Why Users Want to Get Rid of PatchWall and What It Means
PatchWall is Xiaomiβs signature interface that is installed on all of the brandβs modern TVs (Mi TV 4S, Mi TV Q1, Redmi Smart TV, etc.) and offers personalized content recommendations, integration with Netflix, Prime Video, and even Google Assistant, but despite the obvious benefits, many owners are eager to remove or disable it.
The main reasons for the discontent: aggressive advertising on the menu, slowing down the system due to background activity, forced authorization in the Mi Account account, as well as limited customization of the interface. For example, on Mi TV P1 models in 2021, users complain that PatchWall eats up to 1.2 GB of RAM, which is critical for budget devices with 2 GB of RAM. In addition, the shell often blocks the installation of third-party launchers through standard settings.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to remove PatchWall β from securely disabling through settings to radical flashing on a clean Android TV. Each method has been tested on Xiaomi Mi TV 4A (2020), Redmi X50 and Mi TV Q2 (2023).
Method 1: Disable PatchWall via Settings (without root rights)
The easiest and safest method is to deactivate the core features of the shell through a standard menu, which won't remove PatchWall completely, but will significantly reduce its impact on performance and remove annoying advertising.
Instructions:
- πΊ Go to Settings. β Accounts and security β Mi Account and log out (if logged in) this will disable personalized recommendations.
- π In the same section, find Advertising and disable all sliders: Personalized Advertising, Content Recommendations, and Usage Analytics".
- π οΈ Return to the main settings menu, select Apps β Manage applications, find PatchWall and click Stop + Shut down.
- π Restart the TV (Settings) β The device β Reboot).
This method works on all models with Android TV 9.0 and later, but has limitations: the shell will remain in the system, and some functions (such as voice search) may not work correctly, but does not require root rights and does not reset settings.
βοΈ Preparing for the shutdown of PatchWall
Method 2: Installation of a third-party launcher (with limitations)
If you donβt like PatchWallβs design, but donβt want to risk firmware, you can try installing an alternative launcher β like an ATV Launcher, HalLauncher, or Leanback Launcher. However, Xiaomi blocks this capability at the system level, so a workaround will be required.
Step-by-step:
- Download. APK-a launcher file (e.g., HalLauncher) on USB-accumulator.
- Connect the flash drive to the TV and install the application through File Manager. If the installation is blocked, turn Unknown Sources into Settings β Security.
- Start the launcher and select Set as default in its settings.
- If the system does not allow you to change the launcher, use ADB-Command: Adb shell pm grant com.haluncher.android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS Then take the step again. 3.
β οΈ Attention: On Mi TVs TV P1 (2022+) redmi X65 This method may not work because of hardware constraints, and then you just have to flash it.
Why is Xiaomi blocking third-party launchers?
Method 3: Completely remove PatchWall via ADB (requires PC)
To completely remove the shell, you will need to connect the TV to your computer via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which removes PatchWall system files, but does not affect the operation of the Android TV β the TV will remain functional, just without a proprietary shell.
What you need:
- π₯οΈ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS and established ADB Tools.
- π USB-cable (for models with port) USB-A) adapter USB-C β USB-A.
- βοΈ Included debugging by ADB on the TV (Settings) β On TV. β Build Number β Press 7 times, then return to Settings β For developers β Debugging by USB).
Commands for removal:
adb shell
pm uninstall --user 0 com.mitv.tvhome
pm uninstall --user 0 com.mitv.patchwall
pm uninstall --user 0 com.mitv.globalusercenter
pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.mitv.appstore
pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolutionAfter you execute the commands, restart the TV. PatchWall will disappear, but some features may disappear (for example, the Mi Remote remote will stop working with voice search).
π‘
If the TV brakes after removing PatchWall, clear the system cache with the command adb shell pm clear com.android.tv.settings.
Method 4: Flash to pure Android TV (for experienced)
The radical method is to install custom firmware without PatchWall, which gives you complete control of the system, but requires unlocking the bootloader and carries risks:
- π¨ Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
- π§ Possible "brick" (inoperability) in case of firmware error.
- πΆ Loss of loss OTA-Updates from Xiaomi.
Suitable firmware:
| Firmware | Support for models | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| LineageOS for TV | Mi TV 4A/4S (2018β2020) | Clean Android TV, regular updates | No support for Widevine L1 DRM (Netflix at 480p) |
| ATV Custom ROM | Redmi X50/X65, Mi TV Q1 | Google Play Support, Optimization for TV | Complex installation, possible bugs with remote control |
| Stock Android TV (port) | Mi TV P1 (2021β2023) | Maximum stability | No support for codecs (Dolby Vision) |
Firmware instructions:
- Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Mi Account with a linked phone number).
- Download the firmware for your model from the XDA Developers forum.
- Sweat through fastboot or TWRP (instructions are attached to the firmware).
- After installation, reset to factory settings.
π‘
Flashing is the only way to completely get rid of PatchWall and all traces of it in the system, but is only suitable for advanced users.
Method 5: Reset to factory settings (if nothing helps)
If you've been manipulating PatchWall, and you've got a bug in your TV, you've got a full reset to get it back, and it won't remove the shell, but it will clean up all the user data and bring the system back to its original state.
How to reset:
- Open Settings β Device β Reset and reset.
- Select to erase all data (reset to factory).
- Confirm the action with a password from Mi Account (if tied).
- Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).
β οΈ Attention: On Mi models TV Q2 2023, after reset, you may need to re-activate over the Internet. If the TV is not connected to the network, it will block access to the menu.
Comparison of methods: which to choose
The choice of method depends on your TV model, level of technical skills and goals:
| Method | Difficulty | Risks. | Efficiency | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disconnection through settings | β | No. | Takes away the ads, but not the shell itself. | All models. |
| Third-party launcher | ββ | Some functions may not work | Changes the interface, but PatchWall stays | Mi TV 4S, Redmi X50 |
| Removal via ADB | βββ | Possible bugs in the system | Complete sheath removal | All models with Android TV 9.0+ |
| Flip-flashing | ββββ | Loss of warranty, risk of "brick" | Clean Android TV without a trace of Xiaomi | Mi TV P1, Q1 (2021β2023) |
| Reset to factory | β | Loss of data | Restoring stability | All models. |
For most users, the best solution is a combination of methods 1 and 2: disable unnecessary PatchWall features through settings + installing a third-party launcher. If you want a pure Android TV without restrictions, you will have to take a risk and reflash the device.