How to Remove Apps from Xiaomi: Complete Guide 2026

Removing unnecessary apps on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that every user faces. Even after buying a new device, MIUI pre-installes dozens of programs, many of which duplicate functions or simply do not use. But not all applications are removed the same way: standard methods work only with user programs, and system methods require special approaches.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to remove from basic to advanced, including working with ADB and hidden settings. We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions of MIUI (14/15) and models (Redmi, POCO, Xiaomi), and explain why some programs can not be deleted without consequences. If you want to free up space in memory or get rid of intrusive advertising in branded services, read further.

1. Standard removal through the settings menu

The easiest way, which works for all user applications and some pre-installed ones (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music) is suitable for beginners and does not require additional tools.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 In the list, find the program you want to remove (use the search at the top).
• 🗑️ Click Delete (if the button is active). For some applications, it will turn off instead.
• ✅ Confirm the action in the dialog window.

⚠️ Note: If the Remove button is inactive or absent, the application is system-based. ADB Also, some programs (for example, Mi Browser) are automatically restored after the update. MIUI.

Do you need an application to work with other functions (e.g. Mi Share for file transfer) |

Is there an alternative in Google Play|?

Is the program part of the Xiaomi ecosystem (for example, Mi Home for smart home)|

Whether data is saved (some applications do not have backups)-->

2. Removal through launcher (desktop)

A quick method for those who don’t want to dig into the settings, suitable for manually installed apps and some preinstalled ones (e.g. Facebook, Netflix).

How to do this:

1. Press and hold the app icon on your desktop.
2. In the menu that appears, select Remove (basket icon).
3. Confirm action. If you want to disable instead of deleting, it means the application is system.

💡 Useful advice: On some models (POCO F5, Redmi Note 12) after a long press appears menu with the option Information about the application – from there, too, you can initialize the removal.

Through Settings|

From the desktop |

Through ADB|

I'm turning it off, but I'm not removing it.|

Another way.-->

3. disabling system applications (without root)

If the Remove button is inactive but the app gets in the way (e.g. Mi Pay or Game Turbo), it can be turned off, hiding the program from the menu, stopping background processes and saving battery power, but not freeing up memory.

Step-by-step:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 📌 Select the application you want (e.g. Cleaner).
• 🚫 Click Disable (if the button is grey, then the shutdown is blocked).
• ⚠️ Confirm the action – the system will warn about possible failures.

⚠️ Note: Disabling some system applications (e.g. Security or Finder) may cause functionality to fail:

• 🔐 Security – blocking viruses and scanning files.
• 📁 Finder - search by device.
• 🎮 Game Turbo – Optimization of Games.

4. Removal of system applications via ADB (without root)

To completely remove system programs (including Mi Browser, Mi Video, Analytics) you will need a computer and an ADB tool (Android Debug Bridge), which does not require root rights, but requires accuracy - the wrong commands can disrupt the system.

Preparation:

1. 🖥️ Install. ADB Tools on PC.
2. 📱 On your smartphone, activate Developer Mode (7 times click on Version) MIUI In Settings → The phone).
3. 🔌 Turn on Debugging. USB In Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. 🔗 Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.

List of commands to remove popular system applications:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browser  # Mi Browser


adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.video     # Mi Video




adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.analytics # Analytics




adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.scanner # Scanner




adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.cleanmaster # Security (Cleaner)

⚠️ Note: Deleting some packages (e.g. com.android.cts.ctsshim or com.qualcomm.qti.telephonyservice) can cause the phone to fail. Always check the destination of the package before deleting (e.g., APKMirror website).

adb shell pm list packages -f > apps_backup.txt

This will help restore remote programs if something goes wrong.-->

5. Deletion with root rights (advanced method)

If you have root access (for example, through Magisk), you can delete any system applications, including those blocked in MIUI. This method gives maximum freedom, but requires caution - an error can lead to a "brick" (inoperability) of the device.

Popular tools for working with root:

• 🛠️ Root Explorer – file manager with access to system folders.
• 🗑️ System App Remover - a specialized application for removing system software.
• 📦 Titanium Backup – Backup and Deletion with Recovery Option.

📌 Where System Applications Are Stored:

Deleting files from /system or /vendor folders without a backup can make the phone inoperable.Always check the purpose of the file and create a backup through TWRP before making changes.

6 Recovery of Remote System Applications

If, after being deleted via ADB or root, the phone starts to work incorrectly (for example, notifications are missing or the camera is not working), you will have to restore the remote programs, and you can do this in several ways:

Recovery methods:

• 🔄 Reset to factory settings – will return all system applications, but delete user data.
• 📥 Hand-mounted APK — If you have saved a backup copy (.apk files from the /system/app).
• 🖥️ Through ADB — Recovery command: adb shell cmd package install-existing <packet>
• 🛠️ Flashing is an extreme method if others don’t help (e.g., through the Mi Flash Tool).

⚠️ Note: If you have removed the app that is responsible for updates OTA (For example, com.miui.updaters), after recovery, you may need to manually install firmware through Fastboot.

💡

Before experimenting with system applications, always check their purpose and create a backup. Even disabling some processes (for example, MiuiDaemon) can disrupt notifications.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing apps on Xiaomi