How to turn off Google on Xiaomi forever: The full guide to 2026

Google services are deeply integrated into MIUI firmware, raising questions for privacy-seeking users or wanting to free up space on their devices. Even after manually removing apps like Google Play Services or Google Play Market, they often recover from a system update. This article will explain how to completely deactivate Google on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, from standard methods to radical flashing solutions.

It's important to understand that the manufacturer is not interested in this scenario. MIUI without Google loses access to key features - push notifications, geolocation, contact sync and backups. However, if you are ready for restrictions, further instructions will help minimize the presence of the corporation on your device. We will look at ways for users with different levels of technical training, from beginners to experienced enthusiasts.

Why does Google return after deleting?

Android-based MIUI is classified as a GMS (Google Mobile Services) which means that Google’s service package is stitched into the system partition and protected with recovery mechanisms. Even if you manually delete apps through Settings → Apps, they will come back when:

• 🔄 Updates MIUI through OTA (airborne – the system checks the integrity of system components;
• ⚡ Reset to factory settings – the original firmware with Google is restored;
• 📱 Device restarts – some services (e.g. Google Play Services) start automatically;
• 🔧 Recovery via Mi Flash Tool – firmware contains GMS default.

Moreover, Xiaomi uses proprietary services that depend on Google’s infrastructure, for example, Mi Push (notifications for system applications) may not work correctly without Google Play Services. This is not a bug, but a deliberate decision of the manufacturer – ecoistema MIUI was originally designed with integration with GMS.

Method 1: Disconnect via settings (without root)

The safest method, which requires no special knowledge, is suitable for users who want to minimize Google activity, but are not willing to sacrifice the stability of the system.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management;
2. In the search bar enter Google;
3. For each application you find (Google Play Market, Google Play Services, Google Chrome, etc.) you can:

• ❌ Deactivate (button in upper right corner);
• 🚫 Remove updates (if available);
• 🔒 Disallow auto-starts from the Permissions menu → Auto-start;
• 📵 Limit background activity in Permits → Battery.

This method doesn’t remove apps completely, but it minimizes their activity. However, note that some features (like Google Pay or Find My Device) will stop working, and push notifications on third-party apps (like Telegram or WhatsApp) may also be problematic, as they often depend on Google Play Services.

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

A more radical method that allows you to remove Google system applications without obtaining root rights requires connecting the phone to the computer and using a tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge Advantage – Apps won’t recover after reboot, but will return when updated MIUI.

Instructions:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (the official package from Google);
2. Enable USB Debugging on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to activate Developer Mode), then Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging over USB;
3. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission;
4. Open the command line in the ADB folder and do:

adb devices

(Your device should be displayed)

adb shell


pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.vending




pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.gms




pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.gsf




pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.tts




pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.chrome

These commands will remove Play Market, Google Play Services, Google Services Framework, Google TTS and Chrome for the current user. apps will remain in the system section but will not be available in the interface.

💡

If notifications from instant messengers stop coming after deleting, try installing MicroG, an open alternative to Google Play Services with push notifications.

Method 3: Switching to custom firmware (for experienced)

The only way to get rid of Google on Xiaomi completely is to install an alternative firmware without GMS.

• 📱 LineageOS without GApps – pure Android without Google services;
• 🔒 GrapheneOS – Firmware with a focus on privacy (requires Pixel support, but there are ports for some Xiaomis);
• 🌍 MIUI EU Google-free version - modified version MIUI European Community;
• 🐧 Ubuntu Touch or PostmarketOS – Linux distributions for mobile devices.

The installation process shall include:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a wait of 7-30 days);
2. Installation of custom recavery (TWRP or OrangeFox);
3. Formatting the system partition and installing a new firmware.

Warning: Flashing will void the warranty and may result in a brick device.

• Check firmware compatibility with your model on the XDA Developers forum.
• Create a full backup through TWRP.
• Charge your phone at least 80%.

Method 4: Use of alternative services

If you don’t want to remove Google completely, but are looking to reduce your reliance on its ecosystem, consider the alternatives:

MicroG, an open source project emulating key features (push notifications, geolocation), can be used to replace Google Play Services, but it does not support all APIs, so some applications (such as banking) may not work properly.

How to install MicroG:

1. Download MicroG from the official website;
2. Install. APK-File (requires permission to install from unknown sources);
3. In MicroG settings, activate Google Device Registration and Google Cloud Messaging.
4. Reset the device.

Method 5: Blocking through a firewall or DNS

If you can't delete apps (like on a work phone), you can block their Internet access, which won't delete Google, but stops the data transfer.

Option 1: Firewall (no root)

Use apps like NetGuard or TrackerControl:

1. Install NetGuard from F-Droid
2. Enable the option to Block Wi-Fi and mobile data;
3. In the list of applications, find all Google services and disable access to the network for them.

Option 2: Modification of the DNS

Set up Private DNS (Android 9+) or use DNS66 to block Google domains:

1. Go to Settings → Connections → Private DNS
2. Select the Private DNS Host Name and type in: dns.adguard.com or 1.1.1.3 (Cloudflare with Tracker Locking);
3. Save the settings and restart the device.

These methods won’t physically delete Google, but they will significantly reduce the amount of data that is transferred, but note that some system features (such as checking for MIUI updates) may not work properly.

The risks and consequences of Google’s complete removal

Before you permanently disable Google on Xiaomi, assess the possible problems:

⚠️ Note: Without Google Play Services, Push notifications will stop working: Push notifications in most messengers (WhatsApp, Viber, Facebook Messenger); Geolocation in maps and navigators; Automatic synchronization of contacts, calendar, notes; Some banking applications (require Google certification).

Additional restrictions:

• 🔄 Updates MIUI Can Restore Remote Applications;
• 📱 Some Xiaomi features (such as Mi Cloud or Mi Fit) are dependent on Google Play Services;
• 🛠️ Difficulties with repairs – service centers may refuse to service a device with custom firmware;
• 🔒 Blocking Mi Account – when resetting settings, you may need the original firmware to unlock.

If you use your device to work, be aware that some enterprise applications (such as Microsoft Outlook or Zoom) require Google Play Services to work properly, in which case it is better to limit yourself to a partial shutdown (see Method 1).

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Google’s complete removal is only appropriate for devices that are not used as primary devices (such as a spare phone or tablet).

FAQ: Frequent questions