What system applications on Xiaomi can be removed without harming the system: a detailed guide from 4PDA

Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI We are known for the abundance of pre-installed system applications, many of which duplicate the functions of Google services or remain unclaimed. 4PDA Over the years, they've been collecting lists of junk apps that can be safely removed to free up memory and improve performance. APK-Files are critical for stable operation MIUI, and their removal can lead to a “brick” of the device or failures in the camera, mobile network and even charging.

In this article, we analyzed hundreds of reports from 4PDA, Xiaomi official forums and technical documentation MIUI 14, to make a current list of apps that can be removed without risk on most models (Redmi Note) 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12/13 Particular attention will be paid to methods of removal (through the use of ADB, TWRP or root rights, and also a caution against dangerous manipulation of system components, which often recommend "gurus" with questionable resources.

Why are there so many unnecessary apps on Xiaomi?

MIUI was originally designed as a deeply customized shell above Android, and its architecture involves dozens of service modules, some of which are really useful.

• 🔄 Optimization modules – are responsible for animation smoothness and memory management (e.g. com.miui.analytics collects data to improve performance).
• 📱 Branded services such as Mi Cloud (com.xiaomi.cloud) or Mi Video (com.miui.video) that are integrated into Xiaomi’s ecosystem.
• 🛡️ Security – Mi Security antivirus (com.miui.securitycenter) and permissions manager.

However, a significant portion of the software duplicates the functions of Google Mobile Services (GMS) or is regionally dependent (for example, applications for India or China, which are useless in Russia). According to 4PDA, up to 30-40 applications from preinstalled on the new Xiaomi can be uninstalled without compromising functionality.

List of secure system applications for removal (MIUI 12/13/14)

Below is an updated list of apps that 4PDA users have successfully removed on devices with MIUI 14 (and earlier versions) without critical consequences. Important: Before removing, back up via Settings → About phone → Backup & Reset or TWRP.

A full list of 50+ applications with detailed descriptions of functions and risks can be found in the spoiler at the end of the article. Remember: even "safe" applications can be associated with other system processes. For example, removing com.miui.analytics will disable statistics collection, but can lead to errors in the MIUI theme engine.

⚠️ Note: Do not remove applications with a package name starting with com.qualcomm or com.mediatek – these are processor drivers! their uninstallation will lead to loss of mobile network, Wi-Fi or complete system failure.

How to Remove System Applications: 3 Proven Methods

There are several ways to uninstall system APKs, but not all of them are equally safe. Let's look at the methods from the most reliable to the most risky.

1. via ADB (no root)

The safest way to do this is to unlock the bootloader, and it is suitable for most Xiaomi models on MIUI 12+.

Install. ADB on PC (download from) [developer.android.com](https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools))|

Enable USB debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times)|

Connect your phone to your PC and allow debugging|

Check the connection with the adb devices | command

Create a backup copy of the data-->

adb shell


pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.video # Example for Mi Video




exit

The --user 0 command removes the application only for the current user without affecting the system files, and this allows you to restore the application through a reset or command:

cmd package install-existing com.miui.video

2. via TWRP (unlocked bootloader required)

A more radical method to remove APKs physically from the /system partition is suitable for power users.

• ⚙️ Install. TWRP For your model (the instructions are on the 4PDA device-themed).
• 📁 Boot in. TWRP, Go to Advanced. → File Manager.
• 🗑️ Find the file. /system/priv-app or /system/app and remove unnecessary APK.

⚠️ Attention: Removal through TWRP This can cause a cyclical reboot if you make the wrong file selection. Always check the extension (.apk) and the packet name!

3. With Magisk (root)

Magisk modules, such as App Systemizer or Debloater, allow you to freeze system applications without physically removing them, the most flexible method, as changes are easy to roll back.

Example of module installation:

1. Download the Universal Debloater module from the Magisk repository.
2. Install it through Magisk Manager.
3. Restart the device and select the applications to deactivate from the module menu.

💡

Before using Magisk, check the compatibility of the module with your version of MIUI in the 4PDA forum – some modules conflict with the latest security updates.

What applications should not be removed (risk of "brick")

Some MIUI system components are critical to the operation of the device, and their removal may result in:

• 📵 Loss of mobile network (deletion of com.android.phone or com.qualcomm.qti.telephonyservice).
• 🔋 Charging problems (remove com.miui.powerkeeper).
• 📷 A broken camera (removal of com.xiaomi.camera or drivers com.qualcomm.qti.camera).
• 🔄 Cyclical reboot (deletion of com.miui.home - launcher) MIUI).

Also avoid removal:

• 🔐 All apps with com.google.android – this could break Google Play Services.
• 📡 com.miui.securitycenter Services – responsible for security and permissions.
• 🔄 com.miui.systemAdSolution – manages advertising in the MIUI (Removal of the system may cause errors in settings).

How to Restore Remote System Applications

If you have a bug after cleaning up, there are a few ways to get it back:

1. Through ADB (flag-deleted --user 0): adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.video
2. Through TWRP: Download the full MIUI package for your model from Xiaomi. In TWRP, select Install → Select ZIP and swipe through ROM without wipe (to avoid losing data).

Through Magisk:

If you have used the Debloater module, simply deactivate it in Magisk Manager and restart the device.

⚠️ Attention: Recovery through Firming MIUI Reset all settings and data if you have not made a backup to TWRP! Use this method only as a last resort.

Removal Alternatives: How to Disable Unnecessary Apps Without Risk

If you are not ready to risk the stability of the system, but want to get rid of intrusive services, use these methods:

• 🚫 Disconnecting through Settings: Go to Settings → Annexes → Manage applications, select an unnecessary application (such as Mi Browser) and click Disable.This will stop it from working, but will not delete files.
• ❄️ Freeze through ADB: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.video To defrost: adb shell pm enable com.miui.video
• 🛡️ Magisk Modules: Modules like Universal Debloater or Xiaomi Debloater allow you to manage system applications flexibly without physical removal.

💡

Disabling applications through MIUI settings is the safest way, but it doesn't free up memory space. Use ADB with a --user 0 or Magisk flag for a complete uninstallation.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even 4PDA users sometimes make mistakes when cleaning up MIUI, and the most common ones are:

• 🔍 Removal by name, not by package name: For example, the Camera app may be called the same on all devices, but its package name differs depending on the model (com.xiaomi.camera for Redmi and com.miui.camera for Redmi and com.miui.camera for all devices). POCO). Always check the exact package name with adb shell pm list packages | grep "camera".
• 🔄 Removing System App Updates: Some apps (e.g. Google Play Services) are updated through the Play Market. → Annexes → Removing updates can break dependent services.
• 📦 Ignoring Dependencies: For example, deleting com.miui.gallery can disrupt Google Photos, as they use shared libraries.

To minimize the risks, always:

1. Make a backup via TWRP or adb backup.
2. Remove applications one at a time and check the stability of the system.
3. Use the list of secure packages (see table above) and don’t experiment with unknown APKs.

Full list of Xiaomi system applications (with removal risks)

Below is an extended list of MIUI 14 system applications with an assessment of the risk of their removal, data collected based on reports from 4PDA users and tests on Redmi Note 11 Pro+, POCO X4 Pro and Mi 12T devices.

The full list (100+ apps) can be downloaded as an Excel table on 4PDA (registration required). Remember: the risk of deletion depends on the device model and MIUI version. What is safe on the Redmi Note 10 can cause crashes on the Mi 11 Ultra.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing system applications on Xiaomi