What system applications can be removed on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: the full list + step-by-step

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is one of the most popular smartphones of the budget segment, but its firmware MIUI Notable for its abundance of pre-installed applications, many of which not only take up precious memory space, but also run in the background, consuming battery power and traffic, but removing system applications is a risky process. Incorrect actions can lead to malfunctioning of the phone or even β€œbricking".

In this guide, we will discuss which embedded applications on the Redmi Note 9 can be removed without consequences, and which are better to abandon.

  • πŸ” List of safe and dangerous system applications with explanations
  • πŸ› οΈ 3 Removal Methods (through Settings, ADB root)
  • ⚠️ What happens if you remove critical services (and how to recover)
  • πŸ“± Alternatives to Removal: Shutdown, Freeze, and Hiding

All instructions tested on the Redmi Note 9 (model M2003J15SC/M2003J15SS) firmware MIUI 12–14 Android-based 10–12. If you have a different version, check compatibility before taking action!

πŸ“Š Have you ever removed system apps on Xiaomi?
Yes, through ADB.
Yes, through root.
I tried it, but there were problems.
No, I'm afraid to break my phone.
I didn't know it was possible.

1.Why are there so many unnecessary apps on the Redmi Note 9?

Xiaomi preinstalles not only standard Google and Android services on its smartphones, but also its own utilities, advertising platforms, and partner apps (e.g. Facebook, Netflix, LinkedIn).

  • πŸ’° Monetization: Apps like Mi Browser, Mi Video or GetApps show ads and collect data for targeted offers.
  • 🌍 Localization: Depending on the region of sales (India, China, Europe), the set of pre-installed programs may differ.
  • πŸ”„ Duplication of features: for example, along with the standard Google Chrome there is Mi Browser, and instead of Google Play Music – Mi Music.
  • πŸ“Š Analytics: services like MSA (Mi Security Center or Analytics sends device usage data to Xiaomi.

According to a study by Which? (2022), new Xiaomi smartphones have an average of 19-25 pre-installed apps, of which users actively use only 5-7.

⚠️ Note: even if the app seems unnecessary, it may be linked to critical services. For example, Mi Share is responsible not only for file transfers, but also for Bluetooth in some scenarios.

2. List of Redmi Note 9 system applications that can be removed safely

Below is a proven list of apps that will not compromise the stability of the Redmi Note 9, and we have divided them into risk and functionality categories.

CategoryTitle of annex (package)What's he doing?Can I remove it?
Browsers and mediacom.android.browser (Mi Browser)Xiaomi’s Own Browser with Advertisingβœ… Yes, if you use Chrome)
com.miui.video (Mi Video)Video Player with Online Contentβœ… Yes.
Social mediacom.facebook.appmanager (Facebook Services)Facebook Background Services (even if the app is removed)βœ… Yes.
com.facebook.systemSystem components for Facebook⚠️ Unless you're using it. FB/Instagram
Utilities and duplicatescom.miui.analytics (Analytics)Collection of usage statisticsβœ… Yes (but may affect updates)

Complete list of safe packets to remove (30)+ positions) can be downloaded here.

Complete list of packets to remove (30)+)

com.android.browser β€” Mi Browser

com.miui.video β€” Mi Video

com.miui.player β€” Mi Music

com.xiaomi.scanner β€” Mi Scanner

com.miui.notes – Notes (if you use Google Keep)

com.android.email – Mail (if you use Gmail)

com.android.calendar – Calendar (if you use Google Calendar)

com.miui.fm β€” FM-radio (if not used)

com.android.dreams.basic - Savers

com.android.wallpaperbackup - Standby wallpaper

com.miui.bugreport - Error Reports

com.xiaomi.payment – Mi Pay (if you don’t use it)

com.miui.hybrid – Hybrid services (for some regions)

com.miui.hybrid.accessory – Accessories (if you don’t have Xiaomi smart devices)

com.xiaomi.midrop – Mi Drop (alternatively Google Files)

com.xiaomi.micloudsync – Mi Cloud Sync (if you don’t use Xiaomi Cloud)

com.miui.cloudservice – Xiaomi Cloud

com.miui.cloudbackup – Xiaomi backup

com.xiaomi.account – Xiaomi Account (you can delete, but you will lose access to the services)

com.miui.yellowpage – Yellow Pages (not relevant for most regions)

com.android.printspooler – Print (if not used)

com.android.printservice.recommendation - Printers' recommendations

com.google.android.printservice.recommendation – Same for Google

com.android.bookmarkprovider - Browser bookmarks

com.android.sharedstoragebackup – Storage backup

com.android.wallpapercroper - Wallpaper Editor

com.android.documentsui – File Manager (can be replaced by Files by Google)

com.android.externalstorage - External Storage (Old)

com.android.protips – Android Tips

com.google.android.apps.tachyon – Google Duo (if you don’t use it)

com.google.android.apps.wellbeing - Digital Wellbeing (can be turned off)

com.google.android.videos – Google Play Movies (if you don’t use them)

com.google.android.music - Google Play Music (Old, Replaced with YouTube Music)

Important: Before you delete, check if you are using alternative apps from this list, for example, if you delete com.miui.gallery but you are using Google Photos, there will be no problem, but if Xiaomi is your primary tool, deleting it will lead to loss of access to photos.

3. How to remove system applications: 3 working methods

There are several ways to remove embedded applications, and we'll go from the safest to the riskiest.

Method 1: Disconnect via MIUI settings (without root)

The easiest and safest method is to disable, not completely delete, and the application will remain in the system, but will stop working and occupy RAM.

  1. Open Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Show All Apps.
  3. Find the app you want (such as Mi Video) and tap it.
  4. Click Disable (if the button is inactive, the application is critical to the system).

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for application deactivation

0

Make a backup copy of important data

Check if the application is used by other services

Remember the name of the package (in case of recovery)

Reboot your phone after disconnecting

Method 2: Remove via ADB (without root but with PC)

More radical method - deletion via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). It doesn't require root rights, but it allows you to completely erase the application. You can only restore it through firmware!

You'll need:

  • πŸ–₯️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
  • πŸ“± Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI (tap 7 times) β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers β†’ Debugging by USB).
  • πŸ”Œ USB-cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

  1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm access to debugging on the smartphone screen.
  2. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Mac/Linux) in the adb folder.
  3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
  4. To remove the application, use: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 For example, to remove Mi Browser: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser

⚠️ Note: If, after removing the application through ADB phone started to glitches (for example, the theme of registration or notifications stopped working), restore it with the command: adb shell cmd package install-existing name.packet

Method 3: Complete removal with root rights (for experienced)

If you have Magisk or another root manager installed, you can remove applications directly from the system, which is the riskiest method, since improper actions can lead to a device β€œbrick”.

Instructions for Root Explorer or Mixplorer:

  1. Open a file manager with root access.
  2. Go to /system/app or /system/priv-app.
  3. Find a folder with the name of the app (such as MiBrowser) and delete it.
  4. Reboot the phone.

πŸ’‘

Before removing through root, make a full firmware backup through TWRP Or OrangeFox. This will allow you to restore the system in the event of a failure.

4.What applications should not be removed (risk of "brick")

Some system applications are critical to work MIUI And Android, which can be deleted:

  • πŸ”„ Cyclical reboot (bootloop).
  • πŸ“΅ Network loss (mobile internet or Wi-Fi will not work).
  • πŸ”• Sensor failure (sensors, camera, speakers will not work).
  • πŸ” Mi Account block (phone will require password entry after reset).

Never remove these packages:

PackageName of nameEffects of removal
com.android.phoneTelephone (system)Mobile phone will be lost, calls will not work
com.android.settingsSettingsIt will not be possible to enter the settings menu.
com.miui.homeLauncher (shell) MIUI)The phone will not boot or will have a black screen.
com.qualcomm.qti.telephonyserviceQualcomm servicesMobile network failure, errors SIM-map
com.miui.securitycenterSecurity centreApplication permissions will not work

If you accidentally deleted one of these apps, don’t try to restore it manually – it’s best to reset through Fastboot.

Recovery after removing critical applications

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the site [en.miui.com](https://en.miui.com/download.html).

2. Unpack the archive and place the firmware folder in the root of the C disk (for example, `C:\redmi_note_9_pro\`).

3. Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode: turn off the device, then pinch the Power + Loudness down.

4. Connect your phone to your PC and launch the script `flash_all.bat` (for Windows or `flash_all.sh` (for Mac/Linux).

5. Wait for the firmware to be completed (5-10 minutes). The phone will restart automatically.

⚠️ Warning: This method will reset all data on the phone!

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

If you don’t want to risk the stability of the system, but you need to make room, consider these options:

  • ❄️ Freeze through ADB: Instead of deleting the application, it freezes and does not start. --user 0 Title.package To defrost: adb shell pm enable name.package
  • πŸ‘οΈ Hiding from the menu: in MIUI You can hide apps from the home screen, but they'll stay in the system. β†’ Hide.
  • πŸ—‘οΈ Cache cleanup: Many system applications take up space because of the accumulated cache.Clean it in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ [Select the application] β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the cache.
  • πŸ”„ Disable Autostart: Limit background activity in Settings β†’ Permits β†’ Auto-start.

The advantage of these methods is that if something goes wrong, you can always return the application to its original state without flashing it.

πŸ’‘

Freeze through ADB β€” The safest way to β€œdelete” a system application is because it can be easily returned without data loss.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when removing system applications.

  • πŸ” Remove without backup: Before any manipulations, make a backup through Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Backup or TWRP.
  • πŸ“¦ Deleting packets at random: always check what the application is responsible for (you can use the APKMirror service or search by package).
  • πŸ”„ Ignoring dependencies: Some apps are linked together, such as deleting com.google.android.gms (Google Play Services) will cause most apps to crash.
  • πŸ” Uninstallables: Programs like Debloater or Package Disabler can remove critical services. Use only proven tools.

If after removing the applications, the phone began to brake or overheat, follow these steps:

  1. Reset the device.
  2. Clean the cache in Settings β†’ Storage β†’ Clean.
  3. Check the error logs through Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Error report.
  4. If the problem has not disappeared, restore the deleted packets through the ADB Or run the phone again.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I remove Google Play Services?
❌ No! com.google.android.gms is a critical package for most applications, including Google Play, Gmail, YouTube, and many others. Deleting it will cause massive disruption. If you want to get rid of Google, consider firmware. MIUI free of GApps (e.g, MIUI EU).
Why did the application theme disappear after the removal of the application?
Chances are you have deleted com.android.themes or com.miui.themes. MIUI. Restore them through ADB: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.themes Or install any theme from Mi Theme Store – the system will restore the necessary files.
How do I know which app takes up the most space?
Go to Settings. β†’ Annexes β†’ Manage applications and sort the list by size, and you can also use third-party tools like Files by Google or SD Maid (requires root).Please note: com.android.chrome (browser cache) com.google.android.youtube (youtube cache) com.miui.gallery (photo and video miniatures)
Can I delete my Mi Account if I don’t use my Xiaomi account?
⚠️ It is not recommended to delete com.xiaomi.account, even if you are not authorized. This package is responsible for: Activate the device when you first turn on, work some system functions (for example, Find Device), firmware updates (in some regions). If you want to get rid of Xiaomi services, it is better to turn off synchronization in account settings or use firmware without binding to Mi Account (for example, Pixel Experience).
After removing the apps, the phone became more likely to run out. What do you do?
Paradoxically, sometimes removing system applications increases battery consumption, because: There are still stumps of services that try to start and fall with error. The system spends resources rebuilding the cache. The remote application was responsible for optimizing power consumption (e.g. com.miui.powerkeeper). Solution: Restore remote packets (see instructions above). β†’ Storage. Calibrate the battery: discharge the phone to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruption.