How to Remove Google from Xiaomi: From Shutdown to Deep Cleanup

Google services are deeply integrated into Xiaomi’s firmware, even if you’re not using a Gmail or Google Play account. They take up memory space, consume battery power, and send data about your activity — even when you don’t notice it. According to a study by the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Android devices transmit 20 times more data to Google than Apple’s iPhone, and much of that telemetry goes through system services.

Complicating the problem is that Xiaomi uses its own MIUI shell (or new HyperOS), which is even more intertwined with Google services. For example, even after manually removing applications like Google Play Services, they can recover from a reboot or system update. In this article, we will discuss all the working methods from simple disabling to complete removal through ADB and custom firmware, taking into account the features of Xiaomi Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi 13/14.

Warning: some methods require unlocking the bootloader and can lead to loss of warranty.If you only need to save battery power, just turn off unnecessary services (section 2). If the goal is complete anonymity or install alternative services (for example, MicroG) – you will have to dive into technical details.

1.Why you can't just uninstall Google as a regular app

Unlike third-party software, Google’s system services on Xiaomi are protected on several levels:

• 🔒 Superuser Rights: Most applications (Google Play Services, Google Services Framework) are set as system and do not have the "Delete" button".
• 🔄 Auto-recovery: MIUI HyperOS automatically returns deleted components after a reboot or update.
• 📦 Dependencies: Some features (e.g. Google Pay or Widevine) L1 for Netflix HD) Requires Google’s working services.
• 🛡️ Android Security: The System Blocks Changes to the Folder /system, where service files are stored.

Even if you manually delete apps through Settings → Apps, they will return when you first connect to the Internet, which is due to Google Play Protect and Xiaomi’s policies to support Google Mobile Services (GMS) certification.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) Some of Google’s services may be hidden in the Android System Intelligence section, and if they are removed without preparation, they will result in loss of functionality (e.g., voice search will stop working or the search will not work). OK Google).

To get around these limitations, you'll need to use ADB, Magisk or custom firmware, but first, let's try less radical methods.

2. disable Google services without deletion (no root)

If your goal is to save battery power or limit data collection, but not to delete Google completely, just turn off unnecessary components. This method does not require unlocking the bootloader and is suitable for most models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.).

Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management and follow the following steps:

Turn off Google Play Movies and TV (if you don't use it)

Turn off Google Duo (replace with Signal or Telegram calls)

Stop Google Play Games (if you are not playing)

Turn off Google Tips (collects data about your actions)

Reset the cache for Google Play Services (frees up to 500MB)

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For a deeper shutdown:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts and sync and delete your Google account (if any).
2. In Settings → Privacy → Special Permits → Battery Consumption by apps limit background activity for all Google apps.
3. In Settings → Connections and Sharing → Data use disable mobile traffic for Google Play Services.

These actions will reduce battery load by 10-15% (as measured by the Redmi Note 11 with MIUI 14), but will not remove the services completely.

Disable without deletion (as in this section)

Delete via ADB (no root)

Install custom firmware without GMS

Use Magisk + Universal GMS Doze

I don’t know if I’ll choose after reading the article.-->

3. Google Removal via ADB (no root rights)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method allows you to uninstall Google system applications without unlocking the bootloader.This works on most Xiaomi devices, except those where the manufacturer has blocked the pm uninstall -k --user 0 command (for example, on some firmware for POCO F5).

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Additional → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-TypeC Cable (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utility. ADB (download from the official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Remove unnecessary packets one at a time. Examples of commands: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.gms (this will remove Google Play Services - the most voracious service) adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.gsf (removes Google Services Framework)

The full list of Google packages that can be removed:

⚠️ Note: Deleting com.google.android.gms will result in the loss of functionality for many applications, including Banking apps, Google Maps and Uber. If you need these services, use the method with Magisk (section 5), which allows you to selectively block data collection.

Once you delete, restart your phone, and if some apps are back, they're firmware-protected, and then you can only unlock the bootloader and install custom firmware.

4. Resetting to factory settings: Does it help?

Many users mistakenly believe that a Hard Reset will remove all traces of Google, but it is not, because it will only return the system to its original state, including all system applications.

What happens after the reset:

• ✅ Your data will be deleted (photos, messages, applications).
• ❌ All previously deleted Google services will return.
• ❌ Reset all restrictions on background activity (you will have to adjust again).
• ✅ Google accounts will disappear if they are linked.

If you’ve tried removing Google through ADB and want to start with a clean slate, resetting can help — but only in combination with other methods.

1. Make a reset through Settings → About Phone → Resetting.
2. Immediately after the first setup (without connecting the Internet!), run the ADB commands from Section 3.
3. Install alternative services (such as MicroG) before you first connect to the network.

⚠️ Note: HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14 Pro) may require a reset of the bootloader.If you previously unlocked it, make sure you have a backup of the data in the Mi Cloud or on your PC.

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Setting resets by themselves DO NOT remove Google – it only returns the system to its original state, including all system applications.

5. Advanced removal with Magisk (root required)

If you’re ready to get root rights, Magisk will open up access to Google’s more flexible removal methods, a way that’s suitable for users who want to:

• 🔍 Selectively remove only unnecessary components.
• 🔄 Keep the possibility of returning to the original firmware.
• 🛡️ Block data collection without completely removing services.

To start, unlock the bootloader on your Xiaomi (the instructions for your model are on the official website).

1. Install Magisk via TWRP or Fastboot.
2. Download modules: Universal GMS Doze - blocks background activity of Google. DisableFlags - disables unnecessary functions (for example, collecting statistics). App Systemizer - allows you to remove system applications.

Magisk

The advantage of this method is that you can only pinpoint services that are in your way, like leaving Google Maps, but removing Google Play Services or Google One.

To replace Google completely, install MicroG, an open-source implementation of Google services that does not send data to the corporation.

1. Download MicroG from https://microg.org/


2. Install the "MicroG Installer Revived" module via Magisk




3. In MicroG settings, disable unnecessary permissions (e.g., "Location" or "Device ID")

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14 Ultra), some Magisk modules may conflict with the system. TWRP or adb backup.

6. Custom firmware without Google (complete removal)

The most radical, but also the most effective way is to install firmware that doesn't originally contain Google services, which is suitable for users who:

• 🔒 They want maximum privacy.
• 🚀 You are ready to sacrifice some features (for example, Google Pay or Widevine). L1).
• 🛠️ They're good at working with TWRP and Fastboot.

The best firmware without GMS for Xiaomi:

Instructions for installation (on the example of LineageOS):

1. Unlock the bootloader (see section 5).
2. Install TWRP for your model.
3. Download firmware from LineageOS and Open GAPPS (if you need minimum Google services).
4. In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe (mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
5. Install firmware and (optional) MicroG.

Once installed, you will have to manually configure the alternatives:

• 📱 Google Play – Aurora Store or F-Droid.
• 🗺️ Google Maps is OsmAnd or Magic Earth.
• 🔍 Google Search is DuckDuckGo or SearX.

⚠️ Note: Installing custom firmware voids the warranty and may result in loss of features such as: 🎬 Widevine L1 (no HD Netflix or Disney+). 💳 Google Pay and Contactless Payments. 📡 Some modules 5G 7 Google Alternatives: What to install instead of remote services Google Removal frees up space and improves privacy, but leaves gaps in functionality. Here are proven alternatives for major services: Google Service Alternative to the Advantages of Google Play Aurora Store Anonymous application installation, no Google account Not all applications available (DRM-protected) Google Maps OsmAnd Offline maps, no data collection Less details (for example, traffic jams) Gmail ProtonMail or Tutanota Encryption of emails, privacy Less integrations with other services Google Nextcloud or Syncthing Self-hosted, no limits Require Chrome Brom server settings or Firefox Firefox tracking can work with Google MicroDrigers (for the main sites to use it, but use the main Google Play-Droid tracking). If you need push notifications without Google, set up UnifiedPush with a server based on ntfy or Gotify.This will require a bit of technical skill, but completely eliminate the dependence on Google's infrastructure. 💡Before Google deletes, export your data (contacts, calendars, notes) via Google Takeout (https://takeout.google.com/). This will allow you to transfer them to alternative services without loss. 8. Frequent Problems and Solutions When you delete Google from Xiaomi, you may encounter the following problems: 🔴 Apps stopped updating If you removed the Google Play Store, use the Aurora Store or F-Droid. For manual installation, download.apk files from trusted sources (for example, APKMirror). 🔴 Many banks (e.g. SberBank or Tinkoff) require Google Play Services to work.Solutions: Install MicroG with SafetyNet support. Use the bank's web version via browser with User-Agent for Chrome.Configure Magisk with Universal SafetyNet Fix module. 🔴 If you sync your data with Google, export it before deleting: Go to Google Contacts and click Export. Save the.vcf file and import it to Proton Contacts or Nextcloud. 🔴 Widevine is not working. L1 (no HD on Netflix, Widevine L1 It requires Google certified services. If you need to watch Netflix or Disney+ In high resolution, you have to accept Widevine. L3 (maximum 480p) Or use alternative firmware with support GMS. 🔴 If after deleting Google, the device began to slow down, check: 🔋 Lack of RAM (remove unnecessary background processes). 🗑️ Storage filled (clear cache via Settings) → Warehouse). 🔄 Magisk module conflict (disable them one at a time and check performance). ⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14) Google may stop working after being deleted MIUI Camera (due to Google Camera dependency) API). In this case, install an alternative camera app, such as GCam or Open Camera. FAQ: Answers to frequent questions ❓ Can you delete Google from Xiaomi without a computer? Partly yes. You can disable Google services through Settings. → Apps but completely remove them without ADB Or Magisk won't work. ADB You need a computer, and for Magisk – unlock the bootloader, which also requires a PC. ❓ Will Google Services Come Back After Update? MIUI? Yeah, most likely. MIUI HyperOS often restores remote system applications. To avoid this, either block updates or use Magisk with the App Systemizer module, which prevents recovery. ❓ Will games work after Google Play Services is removed? Most games that depend on Google Play Games or Firebase will stop working. However, some games (such as offline) will work. PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact will require an alternative launcher (e.g. via a mobile phone). APK official website). ❓ How to check if there are any Google traces on your phone? Use Exodus Privacy or ClassyShark to analyze installed packages. Also check: Process list in Settings → Developer → Processes: Network activity via NetGuard or PCAPdroid, availability of com.google.* via adb shell pm list packages | grep google. ❓ Can I return Google to you after deleting? Yes, but the method depends on the method of removal: If deleted through ADB, just reinstall the packets with the command adb install PAKETA.apk. If you used Magisk, disable the corresponding modules. If you installed custom firmware, return to the official MIUI via Fastboot. In extreme cases, resetting will help (but all system applications will return).