Removing unnecessary applications from Xiaomi Redmi 6 is a task that seems simple only at first glance. Unlike modern smartphones, this 2018 model works on Android 8.1 Oreo with a shell MIUI 9/10, where many system utilities are protected from standard uninstallation. Even after clicking “Delete” in the application menu, it may remain in memory, taking up space and wasting battery power.

The problem is complicated by the fact that Redmi 6 has limited resources: only 2/3 GB RAM and 16/32 GB ROM in the basic versions. Each unnecessary application - especially pre-installed services Xiaomi like Mi Video, Mi Music or Cleaner - can slow down the system. In this article we will look at all possible removal methodsincluding those that do not require root access, and also explain why some apps cannot be removed without consequences.

It is important to consider that MIUI actively uses the mechanism of “disabling” applications instead of completely deleting them. This means that even after cleaning they can remain in the system in “sleep” mode. We'll show you how to check if a app is truly uninstalled and what to do if it continues to appear after a reboot.

1. Standard removal through Android settings

The most obvious way is to use the built-in tools MIUI. It is suitable for third-party applicationsinstalled by the user (for example, from Google Play), but is often blocked for system utilities.

To remove the app:

  • 📱 Open the menu Settings → Applications.
  • 🔍 Find the desired application in the list (you can use the search at the top of the screen).
  • 🗑️ Click “Delete” (if the button is active) or “Disable” (if deletion is blocked).
  • ⚠️ Confirm action in the window that appears.

If the “Delete” button is inactive or missing, then the application is protected by the system. In this case, you can try disable it - this will stop its operation and hide the icon from the menu, but will not free up disk space.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (for example, Google Play Services or Mi Account) are critical for the operation of the system. Disabling them may lead to malfunctions Google services or account Xiaomi.
📊 How often do you delete unnecessary applications from your smartphone?
Once a month
Only when the memory runs out
I never delete
I delete immediately after installation

2. Removal via Google Play (for installed applications)

If the application was installed from Google Play Market, it can be deleted directly through the store. This method is convenient because it allows you to manage apps remotely (for example, from a computer via the web version of the Play Market web version of Play Market).

Instructions:

  1. Open Google Play Market on your phone.
  2. Click on the profile icon in the upper right corner → Manage applications and device.
  3. Go to the tab Management → select the desired application.
  4. Click “Delete” and confirm action.

The advantage of this method is that Google Play automatically clears the cache and application data, whereas standard deletion through settings sometimes leaves “tails” in the memory.

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If the application is not deleted through the Play Market, check whether it is a system one. To do this, compare the installation date: system apps usually have a date that matches the date. date of the first setup of the phone.

3. Removing system applications without root (via ADB)

For experienced users who do not want to receive root access, there is a way to delete system applications via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). data-i="94">, which allows you to control your smartphone from a computer. Google, which allows you to control your smartphone from your computer.

What you will need:

  • 💻 Computer with drivers installed Xiaomi i ADB.
  • 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).
  • 📱 Enabled USB debugging on the phone (Settings → About phone → MIUI version → press 7 times to activate developer mode, then Settings → Advanced → For developers → USB debugging).

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Connect your phone to the computer and confirm trust in the device.
  2. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and run the command: 
    adb devices

    Make sure that your Redmi 6 is displayed in the list.

  3. Enter a command to get a list of all applications: 
    adb shell pm list packages
  4. Find the package name of the desired application in the list (for example, com.miui.videoplayer for Mi Video).
  5. Uninstall it with the command: 
    adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 package_name

    The flag --user 0 means that the application is removed only for the current user (does not require root).

After executing the command, the application will disappear from the menu, but its data may remain in memory for complete cleaning you will need manual deletion of folders via a file manager with. root access.

⚠️ Attention: Removing system applications via ADB may disrupt operation. MIUIFor example, deleting com.android.cts.ctsshim will lead to errors when checking the security of the device. Before deleting, check the purpose of the package on the Internet.

Install Xiaomi drivers on your PC|Enable USB debugging on your phone|Download and unpack ADB-tools|Connect your phone with the original cable|Check the device visibility using the adb devices command-->

4. Complete removal with root access

If you are willing to take the risk and get root access, this will open access to complete removal any applications, including system ones. Root can be obtained using utilities like Redmi 6 root can be obtained using utilities like Magisk or SuperSU, but the process requires unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom recovery (TWRP).

Advantages of root removal:

  • 🧹 Complete removal of application files, including cache and data.
  • 🔧 Ability to edit system files (for example, /system/app).
  • 📉 Freeing up maximum memory.

How to remove an application from root:

  1. Install a file manager with root support (for example, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
  2. Go to the folder /system/app or /system/priv-app (for protected applications).
  3. Find the folder with the name of the application to be deleted (for example, MiBrowser) and delete it.
  4. Reboot your phone.

An alternative way is to use applications like Titanium Backup or System App Removerthat allow you to remove system apps in a few clicks.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect removal of system files from root can lead to to "brick" (complete inoperability) of the phone. Always make a backup copy (nandroid backup) before making changes.
What to do if after deleting the application returned?

Some system applications MIUI are restored after a system update. To avoid this, you can:

1. Freeze the application through Titanium Backup (it will remain in memory, but will not work).

2. Delete it from the file /system/addon.d/70-gapps.sh (if it is registered there).

3. Disable automatic updating MIUI in the settings.

5. Removing through safe mode

If the application is not deleted using standard methods and causes failures (for example, viruses or “malware”), you can try to remove it in safe mode. In this mode, all third-party applications are disabled, which sometimes allows you to bypass blocking.

How to enter safe mode on Redmi 6:

  1. Hold down the power button until the shutdown menu appears.
  2. Press and hold “Power off” (or “Turn off power”) until you are prompted to enter safe mode.
  3. Confirm the transition.

In safe mode:

  • 🔍 Try to remove the problematic application through Settings → Applications.
  • 🛡️ If the removal was successful, restart the phone in normal mode.
  • 🔄 If the application is back, it is a system one, and to remove it you will need ADB or root.

Safe mode is also useful for diagnostics: if the phone works stably in it, the problem definitely lies in one of the installed applications.

6. Alternative methods: disabling and hiding

If deletion is impossible or risky, you can disable or hide application. This will not free up memory, but it will stop its operation and remove the icon from the menu.

Disablement methods:

Method Action Restrictions
Through settings Open Settings → Applications, select the app → “Disable” Does not work for critical system applications
Via ADB Command adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 package_name Requires connection to a PC and USB debugging
Through the launcher Use launchers like Nova Launcher to hide icons The application continues to run in the background
Through MIUI Hidden Apps In MIUI there is a function for hiding applications (Settings → Applications → Hidden applications) Only for user apps

To completely hide system applications (for example, Mi Store or Mi Community), you can use modules Magisk like MIUI Hidden Appsthat block their launch at the system level.

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Disabling an application does not free up disk space, but stops its background activity. This is a safe way to get rid of annoying apps without the risk of damaging the system.

Comparison of removal methods: what to choose?

The choice of removal method depends on the type of application and your technical skills. Below is a comparative table with the pros and cons of each method.

Method Suitable for Required skills Risks
Standard deletion Custom applications No No
Google Play Applications installed from the Market No No
ADB System applications (without root) Knowledge of the command line MIUI malfunctions
Root-removal Any applications, including system ones Experience with custom firmware Risk of "brick"
Safe Mode Viruses, conflicting apps No No

On Redmi 6 the most secure and effective way to remove system applications without root is to use ADB. However, for a complete cleanup (including freeing up memory), you will still need root access.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about deleting applications on Redmi 6

Is it possible to remove Google Play Services without consequences?

No. Google Play Services is a critical component for the operation of most applications, including Google Play, Gmail and YouTube. Removing it will lead to disruptions in the operation of these services. The maximum that can be done is to disable automatic updating via Settings → Applications → Google Play Services → Notifications → Auto-update.

Why does the application appear again after deleting?

This is typical for system applications MIUI, which are restored after a system update. To prevent this, you can:

  1. Disable automatic updates MIUI in the settings.
  2. Use modules Magisk to block recovery (for example, MIUI Bloater Remover).
  3. Delete the application via ADB with a flag --user 0 (it will remain in the system, but will be hidden for the current user).
How to find out whether the application is a system application or not?

There are several signs:

  • 📅 The installation date coincides with the date of the first setup phone.
  • 🔒 The “Delete” button is inactive in the application menu.
  • 📦 The name of the package begins with com.miui., com.android. or com.xiaomi.

You can also use applications like App Inspectorthat show the status of the app (system/user).

What to do if there is not enough memory to delete?

If the system displays the "Insufficient memory" error, try:

  • 🧹 Clear the cache via Settings → Memory → Clear cache.
  • 🗑️ Delete temporary files using Files by Google or CCleaner.
  • 🔄 Move files (photos, videos) to an SD card or to the cloud.
  • 📱 Use ADB to delete - this method does not require additional space on the device.
Is it possible to return a deleted system application?

Yes, but the method depends on the deletion method:

  • If deleted via ADB without root: you can only return it by resetting the phone to factory settings or updating MIUI.
  • If deleted from root: restore from backup (nandroid backup) or reinstall the APK file manually.
  • If disabled: enable it back in Settings → Applications → Disabled.