Cleaning Xiaomi Redmi 9: which applications are safe to delete

Owners of budget smartphones, such as Xiaomi Redmi 9, often face the problem of full memory immediately after purchase. This happens due to pre-installed software, which the developers call bloatware. These apps take up valuable space, consume RAM, and can even slow down your processor. However, not all system files are equally useful or, conversely, harmful. Correctly assessing what the device really needs and what is digital junk becomes the key to stable operation of the gadget.

The cleaning process requires caution, since removing critical components can turn the phone into a “brick” or cause cyclic reboots. In this article, we will analyze in detail the architecture of the shell MIUI 12 and newer installed on Redmi 9. You will find out which Google and Xiaomi services can be safely disabled, and which absolutely cannot be touched. We will look at both standard methods through settings and advanced methods using a computer to deep clean the system.

Analysis of pre-installed software and its impact on the system

Immediately after unpacking Xiaomi Redmi 9 the user discovers dozens of applications that he did not install. Some of them are standard Android utilities, another part are MIUI ecosystem services, and the third are advertising affiliate apps. Understanding the difference between these groups is critical to making the decision to remove. System junk Often works in the background, collecting telemetry and displaying notifications, which directly affects battery life.

Many users mistakenly believe that deleting icons from the desktop completely gets rid of the application. In fact, the app remains in memory and continues to consume resources. To actually free up space, you need to either completely remove it (uninstall) or force stop and shutdown (disable). Some components, such as com.miui.analytics, are responsible for collecting usage statistics and can be removed without losing the functionality of the main interface.

⚠️ Attention: Before starting mass cleaning, be sure to create a full backup of your important data. Some system libraries may be interrelated, and deleting one may disrupt the operation of another.

Particular attention should be paid to applications that duplicate functionality. For example, Redmi 9 often comes pre-installed with two browsers, two email clients and several application stores. GetApps from Xiaomi is similar to Google Play, but often contains less verified content and more advertising. If you do not use the branded store, you can safely delete it, freeing up space for useful downloads.

Safe list of applications to delete through settings

The easiest and safest way to free up space on Redmi 9 —use the built-in application management menu. This method does not require root access or connection to a computer, which minimizes risks for inexperienced users. In this section, we will list components that can be removed or disabled using standard system tools without affecting its functionality.

First of all, pay attention to services related to advertising and recommendations. Application MSA (MIUI System Ads) is responsible for displaying advertising banners in system utilities. Removing or disabling it greatly improves the user experience. You can also get rid of Analytics, which sends data about the use of the phone to the manufacturer’s servers. These actions will not affect the ability to make calls or use the Internet.

• 🗑️ GetApps — Xiaomi branded application store, duplicating Google Play.
• 📊 Analytics — statistics and telemetry collection service.
• 📢 MSA — system module for displaying advertising in the MIUI interface.
• 🎵 Mi Music / Mi Video — standard players that can be replaced with third-party ones analogues.
• 🧭 Mi Browser —a browser with built-in advertising if you use Chrome or Firefox.

To remove these apps, go to Settings → Applications → All applications. Find the desired item in the list, click on it and select the button Delete. If the button is inactive, try first pressing Disable.

Advanced cleaning via ADB: removing hidden bloatware

For those who want to get maximum performance from Xiaomi Redmi 9, there is a method to remove system applications through USB debugging (ADB). This method allows you to get rid of components that are hidden from the average user and do not have a “Delete” button in the interface. However, it requires a computer and basic knowledge of working with the command line.

Before starting the procedure, you must activate developer mode. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly click 7 times on the item MIUI version. After this, the “For Developers” section will appear in the “Advanced” menu. Turn on the item USB debuggingthere. Connect your smartphone to the PC with a cable and confirm permission for debugging on the phone screen.

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.analytics

The command above is an example of how to remove the analytics package. The syntax is always the same: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 [package_name]. The flag --user 0 means that the application is deleted only for the current user, but not from the system partition. This is safe, since when you reset the settings to factory settings, the application will return to its original location, which makes it easy to roll back changes in case of an error.

⚠️ Attention: The interface and package names may vary slightly depending on the firmware version. Always check the exact package name before entering the command so as not to remove a critical system process.

With ADB, you can even remove some Google components if you do not use the search giant's ecosystem. For example, you can get rid of Google TV, Google Movies or the voice assistant if you prefer alternatives. But be extremely careful with the package com.google.android.gms (Google Play Services) - its removal will lead to the inoperability of most third-party applications, including banking clients and instant messengers.

Critical components: what is PROHIBITED from deleting

There is a list of system processes that cannot be deleted Redmi 9 will lead to serious failures, up to the impossibility of loading the system operating system. These components provide basic functionality: communications, display operation, power management, and hardware access. Even if you are an experienced user, it is not recommended to touch these packages without a good reason and understanding of the consequences.

First of all, this applies to system frameworks. Packages containing the words Framework, Provider or Managerin their names are often the link between the hardware and the software shell. Deletion com.android.phone will deprive you of the ability to make calls and send SMS. Removal com.miui.home will lead to the disappearance of the desktop and launcher, due to which you will not be able to control the phone.

Package name	Function	Consequences of deletion
com.android.phone	Telephony and communications	Inability to make calls, work with a SIM card
com.miui.home	Desktop (Launcher)	Disappearance of the interface, black screen after loading
com.google.android.gms	Google Services Play	Crashes in most applications, maps, mail
com.miui.securitycenter	Security Center	Loss of control over permissions and antivirus

Also, do not delete System UI (com.android.systemui). This component is responsible for the status bar, notification panel, Home button and navigation gestures. Without it, the phone will turn into an unmanageable box. If you accidentally deleted something from this list, the only way to recover is often a full factory reset (Hard Reset), which will result in the loss of all user data.

How to get a deleted application back?

If you deleted the application via ADB with the --user 0 flag, you can restore it with the command: adb shell cmd package install-existing [package_name]. This will return the application to the “user” state without the need for flashing.

Optimizing the operation of Google services on Redmi 9

Smartphones Xiaomi Redmi 9 run on Android with full support for Google services. However, by default, many are configured to always sync and be active in the background, which may be overkill for some use cases. Optimization does not always mean removal; sometimes it is enough to properly configure restrictions.

For example, the service Google One offers cloud storage, but if you do not use a paid subscription and do not make backups to the cloud, the application can be deleted. Similarly, Google Assistant consumes microphone and processor resources to wait for the activation command. If you do not use voice control, disabling it will save battery power.

• 🌐 Google Chrome —you can remove updates or disable it if you use another browser.
• 📧 Gmail —you can delete the account from the application, but it is better to leave the app itself as a backup email client.
• 🗺️ Google Maps —critical important for navigation, deleting is not recommended.
• 🎬 YouTube —you can delete updates to the factory version to save space.

To manage the auto-start of applications, go to the application Security → Permissions → Autostart. Here it is worth prohibiting the start of all apps except instant messengers, from which you expect instant notifications. This will prevent a situation where a dozen Google and Xiaomi services start simultaneously when the screen is turned on, loading the device’s RAM.

Cleaning cache and residual files after deletion

Even after correctly deleting unnecessary applications on the disk Xiaomi Redmi 9 there may remain “tails” - empty folders, logs and cached data. Over time, these files take up gigabytes of space. Regular cleaning of residual garbage helps maintain high speed of writing and reading internal memory.

The built-in Cleaner application included in MIUI does a good job of basic tasks, but often misses deeply hidden files. For a more thorough check, you can use file managers with an analysis function, for example Files by Google or Total Commander. Look for folders with the names of deleted applications - they often remain in the root of the internal memory or in a directory Android/data.

⚠️ Attention: Do not delete folders with names .android, .miui or files with the extension .obbif you are not sure of their ownership. This could be data for games or system configurations, the deletion of which will reset game progress or system settings.

The folder Download and messenger cache deserve special attention. Telegram and WhatsApp save all received photos and videos to the device’s memory. Regularly cleaning media files in these applications through their internal settings will free up more space than deleting a dozen system utilities. Go to your chat settings and select Memory Usage to view your heaviest files.

System recovery after unsuccessful cleaning

If during the optimization process Redmi 9 you deleted something unnecessary and the phone began to behave unstable, there is no need to panic. There are several levels of recovery, from a soft reboot of services to a full reset. The main thing is to act consistently and not aggravate the situation with repeated rash actions.

The first step is to try rebooting your device into safe mode. To do this, hold down the power button, and when the menu appears, press and hold the “Power off” option on the screen until you are prompted to enter safe mode. In this state, only system applications are loaded. If the phone works stably, then the problem is in one of the third-party applications you installed or in a configuration error.

In the case when deleting a system package led to a “bootlap” (cyclic reboot), only entering Recovery mode will help. Turn off the phone, then press the Volume Up and Powerbuttons simultaneously. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data. This action will delete all user data and return the phone to its factory state, restoring all deleted system applications.

Is it possible to delete the Google Play Store without consequences?

Technically this is possible through ADB, but extremely not recommended. Without the Market, you won't be able to update apps, install new apps from trusted sources, or use banking apps that require SafetyNet certification. It’s better to just turn off store notifications.

Is it safe to delete the “Themes” application on Xiaomi?

Yes, the application com.miui.themes can be deleted or disabled. It is only needed to change the visual style of the system. If you are using a standard theme, deleting it will free up space and stop background checking for theme updates.

What to do if the sound is gone after deletion?

You have probably affected the system audio drivers or a service com.android.soundrecorderthat is associated with the audio subsystem. In this case, only a full reset (Hard Reset) through the Recovery menu will help to restore factory files.

How to find the exact name of the application package?

Install the App Inspector application or use the command adb shell pm list packages on the command line. This will show a list of all installed packages, where you can find the one you need by partial name (for example, "miui" or "google").

Will deleted applications return after updating MIUI?

Yes, when updating the firmware over the air (OTA), the system often restores the original set of applications. You will have to repeat the cleaning procedure after a major update to the Android version or MIUI shell.