List of programs that can be removed on Xiaomi: safe cleaning of the smartphone

Xiaomi smartphones out of the box come with dozens of pre-installed applications, from useful system utilities to software that most users don’t need. Many run in the background, using up battery power and taking up precious memory space. But not all programs can be removed without risk: some are responsible for the stability of MIUI, and uninstallation can cause failures or even “bricking” the device.

In this guide, we will look at which applications on Xiaomi can be removed without consequences, and which are better to disable or hide, how to clean the system correctly, what tools to use to do this (including ADB), and what to do if something goes wrong after removal, and separately focus on hidden system processes that disguise themselves as regular programs, but they are categorically impossible to delete.

Why are there so many pre-installed programs on Xiaomi?

Xiaomi’s MIUI shell is known for its functionality, but also for its excessive amount of software.

• 📱 Partnering agreements: Xiaomi works with developers (e.g. Facebook, Netflix, LinkedIn) to pre-install their apps for a fee, which reduces the ultimate price of a smartphone for the user.
• 🔧 Duplicate Utility: The shell contains its own analogues of standard Google services (for example, Mi Browser instead of Chrome, Mi Music instead of YouTube Music).
• 🌍 Regional features: firmware for different countries can have unique applications (for example, Mi Pay for India or Mi Credit for Europe).
• 📊 Data collection: some programs (e.g. Mi Analytics or Mi Analytics) MSA) Send anonymous statistics to Xiaomi to improve services.

According to a study by AppCensus (2023), new Xiaomi smartphones have an average of 42 apps pre-installed, of which only 15-20 are really necessary for basic system operation. The rest can be removed or disabled, but it is important to do it correctly.

What programs can be removed without risk?

These applications are not critical to MIUI and can be removed by standard means or through ADB. Before uninstallation, back up the data and make sure you have alternative programs to replace the functionality.

• 🎵 Mi Music is a standard music player, and can be removed if you use Spotify, YouTube Music or other music. VK Music.
• 📺 Mi Video is a video player. We'll replace it with a video player. VLC or MX Player.
• 📖 Mi Reader is a book-reading app. Alternatives: Moon+ Reader, FBReader.
• 📡 Mi Remote is a remote control for technology, useful only if you have smart Xiaomi devices.
• 💳 Mi Pay is a payment system that only works in some countries (e.g. India).
• 📊 Mi Analytics - collection of usage statistics. Deletion will not affect the smartphone.
• 🔄 Cleaner is a built-in optimizer, and you can replace it with CCleaner or SD Maid.
• 🎮 Game Turbo is a gamer utility, only if you're actively playing mobile games.
• 📱 GetApps is Xiaomi's app store, and you can delete it if you only use Google Play.
• 📰 Mi Browser is a browser from Xiaomi. We will replace it with Chrome, Firefox or Brave.
• 📷 Mi Gallery - Photo Gallery. Alternatives: Google Photos, Simple Gallery.
• 💬 Mi Community – Xiaomi support forum, useful only for discussing smartphone issues.

If you are not sure if you need a particular app, turn it off in the settings (Settings → Applications → Application Management) first. If you do not have problems in a week, you can delete it.

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Before deleting, check if the app is a system update. For example, Mi Video may be part of the com.miui.videoplayer package, which is responsible for playing video in other programs.

Programs that cannot be removed (the risk of failure)

These applications are critical to MIUI operation. Deleting them can lead to errors, inability to boot the system or loss of functionality (for example, the notification panel will disappear or gestures will stop working).

⚠️ Warning: If you accidentally delete one of the critical apps, don't restart your smartphone. ADB command: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.securitycenter If the system is no longer booting, you will need firmware through Fastboot.

How to properly remove system applications?

There are three ways to remove programs on Xiaomi:

1. Standard uninstallation (for custom applications): Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management, select the program and click Delete.
2. Disable (for system applications): In the same menu, instead of Delete, click Disable. the program will disappear from the menu, but will remain in the system.
3. Remove via ADB (for power users): Allows you to uninstall even system applications, but requires a computer connection and enable USB Debugging.

For removal via ADB:

Install Platform Tools on PC|

Enable USB debugging in the developer settings |

Connect your smartphone to your PC via cable |

Check the connection with the adb devices | command

Download the list of packages by the command adb shell pm list packages-->

After preparation, use the command:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 name packet

For example, to remove the Mi Browser:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser

⚠️ Note: Uninstall and Uninstall teams --user 0 The first one removes the app completely (requires root), the second one only for the current user. On Xiaomi, without root rights, only the second one works.

What if something breaks after removal?

If errors occur after cleaning the system, follow this instruction:

1. Check error logs: Install Logcat Extreme and see what processes are falling. Most often, errors are due to the absence of com.miui.securitycenter or com.android.systemui.
2. Restore Remote Application: If you know the name of the package, restore it using ADB: adb shell cmd package install-existing name packet
3. Reset: If the system is unstable, reset to factory settings (Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset).
4. In extreme cases, run the device through the Mi Flash Tool (instructions are on the official website of Xiaomi).

If your smartphone doesn't turn on or is stuck on the logo, try going to Recovery Mode (press Power + Volume up) and doing Wipe Data, which will delete all the data, but return the system to working condition.

Alternative ways to free up memory on Xiaomi

Removing software isn't the only way to make room. Here's what else you can do:

• 🗑️ Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Apps, select any app and click Clear Cache. Use Cleaner for bulk cleaning (unless you have previously removed it).
• 📁 Transfer of files to SD-Map: In the application settings (Storage), you can transfer some of the data to a memory card.
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Enable automatic upload of photos and videos to Google Photos or Mi Cloud, and then delete local copies.
• 🔍 Search for large files: Use a file manager (such as Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer) to search for files larger than 100MB.
• 📱 Disable Duplicate Services: For example, if you do not use Google Assistant, turn it off in settings (Settings) → Google → Search, helper and voice).

On models with MIUI 14 and later, there is a built-in Light Mode (Settings → Special Options → Light Mode) feature that turns off animations and background processes, saving up to 20% of battery life and reducing memory load.

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Before mass uninstalling apps, check to see if you’re using the features they provide. For example, deleting Mi Share will turn off fast file transfers between Xiaomi devices.

List of safe removal programs by Xiaomi models

Some apps are pre-installed only on certain models, and this is what you can uninstall on popular smartphones:

Smartphones for the Chinese market (with China ROM firmware) pre-installed many specific services, such as Miui Daemon or Xiaomi Service Framework. Removal of them is not recommended - this can disrupt the work of the Mi Account.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing programs on Xiaomi