Removing Apps on Xiaomi via ADB: A Complete Guide with Commands and Nuances

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the problem of embedded applications that cannot be removed by standard methods. These programs — from Mi Browser to GetApps — take up space in memory, consume battery power and can send analytical data. The official way to turn them off through the Settings menu → Apps only hides icons, but does not stop background processes.

The solution is: uninstall via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which does not require root rights, works on most Xiaomi devices (including the 2020-2026 models), and even eliminates system components. However, there are pitfalls: the wrong command can lead to loss of MIUI functionality (for example, losing access to theme settings or gestures). In this guide, we will understand how to remove applications safely, which packages can be touched and which can not, and what to do if something goes wrong.

Before you start, consider: Xiaomi is actively blocking ADB capabilities in newer versions of MIUI (starting with MIUI 14).If your device is released after 2023, you may need to adjust the debugging or even roll back the firmware. But don't worry, we'll look at workarounds.

What is ADB and why is it necessary to remove applications

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is an Android debugging tool that allows you to execute commands directly through your computer, and in the context of Xiaomi, it becomes the only legal way to remove system applications without getting root access.

Why can’t we do without ADB?

• 🔒 MIUI Blocks the removal of embedded programs through the interface – the “Delete” button is simply absent.
• 📱 Disabling (via the app menu) does not free up memory or stop background processes.
• 🔧 Root rights void warranty and may disrupt work MIUI, then ADB — gentler.

It is important to understand that ADB does not just remove applications, but uninstalls them for the current user (pm uninstall-k --user 0 command).

• 📌 The app will disappear from the menu and stop updating.
• 📌 Your data will remain in your memory (you can clean it manually).
• 📌 After resetting settings or updating MIUI The app could come back.

If you plan to sell your phone, it’s best to return all the remote programs back (more on this at the end of the article).

Preparation: What you need to work with ADB

Before you connect to your smartphone, make sure you have everything you need:

Install ADB drivers for Windows/Linux/Mac

Download the Android SDK (or Minimum ADB) platform tools

Enable debugging by USB on a smartphone

Connect your phone to your PC with the original cable

Disable MIUI Optimization (for new devices)

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Let's take a closer look at each item:

1. Install ADB on a computer

The easiest way is to download Google’s official Platform Tools (weight ~5-10 MB). Unpack the archive into a folder called C:\platform-tools (Windows) or /usr/local/bin (Mac/Linux).

• 🪟 Windows: Control Panel → System system → Additional parameters → Environment variables → Add a path to the folder in Path.
• 🐧 Linux/Mac: Add the line export PATH=$PATH:/path/to/daddy in ~/.bashrc or ~/.zshrc.

2. Enable USB debugging on Xiaomi

Go to Settings → About Phone and tap 7 times on MIUI Version to activate Developer Mode. Then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and turn on:

• 🔌 Debugging by USB (USB debugging).
• 🔄 Unlocking OEM (OEM unlocking – if you plan to unlock the bootloader.
• 📱 Shut down. MIUI Optimization (only for the purpose of MIUI 12+).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later, after debugging is enabled, a warning may appear about an "uncertified device." This is normal - just confirm the connection on the smartphone screen.

3. Connecting the phone to the PC

Use the original cable (cheap cables may not transmit data) and then type in the command line:

adb devices

If the device appears in the list (e.g., 1234abcd device), it's done. If not, check the drivers or restart the phone.

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If the adb device command is not working, try restarting the ADB service on your PC with the adb kill-server &&adb start-server command.

List of safe apps to remove on Xiaomi

Not all system applications can be removed without consequences. Below is a table of programs that are usually safe to remove from most Xiaomi devices (checked on Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F3/F4, Xiaomi 12/13). However, make sure to back up before deleting!

How to find out the name of the package of the desired application?

Enter the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword"

For example, to search for all apps with "miui" in the title:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "miui"

⚠️ Warning: Deleting packages like com.miui.home, com.android.settings, or com.miui.securitycenter will cause the system to crash!

Step-by-step: how to remove the application through ADB

Now, to the process itself, follow the instructions carefully, as an error in the command can cause a function to fail (e.g., you lose access to settings or the camera).

Step 1. Check the connection

Make sure the device is recognized:

adb devices

The serial number of your Xiaomi should appear with the device mark.

Step 2: Getting a list of users

Enter:

adb shell pm list users

Usually it's User 0 (main user). If you see multiple users, use the one marked as running.

Step 3: Deletion of the annex

Team syntax:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name packet

Example of Mi Browser removal:

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

Step 4: Verification of the result

Reboot the phone:

adb reboot

After turning on, check if the app has disappeared from the menu. If not, repeat the command or check if the packet name is correct.

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The key is that the -k flag in the command saves the cache and application data. If you want to delete everything completely, use the adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 name packet (no -k).

What to do if removal does not work

Sometimes the pm uninstall command returns the Failure error. [DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR] Or just nothing happens:

• 🔐 MIUI block ADB: On new devices (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12) You may need to disconnect MIUI Optimization in the Developer Settings.
• 📵 Lack of rights: Try running the command line on behalf of the administrator (Windows) or with sudo (Linux/Mac).
• 🔄 Package secure. MIUI: Some applications (e.g. com.miui.analytics) cannot be uninstalled without unlocking the bootloader.
• 📱 Device not recognized: Check cable, ports USB Drivers (especially on Windows).

Alternative methods:

If ADB does not work, try:

1. Disable the application through settings (Settings → Applications → Select Program → Disable). This will not free up memory, but will stop background processes.
2. Use Shizuku (Remote Execution Application) ADB-PC-free commands require Wi-Fi connection.
3. Unlock the bootloader and flash custom recovery (such as TWRP), but this voids the warranty.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and newer Xiaomi may block ADB-In this case, only the rollback of the firmware to an older version or using Magisk (requires root) will help).

How to return the remote application back

If you have problems after deleting (for example, gestures or theme settings stopped working), the application can be restored.

Method 1: Reinstallation through ADB

Use the command:

adb shell cmd package install-existing name packet

Example for Mi Browser:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.browser

Method 2. Resetting settings

If the first method did not work, perform a soft reset (does not affect user data):

adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.MASTER_CLEAR

Or through the phone menu: Settings → About the phone → Resetting → Resetting all settings.

Method 3: Fastboot Flashing

Use the last measure if you have removed a critical package (for example, com.miui.home) download fastboot firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website and run it through the Mi Flash Tool. This will return all system applications, but the safety of user data is not guaranteed.

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Before resetting or flashing, export contacts, photos, and SMS using adb backup or third-party apps like Swift Backup (requires root).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when working with ADB. Here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

How to minimize the risks:

• 📝 Keep a log of deleted packets (save commands to a text file).
• 🔄 Check the phone after each deletion (calls, internet, camera).
• 📱 Don’t delete everything – start with the least critical apps (browser, music).
• 🔒 Create a backup through adb backup or TWRP (if there is root).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions