How to Uninstall System Apps on Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: 4 Proven Methods

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 often face the problem of pre-installed system applications that take up memory, consume battery power and distract with unnecessary notifications. Mi Browser, Music, Themes, Game Turbo — these and dozens of other services from Xiaomi and Google can not be removed by standard means. But there are legal and non-obvious ways to get rid of them without harming the system.

In this article, we will discuss 4 working methods, from safe shutdown to complete removal with ADB and root rights, which applications can be removed without risk and which cannot be touched, and we will also explain how to restore the system if something goes wrong, and offer alternatives to uninstall for those who do not want to take risks.

We warn you right away: wrong actions can lead to a firmware failure, loss of warranty or a “brick” of the device. If you are not sure of your skills, use only methods without root or contact a specialist.

Why you can’t just remove system apps from the menu

In Android (and Xiaomi’s MIUI in particular), system applications are protected at the kernel level. They are installed in the /system partition, which is read-only by default. Even if you see the “Delete” button in the app settings, it will be inactive or replaced with “Disable”.

Reasons for this restriction:

• 🔒 Security: Some applications are critical to the system (e.g. com.android.phone is responsible for cellular communication).
• 📱 Functionality MIUI: Services like MiuiDaemon or SecurityCenter provide the work of firmware chips.
• 💰 Partner Agreements: Xiaomi is obliged to pre-installe Google apps (such as Gmail or YouTube) under a contract with Alphabet Inc..
• 🔄 Updates by air (OTA): Removing key components can break the update mechanism.

But not all system applications are that important, like com.miui.bugreport or com.xiaomi.scanner, you can safely uninstall or disable, and you need to know what you're deleting.

Method 1: Disabling system applications without root (the safest way)

If you just need to hide unnecessary apps and prevent them from running in the background, standard Android tools are enough. This method does not require special knowledge and does not affect the warranty.

How to disable the system application:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show all apps.
3. Find the app you want (such as Mi Browser or Mi Music) and open your card.
4. Click Disable (if the button is active).
5. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

Application disabled:

• ✅ Disappear from the menu and app list.
• ✅ It will not consume battery and traffic.
• ✅ No updates will be received via Google Play.
• ❌ It will remain in the memory of the device (take up a place).
• ❌ It may be activated again after the update. MIUI.

Make a backup copy of important data

Check that the application is not critical to the system (see table below)

Turn off auto-update for this app on Google Play

Remember the name of the package (in case of recovery)

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What applications can be turned off without risk:

⚠️ Note: Do not disable applications called com.android., com.qualcomm. or com.miui.home – this can lead to a broken launcher or loss of network connection.

Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root, but with risk)

If the shutdown isn’t enough, you can uninstall system applications using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that doesn’t require root rights, but requires a computer connection and basic command line knowledge.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or quality).
• 📥 Utility. ADB (Download from the official Android website).
• 🔧 Included debugging by USB phone-on.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Enter the Mi Account password if required.
2. Turn on USB debugging: Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate the USB debugging switch. Confirm resolution in the dialog box.

Connect your phone to your computer:

• Select File Transfer Mode (MTP).
• Unclose the platform-tools in any folder.
• Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) in this folder.
• Check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device with the status of device.
• Remove the unnecessary application: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name package Example for Mi Browser: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser

Key detail: Uninstall team -k --user 0 removes the application only for the current user, without affecting system files, this reduces the risk of "bricking", but does not guarantee 100% safety.

⚠️ Note: If after removing the application, the phone started to restart in the loop or does not turn on, try to restore it through the ADB command: adb shell cmd package install-existing name packet If this does not help - reset to factory settings is required.

Method 3: Root-rights removal (for power users)

If you're willing to sacrifice the warranty and risk the stability of the system, you can get root rights and manually remove system applications, which gives you maximum control, but also maximum risk.

What you need to know before you start:

• 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader will reset all data on the phone.
• 🛡️ Root rights are being denied from banking applications (due to SafetyNet).
• 🔄 OTA-Updates will stop working (you will have to update manually).
• ⚠️ The risk of a brick in the error in the commands.

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock the bootloader: Apply for unlocking through Xiaomi's official website. Wait 7-15 days (term depends on the region). Use the Mi Unlock Tool to unlock.
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP): Download the current version TWRP For the Redmi Note 12 (Sky or ruby, depending on the modification. twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
3. Install Magisk to get root: Download the latest version of Magisk from GitHub. Reboot to TWRP and search Magisk.zip.

Remove system applications:

• Use Root Explorer or Titanium Backup to remove packets from /system/app or /system/priv-app.
• Or run a command in ADB with su rights: su rm -rf /system/app/NameFapitsApplications rm -rf /system/priv-app/NameFapapsApplicationsApplications

Example of Mi Browser removal:

su


mount -o rw,remount /system




rm -rf /system/app/Browser




rm -rf /system/priv-app/Browser




mount -o ro,remount /system

adb backup -f backup.ab -apk -obb -shared -all -nosystem

This will allow you to restore it if something goes wrong.-->

Method 4: Alternatives to removal (if you are afraid of taking risks)

If you’re scared of the risks of removing system apps, there are safer ways to reduce their impact on your phone’s performance:

1 Freeze via App Freezer or Greenify:

• 🧊 Applications are not removed, but stop working in the background.
• 🔄 You can defrost at any time.
• 📱 No root (but some Greenify features work better with superuser rights).

2. Hiding by launcher:

• 🖼️ Launchers like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher let you hide apps from the menu.
• 🔍 Applications remain in the system, but do not interfere with daily use.

Restriction of background activity:

• ⚡ Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔧 Select the app and limit Background activity and Auto Start.
• 📵 Turn off notifications for unnecessary services.

4. Use of Debloater scripts:

• 📜 Scripts like Universal Android Debloater (for the first time) Windows/Linux) Allows you to massively disable system applications through ADB.
• 🛡️ Less error risk than manual commands.

💡

If you're unsure of your skills, start by turning off apps or using a launcher. Removal via ADB and root are extreme measures that should only be applied when urgently needed.

What system applications cannot be removed categorically

Some system components are critical to the Redmi Note 12, and deleting them could lead to lost connectivity, wifi, a cyclical reboot, or even a “brick” of the device.

List of prohibited packets for removal:

How to check if the application can be removed:

• 🔍 Google the name of the package with the addition of "safe to remove".
• 💬 Read the reviews on the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA.
• 📊 Use a utility like Package Name Viewer to analyze dependencies.

⚠️ Note: If after removing the application, the phone stopped seeing SIM-card or does not connect to Wi-Fi, restore it immediately through the ADB Or reset to factory settings. In some cases, you may need to flash through the Fastboot.

What to do if after removing the system applications the phone broke

If you delete a critical app and the Redmi Note 12 stops working properly, don't panic. In most cases, the system can be restored.

Recovery methods:

1. Recovery via ADB: If the phone is turned on but is unstable, try returning the remote application: adb shell cmd package install-existing name packet
2. Reset to factory settings: If the phone boots but bugs: Go to Settings → About phone → Reset. Select Erase all data. Confirm action.

Fastboot flashing:

If the phone is not turned on or stuck on the logo:

• Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website.
• Unclick and swipe through Mi Flash Tool: fastboot flash all file firmware.img
• Contact the service center: If nothing helps, and the warranty is still valid, contact the official Xiaomi service. Do not say that you tried to remove system applications - this may be the reason for the refusal of warranty repair.

How to avoid problems in the future:

• 📝 Keep a list of deleted packets (on paper or in a cloud document).
• 🔄 Before experimenting, make a backup copy through TWRP or ADB Backup.
• 📱 Test removal by one application, not massively.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing system applications on Redmi Note 12