Modern smartphones Xiaomi and Redmiworking on the shell MIUI or new HyperOSoffer users a huge number of pre-installed functions and apps. However, over time, the screen becomes overgrown with unnecessary shortcuts, which only interfere with navigation and take up precious space. Many users are faced with a situation where the usual long press on an icon does not lead to the expected result - the delete menu does not appear or the “Delete” button is blocked.
This happens due to system security features Android and the policy of the manufacturer, which integrates its services deeply into the system. Standard uninstallation methods may not work for system components, requiring more advanced approaches. In this article, we'll take a closer look at all the available ways to clean your desktop, from simple finger actions to using debug bridges.
Understanding the differences between regular apps and system processes is critically important. If you try to remove a critical system component without proper preparation, it may result in unstable operation of the device or even a cyclic reboot. Therefore, before starting any manipulations, it is necessary to clearly understand exactly what function the object being deleted performs.
Basic method of deleting via the desktop
The most obvious and common way to get rid of an unnecessary shortcut is to use the standard launcher interface. In most cases, on smartphones Xiaomi it is enough to simply hold down the application icon on the desktop. The system will recognize the action and offer options for further actions, including complete uninstallation.
However, the interface may behave differently depending on the version MIUI. In some cases, after pressing the icon, a basket or cross appears at the top of the screen into which you need to drag the object. In other versions of the shell, a context menu pops up where you need to select the “Delete” item. If you only see the “Remove from screen” option, then the application is systemic and requires a different approach.
It is important to note that the standard method only works with custom apps that you installed yourself via Google Play or GetApps. System utilities, such as Explorer, Calendar, or Security, are protected from accidental deletion and are not deleted through this interface.
If, when you drag an icon to the trash bin, it disappears, but then appears again, it means that this is a widget or shortcut to a system service that is automatically restored.
To successfully complete the operation, make sure that you are not in folder editing mode. Sometimes users try to uninstall an application while inside an open games or utilities folder, which can lead to confusion. Exiting to the main screen and repeating the procedure often solves the problem.
Removal through system settings
If visual removal from the desktop is not available, the operating system settings become the most reliable management tool. This method provides more detailed information about space occupied and access rights. To use this method, you need to go to the menu Settings and find the section Applications.
Inside this section, a complete list of all installed apps is displayed, including hidden system processes. Find the desired application in the list, click on it, and you will be taken to the control menu. Here, unlike the desktop, the “Uninstall” button is often available, even for some system components that can be safely disabled.
The settings interface also allows you to force stop the app before uninstalling. This is useful if the application is frozen or continues to run in the background, blocking its uninstallation. Pressing the button "Stop"** resets all active processes associated with this software.
⚠️ Attention: In the settings menu, some buttons may be gray (inactive). This means that the application has device administrator rights or is a critical component of the system Android, and it cannot be deleted using standard methods.
You can also clear the cache and application data in this section. Sometimes users confuse data clearing with deletion. Clearing data resets the app settings to factory settings, but the app itself remains on the device. To completely free up space, you need to use the deletion function.
Disabling system applications
Many pre-installed services Xiaomi, such as Mi Video, Mi Music or GetApps, cannot be removed in the classic way without losing the warranty or compromising the integrity of the system. However, they can be turned off completely. When disabled, the app stops launching, updating and consuming battery resources, effectively becoming invisible to the user.
The disabling process is similar to deleting it through the settings. Log in Settings → Applications → All applications, select the desired service. If the Remove button is grayed out, the Disable button next to it will be enabled. After confirming the action, the icon will disappear from the desktop, and the app will be marked as disabled in the list of applications.
Disabling system components is a safe alternative to uninstalling. You can always reactivate the service if you suddenly need it. For example, disabling the standard video player will not prevent you from watching videos in the browser or through a third-party player, but will free up RAM.
Disabling a system application is equivalent to deleting it for the average user: it does not consume the battery and is not visible in the interface.
You should be careful when disabling Google Play services or system (frameworks). Their deactivation can lead to the inoperability of the application store, maps and many third-party apps that depend on services Google.
Using ADB for advanced removal
For experienced users who want to completely clean their smartphone of adware and unnecessary services Xiaomi, there is a removal method via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method allows you to remove even those applications that are hidden from the user in the standard interface. To work you will need a computer, a USB cable and USB debugging enabled on your smartphone.
First you need to activate developer mode. To do this, go to Settings → About phone and quickly click on the build number seven times MIUI. After this, a new item “For Developers” will appear in the settings menu. Inside it you need to enable the option USB Debugging and possibly USB Debugging (Secure Settings).
Connect the phone to the computer, install ADB drivers and enter the command to remove the package. The command syntax is as follows:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 package_nameThe package name can be found through analyzer applications or in the list of applications in the settings (the package name is usually written at the bottom of the screen, for example, com.miui.videoplayer). This method does not require root access, but requires care, since deleting a system package may lead to errors.
List of Xiaomi safe packages to remove
com.miui.miservices (MIUI services), com.miui.videoplayer (video), com.duokan.phone.remotecontroller (remote), com.miui.notes (notes if not needed). Delete only if you are sure of the purpose!
⚠️ Attention: Using ADB commands carries risks. Removing a critical system component (for example
com.android.systemui) can turn the phone into a “brick” that requires flashing.
Solving problems with uninstallable applications
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the application is not uninstalled, not is disabled and even hides the delete button. This is often a sign of malware or a miner virus that disguises itself as a system process. In such cases, standard methods are powerless.
The first step should be to scan the device with the built-in antivirus Security or a third-party solution, for example Malwarebytes or Dr.Web. If a virus is detected, the antivirus will offer to neutralize the threat. If a malicious app hides its icon, you need to look for it in the list of running processes or in the “Special Features” section.
Viruses often require device administrator rights to protect themselves. To remove such an application, you must first take away these rights from it. Go to Settings → Passwords and security → Privacy → Accessibility (the path may differ in different versions MIUI) and find the suspicious process there, disabling it.
If this does not help, the only reliable way is a full reset to factory settings. Before doing this, be sure to save important data, as all contents of the internal memory will be destroyed.
Table: Comparison of uninstallation methods
To make it easier for you to choose the appropriate method, we have prepared a comparison table of uninstallation methods. It will help you quickly navigate depending on the type of application and your access rights.
| Method | Type of applications | Complexity | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desktop | Custom | Low | No |
| Phone settings | Custom and some system | Low | Minimum |
| Disablement | System services | Medium | Low |
| ADB Commands | Any (including hidden) | High | High |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to remove the standard Mi Browser?
Yes, it is possible. In new versions HyperOS i MIUI you can often simply remove it through the settings as a regular application. If this is not possible, use the ADB method with the command to remove the package com.android.browser or com.mi.global.browser.
What happens if you remove Google Play Services?
Removing or disabling this component will cause most applications to not work, including maps, navigation, banking applications and the Play Market store. Doing this is strictly not recommended for ordinary users.
How to find the package name for ADB?
The package name usually looks like com.manufacturer.name. You can find out by installing the “App Inspector” application or a similar one from the store, which displays technical information about each installed app.
Are applications deleted via ADB restored after an update?
Yes, when updating the firmware or resetting to factory settings, all system applications deleted via ADB will be restored to their original form. This is normal system behavior.
Why does the application appear again after deletion?
This is typical for some system widgets or services that have a self-healing mechanism. In this case, only complete disabling through the settings or using ADB to remove the parent package will help.