Removing unnecessary system applications on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most popular procedures among advanced users. Even after a clean installation of MIUI, the device is filled with dozens of pre-installed services that not only occupy precious memory space, but also work in the background, consuming battery power and Internet traffic. Fortunately, the tools of ADB and Fastboot allow you to uninstall most of them without root rights.
But the main danger is that removing critical components can lead to broken features (from the camera to the mobile network) or even a device “brick.” This article will help you understand which applications on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO can be removed safely and which are better to abandon. We analyzed current versions of MIUI 14/15 (including hyper-based builds) and compiled verified lists for different regions of firmware – global (MI), Chinese (CN) and European (EEA).
Why Standard Application Removal Doesn't Work
Unlike the custom programs from Google Play, MIUI system applications are protected from the usual uninstallation. Even if you see the "Delete" button in the settings, it often just turns off the application without freeing up memory.
- 🔒 Security: Xiaomi blocks the removal of critical services (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) to prevent system disruption.
- 📦 Regional requirements: In firmware for the EU (EEA) Google services are available in China and in China (CN) — Local analogues (Baidu, Tencent).
- 🔄 Reset recovery: Many applications return after factory reset if they were not removed through a reset ADB.
The only reliable way to get rid of them forever is to use the commands adb shell pm uninstall. -k --user 0 <packet>. But before that, you need to understand which packages are responsible for certain functions.
List of secure applications (MIUI 14/15)
Below is an updated list of applications that can be removed without critical consequences for the system, we have divided them into categories by functionality. Before deleting, back up via Mi Cloud or TWRP - some services may be associated with Xiaomi branded features (for example, themes or the cloud).
| Category | Package name | What is it? | Risks of removal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Branded services | com.miui.bugreport | Mistakes report by MIUI | You can not send error logs in support of Xiaomi |
| Branded services | com.xiaomi.midrop | Mi Drop (file transfer) | The built-in file sharing function will not work |
| Advertising and analytics | com.miui.analytics | Collection of usage statistics | Some cloud services may be affected |
| Social media | com.facebook.appmanager | Facebook Manager (even if the app is not installed) | Some games may stop working. |
| System duplicates | com.android.browser | Standard browser (if you use Chrome) | Some links may be opened with an error. |
A complete list of safe packages for your model can be obtained by the team:
adb shell pm list packages | grep 'xiaomi\|miui'Backup data | Check battery power (minimum 50%) | Connect smartphone to PC via USB | Enable debugging over USB in developer settings | Install ADB/Fastboot drivers on your computer-->
How to remove applications through ADB: step-by-step instructions
You will need a computer with Windows, macOS or Linux to work, USB-cable and 10 minutes of time. Follow the instructions:
- Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack the archive into a separate folder.
- On your smartphone, enable USB Debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
- Connect your phone to your PC and in the folder with the platform-tools, launch the command line (Shift + PCM → Open the PowerShell window here).
- Check the connection command: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
- Remove the unnecessary application (example for com.miui.analytics): adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.analytics
If the command is successful, you will see a Success message. To delete multiple applications, repeat the last step for each package.
adb shell cmd package install-existing <package>This will only work if the application was preinstalled in the firmware and not installed by the user.-->
What applications cannot be removed (critical packages)
Some MIUI system components are directly related to iron or basic functions, and their removal can lead to:
- 📵 Loss of mobile network or Wi-Fi
- 🔳 A broken touchscreen or buttons
- 📷 Black camera screen.
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge (due to errors in power consumption)
⚠️ Warning: Never delete packages with names that include Android, media, telephony, bluetooth, nfc, sensor, thermal, powerkeeper. Even if they seem "unnecessary," they control the hardware of the smartphone.
Examples of dangerous packages:
- 🚨 com.qualcomm.qti.telephonyservice – mobile communication management (on Snapdragon processors)
- 🚨 com.miui.tsmclient - work NFC and Google Pay
- 🚨 com.android.providers.media – access to multimedia (photo, video, music)
What to do if you delete a critical package?
Optimizing After Removal: How to Free Up More Space
Deleting applications via ADB is just the first step to a clean system. To maximize Xiaomi’s optimization, follow these steps:
- Clean the cache of system applications: Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management, select any system application (like Camera) and click Clear cache. Repeat for all large applications.
- Disabling unnecessary services: Some components cannot be removed, but can be disabled: 📡 com.miui.daemon - background tasks MIUI 🔄 com.xiaomi.xmsf – Xiaomi synchronization service
Use the command:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 <pack>Remove duplicate APKs: The /system/priv-app folder often contains application backups (with the suffix -1 or -2), which can be deleted via Fastboot or a root-righted file manager.
To check the vacated place, use the command:
adb shell df -h💡
After mass deletion of applications, restart your smartphone. Some changes (such as freeing up memory) apply only after the reboot.
Regional Features: What to Uninstall in CN, EEA, and Global Firmware
The composition of the pre-installed applications depends heavily on the firmware region, and the key differences are as follows:
| Firmware region | Characteristic annexes | What can be removed | What you can't touch |
|---|---|---|---|
| China (CN) | Baidu, Tencent, Mi Pay, Mi Video | com.baidu*, com.tencent*, com.miui.videoplayer | com.miui.hybrid (hybrid services) |
| Europe (EEA) | Google Duo, YouTube Music, Mi Browser | com.google.android.apps.tachyon (Duo), com.mi.android.globalFileexplorer | com.google.android.gsf (Google services) |
| Global (MI) | Facebook, Netflix, LinkedIn | com.facebook.system, com.netflix.partneractivation | com.google.android.setupwizard (set up when you first turn on) |
Chinese firmware (CN) often lacks Google services, but it does have local counterparts that are useless outside China, and the European versions (EEA) require Google Play Services, which will result in the app store being disabled.
⚠️ Note: If you are using firmware for another region (e.g., installed) CN on a European smartphone, deleting some packets may disrupt local functions (e.g. mobile payments or other mobile payments). TV-applications).
Alternative methods: Magisk, TWRP and custom firmware
If ADB has failed to remove some applications, consider alternative approaches:
- 🔧 Magisk + Universal Debloater Module: Allows you to remove system applications without ADB, But it requires root rights. It's more brik-risk, but more flexible.
- 🔄 TWRP Recovery: Through the file manager in TWRP hand-extract APK-file /system/app or /system/priv-app. Dangerous for beginners!
- 📱 LineageOS (PixelExperience): Completely replaced MIUI It's a clean Android, and it's a loss of branded features (IR Blaster, Game Turbo).
Magisk or TWRP installation requires a fastboot oem unlock, which can result in loss of warranty and data reset on new Xiaomi models (2023+ years).
💡
Before installing custom firmware, check its compatibility with your model on the XDA Developers forum. Mismatching the MIUI version or region can lead to a camera or mobile network that is not working.