Xiaomi smartphones are known for their abundance of pre-installed applications, from branded MIUI services to affiliate software that many users consider unnecessary. Deleting such programs through standard settings is often blocked by the system, but there is a radical method: the use of ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and Fastboot. These tools allow you to gain low-level access to the device’s file system and uninstall even those applications that are usually protected from removal.
However, not all system packages can be removed without risk. MIUI, loss of functionality (such as a camera or mobile network) or even the device's brik. In this article, we'll look at which apps are safe to remove, how to do it through a device. ADB We'll also provide a checklist to minimize risk, and we'll focus on Redmi models, POCO and flagships Xiaomi on the basis MIUI 14/15.
Before you start, consider: the procedure requires an unlocked bootloader and USB debugging mode enabled. If you are a beginner, we recommend you first study our guide to unlock bootloader on Xiaomi - without this step, further manipulation will be impossible.
Why Standard Removal Doesn't Work
MIUI protects most embedded applications from uninstallation via the GUI, and even if you see the "Delete" button in the app menu, it often simply disables the program without erasing its files from the device's memory, for several reasons:
- 🔒 System dependencies: Some packages (e.g. com.miui.system) are part of the kernel MIUI. Deleting them will lead to the collapse of the interface.
- 📦 Partnering Agreements: Xiaomi is obliged to include apps from Google, Facebook or local services (e.g. Mi Pay in India).
- 🔄 Reset recovery: Even deactivated apps return after upgrading or resetting to factory settings.
Through ADB You get access to the pm uninstall command. -k --user 0, It removes the application for the current user (no superuser rights) and is safer than erasing it completely. APK-For example, removing com.android.vending (Google Play Market) will make it impossible to install applications from the official store.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global removal of some packages (e.g. com.miui.analytics) may result in blocking updates over the air (OTA). Before the procedure, back up your file via Mi Cloud or TWRP.
List of safe apps to remove on Xiaomi
Below is an updated list of packages that can be removed without critical consequences for most Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO models (2020-2026), the list is divided into categories by application type. Before deleting, check if the package is used in your particular firmware - use the command:
adb shell pm list packages | grep "name packet"| Category | Package name | Description | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📱 Social media | com.facebook.appmanager | Facebook (including services) | Low. |
| 🛒 Markets. | com.xiaomi.mipicks | Mi Apps (theme and app store) | Medium (can break the theme update) |
| 📊 Analytics | com.miui.analytics | Collection of usage statistics | Low (but can block OTA) |
| 🎵 Music/Video | com.miui.player | Mi Music (player) | Low. |
| 📡 Local services | com.miui.hybrid | Miui Hybrid (regional functions) | High (can break the mobile network) |
A full list of ~150 packages for different regions (Global, China, India) is available in our spoiler below.Please note that some packages (e.g. com.miui.yellowpage) may not be available on devices with MIUI for Russia.
Complete list of packets to remove (150+)
1. com.android.browser – Standard browser
2. com.android.email – Mail (if not used)
3. com.android.calculator2 – Calculator (can be replaced by Google Calculator)
...
150.com.xiaomi.payment – Mi Pay (unless you use contactless payments)
adb shell pm list packages | grep "miui"
Unlocked bootloader | USB debugging mode enabled (7 times press "MIUI Version") | ADB/Fastboot drivers installed | Data backup created | Package compatibility with your model checked-->
Step-by-step: removal via ADB
To start the work you will need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS and installed tools ADB Fastboot (you can download from the official Android website).
- 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with unlocked bootloader and enabled debugging USB.
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
Step 1. Connecting the device
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and tap 7 times.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
- Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in the computer on your smartphone screen.
Step 2. Check the connection
Open the command line (or terminal) and type:
adb devicesIf the device appears in the list (e.g., 1234abcd device), you can continue. If not, check the drivers or cable.
Step 3: Remove the package
Use the command:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name packetExample of Facebook removal:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.facebook.appmanager💡
If the team returns the error DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR, Try adding a flag. --user 0 or reboot the device.
Fastboot Removal: When ADB Doesn't Help
Some system applications (e.g. com.miui.home) cannot be removed through ADB without superuser permissions. In such cases, Fastboot is a mode that allows you to modify the system partition directly, which is more risky because it requires unmounting the partition and can potentially lead to soft-brick (the device will only boot in Fastboot).
Warning: Fastboot is only for power users, and if you're not sure what you're doing, use ADB or custom firmware like LineageOS.
Step 1 - Transition to Fastboot
Turn off the phone, then press the Power button + Volume Down until the Fastboot logo appears.
Step 2: Mounting the system partition
In the command line, type:
fastboot mount systemIf the team doesn’t work, try:
fastboot mount /systemStep 3: Removal APK-file
Find the path to the application file (for example, for Mi Music it is /system/priv-app/MiuiMusic/MiuiMusic.apk) and delete it:
fastboot erase /system/priv-app/MiuiMusic⚠️ Attention: Delete files via Fastboot can violate the integrity of the system. After the procedure, be sure to follow the command fastboot reboot and wait for full download (up to 10 minutes). If the device is stuck on the logo, you will need to flash through the Mi Flash Tool.
What to do if there are problems after removal
Even when you remove the "safe" packets, you can have problems, and here are the typical symptoms and ways to treat them:
- 🔄 Bootloop: Most often caused by deleting critical packets (com.miui.home, com.android.systemui). system.img).
- 📵 No mobile network: Deleted com.android.phone or regional services (com.miui.hybrid) Restore them via ADB adb install package.apk.
- 🔋 Fast battery drain: Removing com.miui.analytics or com.xiaomi.xmsf may disrupt power optimization.
If the problem is not solved, use the backup list for your model. 10 Pro backup APK-files can be downloaded from the forum XDA Developers or through telegram modules @MiuiApkBackup.
Alternative methods: Magisk and custom firmware
If deleting via ADB/Fastboot seems difficult, consider alternatives:
- 🔧 Magisk + Debloater module: Allows you to disable system applications without physically removing them.
- 📱 LineageOS, Pixel Experience or HavocOS go without Xiaomi’s bloke, but require an unlocked bootloader.
- ⚙️ MIUI Optimizer: A module for Magisk that removes analytics and ads without risking the system.
The advantage of custom firmware is that they undergo preliminary cleaning from unnecessary services, but have their disadvantages:
- Loss of warranty (if bootloader is unlocked)
- Lack of some proprietary features (for example, Always-on Display on unofficial builds).
- Risk of unstable camera performance (separate modes such as GCam are required).
For beginners, the best option is Magisk + Debloater, which is reversible: when you remove the module, all applications will recover.