Xiaomi Fastboot Tools: what partitions and files can be deleted without harming your phone

Introduction: Why Delete Files via Fastboot and When It’s Dangerous

Working with Xiaomi Fastboot Tools is a powerful tool for deep customization of Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones, but it carries risks. Many users want to free up space in the device’s memory by removing unnecessary system applications or junk files, but not everyone understands that some partitions are critical to the stable operation of the phone.

In this article, we will discuss which components can be safely removed through Fastboot and which are strictly forbidden to touch, and learn how to prepare for cleaning the system, what tools to use and how to avoid typical errors. If you are new to working with firmware, we recommend first learn the basic principles of working with MIUI and Fastboot, so as not to turn your smartphone into a brick.

It is important to understand that even “safe” operations can have side effects, such as removing some pre-installed apps (bloatware) can disrupt Google services or Xiaomi branded features, so make sure to back up all important data before any manipulation.

What is Xiaomi Fastboot Tools and How Does It Work?

Xiaomi Fastboot Tools is a Windows utility that allows you to interact with partitions of memory on a smartphone at a low level through Fastboot mode. Unlike standard tools like MIUI Cleaner or ADB, it gives access to system partitions that are usually hidden from the user.

• 📁 View and edit memory partitions (boot, system, vendor, etc.).
• 🗑️ Remove unnecessary files and applications built into firmware.
• 🔄 Recover remote components (if there is a backup).
• 🛠️ Fix firmware errors associated with damaged partitions.

However, the power of the tool comes with high risks, such as deleting the modem partition will lead to loss of network, and damage to the boot will make the phone inoperable.

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website.
2. Install Fastboot and ADB drivers.
3. Download the current version of Xiaomi Fastboot Tools (we recommend proven sources like XDA Developers).
4. Create a full backup of current firmware through TWRP or Fastboot.

Which sections can be deleted and which can not: the full list

Xiaomi smartphones have dozens of sections, but only a few can be cleaned without consequences. Below is a table with sections that often cause questions from users, as well as recommendations for removing them.

Special attention should be paid to the product section, which stores many pre-installed applications (Mi Browser, Mi Video, GetApps, etc.) that can be removed to free up space, but some of them are related to system services, for example, deleting Mi Security can disrupt the fingerprint scanner.

⚠️ Warning: Never delete boot, recovery or modem partitions, and damage to them will cause the device to fail completely, and the phone can only be restored through the device. EDL-The mode (which requires special equipment).

Step-by-step: How to safely remove unnecessary files

If you decide to clean your system through Xiaomi Fastboot Tools, follow this guide to minimize the risks:

1. Create a backup. Use TWRP or the fastboot backup command to keep the current partition state, which will help restore the phone if something goes wrong.
2. Connect the phone in Fastboot mode. Turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power until the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Start Xiaomi Fastboot Tools. In the main utility window, select your smartphone from the list (if the model is not determined, check the drivers).
4. View the sections. The Partitions tab will show all the sections available. Check only those that can be deleted (see table above).
5. Delete unnecessary files. Click Erase for selected partitions. Use the Apps tab to remove individual applications from product.
6. Reboot your phone. After cleaning, run the command fastboot reboot.

If the phone doesn’t turn on or is unstable after removal, try flashing it back through Fastboot using the official firmware.

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO F3) They have anti-Rollback protection. If you sew the old firmware version, the phone will lock. Always use the firmware of the same or newer version that was installed earlier.

What applications can be removed without consequences

The product and system section stores dozens of pre-installed apps, many of which duplicate Google features or are simply useless. Here is a list of apps that can be removed without serious consequences for most Xiaomi models:

• 🌐 Mi Browser is a branded browser that can be replaced with Chrome or Firefox.
• 🎵 Mi Music – Music Player (alternatives: Spotify, VLC).
• 📺 Mi Video - Video player (can be used) MX Player).
• 🛒 GetApps - a branded app store (duplicates Google Play).
• 📊 Mi Community – Xiaomi Forum (Few People Use It).
• 🎮 Game Turbo – utility for gamers (you can delete if you do not play).

However, there are applications that are not recommended to be removed, as they are related to system functions:

• 🔒 Mi Security – responsible for fingerprint scanner and face unlock.
• 📞 Phone Services – Manages calls and SMS.
• ⚙️ Settings – system settings (deleting will lead to the collapse of the interface).
• 🔄 Updater – update module (without it it will not be possible to update the firmware).

💡

Before deleting the application, check its packet name through ADB with pm list packages | grep "name" to avoid removing critical services.

If you delete something important, you can restore the app either through a backup or by reflashing your phone. APK-The file is manual, but it doesn’t work with all system components.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when working with Xiaomi Fastboot Tools. Here are the most common problems and ways to prevent them:

1. Remove the persist partition. This partition stores unique device data (IMEI, MAC-Deleting it will result in loss of network and Wi-Fi, so that you can restore the partition from the backup or through the backup. EDL.
2. The "Invalid sparse file format" error occurs when you try to flash a corrupted img file, so you can download the firmware again and check its integrity.
3. The phone doesn't turn on after cleaning the cache. It's usually a temporary problem. Solution: go to Recovery and make Wipe Cache again.
4. Loss of root rights after upgrade.A firmware update often resets Magisk.Solution: reinstall Magisk via Fastboot.

Another common mistake is trying to delete files from the system partition without first mounting in write mode. To avoid this, use the command:

fastboot mount system

⚠️ Note: If after manipulation of the sections the phone is stuck on the logo MI Or reboots in a loop, it's a sign of damage to the boot or system, in which case only a complete flashing through Fastboot with formatting all partitions will help.

💡

Always check firmware compatibility with your phone model. Installing firmware from another model (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro instead of Redmi Note 9S) will cause the device to fail.

Alternative ways to clean the system without Fastboot

If working with Xiaomi Fastboot Tools seems too risky, there are safer ways to free up space on your smartphone:

• 🧹 Built-in utility MIUI Cleaner. Allows you to delete cache, temporary files and remnants of deleted applications. → Memory. → Cleanup.

To remove applications through ADB without risking system damage, use the following algorithm:

1. Connect your phone to a PC with USB debugging enabled (Settings → Developers → USB debugging).
2. Get a list of all applications by the command: adb shell pm list packages
3. Remove the unnecessary app (e.g. Mi Browser): adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser

The advantage of this method is that it doesn't affect system partitions, it just removes applications for the current user, and when you reset to factory settings, all remote programs will return.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions