What system applications can be removed on Xiaomi Redmi 4X: a full list with instructions

Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) is still a popular budget smartphone due to its reliability and fine-tuning capabilities. However, the MIUI factory firmware is overloaded with pre-installed system applications, many of which duplicate functions or are not used at all, and removing them will free up to 1-2 GB of memory, reduce background activity and extend battery life.

But not all embedded services can be removed without consequences. Some are critical to sustainable performance. MIUI, Others are tied to hardware functions (e.g, IR-blaster FM-In this guide, we'll take a look at radio:

• 🔍 What applications can be removed without risk (list with explanations)
• ⚠️ What services are not allowed to touch (and why)
• 🛠️ 3 methods of removal: through ADB, TWRP and root managers
• 🔄 How to Recover a Remote if Something Has Go Wrong

All instructions are checked on current versions of MIUI 12-14 for Redmi 4X. If your phone runs on an older firmware (e.g. MIUI 9-11), some menu paths may differ.

Why you can’t just remove system applications through settings

Unlike user programs, system applications in MIUI protected from normal removal, even if you see the "Delete" or "Disable" button in the Settings menu → Applications, this doesn't guarantee complete file erasure:

• 🔒 Fool protection: Xiaomi blocks removal of critical services (e.g. com.android.phone) to avoid “bricking” the device.
• 📦 Residual files: even after “deleting” through settings, some of the data remains in folders /system or /data, occupy.
• 🔄 Auto-Recovery: Some apps (such as Mi Browser or Mi Video) are recovering after an update MIUI.

The only reliable ways to do this are to use ADB (no root rights) or TWRP (root rights), but even here there are nuances: for example, uninstalling through ADB does not require unlocking the bootloader, but it does not work with all packages.

⚠️ Warning: Before any manipulation of system files, back up via Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset or TWRP. Remote app can disrupt Google Services, Mi Account, or even lead to logo getting stuck MI.

List of secure system applications for removal on Redmi 4X

Below is a proven list of packages that can be removed without critical consequences for the work. MIUI. We categorized them by functionality. 4X: annex IR-the blaster (Mi Remote) and FM-Radios can only be removed if you don’t use these features, otherwise they will stop working forever.

The full list of 40+ packets that can be removed is available in the spoiler below, and we recommend first removing 3-5 of the heaviest apps (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Video, Facebook Services) and monitoring the stability of the system for 1-2 days.

Some packages (e.g. com.google.android.gsf) may seem unnecessary, but deleting them will render Google Play inoperable, and we have highlighted these cases separately in the next section.

What system applications should not be removed (critical list)

These services are responsible for the basic functionality of MIUI and Android, and their removal may result in:

• 🔄 Cyclical reboot (bootloop)
• 📵 Network loss (mobile or Wi-Fi will not work)
• 🔑 Blocking your Mi Account (if you delete the authorization services)

⚠️ Warning: If you delete one of the critical packages and your phone stops loading, don't try to reset your settings through Recovery, it won't help. The only way out is to flash your device through Fastboot or restore the remote package through Recovery. TWRP (if there's a backup).

If you are in doubt about whether a specific packet can be removed, check it through the command:

adb shell dumpsys package <packet> | grep "codePath"

If there is a /system/priv-app path in the output, it is likely a critical application. If the path leads to /system/app or /data/app, it can be removed with less risk.

💡

Before you delete any package, check it in the AppBrain database – there are descriptions and feedback from other users about the consequences of deleting.

3 Ways to Uninstall System Apps on Redmi 4X

Choose the method depending on your skills and availability of the unlocked bootloader:

🔹 Method 1: Through ADB (rootless)

It works for most users. It doesn't require unlocking the bootloader, but it doesn't work with all packages.

Install ADB and Fastboot on PC

Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times)

Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer

Open the command line in the folder with adb.exe

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Removal command:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 <name packet>

Example for Mi Browser:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Doesn't require root rights.
• ✅ It is safer than removing through TWRP
• ✅ The application can be restored using adb shell cmd package install-existing <packet>

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Not all packets are deleted (e.g. com.miui.home)
• ❌ After resetting settings or updating MIUI Applications may return

🔹 Method 2: Through TWRP (requires an unlocked loader)

A more radical method that allows you to delete any system files, including packets from /system/priv-app, but requires:

• 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader (loss of all data!)
• 📥 Installations TWRP Recovery for Santoni
• 🔧 Skills of working with ADB Sideload or file manager in the TWRP

Instructions:

1. Download to TWRP (hold Power + Vol+ when enabled).
2. Go to Mount → System and connect your phone to your PC.
3. Use a file manager (e.g., Root Explorer) or command: adb shell rm -rf /system/app/<packet> rm -rf /system/priv-app/<packet>
4. If the phone doesn't turn on, restore the backup via TWRP.

⚠️ Note: Removing packets through TWRP If you delete something critical, you'll have to go through the Fastboot.

🔹 Method 3: Root App Deleter (for example, Root App Deleter)

If you already have root rights, you can use apps like Root App Deleter or System App Remover, which provide a user-friendly interface for selecting packages.

Pros:

• 🎯 Visual list with icons
• 🔍 Filtering by category (safe/hazardous)
• 🗑️ Ability to create a backup before removal

Cons:

• 🔓 Requires root rights (risk of losing warranty)
• 🐞 Sometimes apps are restored after an update. MIUI

💡

The safest method for beginners is ADB. TWRP and root managers give more freedom, but also risk.

How to Restore a Remote System Application

If something goes wrong after removal, there are several ways to get it back:

🔄 Method 1: Through ADB (If the command pm uninstall is removed)

Do this:

adb shell cmd package install-existing <package>

Example for Mi Browser:

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

🔄 Method 2: Through the backup TWRP

If you made a backup to TWRP before deleting:

1. Download to TWRP.
2. Go to Restore and select a backup.
3. Check only the System section (to avoid losing user data).
4. Confirm recovery.

🔄 Method 3: Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fast Fast

If the phone is not turned on or stuck on the MI logo:

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi 4X (Santoni).
2. Unpack the archive and launch the script flash_all.bat (Windows or flash_all.sh (Linux/Mac).
3. Wait until the phone is finished (the phone will reboot automatically).

After flashing, all data will be erased, so always backup before experimenting with system files.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when removing system applications.

• 🚫 Deletion of com.google.android.gsf → Google Play and all related services break down. Solution: restore the package or run GApps through TWRP.
• 🚫 Deletion of com.xiaomi.finddevice → So, the "Find the device" function stops working. Solution: Restore it through ADB Or turn off the function in the Mi Account settings.
• 🚫 Deletion of com.qualcomm.qti.telephonyservice → The solution is just a flashing.
• 🚫 Deletion of com.miui.home → The phone boots without a launcher (black screen). Solution: install an alternative launcher through the ADB Sideload.

To minimize the risks:

1. Remove 1-2 packets at a time and check for stability.
2. Use adb shell pm list packages -f to see the complete list of installed packages before you delete them.
3. Before the update MIUI Turn off the automatic installation of remote applications in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Settings (⚙️) → Auto-update of system applications.

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If the phone is slower after deleting the app, check the background activity through adb shell dumpsys batterystats.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing system applications on Redmi 4X