Xiaomi smartphones are known for their functionality, but many users are faced with a problem: out of the box, the device is filled with dozens of pre-installed applications, some of which duplicate the functions of Google services, another imposes advertising or collects analytics, and even after completely removing some applications through ADB, the system continues to work steadily, if you know what you can touch.
In this article, we will not only list the safe to remove applications, but also explain how to properly uninstall them (including hidden system packages), what consequences can occur if an error occurs, and how to restore a deleted one if something goes wrong. MIUI 14/15 HyperOS β new versions of the shell have their own nuances.
Why is Xiaomi so many unnecessary apps?
The manufacturer installs two types of βextraβ software on smartphones:
- πΉ Duplicate services: for example, Mi Browser with Chrome, or Mi Video with YouTube.
- πΉ Advertising and analytical modules: com.miui.analytics, com.xiaomi.midrop (advertising in the file manager).
- πΉ Regional Applications: for India (Mi Pay India), China (Mi Home China) or Europe (Mi Credit).
- πΉ Outdated services: Mi Drop (replaced with Quick Share in newer versions) MIUI).
According to Xiaomi.eu firmware analysis, up to 30-40 apps can be removed from preinstalled apps without damaging the system, but some are tied to key features β for example, com.miui.securitycenter is responsible for app permissions, and itβs important to understand the difference between βcan be removedβ and βcan be disabled.β
How to remove applications on Xiaomi: from simple to complex
There are 4 levels of βcleaningβ a smartphone, each of which requires different rights and skills:
- Disconnect via Settings (without root): the application remains in the system, but does not work and is not updated.
- Removal via ADB (no root): Complete uninstallation, but requires a PC connection.
- Root-rights removal: access to all system packages, but the risk of βbrickingβ.
- Install custom firmware (for example, Xiaomi.eu): firmware without bloat, but lost warranty.
For most users, the second option (ADB) is optimal - it does not require unlocking the bootloader and retains the warranty. Below we will discuss each method in detail, but first - a list of safe applications to remove.
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Before mass deletion, back up your system via Settings β About Phone β Backup. This will allow you to restore the system if something goes wrong.
A full list of Xiaomi apps that can be removed without consequences
We divided the applications into 3 risk categories, with the table listing the names of the packages (required for ADB), the names in Russian and the possible consequences of deletion.
| Level of risk | Package name | What is it? | Effects of removal |
|---|---|---|---|
| β Safe. | com.miui.bugreport | Mistakes report by MIUI | You can not send error logs in support of Xiaomi |
| β Safe. | com.xiaomi.midrop | Mi Drop (file transfer) | The "Transfer" tab in the gallery will disappear |
| β οΈ Average risk | com.miui.analytics | Analysis of the use of MIUI | Some MIUI functions may be affected (e.g., smart assistant) |
| β οΈ Average risk | com.miui.hybrid | Hybrid services (for older versions of MIUI) | New firmware may not affect, old ones - errors in the interface |
| β Dangerous. | com.miui.securitycenter | Security centre | Violate the work of permissions, antivirus and optimization |
The full list of 50+ packages for different versions of MIUI can be downloaded at the end of the article. Note: on HyperOS (the new shell of Xiaomi), some packages have been renamed. For example, com.miui.gallery became com.miui.hypergallery.
What happens if you delete the system application by mistake?
Step-by-step: How to remove applications through ADB
This method works on all Xiaomi models (from Redmi Note 8 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra) and does not require root rights.
- π₯οΈ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
- π± USB-cable (original)
- π§ Google's Platform Tools utility
- βοΈ Included debugging by USB (Settings β The phone. β Version. MIUI β 7 times to tap)
Follow the instructions:
βοΈ Preparation for removal through ADB
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
- Remove the unnecessary application by command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.midrop Replace com.xiaomi.midrop with the desired package from our list.
- Reboot the phone.
β οΈ Note: Some applications (e.g. com.miui.system) cannot be removed even through the ADB β The system will block the command, and in such cases, a Failure error will appear. [DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR].
What apps should not be removed (even if they seem unnecessary)
Some system packages seem useless, but are actually critical to work. MIUI. Here. TOP-5 "trap":
- π« com.android.providers.media β responsible for media files (photos, videos, music) Deleting will lead to errors in the gallery.
- π« com.miui.home - launcher MIUI. Without it, there will be no desktop.
- π« com.miui.securityadd β additional security features (e.g., application blocking).
- π« com.xiaomi.finddevice is a "Find Device" service, and you can't track your phone when you're lost.
- π« com.miui.voiceassist is a voice assistant, and on some models, it's responsible for gesture control.
It is also dangerous to touch packages with names: provider (system data), service (services), input (keyboard and input).
If you are not sure about the purpose of the package, it is better to disable it through the settings (Settings β Applications β Application Management β Disable).
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Before removing any package, check its name in the AppBrain database or through a search on the 4PDA/XDA Developers forums.
What to do if after removing the applications the phone began to glittle?
If after the "cleaning" you notice:
- π Permanent reboots β most likely a critical package (e.g. com.miui.systemui) has been removed).
- π± Black screen after the screensaver - a problem with a launcher or graphics shell.
- π Calls are not working./SMS β Telephony affected (com.android.phone).
The system can be restored in three ways:
- Recovery via ADB (if the phone is turned on): adb shell cmd package install-existing com.xiaomi.midrop This command will return the remote application (replace com.xiaomi.midrop with the desired package).
- Reset via Recovery: Turn off the phone. Press the Power + Volume Up before the Mi logo appears. select Wipe Data β Wipe All Data. β οΈ Note: This will delete all your data (photos, contacts, messages)!
- Fastboot Firmware (the most reliable way): Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website. Unpack the archive and launch flash_all.bat (Windows or flash_all.sh (macOS/Linux).
If the phone doesn't even turn on in the Fastboot, it's a brick, and then you can only flash it through the Fastboot. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable).
Alternative ways to free up memory without removing applications
If you donβt want to risk the stability of the system, but you need to make room, try these methods:
- ποΈ Cache cleanup: Settings β Warehouse β Clear the cache, you can release it before 1-3 GB.
- π Transfer of applications to SD-map (if supported): Settings β Annexes β Select an application β Warehouse β Change. β SD-map.
- βοΈ Disabling Automatic Backup: Settings β Accounts. β Mi Cloud β Backup β Shut down.
- π« Freeze applications via Shizuku + App Manager: allows you to βsleepβ unnecessary programs without removing them.
For advanced users, there's another way to debloat through Magisk, and Universal Debloater lets you disable system applications without physically removing them, which is safer than ADB, because changes are easy to roll back.
If youβre critically short on memory, consider buying a smartphone with a lot of storage, such as the Redmi Note 13 Pro+, which is available in 512GB, which solves the problem at the root.