Removing Xiaomi System Applications via ADB: Complete List and Instructions

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face intrusive system debris that takes up space and consumes resources. The standard MIUI or HyperOS interface means that most of these programs cannot be removed, since they are part of the system partition. The only safe way to clean up without obtaining root rights is to use the Android Debug Bridge debugging tool (ADB).

This method allows you to forcibly uninstall any components, from Google services to built-in Chinese applications. However, interfering with system packages requires caution, because removing a critical module can lead to a cyclical reboot of the device. In this article, we will look at the safe list of applications to remove and provide accurate commands.

Preparing a smartphone and computer to work with ADB

Before starting the procedure, you need to activate the hidden developer menu on your device. To do this, go to Settings โ†’ About your phone and quickly click 7 times on the field of the MIUI Version or OS Version. After that, the โ€œFor Developersโ€ option will appear in the โ€œAdditionalโ€ menu, where you need to enable debugging over USB.

On the computer you will need to install ADB drivers and Android SDK platform. The easiest way is to download the minimum set of platform-tools tools from the official Google website and unpack them in the root of the C drive. To connect, use a high-quality original cable, since cheap analogues can only work in charging mode, without transferring data.

Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission request in the pop-up window on your phone screen. Make sure that the antivirus or firewall doesn't block the connection, as this can interrupt the transmission of commands. If done correctly, the command prompt will display your device's serial number after you enter adb devices.

โ˜‘๏ธ Pre-testing

Done: 0 / 4

Secure list of applications for removal

There are a category of apps that do not disrupt basic smartphone functionality, including analytics services, ad modules, and Google duplicates that you do not use, such as com.xiaomi.mipicks (GetApps) and com.miui.mis, which are responsible for the app store and system statistics, which are often not used in global firmware versions.

You can also safely remove pre-installed games and services if youโ€™re not using the Xiaomi ecosystem, which will free up RAM and reduce background load on the processor.

  • ๐Ÿ“ฆ com.xiaomi.mipicks โ€“ the GetApps app store, often contains ads.
  • ๐Ÿ“Š com.miui.mis โ€“ a statistics and analytics service that collects usage data.
  • ๐Ÿ“ข com.miui.msa โ€“ system advertising module (MSA), pop-up.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ com.xiaomi.gamecenter โ€“ a gaming center that duplicates the functionality of Google Play.
Why can't you delete everything?
If you remove critical system components, such as com.android.phone or com.miui.home, the phone can go into an endless bootloop, and only reflash the device to restore performance, resulting in complete loss of data.

Package table: what can be removed and what can not be

For ease of navigation, we have created a table with the main system packages, the use of commands to delete should be based on the exact name of the package, and a single-letter error can lead to an attempt to delete a non-existent object or, in rare cases, a system file with a similar name.

The table gives examples of common MIUI/HyperOS components. Always check the destination of the package through the search engine before executing the command if you are not 100% sure of its function.

Packet nameDescriptionRecommendation
com.miui.analyticsCollection of data on system useDelete
com.android.chromeGoogle Chrome browserAs you wish.
com.miui.securitycenterSecurity and clean-up centreLeave it.
com.xiaomi.scannerScanner. QR-codes and documentsAs you wish.
๐Ÿ“Š What is the interface of your Xiaomi?
MIUI 12
MIUI 13
MIUI 14
HyperOS

Step-by-step instructions for removal through the command line

After preparing the environment, open the Command Prompt (CMD) or PowerShell in the ADB tool folder. Enter the adb shell command to go to the device shell. If the connection is successful, the string prefix will change to your device name.

To remove the application, the command pm uninstall -k --user 0 <name packet> is used. The --user 0 flag indicates deletion for the main user, which effectively hides the application and stops its processes, but leaves files in the system partition in case of resetting, a secure method that does not require root rights.

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.msa

Once the command is executed, the system will give a message Success. If you see a Failure [not installed for 0] error, then the application has already been deleted or it is not in your firmware version.

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Use the pm list packages | grep "xiaomi" to quickly search for all packets containing the word xiaomi in the title, which will help you find hidden system processes.

Recovery of Remote System Components

Because we don't physically delete files, we just turn them off for the current user, the recovery process is very simple: you don't have to refashion your phone or use sophisticated utilities, just send the reinstsll command over ADB.

Use the CMD Package Install-Existing command <packet>. It will return the application to its original state by restoring its shortcuts and background services. ADB Before forced removal through root rights.

โš ๏ธ Warning: If the phone starts to behave unstable after removing a component, immediately execute a recovery command. Do not try to reboot the device in the hope that it will โ€œrepair itselfโ€ if critical service is not available.

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.msa

Frequent Errors and Connection Problem Solving

One of the most common issues is the status of unauthorized in the output of the adb device command.This means that a debugging permission request appeared on the smartphone screen, which you might have missed. Unlock the screen and click "Allow".

If the computer can't see the device at all, the problem could be the drivers or the cable. USB-switching to another port or cable, preferably USB 2.0. Also make sure that the developer menu includes the โ€œDebugging byโ€ mode. USB (security settingsโ€ if available.

  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Problem: ADB Solution: Replace the cable or install universal Google drivers USB Driver.
  • ๐Ÿšซ Problem: Device not found error Solution: Check if debugging is enabled USB customized.
  • โšก Problem: Commands run slowly. Solution: Close back-end programs on PCs that consume resources USB-controller.

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Using the --user 0 flag makes deletion reversible, and you can return a remote application at any time with the standard reinstall command without losing your warranty.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete Google Play Services through ADB?
Technically possible, but highly discouraged: Deleting com.google.android.gms will render most applications, including maps, navigation, and banking, inoperable, and may become unpredictable.
Will the removal reset after the firmware update?
Yes, when you upgrade or completely reset your system (Wipe Data), all applications removed through ADB will return to their places, and you will have to repeat the cleaning procedure again after each major MIUI update.
Do you need Root Rights to remove system applications?
No, the --user 0 method runs on standard firmware without superuser rights, and it's a secure way that doesn't violate the integrity of the system partition or block the ability to receive OTA updates.
What to do if the phone goes into a cyclical reboot?
Try booting into Safe Mode (usually pressing the volume button down when you turn on). If this doesn't help, you'll need to log in to Recovery mode and reset data, or flash the device through the Mi Flash Tool.