15 Xiaomi system apps that can’t be removed from Android (and what happens if you do it)

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face a problem: dozens of pre-installed apps take up memory, slow down the system and show annoying advertising. The first thought is to remove everything superfluous. But some MIUI system applications are critical to the stable operation of the device, and their removal can lead to crashes, loss of functionality or even “bricking” the phone.

In this article, we will discuss:

• 🔧 What Xiaomi Apps Should Not Be Removed Under Any Circumstance (and Why)
• ⚠️ Consequences of removing system components – from minor bugs to complete inoperability
• 🛠️ Safe ways to disable unnecessary services without harming the system
• 📱 Differences between models on MIUI 14, HyperOS and older firmware versions

It's important to understand that even if an app seems useless, it can be part of a chain of dependencies, for example, removing com.miui.analytics will turn off statistics collection, but at the same time will break the work of updates by air (OTA).

We analyzed Xiaomi’s official documentation, user reports from the 4PDA and XDA-Developers forums, and tested on Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Xiaomi 13T and POCO F5 devices, resulting in an up-to-date list of “untouchable” applications with explanations of their role in the system.

1. the Core of the system: applications without which the smartphone will not turn on

This group of programs is responsible for the basic functionality of Android and MIUI, and their removal will lead to a cyclic restloop or complete device failure, and even experienced root-right users rarely risk touching these components.

• 📱 com.android.phone - Phone module, responsible for communication with the operator's network, calls and SMS. Without it, the smartphone will become a “brick” without the ability to make calls.
• 🔄 com.android.systemui — System interface, manages notification panel, navigation buttons, and multitasking, and deletes the screen when you download it, and then you get black.
• ⚙️ com.miui.home - Launcher MIUI. Without it, there will be no desktop, application icons and the ability to run programs.
• 🔒 com.android.settings – System settings. Deletion will deprive you of access to the settings menu, including the recovery section.

These apps are deeply integrated into the firmware, even if you delete them. APK-file ADB Or Root Explorer, the system will restore them when you next update or reset them. 12S Ultra) Anti-Rollback protection can lock the device when trying to modify these components.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 14 or Redmi K70) Some of these applications are divided into microservices, and deleting them can lead to loss of warranty, because the system records changes in the partition. /system.

2 Critical services MIUI: breakable

This category includes applications that do not cause a complete system failure, but break key features: updates, security, sync and work with Xiaomi account, and their removal often leads to calls to service centers.

It is especially dangerous to remove com.miui.securitycenter, which controls not only antivirus protection, but also permissions for other applications, and without it, many programs (including banking) will refuse to work, citing an “unsafe environment”.

On HyperOS devices, some of these features are migrated to com.miui.hyperos – removing this package will lead to loss of access to new features, such as cross-device synchronization with Xiaomi Pad or Xiaomi Watch.

💡

Before experimenting with system applications, create a full backup through Settings → About Phone → Backup. In the event of a failure, this will restore functionality without losing data.

3. applications that seem unnecessary (but are not)

Some Xiaomi programs are mistakenly considered “junk” by users because of their infrequent use, but they perform important background tasks, and removing them will not cause immediate crash, but will lead to hidden failures that will manifest over time.

• 📊 com.miui.analytics — Statistics collection. It seems useless, but without it, automatic crash reports will stop working, making it harder to diagnose problems.
• 🔋 com.miui.powerkeeper - Battery optimization. Removal will lead to accelerated discharge and improper operation of energy saving modes.
• 🎨 com.miui.themes — Themes and wallpaper. Without it, you can't change the themes, even if you download them manually.
• 📶 com.miui.netassist - Network Assistant, responsible for automatically switching between Wi-Fi and mobile networks.

For example, users of the POCO F4 GT after removing the com.miui.powerkeeper complained of spontaneous reboots at a charge level below 15%, which is due to the fact that the module controls the battery voltage and prevents deep discharge.

Another insidious point: some applications (e.g. com.miui.videoplayer) seem to be duplicate, but are actually used by the system to play video in the background (e.g., in notifications or on the lock screen).

4. How to safely disable unnecessary applications (without deleting)

If you want to get rid of intrusive software but are not willing to risk system stability, use safe disabling methods. They don't delete files, they only limit the activity of applications.

The most effective ways to:

1. Disconnecting through settings: Settings → Annexes → Application management → [Select an application] → Disable is suitable for most standard programs (e.g. Mi Music or Mi Video).
2. Freezing via ADB: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.midrop Works without root rights but requires a PC connection. The full list of commands can be found on XDA-Developers.
3. Magisk modules: Applications like Universal Debloater or MIUI Optimizer allow you to selectively disable MIUI components without removing them.

For HyperOS devices, it is recommended to use the built-in “Developer Mode”:

Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times) → For developers → Background processes

Here you can limit the activity of unnecessary services without removing them.

✅ Backup via Mi Cloud or locally

✅ Check dependent services (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter cannot be disabled)

✅ Use official methods (Settings) → Disable instead of delete

✅ After disabling, restart the device and check for stability

-->

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro) 5G) Disabling com.xiaomi.xmsf (Push Notification Service) results in loss of Mi Home functionality and other Xiaomi ecosystem applications.

5. models with special limitations: POCO, Black Shark, Mix

The POCO, Black Shark and Mix line devices have unique firmware with modified system applications, and their removal is fraught with unpredictable consequences, as these models often use non-standard dependencies.

For example, on POCO F5 Pro, removing com.poco.launcher not only causes the desktop to disappear, but also causes the 120Hz support to be lost in display settings.

On Black Shark 5 Pro, it is critical not to touch com.blackshark.thermald, which controls liquid cooling and fans (in active-cooled models), and shutting it down will overheat and trottle the processor.

6. How to Restore Remote System Applications

If you have already removed a critical app and are experiencing problems, there are several ways to get it back up:

1. Recovery through MIUI Recovery: Turn off the phone → Hold the Power. + Volume Up → Select "Restore System" This method works if only remotely APK-file, and data in /data preserved.
2. Manual installation through ADB: adb install system_app.apk I need to download the original. APK from the firmware of your model (for example, with Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
3. Fastboot: fastboot flash system.img is a radical method that returns all system files to their original state.

For devices with HyperOS, it is recommended to use the MIUI System Repair Tool - the official utility from Xiaomi, which automatically restores damaged system components without losing data.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra) may require re-assignment of the Mi Account after restoring system applications, otherwise some features (e.g. cloud backup) will remain blocked.

💡

If after removing the system app, the phone stopped turning on, don't try to stitch a custom recavator (TWRP) - this can block the bootloader.Use the official fastboot from Xiaomi.

7.Alternatives to removal: how to make room without risk

Instead of deleting system apps, try these safe methods to free up space and improve performance:

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Cache data and clear unnecessary files. on Redmi Note 12 It can release you to 3-5 GB.
• 🗑️ Removing duplicates: Use Files by Google or MIUI Cleaner to find duplicate files.
• ☁️ Cloud Transfer: Photos and videos can be automatically uploaded to Google Photos or Mi Cloud and then deleted local copies.
• 🔄 Disable Auto Updates: In Play Market, Turn Off Auto Update for Unnecessary Apps.

On devices with HyperOS, a new feature “Light Mode” (Settings → Special Features → Easy Mode) appeared, which disables the background processes of unnecessary system applications without removing them.

For models with microSD support (such as the POCO M6 Pro), the best solution is to transfer applications to a memory card:

Settings → Applications → [Select App] → Storage → Change → Memory Map

This will free up internal memory without risking the system.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi system applications