How to Remove Hazardous Apps on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to 2026

Xiaomi smartphones have long been popular for their value for money, but many users are faced with one unpleasant feature: pre-installed applications that not only take up space, but can pose a security threat. Unlike the Google Pixel or iPhone, where system programs are at least updated regularly, MIUI often has outdated services with vulnerabilities, advertising modules and even potentially dangerous software from third parties.

Compounding the problem, some Xiaomi apps cannot be removed by standard methods — they come back after a system reset or upgrade. This is not only annoying, but also creates risks, from data leakage to hidden cryptocurrency mining. In this article, we will look at what programs are considered dangerous, how to identify and remove them forever — including hidden system components that are not visible in the settings menu.

The thing about MIUI is that even after it is deleted, many applications simply deactivate, leaving their files in the device’s memory, not only for obvious candidates like Mi Browser or Mi Video, but also for less visible services like com.xiaomi.mipicks (ad platform) or com.miui.analytics (statistics collection), which you can’t get rid of without special tools — but we’ll show all the working methods, including ADB commands and alternative launchers.

What Xiaomi apps are considered dangerous

Not all preinstalled programs are harmful -- some are just useless -- but there are a category of applications that actively threaten the security or performance of a device, and you can divide them into three groups:

• 🔍 Data collectors: MiuiDaemon, Analytics, MSA (Mi Service Framework – sends your activity information to Xiaomi servers, even if you have disabled “personalized advertising".
• 💰 Advertising platforms like Mipay, Mi Credit, Mi Browser, are all showing intrusive ads, even on system menus. Mi Browser, for example, is known for leaking visitor history.
• 🛡️ Vulnerable components: Security (Xiaomi antivirus), Cleaner, Game Turbo – often contain critical flaws that are exploited by hackers to install malware.

The app com.xiaomi.market (GetApps), Xiaomi’s official store, installs programs without your consent through background updates. In 2023, Check Point researchers discovered that Agent Smith spyware was spreading through the channel, infecting up to 25 million devices.

Another trap is com.miui.hybrid and com.miui.hybrid.accessory, which are designed to integrate with accessories like the Mi Band, but also have access to:

• 📍 Geolocations
• 📱 Call log.
• 📂 Files on the device.

They can not be turned off without losing the functionality of fitness bracelets, but you can limit the rights through ADB.

⚠️ Note: com.miui.securitycenter is not malicious, but its SecurityUpdate component often installs updates for other system programs — including those you tried to remove.

How to check your phone for dangerous apps

Before you delete something, you need to understand what's installed on your device. The standard application manager in MIUI hides many of the system programs, so you'll have to use alternative methods.

Method 1: Through the Developer's Settings

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and tap 7 times on the build number.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and use the command: adb shell pm list packages -f It will display a complete list of all packages, including hidden ones.

Method 2: Using third-party applications

Utility like App Inspector or Package Name Viewer (available on Google Play) shows:

• 📦 Full packet names (e.g. com.xiaomi.midrop for Mi Drop)
• 🔗 Inter-App Links (which Services each Software Runs)
• 📊 Usage statistics CPU memory

Method 3: Manual analysis of logs

If you suspect that the phone is infected with malware, check the logs of the system:

adb logcat | grep -i "warning\|error\|security"

Note the recurring errors from com.android. or com.xiaomi packets, which may indicate malicious activity.

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Use the adb shell dumpsys package command <name packet> to get detailed information about a particular application, including its permissions and dependencies.

How to remove dangerous applications without root rights

Most users are afraid of root access, and for good reason: it is insecure and increases the risk of infection. Fortunately, many system programs can be removed through ADB (Android Debug Bridge) without root. This method works on all Xiaomi devices, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Mi 11.

Step-by-step:

1. Deactivation of the application (if complete deletion is not possible): adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 <name packet> Example for Mi Browser: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser
2. Complete deletion (not working for all system applications): adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 <name packet> Flag -k stores cache and data, which prevents system failures.

List of commands to remove the most dangerous applications:

What to do if the team is not working?

• 🔄 Restart your phone and try again.
• 🔧 Check if the debugging is blocked. USB safety-setting.
• 📱 Try using another one. USB-cable.

⚠️ Warning: Deleting com.xiaomi.finddevice will disable the ability to find the phone through Mi Account in case of theft.If you use this feature, it is better to simply deactivate the application with the command disable-user.

Removal with root rights: risks and opportunities

If ADB didn't help, or if you want to get rid of deeply integrated services like MiuiSystemUI, you'll have to get root, which gives you complete control of the system, but it has serious consequences:

• 🚫 Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
• 🔒 Unable to use Mi Pay, Google Pay, and banking apps (due to SafetyNet).
• 🛡️ Increased risk of malware infection.

How to get root on Xiaomi:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a Mi Account and wait 7-15 days).
2. Install a custom recap (TWRP) for your model.
3. Sweep Magisk through the Recovery.

What can be removed from root:

• 🗑️ All system applications, including MiuiHome (standard launcher).
• 🔄 Google Services if you use alternatives (e.g. MicroG).
• 📡 Communication modules (e.g., com.xiaomi.simactivate for activation) SIM).

Recommendations after root:

To remove system applications from root, use Titanium Backup or System App Remover. It is important to backup before removing - some components are critical to the system!

Alternative methods: launchers and custom firmware

If removing apps seems too risky, consider alternative approaches:

1. Use of third-party launchers

Launchers like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair allow you to hide unwanted apps from the menu without physically removing them.

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Press the icon of an unnecessary app (such as Mi Music).
3. Select "Hide" or "Remove from the screen".

Installation of custom firmware

AOSP-based firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) completely replaces MIUI, removing all Xiaomi system applications.

• ⚠️ Loss of certain functions, for example, IR Blaster or Game Turbo).
• 🔧 An unlocked loader is required.
• 📱 Irregular updates for some models.

3.Switching off via Miui Hidden Settings

The Miui Hidden Settings app (available on Google Play) gives you access to hidden settings where you can turn off:

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Custom firmware is the most radical way to get rid of system applications, but it is only suitable for advanced users. For most tasks, an ADB or third-party launcher will suffice.

How to prevent the reappearance of remote applications

One of the main problems MIUI has is autorecovery of system applications after an update.

1.Switch off MIUI auto-update

Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update and deactivate the option “Automatic boot over Wi-Fi”. It is better to install updates manually, having previously checked the list of changes in forums (for example, XDA Developers).

2.Block the update of specific packages

Use the command:

adb shell pm hide <name packet>

This hides the app from the update system.

adb shell pm hide com.xiaomi.market

3.Remove the Mi App Store completely

Even if you delete com.xiaomi.market, its updates may come via com.xiaomi.miplay_client. Remove this package, too:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.miplay_client

4.Use the App Quarantine

Applications like Island (from developer Oasis Feng) allow you to isolate system programs in the sandbox, limiting their access to the network and data.

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI Remote applications are back, check the folder /system/priv-app/ It's a file manager with root access. Sometimes Xiaomi restores it. APK-The solution is to rename the folder with the application (for example, add.bak at the end of the name).

What to do if the phone stops working after removal

Removal of critical system components can lead to:

• 🔄 Infinite Reboot (Bootloop).
• 📵 Loss of network or Wi-Fi.
• 🔧 Non-functioning buttons (for example, volume control).

Recovery methods:

1. Fastboot Recovery: Download the official firmware for your model from Xiaomi and run it through the command: fastboot flash all <name file firmware>

If the phone is not switched on:

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If gestures or animations stop working after deleting applications, check the integrity of the framework-miui-res.apk file in the /system/framework/ folder.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing Xiaomi apps