What apps can be safely removed on Xiaomi Redmi 8: full list + instructions

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but even it suffers from overloaded MIUI firmware. the manufacturer installs dozens of pre-loaded applications, many of which duplicate functions or are never used at all. If your Redmi 8 is slowing down and the internal memory is filled with unknown things - it's time to figure out which programs can be removed without risk to the system.

In this article, we will take a closer look at: 1. What types of applications can be safely uninstalled (including without root rights). 2. Step-by-step removal methods – from standard settings to standard settings. ADB-3. List of critical services MIUI, which cannot be touched (deletion will cause the smartphone to fail). 4. Alternative ways to free up memory if deletion is impossible.

We warn you right away: not all applications can be erased without consequences – some are related to MIUI 11/12 system processes (relevant to Redmi 8 with factory firmware).

If you are not sure about your actions, back up your data via Settings → About Phone → Backup or use Mi Cloud. This will take 5-10 minutes, but save you from losing contacts, photos and settings if you delete it unsuccessfully.

Why is Xiaomi Redmi 8 so much unnecessary?

Xiaomi is known for its aggressive policy of monetizing MIUI firmware. Even the budget Redmi 8 (released in 2019) preinstalled up to 30-40 applications, including:

• 📱 Duplicate services (e.g., two browsers: Mi Browser and Google Chrome).
• 🎮 Game Center, Game Turbo, which most users do not need.
• 📊 Analytical tools (Mi Analytics, MSA), data-gathering.
• 🛒 Advertising and affiliate applications (e.g. Mi Pay for India or AliExpress in some regions).

The main reason for this “garbage” is the partnership agreements with developers (for example, with Facebook, Netflix, AliExpress) and regional features, for example, in the Indian version of Redmi 8, Mi Credit is pre-installed, and in the global version, Facebook App Installer, which constantly offers to install a social network.

Xiaomi is also actively promoting its own services, such as Mi Video, Mi Music, Mi Community, which duplicate YouTube, Spotify or Google Play Music, but perform worse and show ads, removing these apps will not only free up memory, but also reduce background activity, which will prolong battery life.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as Security or Finder) can’t be removed completely, but can be disabled through settings.This will reduce the load on the Snapdragon 439 processor in the Redmi 8 and save battery life.

What apps can be removed on Redmi 8 without root rights?

Most Redmi 8 users don’t want root access (this cancels the warranty and makes it difficult to update) and fortunately, some pre-installed apps can be removed using standard MIUI tools:

• 🌐 Mi Browser is a Xiaomi browser with ads. You can replace it with Chrome or Firefox.
• 🎵 Mi Music is a music player with a limited library, preferably Spotify or VK Music.
• 🎬 Mi Video is a video player with integrated advertising — MX Player or VLC.
• 📖 Mi Reader is a book-reading app that's almost never used by anyone.
• 🎮 Mi Game Center is a game store with selections from Xiaomi. Useless if you download games from Google Play.
• 💰 Mi Pay is a payment service (only in India and China) and is useless in other regions.
• 📱 Facebook App Installer is a tool for installing Facebook, which can be deleted if the social network is already installed or not needed.
• 🛒 AliExpress - pre-installed in some regions. Removed if you're not using it.

How to delete:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired application from the list.
3. Click Remove (if the button is active).
4. Confirm the action.

If the Remove button is inactive, try disabling the app (this will stop it from working and hide it from the menu).

1. In the same application management menu, click Disable.
2. Confirm the shutdown (the system will warn that the application may not work correctly – ignore).

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If the application reappears after the MIUI update after disabling, use ADB for complete removal (instruction below).

List of apps that can not be removed on Redmi 8

Some system applications are critical to MIUI operation, and their removal will result in:

• 🔄 Cyclical reboot (bootloop).
• 📵 Network loss (mobile internet and calls will not work).
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge (due to power management failures).
• 🛠 Impossibility of updating firmware.

Below is a full list of “untouchable” apps for Redmi 8 (relevant to MIUI 11-14):

It is also not recommended to touch:

• 📶 com.android.providers.telephony – Operator Databases.
• 🔄 com.miui.updater – update module (without it you can not update) MIUI).
• 🔋 com.miui.powerkeeper – power management (removal will lead to overheating).

⚠️ Warning: If you accidentally delete one of the critical apps, don't try to restore it manually - this can aggravate the problem. → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge.

How to Uninstall System Applications on Redmi 8 via ADB?

If standard methods don’t work and the app gets in the way (e.g. Mi Browser keeps opening instead of Chrome), you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), an official tool from Google that lets you control your smartphone via a computer.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 📥 ADB Fastboot Tools by Google.
• 🔧 Included debugging by USB Redmi 8.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.
2. Connect Redmi 8 to your computer and select File Transfer mode.
3. Open the command prompt (cmd in Windows or Terminal in macOS/Linux) and go to the folder with ADB:
4. Check the connection: Adb devices (should appear serial number of your Redmi 8).

List of popular packages to remove via ADB:

⚠️ Attention: Teams with flag --user 0 remove the application only for the current user, without affecting the system files. This is safer than complete deletion (pm uninstall without flags), but can still cause malfunctions. MIUI.

How to free up memory on Redmi 8 if applications are not deleted?

If you are afraid to delete system applications or they are not deleted, there are alternative ways to free up memory:

• 🗑 Cache Cleanup: Go to Settings → Annexes → App management. Select an app (like Facebook or Instagram). Click Clear cache.

This will free up from 50 MB to 1-2 GB (depending on the application).

Transfer of applications to the memory card:

Redmi 8 supports microSD up to 512GB to port applications:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select an app (such as Spotify).
3. Click Warehouse → Change → Memory Map.

⚠️ Not all apps support portability (such as WhatsApp or Google Play Services).

Use of cloud storage:

Upload photos and videos to Google Photos or Mi Cloud, then delete local copies. This will free up a few gigabytes.

Search for large files:

Install Files by Google or SD Maid – these apps will show which files take up the most space (such as downloaded movies or old backups).

Another effective method is to disable automatic application updates:

1. Open Google Play → Settings → Auto-Update apps.
2. Choose Never.
3. Update apps manually when connected to Wi-Fi.

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Even if you don’t delete apps, disabling them and clearing the cache can free up to 3-5 GB of storage on the Redmi 8 with 64 GB of internal storage.

What happens if you remove too many apps?

Removing 10 to 15 unwanted apps usually doesn't have to be a problem, but if you get carried away, you'll find yourself:

• 🔄 Cyclical restart (bootloop) – the smartphone is turned on, shows the Redmi logo, then reboots.
• 📵 Mobile network loss – calls are not working, SMS mobile.
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge due to failures in power management.
• 🛠 Impossibility of updating — MIUI You will not be able to install new versions of the firmware.
• 📱 Failures in the interface - badges disappear, gestures do not work, settings fly out.

If Redmi 8 is not working properly after deleting the application:

1. Restart your smartphone – sometimes it helps to restore performance.
2. Reset settings via Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset → Reset settings (data will be saved, but applications will return).
3. Perform a complete reset (delete all data, but return the smartphone to its original state).
4. Reflash MIUI via Fastboot (for power users).

If the smartphone does not turn on at all after deleting system files, try:

1. Press the Power button + Volume up for 10 seconds to enter Recovery Mode.
2. Select Wipe Data (Data Reset).
3. If it doesn’t work, connect to your PC and run MIUI through the Mi Flash Tool.

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Before experimenting with removing apps, check if your Redmi 8 model has custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) that is free of unnecessary software and runs faster than standard MIUI.

Redmi 8 Firmware Alternatives: Should You Move?

If you are annoyed by the abundance of unnecessary applications in MIUI, you can consider installing custom firmware. For Redmi 8 (codename olivelite) available:

• 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without extra software.

The advantages of custom firmware:

• ✅ No pre-installed Xiaomi apps.
• ✅ Smoother work (especially on Redmi 8 with Snapdragon 439).
• ✅ Quick security updates (as opposed to the MIUI, where updates are delayed).
• ✅ Ability to fine-tune the interface.

Cons:

• ❌ Loss of warranty (if the smartphone is guaranteed).
• ❌ Risk of "bricking" (turning into a "brick") with incorrect firmware.
• ❌ Some functions do not work, for example, IR-blaster NFC firmware).
• ❌ No official support – updates depend on enthusiasts.

How to Switch Custom Firmware:

1. Unlock Bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (you will have to wait 7-15 days).
2. Install TWRP Recovery (Castom Recovery)
3. Download the firmware (for example, with XDA Developers).
4. Please use TWRP (instructions are available on the forums).

⚠️ Attention: Custom OS firmware voids the warranty and may result in data loss.Be sure to back up through the TWRP Mi Cloud.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing apps on Redmi 8