Xiaomi MIUI-based smartphones are known for their abundance of pre-installed applications, from useful services to unnecessary bloatware that takes up memory and consumes battery power. Many users want to get rid of excess software but are afraid to disrupt the stability of the system. In this article, we will discuss which programs on Xiaomi can be removed without risk and which should be abandoned. We will analyze both standard methods (disable, uninstall without root) and advanced (remove system APKs via ADB or with superuser rights).
It's important to understand that not all applications are equally secure to remove. For example, com.miui.securitycenter is critical for the system to work, and com.xiaomi.midrop (Mi Drop) can be safely uninstalled. We have compiled a current list for MIUI 14/15 (2026), taking into account the features of the new models of Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi (including the flagships on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3).
Why are there so many pre-installed programs on Xiaomi?
The MIUI branded shell was originally designed with a focus on functionality and integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem, with two key implications:
- 🔹 Useful Services: Apps like Mi Remote, Mi Home, or Notes make life easier if you use brand technology.
- 🔹 Bloatware and Advertising: Programs like Mi Browser, Mi Music or Mi Video duplicate the features of Google services, but also display ads and collect data (even if you don’t use them).
- 🔹 Local services: Firmware for China, India or Europe may have unique applications (e.g. Mi Pay for India or Mi Credit for China) that are useless outside the region.
According to a study by XDA Developers (2023), on new Xiaomi smartphones, up to 30% of preinstalled APKs belong to categories that users delete in the first days of use, with only 12% of them critical to the system – the rest can be safely uninstalled or disabled.
What programs can be removed without root rights?
If you don't have a superuser (root) right, you can still get rid of some of the unwanted software. Here's a list of secure apps to uninstall (relevant to MIUI 14/15):
| Title of the annex | Package (APK) | Can I remove it? | Effects of consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Browser | com.android.browser | ✅ Yes. | Use Chrome or another browser |
| Mi Music | com.miui.player | ✅ Yes. | Replace it with Spotify or YouTube Music |
| Mi Video | com.miui.videoplayer | ✅ Yes. | Videos will open in a gallery or third-party player |
| Mi Drop (Fast Transmission) | com.xiaomi.midrop | ✅ Yes. | Use Nearby Share or Bluetooth to transfer files |
| Mi Pay (India/China only) | com.mipay.wallet | ✅ Yes. | Does not work outside of Asia |
To remove these programs:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the desired application and click “Delete” (if the button is active) or “Disable”.
- Some programs (such as Mi Browser) may require a factory reset to be completely removed.
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If the Remove button is inactive, try disabling the app first and then uninstall the updates (if any).
Xiaomi System Programs: What Can Be Disabled and What Cannot?
System applications include critical (deleting them will cause failures) and conditionally secure (you can disable them, but not completely remove them).
- ⚠️ You can't delete/disable: 🛡️ com.miui.securitycenter – Security Center (responsible for permissions and protection). ⚙️ com.android.settings - System settings. 📱 com.miui.home – Launcher (desktop).
- ✅ You can turn off (but not remove): 📊 com.miui.analytics – Statistics collection (sends data to Xiaomi). 🔄 com.miui.daemon - Background processes (can slightly speed up the system). 🎵 com.android.musicfx – Sound effects (unless you use an equalizer).
To disable system applications:
- Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
- Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Connect your phone to your PC and use the ADB command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.analytics
What happens if you remove a critical application?
How to remove root-right system programs?
If you have root access (e.g., through Magisk), you can uninstall any application, including system applications, but this requires caution.
- 📱 Root Explorer: Install a root-enabled file manager (such as Solid Explorer or Root Explorer) FX File Explorer. Go to the folder. /system/app or /system/priv-app. Find a folder with the name of the app (like MiBrowser) and delete it. Reboot your phone.
Through ADB root:
adb shell
su
mount -o rw,remount /system
rm -rf /system/app/MiBrowser
mount -o ro,remount /system
rebootMake sure you have a firmware backup (via TWRP)
Check the list of critical applications (see section above)
Use only the verified ADB commands
Prepare for a possible resetting of settings
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⚠️ Attention: Removal of system APK may lead to:
- Loss of functionality (for example, the item in the settings will disappear).
- Mistakes when updating MIUI (the system will try to recover deleted files).
- Problems with Google services (if you delete GmsCore)
List of safe applications to remove on POCO and Redmi
POCO and Redmi smartphones often contain additional bloatware related to marketing and local services.
| Annex | Package (APK) | Appointment | Risk of removal |
|---|---|---|---|
| POCO Launcher | com.mi.android.globalFileexplorer | File Manager (Duplicate by Mi File Manager) | Low. |
| Cleaner (Purifier) | com.miui.cleanmaster | Memory Optimizer (often displays false warnings) | Low. |
| GetApps (Mi Market) | com.xiaomi.mipicks | Branded app store (with advertising) | Medium (some services may not be updated) |
| Mi Community | com.xiaomi.forum | Xiaomi Forum (rarely used) | Low. |
On the POCO F5, Redmi Note 12 and new models, you can also remove:
- 🎮 com.miui.gameturbo - Game Turbo (if you don't play).
- 📷 com.miui.gallery - Gallery (replace by Google Photos).
- 🔋 com.miui.powerkeeper – Battery optimizer (often interferes with the background).
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Nana POCO-Smartphones can be removed more bloatware than standard Xiaomi, as they are initially focused on “pure” Android.
How to restore remote programs?
If after removing the application there are problems, you can restore it in several ways:
- Through Settings Reset: Go to Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset. Select Reset All Settings (does not delete user files).
Through the MIUI update:
- Download the full firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website.
- Install it through Settings → System Update → Three Dots → Select a firmware file.
- Through ADB (for system APKs): adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.home (replace com.miui.home with the desired package).
Frequent errors when removing programs on Xiaomi
Many users face problems because of the wrong actions.-5 Mistakes and how to avoid them:
- 🚫 Remove without backup: Always back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup or TWRP (if there is root).
- 🔄 Remove System Application Updates: Don’t confuse uninstalling updates (in the app settings) with a full uninstallation.
- 📱 Using left-handed uninstallers: Apps like Debloater or Universal Android Debloater can remove critical services (ADB, Titanium Backup).
- 🔧 Modification of section /system Unlicensed: Attempting to delete files from /system without root, you will make a Read-only file system error. ADB superuser.
- 📡 Delete Google Services: Apps like com.google.android.gms (Google Play Services) cannot be removed, resulting in loss of store functionality and push notifications.