and thermal management.
- 📡 Carrier Services – Provides Work SIM-maps and mobiles.
Special care should be taken with com.miui.cloudservice packages. Although it is a cloud service, its removal can disrupt the synchronization and operation of the Find Device function, which is critical in the event of loss of a gadget.
What to do if the phone stops turning on?
Removal methods: from settings to ADB
There are several ways to remove applications on MIUI 12, varying in access level and complexity, and the easiest way to do this is to uninstall them through the settings menu that is available for most user applications, but you can't remove the system debris.
To work with system components, you need to activate the USB Debugging mode and use a computer, which is a secure method that does not require superuser rights (Root), you can send commands to remove packets that are hidden from the average user.
☑️ Preparation for removal through ADB
There are also third-party utilities, such as Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools or Universal Android Debloater, which provide a graphical interface for package management, which greatly simplifies the process for beginners. However, using such tools requires care, as they can offer controversial components to remove.
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browserThis command, for example, will remove the standard Xiaomi browser, which makes it easy to restore functionality with a simple reset if something goes wrong.
Comparison of System Cleaning Methods
The choice of cleaning method depends on your technical skills and goals. If you just need to free up a few gigabytes, standard tools will suffice. Deep optimization and getting rid of advertising will require more sophisticated tools. Let's compare the basic approaches.
| Method | Difficulty | Efficiency | Risk of error |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android settings | Low. | Low. | Minimum |
| Cleaning applications | Medium | Medium | Medium. |
| ADB Commands | Tall. | Tall. | High-pitched |
| Root rights | Very high. | Maximum | critical |
As can be seen from the table, the use of ADB-The middle ground between efficiency and security is the middle ground for teams: Getting Root rights, for example, through Magisk, gives you complete control, but deprives you of device warranties and can disrupt banking applications due to SafetyNet protections.
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Use the command "adb shell pm list packages" to display a complete list of all installed packages, which will help you find the exact name of the package you want to delete.
Optimization after removing excess software
Once you have removed the unwanted applications, the system may take time to restructure the cache and optimize the database, and in the first hours after cleaning, the device may be running a little slower or heating up more — this is a normal background indexing process.
It's recommended that you reboot your device so that all the changes are effective, and that you check the basic functions of calling, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and cameras, and if everything is stable, it's a success.
To consolidate the result, you can turn off ads in the system applications that you left, this is done through the privacy settings in the Password and Security section → Special features → Advertising Personalization. Disabling this item will reduce the frequency of banner ads in the MIUI interface.
Regularly reviewing installed apps will help keep your smartphone in perfect condition.Do not install questionable programs from unknown sources, as they often contain hidden miners or ad modules, negating all your optimization efforts.
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The safest way to remove is to only remove apps that you are absolutely certain of assigning, or to use verified listings for your particular phone model.