How to Remove an App from Xiaomi Desktop: From Shortcuts to System Files

Xiaomi’s desktop eventually becomes a dump of unnecessary shortcuts and apps — especially if you’re actively installing software from Google Play or third-party sources. But not everyone knows that simply dragging an icon into the cart doesn’t always solve the problem. Depending on the type of application (system, user, preinstalled) and the version of the MIUI shell (12/13/14/HyperOS), the removal process can be drastically different.

In this article, we will analyze 5 working ways to clean the desktop – from basic shortcut removal to complete uninstallation of system applications through the use of the desktop. ADB. You will learn how to distinguish a shortcut (which simply hides the icon) from a complete deletion (the remote application will disappear from the menu and memory of the device), as well as which programs can not be touched so as not to break the device. MIUI. We will pay special attention to the nuances for the new models Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 and POCO F6 hyperos-coated.

1. How to remove the app shortcut (without uninstallation)

The easiest case is when you need to remove the icon from your desktop, but the application itself must remain in the system, which works for all versions of MIUI and does not require superuser rights.

Algorithm of action:

• 📱 Touch the app icon and hold your finger. 1-2 seconds.
• 🗑️ At the top of the screen, a basket will appear (or the inscription Delete.
• ✅ Confirm the action if a dialog box appears.

⚠️ Note: This method removes only the shortcut, and the application itself will remain in the All Apps menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen.

2. Complete removal of user applications

If you have installed the app (from Google Play, APK-The file, or Mi App Store, can be deleted by standard means. Unlike shortcuts, here the program will be erased from the device's memory.

Instructions:

1. Open the All Apps menu (swipe up from the dock panel).
2. Find the right app, hold its icon.
3. In the context menu, select Delete (or Uninstall).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

On HyperOS (for Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13), the path is a bit different:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Enter the program name in the search bar.
• 🗑️ Click Delete and confirm.

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If the Remove button is inactive, the application is system-based, and you will need root or ADB permissions to remove it (see Section 5).

3. Hiding system applications without removal

Many preinstalled programs (Mi Video, Mi Music, GetApps) can’t be removed without root rights, but they can be hidden from the desktop and menu display, which is useful if you don’t want to see unnecessary icons, but are afraid to disrupt the stability of the system.

Ways of concealment:

On HyperOS, the concealment function is built into the system settings:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → [Select App] → Hide

4. Remove pre-installed applications without root (via ADB)

If you want to completely uninstall your system application without getting root permissions, the only safe way to do so is to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that works on all Xiaomi devices, including newer HyperOS models, but requires a connection to a computer.

Step-by-step:

Enable Developer Mode (7 taps by build number in Settings → About phone)

Activate debugging over USB in the developer settings

Install ADB Tools on PC (download from the official website)

Connect your phone to your PC via USB (select File Transfer Mode)

-->

After preparation, perform commands:

adb shell


pm list packages | grep 'name packet' # For example: pm list packages | grep 'music'




pm uninstall -k --user 0 name.package

Examples of packages for popular Xiaomi system applications:

• 🎵 Mi Music: com.miui.player
• 📺 Mi Video: com.miui.videoplayer
• 🛒 GetApps: com.xiaomi.mipicks
• 📱 Mi Browser: com.android.browser

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Delete via ADB does not require root rights, but the application will remain in the system for other users (if there are several), to erase the program completely, you need root rights.

5. Complete removal of system applications (with root rights)

If you're willing to risk system stability for the sake of cleanliness, you can remove system applications with root access, which is irreversible and can cause failures if you remove critical MIUI components.

Instructions:

1. Get root rights (for example, through Magisk).
2. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
3. Go to /system/app or /system/priv-app.
4. Find the folder with the name of the application being removed (for example, MiuiVideo) and delete it.
5. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Removing the following packets may cause the system to fail:

• com.android.settings – system settings;
• com.miui.home - MIUI launcher;
• com.android.phone – telephone functions;
• com.miui.securitycenter is a security center.

6 Recovery of Remote Applications

If you have problems after deleting (e.g., system functions have stopped working), the application can be restored.

If you delete a critical app and the phone doesn't turn on, the only way out is through Fastboot.

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website.
2. Transfer the device to Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down).
3. Connect to your PC and execute the command:fastboot flash all name file.zip

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing apps on Xiaomi