How to completely disable or remove MIUI on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones

Xiaomi’s MIUI shell has long been a subject of controversy, with some people valuing it for its features and customization, others wanting to get rid of intrusive advertising, duplicate services and not always optimal performance. If you’re in the second group, this article is for you. Here we’ll look at all the possible ways to disable MIUI on Redmi smartphones, from partial resetting of settings to completely replacing firmware with pure Android.

It's important to understand that the term "disable MIUI" can mean different things. For some, it's removing unnecessary apps and turning off ads, for some, installing custom firmware without Xiaomi traces, and for some, switching to Google Pixel Experience with all proprietary components removed. We'll look at all options, indicating the risks and consequences of each. If you're a beginner, start with the first methods (they are safer), if an experienced user, go straight to the sections about unlocking the bootloader and custom firmware.

Why do users want to turn off MIUI?

Before we get to the instructions, we'll get to the reasons. MIUI:

• 📢 Advertising in system applications – even in settings and file manager.
• 📱 Duplicate applications (e.g., two browsers, two calendars, two app stores).
• 🐢 Slowdown due to background processes MIUI Optimization and Security.
• 🔒 System-level restrictions (e.g., installation locking) APK from unknown sources by default).
• 📊 Data Collection – Xiaomi actively sends telemetry, even if you turn off all permissions.

According to a survey by XDA Developers (2023), 68% of Redmi users have tried to get rid of MIUI at least once — but only 22% were able to do so without consequences. The main problem is that most methods require unlocking the bootloader, which automatically resets all data and can lead to a device’s brick if it fails.

Method 1: Disabling unnecessary MIUI functions without rooting

If you just need to remove ads, speed up work, and get rid of duplicate applications, start with this method. It doesn't require unlocking the bootloader, and it won't reset your data.

Here’s what you can do without superuser rights:

1. Turn off the adverts in MIUI: 🔧 Go to Settings. → Password and security → Authorization and blocking → Advertising services and disable all sliders. 📵 B Settings → Annexes → Application management → Settings system find msa (Mobile Services Android) and disable autorun.
2. Remove or disable system applications: 🗑️ With help. ADB (Android Debug Bridge can be deactivated by deactivating unwanted applications, for example, to disable Mi Browser, follow the command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser 📱 Use the App Inspector app (from Play Market) to find the names of packages of unnecessary programs.

Disable MIUI optimization:

• ⚡ B Settings → Special facilities → Optimization MIUI disable all functions.
• 🔄 B Settings → Battery and productivity → Select Performance Mode “Without Restrictions».

⚠️ Note: Disabling system applications through ADB It can cause some functions to crash (such as push notifications or cameras). → System system → Backup.

Method 2: Install an alternative launcher (without root)

If you are annoyed by the appearance of MIUI, but do not want to risk firmware, install a third-party launcher. This will not turn off MIUI completely, but will replace the main screen, app menu and animation.

The best options for Redmi:

• 🏆 Nova Launcher – flexible customization of icons, gestures and animations. Supports dark theme and adaptive icons.
• 🎨 Lawnchair – Pixel-style launcher with Android 12 support+ and dynamical.
• ⚡ Hyperion Launcher – Optimized for performance, minimalist design.
• 📱 Microsoft Launcher – Integration with Windows and Office 365 (easy to work with).

How to determine:

1. Download the launcher from Play Market.
2. Click "Home" and select the new launcher as the main one.
3. In the launcher settings, turn off Settings → Home Screen → MIUI Launcher (if there is such a point).

💡 Useful tip: To hide system icons MIUI (For example, Mi Home or Mi Community, use Hide Apps in the launcher settings, and it won't remove them completely, but it will remove them from the home screen.

Method 3: Unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware

This is the most radical way – it completely removes MIUI and replaces it with pure Android (like LineageOS) or firmware from other manufacturers (like Pixel Experience), after unlocking the bootloader, all data on the phone will be erased and the warranty will be canceled.

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock the loader: 🔓 Go to the site. en.miui.com/unlock Download the Mi Unlock Tool. 📱 On your phone, turn on Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 Time to activate the developer mode). 🔧 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include OEM-unlocking and debugging USB. 🖥️ Connect your phone to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool, and follow the instructions. 720 hours (30 days) for new Mi accounts!
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP): 📥 Download. TWRP For your Redmi model from twrp.me. 💻 Install. ADB and Fastboot on PC, then run the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0-1-whyred.img (Replace whyred with your model code, such as Raphael for Redmi K20 Pro).

Sweep through the custom firmware:

• 📁 Download firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) from the forum XDA Developers.
• 🔄 Reboot to TWRP (clamp down on power. + Volume up, make a Wipe → Advanced Wipe (select Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
• 💾 Install firmware via Install, then GApps (if you need Google services).

⚠️ Note: Installation of custom firmware can lead to:

• 🚨 Brick (phone not turned on) when an error occurs.
• 📵 Widevine's loss L1 (Full. HD on Netflix and other services).
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption due to unoptimized core.

Method 4: Debloating (removal of system debris) with root rights

If you don't want to change your firmware, but you're ready to get root rights, you can get MIUI out of the way of unnecessary components, and that will remove ads, unnecessary services, and speed up the system.

What you need:

• 📱 Unlocked bootloader (see Method 3).
• 🔧 Established TWRP.
• 💻 Magisk Program for Getting Root.

Instructions:

1. Install Magisk via TWRP (download the latest version from GitHub).
2. Download Universal Debloater or MIUI Debloater for Magisk.
3. In Magisk Manager, go to Modules → Install from storage and select a debloater.
4. Reboot your phone. After that, the extra apps (Mi Music, Mi Video, Mi Community, etc.) will be removed.

🔹 What applications can be safely removed:

• 🎵 com.miui.player — Mi Music.
• 📺 com.miui.videoplayer — Mi Video.
• 🏠 com.miui.home — MIUI Launcher (if you use another launcher).
• 🔒 com.miui.analytics – statistics collection.
• 📊 com.xiaomi.midrop - Mi Drop (if you don't use it).

⚠️ Warning: Do not remove system components like com.android.phone or com.miui.securitycenter, this will lead to system failure.

💡

Before debloating, make a full backup through TWRP (Backup section). If something goes wrong, you can restore the system in 10 minutes.

Comparison of methods: what to choose?

Which one is right for you? Let's compare them by key parameters.

🔹 Conclusion:

• If you just need to remove the ads → Method 1.
• If you don't like the design MIUI → Method 2.
• If you want maximum performance without loss of function → Method 4.
• If you are willing to take a risk and completely reset for the sake of a clean Android → Method 3.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when working with MIUI.

• 🔌 Discharged battery during firmware → Your phone can turn into a brick. Always charge up to 80% before you manipulate it!
• 📥 Wrong version TWRP → for example, firmware TWRP Redmi Note 9 on Redmi Note 9 Pro. Check the model in Settings → The phone. → Model!
• 🔄 Skip the Wipe step before installing the firmware → It leads to endless reboots. Always do Advanced Wipe!
• 🔒 Blocking the loader after installing custom firmware → Never lock the bootloader after unlocking!
• 📵 Removing critical system applications (e.g. com.android.settings) → Loss of functionality. Use only verified lists for debloating!

💡 Useful tip: Before any manipulation with firmware, check the forum XDA For example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro has a problem with the camera on some custom firmware, which is known and discussed in the topics.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions