What apps can be safely removed from Xiaomi phone (MIUI 14/15) into 2026 year

Xiaomi smartphones based on the shell MIUI They're known for their abundance of pre-installed applications, both useful and unnecessary for most users, and many of them not only occupy precious memory space, but also run in the background, using up battery power and Internet traffic. However, blind removal of everything in a row can lead to system failures or loss of functionality.

In this article, we will look at which Xiaomi apps can be removed without consequences, and which ones are better left behind, even if you do not use them. MIUI, And we'll also use bloatware from partners like Facebook, Netflix or LinkedIn, which are often installed by the manufacturer, and we'll focus on system components that can be disruptive to the stability of the smartphone.

Important: the removal procedure depends on the firmware version (MIUI 14, MIUI 15 or HyperOS) and device models, such as the Redmi Note 12 and Xiaomi 13T Some applications can be protected from uninstallation, while older models like Poco can be protected from uninstallation. X3 All the instructions in this article are relevant for devices without root access (standard mode).

Why are there so many unnecessary apps on Xiaomi?

Smartphone manufacturers, including Xiaomi, pre-installed not only their own services, but also partner programs, for several reasons:

• 💰 Monetization: Xiaomi gets money from companies like Facebook or Booking.com for hosting their apps on millions of devices.
• 🌍 Localization: Different sets of apps are installed in different regions, for example, in India it can be Paytm or Gaana, and in Europe it can be Spotify.
• 🔧 Functionality MIUI: Some system applications (such as Security or Mi Video) are integrated into the shell and provide key functions.
• 📊 Analytics: Applications like Mi Analytics or MSA They collect data about the device’s use (anonymously, according to the company).

According to Counterpoint Research (2023), new Xiaomi smartphones have an average of 20 to 30 apps pre-installed, with users using only 30 to 40 percent of them, and the rest either being manually removed or left dead, and fortunately most of them can be uninstalled without consequences if you know what to touch.

What applications can be removed from Xiaomi without consequences

This section is dedicated to completely secure applications that are uninstalled and will not affect system stability or disrupt basic functions (calls, SMS, Internet and will not cause errors in MIUI. They are all divided into three categories:

1. Third-party apps (from Xiaomi partners): Facebook, Netflix, LinkedIn, etc.
2. Duplicate services: alternative launchers, browsers, galleries.
3. Advertising and analytical modules: MSA, Mi Analytics (unless you use the cloud).

Below is a full list of apps that can be removed from most Xiaomi devices (including Redmi, Poco, Black Shark):

• 📱 Du Apps (e.g., Du Apps, DU Battery Saver, DU Cleaner – unnecessary optimizers that duplicate the functionality of Security.
• 🎮 Game Turbo – If you don’t play mobile games, this accelerator is useless.
• 📺 Mi Video/Mi Music – can be replaced with Mi Video VLC or Spotify.
• 🌐 Mi Browser – if you use Chrome or Firefox.
• 📷 Mi Remote – only if you don’t use your phone as a remote for your equipment.
• 📊 Mi Analytics / MSA — Statistical collection modules (you can delete them, but they will be restored after the update).
• 💬 Mi Chat/Mi Community – Xiaomi support forums (few use them).
• 🛒 GetApps – a branded app store (an alternative to Google Play).
• 📱 Second Space – the function of creating a second workspace (useful units).
• 🎵 Mi Sound Recorder – If you don’t record voice notes.

You can also remove all apps from third-party developers that Xiaomi installs by default:

• 📘 Facebook, Facebook App Installer, Facebook Services
• 📺 Netflix, Prime Video (unless you watch the video)
• 💼 LinkedIn, WPS Office
• 🎵 Spotify (if you don't use it)
• 🛒 AliExpress, Lazada, Shopee (in Asian firmware)

Create a backup copy of important data

Check if the application is connected to system functions (for example, Security is responsible for unlocking the face)

Make sure you have an alternative (e.g., a different browser instead of Mi Browser)

Write down the names of remote applications (in case of recovery)-->

What applications cannot be removed (critical system services)

Some annexes to MIUI They look like regular programs, but they're actually part of the operating system:

• 🔄 Cyclical reboot (bootloop).
• 📵 Loss of communication (calls will not work, SMS, mobile).
• 🔒 Screen lock (if you remove face/fingerprint unlock modules).
• 🔧 Failures in settings (it will be impossible to change the volume, brightness, etc.).

Critical apps that can’t be removed under any circumstances (even with root rights):

It is also not recommended to remove the following apps if you are not sure of their purpose:

• 📡 com.miui.weather2 — weather (integrated into widgets).
• 📱 com.miui.gallery – gallery (deletion can disrupt camera operation).
• 🔊 com.android.bluetooth - Bluetooth module.
• 📶 com.android.providers.telephony – databases for communication.

⚠️ Warning: If you delete a critical app and your phone stops working, don't try to reset your settings via Recovery. In most cases, it won't help. EDL.

How to remove apps on Xiaomi (3 ways)

Depending on the type of application and version MIUI There are several ways to uninstall. Let's go from the simplest to the most radical.

Method 1: Standard removal through settings (without root)

This method is suitable for most unnecessary applications that are not system.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the desired application in the list (you can use the search).
3. Click on it and select "Delete" (if the button is active).

If the “Delete” button is inactive, then the application is system – try other methods.

Method 2: Disabling the application (if you cannot delete it)

If you can't delete an app, but it's in the way, you can turn it off, and it stops it from working, and it hides it from the menu, but it doesn't free up the memory.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app and click “Disable” (or “Delete Updates” if it is a system app with updates).
3. Confirm the action.

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If you disabled the system application, but it reappeared after the update – check the automatic recovery settings in Settings → Special facilities → Removal of applications (in some firmware).

Method 3: Remove system applications via ADB (without root)

You can use secure system applications (e.g. Mi Video or Mi Browser) to remove secure system applications. ADB (Android Debug Bridge is an official tool from Google that doesn’t require root rights, but you need a computer.

Instructions:

1. Install. ADB-PC drivers.
2. Enable USB debugging on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to activate Developer Mode), then Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line: adb devices (the name of your device should appear).
4. To remove the application, type: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 For example, to remove Mi Browser: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser

A list of system application packages can be found on the Internet or using the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep 'miui'

⚠️ Attention: Removal through ADB It doesn't erase the app completely -- it stays in the system, but it's hidden to your user. Once you reset or update the firmware, the app can come back.

How to Restore a Remote System Application

If you accidentally delete an important app and your phone starts to malfunction, don't panic. There are a few ways to get it back:

Method 1: Resetting settings

The simplest, but radical, method is factory reset, which will bring back all system applications, but delete your data.

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select "Reset all settings" (not to be confused with "Reset network settings").
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

Method 2: Recovery through ADB

If you have removed the application through ADB, You can get it back by team:

adb shell cmd package install-existing name.packet

For example, to restore the Mi Browser:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.browser

Method 3: Flashing through Recovery

If the reset didn't work, I'll have to go through the phone.

1. Download the full firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website (Fastboot or Recovery section).
2. Transfer the firmware file to the root of the phone’s memory.
3. Go to Recovery (turn off the phone, then pinch the power) + Loudness up).
4. Select "Install update.zip" and confirm the installation.

⚠️ Warning: Fastboot flashing is more reliable, but requires unlocking the bootloader, which will result in a complete data reset and may void the warranty.

What happens if you remove all unnecessary apps?

Many users are asking themselves, should we delete everything to free up memory? Let's look at what we can expect after the "broad sweep":

• ✅ Pluses: 📈 1-3 GB of memory is free (depending on the model). 🔋 Battery life will increase (5-15%) as background processes decrease. 🚀 The phone will be faster (especially on budget models like the Redmi). 9A POCO M3). 🛡️ Reduced risk of data breach (less applications) = Fewer potential "holes" for spyware modules).
• ❌ Cons: 🔄 Certain functions MIUI may stop working (for example, weather widgets or quick settings). 🔄 After the firmware update, some applications will return. 🛠️ When selling a phone, you may need to restore remote apps (the new owner may not know how to return them).

According to the results of testing conducted by the channel TechDroider (2023), after removing 15 unnecessary applications on Xiaomi 12T:

• Battery life increased by 12% (from 6h 45m to 7h 35m in the video playback test).
• The speed of opening applications increased by 8-15% (due to the release of RAM).
• The amount of free memory has increased from 23 GB to 25.8 GB.

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Removing unnecessary apps gives a noticeable performance boost only on budget smartphones with 3-4 GB of RAM. on flagships (8)+ GB RAM) the effect will be minimal.

Specifics for different Xiaomi models

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are the same – different models can have different sets of apps pre-installed.

1. Redmi series (budget models: Redmi) 10, 11, 12, Note 10/11/12)

Budget Redmis are usually the most junk apps, as the manufacturer compensates for the low price through affiliate programs.

• 📱 All Facebook apps (up to 5 of them!).
• 🎮 Game Turbo and Quick Apps (useless on weak devices).
• 📺 Mi Video and Mi Music (they slow down by 3-4 GB of RAM).

Be careful with Cleaner – on budget models, it helps free up memory, so it is better not to delete it, but simply turn off notifications.

2. Poco series (Poco) X3, X4, X5, F3, F4, F5)

Poco devices are positioned as “gaming”, so there are often:

• 🎮 Game Turbo – You can delete it if you don’t play.
• 📊 Poco Launcher – If you don’t like it, replace it with Nova Launcher.
• 🔊 Dolby Atmos – If you don’t use headphones, you can turn off the headphones.

Poco is also often pre-installed by Netflix in high definition – it can be removed if you don’t watch the video.

3. Flagship models (Xiaomi 12, 13, 14, Mix 4, Mix Fold)

Xiaomi flagships usually have fewer unnecessary apps, but there are:

• 📷 Mi Remote – Useful if you use your phone as a remote control.
• 🎵 Mi Sound Recorder can be replaced by Google Recorder.
• 📡 Mi Share is Google’s analogue of Nearby Share (you can disable it).

On flagships, it is not recommended to remove applications associated with the camera (for example, com.miui.camera), as this can disrupt advanced features such as Pro Mode or Night Mode.

4 Devices for the global and Chinese market

Firmware for different regions are very different:

• 🌍 Global version (Global) ROM): Less unnecessary apps, but there are Facebook, Netflix, LinkedIn.
• 🇨🇳 Chinese version (China) ROM): There are no Google services, but there are a lot of Chinese apps (Weibo, Taobao, QQ), free-to-wear.
• 🇮🇳 Indian version (India) ROM): Lots of local services (Paytm, Gaana, JioTV).

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To find out the firmware version, go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. If there is a name at the end CN — It's Chinese firmware, Global is global, IN — Indian.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing apps on Xiaomi