How to Uninstall Unnecessary Apps on Xiaomi Redmi 4X: 5 Ways to Work

Xiaomi Redmi 4X is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2017, but even years later, its owners face a common problem: preinstalled applications that can not be removed by standard methods. These programs take up precious memory, consume battery power in the background and sometimes even show annoying ads. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to get rid of unnecessary applications — from simple disconnection to complete removal with ADB and without root rights.

It's important to understand that Redmi 4X runs on MIUI (usually version 8, 9 or 10), where some applications are integrated into the system, and removing them can affect the stability of the device, so we'll detail which programs can be removed safely and which are better to simply disable. If you're willing to take a risk, read on. If not, we'll show you how to minimize the harm from unnecessary software.

Why can’t you just remove pre-installed apps?

Unlike user-installed applications, the system programs on Xiaomi Redmi 4X are protected from removal for several reasons:

• 🔒 Protection MIUI: The firmware blocks the removal of key components to prevent interface failures (e.g. Mi Account, Security, or Finder).
• 📱 Interdependence: Some apps (such as Mi Video or Mi Music) are linked to other Xiaomi services and their removal may disrupt the media player or gallery.
• 🛡️ Security: Removal of system APK-Root-free files can lead to “forever bootloop” if critical components are affected.

But that doesn’t mean that nothing can be done, and we’ll look at 5 methods from the safest (disconnect) to the most radical (delete via ADB).

Method 1: Disabling unnecessary applications (without root)

The safest method is to disable, not delete, which hides the app from the menu, stops its background and frees up some of the RAM.

How to turn it off:

1. Go to Settings. → All applications.
2. Select an unneeded app (such as Mi Video or Browser).
3. Click Disable (if the button is active).
4. Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

⚠️ Note: Some system applications (e.g. Mi Account or Security) cannot be disabled, the button will be inactive, and associated functions may disappear after the shutdown (e.g., disabling Mi Drop will block the transfer of files over Wi-Fi Direct).

Unused browser (Browser)

Mi Video (if you don't watch the video)

Mi Music (if you use a different player)

Cleaner (if you don’t need optimization)

Email (if you don’t use Xiaomi email)-->

Method 2: Remove via ADB (without root but with PC)

If the shutdown is not enough, you can uninstall apps via Android Debug Bridge (ADB) — This is a tool for debugging Android devices, and it doesn't require root rights, but it requires a computer and a computer. USB-cable.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.

Connect your phone to your PC

Download ADB

Platform Tools by Google

Open the command line.

ADB

Enter a command to check the connection

adb devices

The serial number of your Redmi 4X should appear.

Remove the unnecessary application

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.package.name

Replace com.package.name with the package name (see table below).

⚠️ Attention: Removal through ADB It doesn't erase the application completely -- it stays on the system, but it becomes inaccessible to the current user. If you reset your settings or update your firmware, the application can come back.

💡

Before deleting via ADB, back up your important data. If you fail after deleting, you can return the application with the command adb shell cmd package install-existing com.package.name

Method 3: Use applications to remove system APKs (root required)

If your Redmi 4X has root rights, the process is simplified, and you can use specialized applications such as:

• 🔧 Root App Deleter – a simple interface for removing system APK.
• 🗑️ System App Remover – Allows you to backup before deleting.
• 🛠️ Titanium Backup – In addition to deleting, it can freeze applications.

How to use (for example, Root App Deleter):

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Provide root access when requested.
3. In the list, find the unnecessary application (marked as "System").
4. Press Uninstall and confirm the action.

⚠️ Note: Removing root-enabled system applications may cause a device to fail if critical components are touched (e.g. com.android.phone or com.miui.home). Always check the name of the package before deleting it!

Method 4: Remove via TWRP (for power users)

If your Redmi 4X has a custom TWRP recap, you can remove system applications directly through it, a method that is suitable for those who are already familiar with firmware and backups.

Instructions:

1. Download the phone to TWRP (press Power + Volume Up when you turn on).
2. Select Advanced → File Manager.
3. Go to /system/app or /system/priv-app (there are stored system applications).
4. Find a folder with the name of an unwanted app (such as MiuiVideo) and delete it.
5. Reset the device.

🔹 Advantage: Deletion occurs at the file system level, so the application disappears completely. However, the risk of "bricking" the phone is higher than when using it. ADB.

💡

Before any manipulations in TWRP, make sure to back up the System partition, which will allow you to restore the phone if something goes wrong.

Method 5: Alternative – Hiding applications through the launcher

If you do not need to remove applications physically, but just want to remove them from the main screen, you can use the launcher functions:

• 📱 Hiding in MIUI Launcher: Press the app icon with your finger. Select Remove from the screen → Hide.The app will disappear from the menu, but stay in the system.

Installation of a third-party launcher

Nova Launcher

Apex Launcher

This method doesn't free up memory, but it makes the interface cleaner, and it's suitable for those who don't want to risk the stability of the system.

Which apps can be removed on Redmi 4X and which ones can’t?

Not all system applications are equally useful, and here is a list of programs that can be removed (with minimal risk) and those that should not be touched.

⚠️ Note: Even "safe" to remove apps can be linked to other features. For example, deleting Mi Video can disrupt the gallery when watching videos. Always test the device after you delete it!

What if after removing the applications, the phone began to slow down?

Sometimes, after removing the system APK, the Redmi 4X starts to work unstable: it brakes, overheats or discharges quickly.

• 🔄 Cache Cleanup: Go to Settings → Memory. → Clear cache. or through Recovery (select Wipe Cache Partition).
• 📱 Resetting settings (if brakes are critical): Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge → Resetting settings. ⚠️ All data will be deleted!
• 🔧 Restore Remote Application: If You Know the Packet Name, Restore Through ADB (See Method 2. Or run the original firmware through Fastboot. If the problem doesn't work, it may have been removed from a critical application. FAQ: Frequent questions about removing applications on Xiaomi Redmi 4X Can I delete Mi Account without consequences? No. Mi Account (com.xiaomi.account) is a critical application for Xiaomi services, and its removal will lead to synchronization errors, inability to use cloud storage and other account functions. You'd better just turn it off if you're not using it. ADB? There are two ways: ADB: adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword" For example, to search for a browser: adb shell pm list packages | grep browser. The App Inspector app (available on Google Play) shows the packet names of all installed programs, and whether remote applications will return after the update. MIUI? Yes, with a major firmware update (e.g., with a MIUI 9 MIUI 10) all system applications will return. To avoid this, you can: Disable automatic updates to Settings → The phone. → System Update: Use Magisk to block specific application updates (root required). Can I delete Google Play Services? Absolutely not. Google Play Services (com.google.android.gms) is the basis for most applications, including Google Play, Gmail and other services. Deleting it will make your phone virtually inoperable. If you want to get rid of Google, consider custom firmware. ROM No GApps (like LineageOS) How to make room on Redmi 4X, non-delete? If you are afraid to remove system programs, try: 📸 Transfer the photo/video to SD-map. 🎵 Remove downloaded files from Download and app cache. 🗑️ Use the Cleanup function in Settings → Memory. 🔄 Disable automatic saving of media files in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram).