How to completely delete an application from Android on Xiaomi: 5 proven methods

Deleting applications on smartphones Xiaomi seems like a simple task - until you are faced with the fact that after uninstallation the app continues to take up space in memory, leaves files in the storage or even appears in the list of installed ones after reboot. This is especially true for system applicationswhich MIUI cannot be deleted using standard methods. In this article we will look at how to completely erase an application from Android to Xiaomiincluding its data, cache and residual files - both for regular apps and built-in services.

The problem of incomplete deletion is related to architecture MIUI, where many applications are integrated into the firmware. Even after deletion through Settings they can remain in the folder /system/priv-app or /data/app, occupying up to 30% of the original volume (according to tests on Redmi Note 12 and POCO X5). We will look at both official methods and advanced ones - using ADB, disable via MIUI and even manually clearing folders.

Important: some methods require unlocking the bootloader or superuser rights (root). If you are a beginner, start with the first three methods - they are safe and work without additional manipulation. For experienced users, we provide commands ADB and instructions for working with the file system.

1. Standard removal through MIUI settings

The most obvious way is to use the built-in tools MIUI. It is suitable for user applications (installed from Google Play or .apkfiles), but does not always work for system ones. Here's how to do it correctly:

Open Settings → Applications → Manage applications. Find the desired application in the list and tap on it. Here you will see three key options:

• 🗑️ Delete — complete uninstallation (not available for all applications).
• 🧹 Clear data — deletes settings, cache and application files (but not the application itself APK).
• ⚙️ Disable —hides the application from the menu and stops its operation (an alternative for system apps).

To completely remove it, select Delete, then confirm the action. If the button is inactive (gray), then the application is protected MIUI —proceed to the following methods.

⚠️ Attention: After deletion, some applications (for example, Mi Video or Mi Music) may be restored after updating the firmware. This is due to the policy Xiaomi for forced installation of branded services.

Check whether the application is associated with a Mi account (for example, Mi Cloud)

Create a backup copy of important data (for instant messengers, games)

Close the application in the multitasking menu

Disable auto-update in Google Play (if you delete from there)-->

2. Uninstallation via Google Play (for installed applications)

If the application was installed via Google Play Market, you can remove it from there - this ensures that all associated data (including updates) is cleared. Algorithm:

1. Open Google Play and go to Profile → Manage applications and device.
2. Tab Installed - find the desired application.
3. Tap on the trash icon (Delete) and confirm.

The advantage of this method: Google Play automatically clears the cache and temporary files that could remain after standard deletion via MIUI. However, for system applications (for example Mi Browser or Security) this method is not suitable.

Tip: If after deleting the application appears again, check the settings Auto-update in Google Play. Some apps (for example Facebook or Instagram) can be restored due to the autorecoveryfunction enabled by default on some firmware MIUI.

3. Disabling system applications (without uninstalling)

Many built-in apps Xiaomi (for example, Mi Pay, Mi Roaming, Game Turbo) cannot be removed using standard methods, but they can disable. This will free up RAM and stop background processes, although the application files will remain on the system.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications.
2. Select a system application (for example, Cleaner).
3. Tap Disable → Disable the application (password confirmation may be required).

After disabling the application will disappear from the menu and stop using resources. To get it back, repeat the steps and click Enable.

⚠️ Attention: Disabling system applications (for example, Security or Finder) can lead to malfunctions MIUI, including errors when updating the firmware. Before disabling, check whether other functionality (for example, Mi Account needs work Security for authorization).

4. Complete removal via ADB (without root)

For experienced users, the most effective method is to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB)This method allows you to remove even system applications without superuser rights, but requires connecting to. computer.

Steps:

1. Enable Developer mode on your smartphone: go to Settings → About phone and tap 7 times on MIUI version.
2. Return to Settings → Advanced → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect the phone to the PC, install ADB Tools and run the command:

adb devices

(Your device should appear).

To uninstall an app, first find its batch ID (package name). To do this, enter:

adb shell pm list packages | grep'application_name'

For example, for Mi Browser this com.android.browser. Then run:

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

This command will remove the application only for the current user (without affecting system files). To get it back, use:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.browser

5. Manual removal of residual files (with root)

If you have superuser rights (root)you can manually clear all traces of the application, including:

• 📁 Data folder in /data/data/[package_name]
• 🗃️ Cache in /data/dalvik-cache
• 📄 Residual files in /sdcard/Android/data/[package_name]

To do this:

1. Install a file manager with support root (for example, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /data/app and find the APK file of the application (the name is the same as package name).
3. Delete the data folder in /data/data.
4. Clear the cache in /data/dalvik-cache (files named data@app@[package_name]...).

Example: to completely delete Facebook (com.facebook.katana) you need to:

• Delete /data/app/com.facebook.katana-1.apk
• Erase folder /data/data/com.facebook.katana
• Clear /data/dalvik-cache/data@app@com.facebook.katana@...

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect deletion of files in /system or /data can lead to bootloop (download loop). Always make a backup copy (nandroid backup) before manual manipulation.

6. Alternative methods: debloater and custom firmware

If you need to remove system applications en masse (debloating), consider specialized tools:

• 🛠️ Universal Android Debloater (GUI) —a utility for PC, works via ADB, allows you to selectively remove system applications applications without root.
• 📱 App Inspector (from Google Play) - helps to find package name for ADB commands.
• 🔄 Custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience) - completely replace MIUI, deleting all built-in applications Xiaomi.

For use Universal Android Debloater:

1. Download the app from GitHub.
2. Connect your phone via USB with debugging enabled.
3. Select applications to remove (green - safe to remove, red - not recommended).
4. Click Uninstall selected.

Warning: some firmware (for example MIUI Global) may block the debloater. In this case, unlocking the bootloader will help (bootloader).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about deleting applications on Xiaomi

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

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.gamecenter.sdk.service
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.glgm

adb shell cmd package install-existing [package_name]