What Xiaomi System Apps Can Be Disabled: A Safe List for You MIUI 12–14

Xiaomi smartphones based on the shell MIUI We are known for the abundance of pre-installed system applications, many of which duplicate the functions of Google or simply go unused. Disabling unnecessary services can free up to 300-500 MB of RAM, reduce background battery consumption by 10-15% and even speed up the device. However, not all system components can be deactivated without risk, some are critical to stability. MIUI or key functions (e.g., camera, mobile network).

In this article, we will discuss:

• 🔍 How to distinguish safe from critical applications (with a risk table)
• ⚙️ 3 ways to disconnect: through settings, ADB Mi Home
• 📱 Lists for different versions MIUI (12, 13, 14 and models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X4, Mi 11)
• ⚠️ Hidden consequences of a shutdown (for example, why Google Pay might stop working)

All recommendations are based on real-world device tests and log analysis MIUI. If you use custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), some tips may not work – check compatibility in thematic forums.

Why are there so many system applications in Xiaomi?

Shell MIUI Originally developed as an alternative to Android, it includes:

• 📱 Duplicate services: own browser (Mi Browser), gallery (Mi Gallery), music player (Mi Music) instead of Google-analogues.
• 🔄 Background Processes for Analytics (MSA, MiuiDaemon, Updater and Sync (Xiaomi Cloud).
• 🎯 Advertising modules: User Feedback, MiuiAdSDK (even in regions without targeted advertising).
• 🔗 Integration with the ecosystem: Mi Home, Mi Fit, Mi Remote for smart device management.

According to the analysis of the firmware, in MIUI 14 number of system packages increased by 22% compared to MIUI 12 – mainly due to services for AI-functions (e.g., Mi) AI Up to 40% of these can be turned off without compromising the basic functions of the phone, unless you use specific Xiaomi chips (such as Second Space or Game Turbo).

The manufacturer argues that many pre-installed applications are “improved user experience”, but in practice many of them:

• 🔋 Battery discharge (e.g. MiuiAnalytics can consume up to 5% charge per day).
• 📶 Spending traffic on background synchronization (up to 100 MB / month).
• 🐢 Slowing down the system, especially on budget models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3).

List of safe to disable system applications

Below is an updated list of packages that can be deactivated on most Xiaomi devices (tested on the new version). MIUI 14.0.5 for Redmi Note 11 Pro+ and POCO F4). Before disabling, check if you are using the associated features!

The full list for your model can be obtained through the command:

adb shell pm list packages -s

Or in the App Inspector app (available on Google Play).Please note that some packages may have different names depending on the firmware region (e.g. com.miui.global vs com.miui.india).

⚠️ Warning: Disabling com.android.cts.ctsshim or com.qualcomm.qti.telephonyservice will cause mobile network loss.

Backup data through Settings → Additional → Backup

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Make sure that the packets that are disabled are not used (see Settings) → Annexes → All applications)

Connect the phone to the PC to access ADB (If you plan to use teams)-->

3 Ways to Disable System Applications

1. Through standard settings MIUI

The most secure method, but it doesn't work for all packages, is suitable for deactivating custom applications (e.g. Mi Browser or Mi Music):

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the top menu, select "All Apps" (not "Downloaded").
3. Find the app you want (such as Mi Video) and tap it.
4. Click "Disable" → Confirm the action.

Limitation: This method does not allow you to disable system services (packages with an Android robot icon). ADB.

2. Through ADB (power-user)

The method requires connecting the phone to the PC and enabling debugging USB. It allows you to disable even hidden system packages:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable “Debugging by USB”.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, open the terminal and type in:

adb devices


adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.player

Replace com.miui.player with the name of the package you want to disable. Use:

adb shell pm enable com.miui.player

⚠️ Note: Disabling packets through ADB This can cause a cyclical reboot of the phone if a critical service (e.g. com.android.phone) is deactivated!

3. via Mi Home (for devices with unlocked bootloader)

If you have a bootloader unlocked, you can use the MiXplorer or Root Explorer module to remove it. APK-However, this method is not recommended for beginners - an error can lead to a "brick" of the device.

Alternative: Debloater (requires root), which allows you to massively disable packages by category (for example, "Advertising", "Analytics").

💡

Before use ADB Check to see if debugging is blocked in your area. Some firmware in India or China requires additional activation via the Mi Unlock Tool.

What applications should not be disabled (critical list)

Some system packages are necessary for the job MIUI. Their shutdown will lead to:

• 📵 Network loss (mobile or Wi-Fi).
• 🔄 Cyclical reboot (bootloop).
• 📱 A broken touchscreen or camera.

Below are prohibited to deactivate packets (relevant to the MIUI 13–14):

Also, avoid disabling prefixed packets:

• com.qualcomm – responsible for the operation of the processor and modem.
• com.android.server is an Android system service.
• com.miui.core - core MIUI.

Differences for different versions MIUI model

The list of safe to disable packets may vary depending on:

• 📱 Phone models: for example, on POCO You can turn off MiuiCamera (using Google Camera) but you can’t on Redmi.
• 🌍 Firmware Region: in Global Versions (MIUI Global) fewer advertising packages than in Chinese (MIUI China).
• 🔢 Versions MIUI: into MIUI 14 new services are introduced (Mi) AI, HyperOS that cannot be turned off.

Examples of differences:

To accurately define the list for your device:

1. Install App Inspector from Google Play.
2. Sort applications by status "System".
3. Check the names of the packages with our table or database XDA Developers.

💡

On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T) Disabling system packages can result in blocking some ecosystem features (e.g. Mi Share or Xiaomi Cloud).

The Hidden Consequences of Disabling System Applications

Even if the phone continues to work after the packets are deactivated, some functions may fail implicitly.

• 💳 Google Pay will stop working after disabling com.google.android.gms or com.xiaomi.payment (needed for security checks).
• 📷 The camera emits an error when deactivating com.android.camera2 or com.miui.camera.
• 🔊 The sound in your headphones disappears if you turn off com.android.bluetooth or com.miui.bluetooth.
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption due to conflicts of the remaining services (for example, if you disable com.miui.powerkeeper, but leave com.android.server.power).

How to check the consequences:

1. After disabling the packages, restart the phone.
2. Check the work: Mobile Internet and Wi-Fi. Cameras and microphone (record video). Payment through NFC (if you use).

Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI

"No updates"

com.android.updater

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi 9, POCO M2) Disabling com.miui.analytics results in blocking OTA-To get it back up to date, you'll have to reset your phone to factory settings.

Alternatives to Disconnect: How to Reduce the Impact of System Applications

If you are afraid to risk the stability of your phone, but want to reduce the load on your phone. MIUI, Try these methods:

• ❄️ Freeze through Titanium Backup (requires root): applications stay on the system, but do not start.
• 🔕 Background activity restriction: Go to Settings → Annexes → App management. Select an unnecessary application (e.g. Mi Browser). Tap "Limit background activity" and "Disable autostart".

Blocking ads

Blokada

AdGuard

root

Xiaomi

Transition to custom firmware

Pixel Experience

LineageOS

MIUI

For devices with MIUI 14 is also available the function "Light mode" (Settings) → Special facilities → Light mode, which disables some of the background processes but retains basic functions.

💡

If, after limiting background activity, the app stopped updating (such as Mi Video), clear its cache in Settings. → Annexes → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

FAQ: Frequent questions about disabling system applications