Xiaomi’s current MIUI 12 smartphones come out of the box with a lot of pre-installed software, some of which are vital system components that run calls and networks, but a significant share is made up of duplicate programs and services that most users don’t need. The excess background not only takes up precious space in internal memory, but also negatively affects battery life, and also puts an extra strain on the device’s RAM.
Many gadget owners are wondering what they can uninstall so they don't turn the phone into a brick or disrupt the stability of the operating system, and the answer lies in the smart cleaning approach: you can't blindly delete everything based on the names of the folders. It is important to understand the functional purpose of each package before applying radical measures to it through the use of the software. ADB-commands or special utilities.
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down a safe list of removal programs, explain the difference between system services and custom software, and provide a step-by-step algorithm for how to get rid of intrusive advertising and Chinese junk while keeping your Redmi or Poco fully operational.
Categorization of system applications: what is what
Before you start cleaning, you need to clearly classify the types of software installed on your device. In Android and in particular in MIUI 12, all applications are divided into three main groups: critical system components, functional services of the manufacturer and third-party software. Critical components such as SystemUI or Phone Services are responsible for the basic functionality: display of the interface, operation of the touch screen and making calls.
The second category is Xiaomi’s own services, which include the GetApps app store, Mi Cloud cloud storage, themes, and analytics, which are the programs that most often raise questions for users who want to optimize the system, some of which can be safely disabled or removed, while others are tightly integrated into the shell and their removal can lead to cyclical reboots or interface errors.
The third group is third-party apps pre-installed under partnership agreements, which can be games, social networks, browsers or office suites from Google, Facebook or local developers, and removing programs from this category is generally completely secure and carries no risk to the stability of your smartphone if you do not use these services daily.
⚠️ Note: Before any manipulation of system files is initiated, it is strongly recommended to create a complete backup of the data.
Understanding this hierarchy allows you to make informed decisions, for example, removing a standard calculator will not affect the performance of the phone, but you will lose a convenient widget on the desktop, while removing the component responsible for power management can make the device unusable.
Secure list of applications to remove on MIUI 12
There is a wide range of packages that can be removed without fear of disrupting the basic functions of a smartphone, especially duplicates of standard tools. MIUI 12 often contains two browsers, two video players or several app stores. If you use third-party solutions, such as Chrome or VLC, standard analogues from Xiaomi can be safely uninstalled.
Special attention should be paid to advertising and analytics modules: services like MSA (MIUI System Ads) and Mi Analytics collect user data and display ads in system applications; their removal or disabling significantly improves the comfort of the device and reduces traffic consumption; they also often remove printing services, which are rarely used on mobile devices, and standard document applications, if they are not needed.
Below is a list of popular packages that users often remove to optimize the system:
- 📦 com.miui.misystem – system services, often associated with advertising and analytics (requires caution).
- 📦 com.miui.analytics – a module for collecting analytical data about the user.
- 📦 com.android.printspooler – a printing service that is only required when connecting printers.
- 📦 com.facebook.katana and other Facebook packages – social networks, often preinstalled in the system.
- 📦 com.google.android.videos – Google video player that duplicates the functionality of the built-in player.
It is important to note that package names may vary slightly depending on the regional firmware version (Global, China, EEA) and device model. Always check the package description in specialized directories or through a search engine before removing it, typing in its exact name.
Removing Google Services: Is Sheepskin Worth Dressing?
Google’s removal of Google services (GMS) is a topic that deserves special discussion: on devices for the global market, these services are built deep and provide the Play Market, synchronization of contacts, maps and many third-party applications. The complete removal of Google Play Services will render most modern programs, including banking applications and navigation, inoperable.
However, if you are an advanced user and use alternative app stores (like F-Droid or Aurora Store), some components can be turned off. Safe to remove include Google TV, Google Music, Google Play Movies and other multimedia services that you don't use. You can also remove Google One and various office suites from the search giant if you don't need them.
There is a common misconception that removing Google services will significantly speed up the phone. In reality, on modern devices with enough RAM, performance gains will be minimal, and push notifications and synchronization problems can be very uncomfortable. So only delete what you are absolutely sure you need.
What happens if you delete Google Play Services?
Removal Tools: ADB and Third-Party Utilities
The standard system means that you can remove not all applications. To work with system packages requires special tools. The most reliable and proven method is the use of USB debugging and the ADB toolkit (Android Debug Bridge), which does not require obtaining superuser rights (Root), which preserves the guarantee on the device and allows you to easily roll back changes.
To work through ADB You'll need a computer, USB-You need to activate the developer mode on your smartphone. → About the phone and press 7 times on the item "Version" MIUI». Then, in the menu "Additional" include "Debugging by" USB». After connecting to the PC, a command to remove is entered in the command line:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name packetAn alternative to manual commands is graphical shells like Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools or Universal Android Debloater. These programs automatically scan the device, define the model, and offer a list of removal apps with color security (green is safe, red is dangerous), ideal for beginners who are afraid of getting the command syntax wrong.
☑️ Preparing for removal of system applications
Risk table: what can and cannot be touched
To organize knowledge and minimize risk, a summary table can be used to quickly navigate the sea of system processes and understand which are critical to MIUI 12 and which are simply taking up space.
| Package name / Annex | Function | Can I remove it? | Effects of removal |
|---|---|---|---|
| com.android.phone | Phone and calls | ❌ No. | Inability to take on and accept challenges |
| com.miui.securitycenter | Safety and clean-up | ⚠️ Not recommended | Disappear permission settings, memory cleanup and antivirus |
| com.miui.misystem | System services | ✅ Yes (with caution) | Notifications may disappear or topics may stop working |
| com.google.android.youtube | YouTube | ✅ Yes. | Nothing if you don’t use the app. |
| com.miui.cloudservice | Mi Cloud | ✅ Yes. | Synchronization with the cloud Xiaomi will stop working |
Use this table as a baseline. If you don't find the app on the list, search the exact name of the package online before you delete it. Remember that some system processes may not be called obvious, such as com.android.vending, which is the Google Play Store.
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If after removing any application, the phone began to work unstable, you can always restore the deleted packet by command: adb shell cmd package install-existing name packet. This will return the application to the "before removal" state.
Cleaning up advertising and optimizing after removal
Once you have removed the extra apps, the system will become easier, but for full effect, it is recommended to make additional adjustments. In MIUI 12, built-in advertising can be disabled through special switches in the ad settings (msa). Deleting the corresponding packages, which were discussed above, is the first step, but not always sufficient.
It's also worth checking the autoload of apps. Even after removing debris, some remaining programs may try to run automatically, consuming resources. Go to Settings → Apps → Autostart and leave only messengers and alarms on. The rest is best kept off for battery savings.
Remember that freeing up space is not only about removing programs, but also cleaning up cache. After uninstalling heavy apps (especially social networks and browsers), it is recommended to go to their settings (if they are left) or use the built-in Cleanup utility to delete the remaining temporary files and empty folders.
⚠️ Note: Do not delete com.miui.securityadd if you use Game Turbo, which will cause the sidebar to disappear during games and disable game optimizations.
System Recovery in the Event of Errors
Even with all the precautions, the human factor was not canceled. If after removing the system component, the phone began to behave inadequately (sound disappears, Wi-Fi does not work, black screen), the first thing to do is not to panic. In most cases, if the device boots at least partially, the problem can be solved remotely through ADB by restoring the remote package with the install-existing command.
If the device is in a bootloop and doesn't turn on, the only way out is to reset to factory settings via Recovery Mode. You need to press the key combination (usually Volume up + Power) and select Wipe Data. This will return the phone to its original state, so having a fresh backup is critical.
Competent work with system files allows you to turn the standard Xiaomi into a fast and clean tool, devoid of intrusive functions. However, the approach of “delete everything I don’t know” does not work here. Only understanding the purpose of each element guarantees successful optimization without losing functionality.
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The main principle of modification of MIUI is to remove only what you fully understand, and always have at hand a way to restore the system through ADB or Recovery.