What apps can be removed on Xiaomi Redmi 7A without harming the system?

Xiaomi Redmi 7A

16/32 GB of memory

What applications can be safely removed

MIUI

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 and MIUI-based smartphone (even in current versions) initially contains dozens of services from Xiaomi, Google and third-party developers, some of which are critical for stable operation, others are just “ballast”; for example, duplicate galleries, unnecessary social networks or regional services (like Mi Pay for India). But how to distinguish one from the other? We analyzed the Redmi 7A system files and compiled a checklist with MIUI 12-14 versions and budget hardware features.

Important: Before you delete any application, back up your data via Settings → About Phone → Backup. This will protect you from losing contacts, messages or settings if something goes wrong.

Why is there so little memory on the Redmi 7A?

Redmi 7A was released with 16 or 32 GB of internal memory, of which the user is available only ~10-25 GB. The rest is occupied by the MIUI system, the Android kernel and preinstalled applications. Even after resetting to factory settings, there is critically little free space — especially if you install games or heavy messengers like Telegram with large chats.

The main memory eaters on Redmi 7A:

• 📱 System applications (Mi Security, Cleaner, Mi Video, etc.) – take up to 3-5 GB, but some of them can be removed.
• 🤖 Google Play Services (Google Play Services, Google Play Music) – up to 1-2 GB, some can be turned off.
• 📦 Cache and app data – grow to gigabytes over time (especially YouTube, Facebook, browsers).
• 🔄 Duplicate features – for example, two galleries (Google Photos) + Mi Gallery) or two browsers.

Another problem is that /system does not clear when you normally delete applications through menus. Many pre-installed programs (bloatware) simply turn off, but their files remain in place. Root rights or ADB commands are needed to completely delete, but this is risky on budget devices.

What apps can be removed without consequences?

We have divided the applications into three categories: safe to remove, conditionally safe (can be removed but with reservations) and critical (no touch). Below is the list for Redmi 7A on MIUI 12-14 (relevant for global and European firmware).

Safe to remove (does not affect the system):

• 🎬 Mi Video is a standard video player that duplicates Google Photos or VLC.
• 📖 Mi Reader is a book reading app, few people use it.
• 🎵 Mi Music – Music Player, can be replaced by Spotify or YouTube Music.
• 📡 FM Radio – radio without headphones does not work, and few people listen to them.
• 💰 Mi Pay – payment service for India, in Russia and Europe is useless.
• 📊 Mi Community is a Xiaomi forum that almost no one uses.
• 🛒 Mi Shop – Xiaomi’s brand store, duplicates the site.
• 🎮 Games – a gaming center, advertises mobile games (often with viruses).

Conditionally safe (you can remove, but with caution):

• 📷 Mi Gallery – You can delete if you use Google Photos, but you will lose access to some camera features (e.g. Documents in the Gallery).
• 🔍 Cleaner – garbage cleaner, but often works aggressively (removes the cache of the desired applications).
• 📡 Mi Remote – remote control, useful only if you control Xiaomi equipment.
• 📱 Second Space – dual desktop function, units needed.
• 💬 Mi Chat is Xiaomi’s messaging app, useless without friends in this ecosystem.

How to remove applications correctly: step-by-step instructions

There are two ways to remove pre-installed applications on Redmi 7A: through system settings (no root) or with ADB (for deep cleaning), the first method is simpler but does not delete all files, the second is more efficient, but requires a computer.

Method 1: Remove via settings (without root)

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app from the list (such as Mi Music).
3. Click Remove (if the button is active) or Disable (if deletion is blocked).
4. Confirm action. Some apps will require you to enter a password from your Mi Account.

Method 2: Removal through ADB (complete cleaning)

1. Download ADB Tools on PC.
2. Turn on the phone Debugging over USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version → 7 times tap on version → go back to Additional settings → For developers).
3. Connect Redmi 7A to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.package.name Replace com.xiaomi.package.name with the package name (e.g. com.miui.videoplayer for Mi Video).
4. The list of packages can be obtained by the command: adb shell pm list packages | grep 'miui'

Attention! Deletion via ADB can cause MIUI errors if you remove the system component. Always check the name of the package before executing the command.

What applications should not be removed (risk of “bricking”)

Some applications seem unnecessary, but they are actually interrelated with the MIUI kernel.

• 🔄 Infinite Boot (Bootloop).
• 📵 Loss of network or Wi-Fi.
• 🔋 Quick battery discharge.
• 🚨 Persistent errors such as "System-based" UI stop".

List of critical applications (Do NOT TOUCH!):

⚠️ Warning: If you have removed a critical app and your phone has stopped working, try resetting via Recovery (click Power). + Volume up when switched on. In extreme cases, flashing will be required.

How to free up memory without removing applications?

If you don’t want to take risks, but your memory is sorely lacking, use alternative methods:

1.Cache and garbage cleanup

• 🧹 Go to Settings. → Memory. → Clear (deletes temporary files).
• 🗑️ Manually clear the cache of large applications (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) in Settings → Annexes → Warehouse.

Data transfer to SD-map

• 📁 Use a microSD card (up to 256 GB) and transfer photos, videos, music to it.
• 🎮 Some games, for example, PUBG Mobile allows you to set data on SD.

3. Disabling unnecessary services

• 🚫 Turn off auto-launch applications in Settings → Permits → Auto-start.
• 🔔 Limit background activity in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.

💡

If you use Google Photos to back up, turn on the “Free Space” option in the app settings, which automatically deletes local copies of photos after they are uploaded to the cloud.

What to do if after removing the applications the phone began to glittle?

If the Redmi 7A starts to brake, overheat or issue errors after cleaning, follow the following steps:

1.Reboot the phone

Sometimes a normal reboot is enough for the system to recover temporary files. Press the power button and select Reboot.

2. Clear the cache of the section

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume Up to Enter Recovery.
3. Select Wipe cache partition (manage volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
4. Reboot through the Reboot system now.

3. Restore the Remote Application

If the problem occurs after removing a particular application, it can be returned:

• Through ADB: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.xiaomi.package.name
• Through Settings Reset (Data Loss!): Settings → Additional → Reset and Reset.

⚠️ Note: If after removing Mi Security or Google Services, the phone stops turning on, you will need to flash through Fastboot. 7A (pine and Mi Flash Tool.

💡

Before any manipulation of system files, check the firmware compatibility with your model. For Redmi 7A, use only firmware codenamed pine (global) or pinein (India).

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing apps on Redmi 7A