How to completely remove unnecessary applications from Android on Xiaomi: 5 proven methods

Smartphones Xiaomi based on firmware MIUI are known for the abundance of pre-installed applications - from branded services (Mi Browser, Mi Video) to affiliate apps (Facebook, Netflix). Many of them cannot be removed using standard methods, but this does not mean that they cannot be removed. Cluttered applications not only take up space in memory, but also continue to run in the background, using up battery power and traffic even after being “deleted” through the settings menu..

In this article we will examine all possible ways getting rid of unnecessary software - from safe methods for beginners to advanced solutions for experienced users. We will pay special attention hidden system processes, which remain active after superficial removal, and explain how to disable them without harm to the system. If you want not only to free up memory, but also to speed up your smartphone, read on.

Unlike “pure” Android, firmware MIUI aggressively integrates its own services into the system. For example, application GetApps (Xiaomi app store) cannot be deleted through the standard menu, but it can be deactivate or delete using ADB. The same goes for duplicate apps like Mi Music and Google Play Musicthat take up space and conflict with each other.

It is important to understand the difference between removing, disabling and freezing applications:

- Deleting —complete erasing application files (possibly not for all system apps).

- Disablement —the application remains in memory, but is not launched or updated.

- Freezing (via ADB or root) - the application "falls asleep" and does not waste resources, but can be easily restored.

1. Standard removal of user applications

Let's start with the simplest thing - removing apps that you installed yourself via Google Play or APKfiles. These applications are not system applications, so they can be deleted without consequences for the operation of the smartphone.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Manage applications.
2. In the top search bar, enter the name of the unnecessary application.
3. Tap on it and select Delete (if the button is active).
4. Confirm the action by clicking OK.

If the button Delete is inactive (gray), then the application is a system one - proceed to the following methods.

• 📱 Quick method: long-press the application icon on the main screen → drag it to the trash (if available).
• ⚠️ Caution: some applications (for example, Mi Community) after deletion can be automatically restored after updating MIUI.
• 🔄 Alternative: in Settings → Applications you can sort apps by size to find the heaviest ones.

⚠️ Attention: Do not delete applications with names com.android., com.miui. or com.xiaomi.* through the standard menu if you are not sure of their purpose. This may lead to system malfunctions.

2. Disabling system applications without root

If the button Delete is inactive, try disable the application. This will stop it from working, hide the icon from the menu and prevent automatic updates. The downside of the method is that the application will remain in memory and take up space.

How to disable:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Management applications.
2. Select the desired application (for example, Mi Browser).
3. Click Disable (if the button is available).
4. Confirm the action by pressing Disable the application.

After disabling, the icon will disappear from the main screen, but the application file will remain in the system.

Which applications can be disabled without risk:

- Mi Browser (if you use Chrome or Firefox),

- Mi Video / Mi Music (if there are alternatives),

- Facebook, LinkedIn (pre-installed partner applications),

- Game Turbo (if you do not play mobile games),

- Mi Pay (if not you use the Xiaomi payment system).

Make a backup copy of important data|

Check if the application is critical for MIUI|

Remember the name of the application in case of recovery|

Reboot the phone after disabling several apps-->

⚠️ Attention: Disabling applications like Mi Security (com.miui.securitycenter) or Mi Account (com.xiaomi.account) may interfere with data protection or synchronization. Before experiments, check whether the application is used for authorization in Xiaomi services.

3. Removing system applications via ADB (without root)

To remove built-in applications that cannot be removed using standard methods, you will need Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method does not require root access, but requires connecting the smartphone to the computer.

Step 1: Preparation

1. Download ADB Tools (part Android SDK Platform-Tools) and unpack the archive.
2. On the smartphone activate Developer mode: go to Settings → About phone and tap 7 times on MIUI version.
3. Go back to Settings → Advanced → For Developers and enable USB Debugging.

Step 2: Connection and removal

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB (select mode File transfer).
2. Open command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with adb.
3. Enter the command to check the connection:

   adb devices

   The serial number of your device should appear.

4. To uninstall the application, use the command:

   adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 package name

   For example, to remove Mi Browser:

   adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser

List of popular packages to remove:

⚠️ Attention: Removing some packages (for example, com.miui.securitycenter) may lead to a reboot cycle or blocking access to security settings. Always check the package name before deleting!

4. Freezing applications using ADB

If you do not want to completely remove the application, but want to stop it from working, you can freeze it. This blocks all app processes, but keeps its files on the system (in case of recovery).

Command to freeze:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 package name

Example for Facebook:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.facebook.system

Command for defrosting:

adb shell pm enable package name

Advantages of freezing before deleting:

- You can quickly return the application to work.

- Does not break integrity of system files.

- Suitable for applications that may be needed in the future (for example, Mi Remote to control equipment).

5. Uninstalling applications with root access

If installed on your Xiaomi installed root access, you get full control over system files. This allows you to remove even those applications that are blocked for ADB. However careless actions with root can lead to “brick” (breakage) of the device.

Popular tools for working with root:

- Root Explorer (file manager with access to system folders),

- Titanium Backup (for deleting and freezing applications),

- System App Remover (specialized software for removing built-in software).

How to delete an application via Root Explorer:

1. Open Root Explorer and provide root access.
2. Go to the folder /system/app or /system/priv-app (system applications are stored here).
3. Find the folder with the name of the unnecessary application (for example, Browser for Mi Browser).
4. Delete the folder or rename it (add it at the end .bak).
5. Reboot your smartphone.

What can be deleted from root (carefully!):

- /system/app/BasicDreams (splash screens),

- /system/app/BookmarkProvider (synchronization bookmarks),

- /system/priv-app/MiuiCamera (if you use Google Camera),

- /system/app/Stk (operator's SIM menu).

⚠️ Attention: Deleting folders in /system without a backup can make the phone inoperable. Always save a copy of the deleted files and know how to restore the firmware via Fastboot!

6. Alternative methods: MIUI Hidden Settings and custom firmware

If standard methods do not help, you can use MIUI hidden settings or install custom firmware.

MIUI Hidden Settings (for experienced users):

- Install the application Activity Launcher from Google Play.

- Find in it MIUI Hidden Settings (or com.android.settings).

- Here you can disable some system components that are not available in the regular menu (for example, advertising services MSA).

Custom firmware (for example LineageOS or Pixel Experience):

- Completely replace MIUI with “pure” Android without unnecessary applications.

- Require unlocking the bootloader (bootloader) and installation via TWRP.

- Cons: loss of some MIUI functions (for example, Always-on Display), risk of loss of warranty.

Advantages of custom firmware:

✅ No pre-installed Xiaomi software,

✅ Faster security updates

✅ More customization options.

Disadvantages:

❌ Complex installation (requires skills to work with Fastboot i TWRP),

❌ Possible bugs with the camera or sensors (depending on the model),

❌ Loss of official support for Xiaomi.

7. How to prevent deleted applications from reappearing

Even after deleting some applications (Mi Browser, GetApps) may return after updating MIUI. To avoid this:

• 🔧 Disable automatic MIUI update: go to Settings → About phone → System update and disable the option Automatic download.
• 📵 Block the Internet for system applications: to Settings → Applications → Application management select an unnecessary application and disable Mobile data and Wi-Fi.
• 🛡️ Use firewall: Applications like NetGuard or AFWall+ (requires root) can block network activity of system apps.
• 🔄 Check the list of applications regularly: after major MIUI updates, scan the system for returned apps.

If the application has returned, repeat the removal procedure via ADB or root. For convenience, you can create a .batfile with all the uninstall commands and run it after updates.

8. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When deleting system applications, users often encounter problems. Let's look at the most common ones:

The most dangerous error - removing applications responsible for:

- com.miui.securitycenter (center security),

- com.android.settings (system settings),

- com.xiaomi.account (Xiaomi account).

If you accidentally deleted one of them, do not try to restore via Google Play —it will not work. The only way out is to reflash the phone via Fastboot.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

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