Xiaomi’s ADB and Fastboot utilities are powerful tools that unlock hidden features of MIUI-based smartphones. Not only can they remove pre-installed apps (called bloatware), they can unlock the bootloader, install custom firmware, or restore the device after crashes. However, misuse of these tools can turn the phone into a brick — so it’s important to understand which commands are safe and which require special care.
In this article, we will discuss how to work with Xiaomi ADB Fastboot Tools using current models (from Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 14), which system applications can be removed without risk to stability, and also warn against typical errors. We will pay special attention to the differences between the commands adb (to work on the enabled system) and fastboot (for manipulation at the bootloader level). If you are a beginner, start with the section “Preparation”, if an experienced user, immediately go to the “Package Safe List”.
1.Preparation: What you need to work with ADB/Fastboot on Xiaomi
Before you start uninstalling system applications or unlocking the bootloader, make sure you have everything you need:
- 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with allowed debugging USB (included in the settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap on the version, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers).
- 💻 Computer running Windows 10/11, macOS or Linux (instructions for all OSes are below).
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original to avoid connection issues).
- 🛠️ Utilities. ADB/Fastboot (Download from the official Android Studio website or through the Xiaomi package ADB Fastboot Tools by the Community).
Windows will also require Mi USB Driver drivers that can be downloaded from Xiaomi's official website. Make sure the antivirus doesn't block the installation - sometimes adb.exe is mistakenly recognized as a threat. After installing the drivers, check the connection with the command:
adb devicesIf you see the serial number of the device, everything is set up correctly. If not, try reconnecting the cable or rebooting the phone to Fastboot mode (clamp Volume down + Power when the device is off).
2.The Difference Between ADB and Fastboot: When to Use What
Many users confuse ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and Fastboot, although these are two different modes of operation with the device:
| Parameter | ADB | Fastboot |
|---|---|---|
| Mode of work | Works on the enabled Android system | Works at the bootloader level (before the OS launch) |
| Main objectives | Removing applications, changing settings, debugging | Unlocking the bootloader, firmware, recovery |
| Entry team | adb shell | fastboot devices |
| Risk of "bricking" | Low (unless you delete critical system files) | High (incorrect command can make the phone inoperable) |
For example, to remove an unnecessary app (such as Mi Browser), you will use ADB on the phone that is turned on:
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browserAnd to unlock the bootloader you will need a Fastboot:
fastboot oem unlock⚠️ Attention: Commands in Fastboot don't have a rollback. If you accidentally delete the system or boot partition, it won't be possible to restore the phone without special hardware. Always check commands before executing!
3.What can be removed through ADB: a list of safe packages
MIUI preinstalled many applications that most users don't need, can be removed without risking system stability, but it's important to distinguish secure packets from system components. Below is a list of proven applications that don't affect the phone's performance (relevant to MIUI 14/15):
- 🌐 com.android.browser – Mi Browser (can be replaced with Chrome or Firefox).
- 🎵 com.miui.player – Mi Music (if you use Spotify or Yandex Music).
- 📺 com.miui.videoplayer - Mi Video (alternative — VLC or MX Player).
- 📊 com.miui.analytics – Xiaomi analytics service (sends usage data).
- 📦 com.xiaomi.midrop – Mi Drop (unless you use Wi-Fi file transfer).
- 🎮 com.xiaomi.glgm – Game Turbo (only if you don’t play mobile games).
To remove the packet, use the command:
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 name packetFor example, to remove the Mi Browser:
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browserMake sure your phone is 50%+ charged
Enable debugging over USB
Connect your phone to your PC and check the Adb Devices command
Backup of important data
Check the list of packages for relevance to your version MIUI-->
⚠️ Note: Do not delete packages with the names com.android., com.qualcomm. or com.miui.home are critical system components! Also avoid removing com.google. if you use Google services (Play Market, Gmail, etc.).
4. How to unlock a bootloader on Xiaomi via Fastboot
Bootloader unlocking is required to install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), gain root rights, or restore the device after a major crash. However, Xiaomi officially only allows unlocking through its Mi Unlock Tool, and the process can take up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting on new devices.
Here's the step-by-step instruction:
- Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website and install it on PC.
- Start the phone in Fastboot mode (clamp Volume Down + Power).
- Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool. Sign in to your Mi Account, which is linked to the device.
- If the device is new, you will be asked to wait (usually 168 or 720 hours).
Once you unlock the bootloader, you can flash custom recovery (TWRP) or firmware.
What happens if you unblock the bootloader unofficially?
5. Dangerous Operations: What NOT to do in Fastboot
Fastboot mode provides low-level access to the device, and errors here can be fatal. Here is a list of commands and actions you should never perform unless you're an expert:
- 🚫 fastboot erase system – deletes partition with the system, the phone will stop loading.
- 🚫 Fastboot flash boot with unverified file – can lead to bootloop (infinite reboot).
- 🚫 fastboot oem lock – blocks the bootloader if the device has custom firmware installed.
- 🚫 Removing modem, persist, or vendor partitions will disrupt network, camera, and other components.
If you need to restore the device after a failed firmware, use official images from Xiaomi and the command:
fastboot flash all name file.imgBut even so, check the firmware compatibility with your model first! For example, the firmware for the Redmi Note 11 won't work for the Redmi Note 11 Pro, despite the similar names.
adb backup -f efs_backup.ab -apk -obb -shared -all -system
This will help restore communication if the network disappears after firmware.-->
6 Recovery of Remote System Applications
If you have encountered errors after uninstalling packages through ADB (e.g., Google Play Services stopped working or the notification bar disappeared), don’t panic – most applications can be restored.
Method 1: Recovery through ADB
If you have removed a packet with pm uninstall, try reinstalling it from a backup or official APK. For example, to restore Google Play Services:
adb install com.google.android.gms.apkMethod 2: Reset via Fastboot
If the system is unstable, return the factory firmware:
Fastboot flash all original firmware.imgAfter that, all the deleted packets will return, but the user data will be erased. To avoid data loss, regularly back up your data via adb backup or Mi Cloud.
7.Alternatives to Xiaomi ADB Fastboot Tools
If the official Xiaomi utilities seem complicated, you can use alternative tools with a graphical interface:
- 🛠️ MIUI Hidden Settings – an application to enable hidden features MIUI without ADB.
- 🔧 Universal ADB Drivers – Simplified installation of drivers for Windows.
- 📱 App Inspector – Helps you find application packet names before you delete them.
- 🖥️ Platform Tools GUI — graphical ADB/Fastboot team.
For Linux/macOS users, it is convenient to use Scrcpy, a tool that not only manages the phone from a PC, but also allows you to run ADB commands directly from the terminal.
💡
Always check for compatibility of alternative tools with your version of MIUI. For example, MIUI Hidden Settings may not work on MIUI 15 due to changes in the system structure.