Smartphone owners Xiaomi Redmi often face a problem: some pre-installed applications (bloatware) cannot be removed using standard methods. Even after clicking “Uninstall,” the system only offers “Disable” or “Remove updates.” This not only takes up precious memory space, but also consumes battery power, as background processes continue to run.

The reasons for this “unremovability” lie in the policy MIUI of Xiaomi’s proprietary shell. The manufacturer blocks the uninstallation of system applications to ensure stability of the OS and preserve partner services (for example Mi Browser, Mi Video, GetApps). However, there are legal ways to get rid of unnecessary software - from simple (disabling) to advanced (deleted via ADB).

In this article we will examine 7 working methods, including hidden settings MIUI, commands for developers and alternative solutions without obtaining root access. Important: some methods require caution - incorrect actions can disrupt the operation of the system.

1. Disabling applications through Android settings

The safest way is not to delete, but disable unnecessary software. This will stop it from running in the background and hides the icon from the menu, but the files will remain in the device memory.

How to do it:

  1. Open Settings → Applications → Manage applications.
  2. Select the desired application (for example, Mi Music or Mi Pay).
  3. Click “Disable” (if the button is active).

⚠️ Attention: Disabling system services (for example, Mi Share or Security) may lead to crashes in the operation of the smartphone. Before taking action, check reviews about a specific application on the forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers).

📊 Which Xiaomi application would you like to remove first?
Mi Browser
GetApps
Mi Video
Mi Music
Other

2. Uninstalling system application updates

Many built-in apps (Google Play Music, YouTube, Mi Community) initially take up little space, but after automatic updates their “weight” increases significantly. You can return the application to the factory version like this:

Instructions:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications.
  2. Select an application with the “Remove updates” button (for example, Google Chrome).
  3. Confirm the action. The system will return the software to the original version.

✅ Advantage of the method: Frees up to 100–300 MB one application.

❌ Minus: The next time you connect to the Internet, the system may update the software again. To avoid this, disable auto-update in Google Play. → Settings → Auto-update applications.

💡

If the “Remove updates” button is inactive, try disabling the application first and then try again.

3. Using Developer Mode and ADB

For complete removal system applications without root access you will need ADB (Android Debug Bridge) - a tool for debugging via a computer. The method works on all smartphones. data-i="85">Go to Redmi (including Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 etc.), but requires caution.

Step by step instructions:

  1. Enable developer mode:
    • Go to Settings → About phone.
    • Click “MIUI Version” 7 times. A notification “You have become a developer” will appear.
  2. Activate USB debugging:
    • Go back to Settings → Advanced → For developers.
    • Enable “USB Debugging” and confirm resolution.
  • Connect your smartphone to the PC:
    • Install ADB drivers (or use Mi PC Suite).
    • Open the command line (cmd) in the folder c platform-tools.
    • Check the connection: 
      adb devices

      (The name of your device should appear.)

    • Delete the application: 
      adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.mi.browser.global

      (Replace com.mi.browser.global with the package of the desired application.)

      • 📌 List of packages of popular Xiaomi applications:

      ApplicationPackage name
      Mi Browsercom.android.browser or com.mi.browser.global
      GetAppscom.xiaomi.mipicks
      Mi Videocom.miui.videoplayer
      Mi Musiccom.miui.player
      Mi Paycom.mipay.wallet

      Install ADB drivers on PC|

      Enable developer mode on a smartphone|

      Activate USB debugging|

      Download a list of application packages (for example, from w3bsit3-dns.com)|

      Create a backup copy of data-->

      ⚠️ Attention: Removing system components (for example, com.miui.securitycenter) can lead to impossibility of loading the smartphone. Before experiments, read reviews about a specific package on specialized forums.

      4. Removal via TWRP (for advanced users)

      If you are ready for more radical measures, you can use custom recovery TWRP. This method requires unlocking the bootloader installation TWRPwhich voids the warranty and carries the risk of “bricking” the device.

      Brief instructions:

      1. Unlock bootloader via Xiaomi official tool (account required Mi and waiting 7-30 days).
      2. Install TWRP for your model Redmi (look for files on XDA Developers).
      3. Boot into recovery (Power + Volume up).
      4. Go to Advanced → File Manager and manually delete application folders in /system/app or /system/priv-app.

    ❗ Warning: Incorrectly deleting files in TWRP can make the smartphone inoperable. We recommend using this method only if you are confident in your actions or follow proven instructions for a specific model.

    What what to do if after deleting via TWRP the phone does not turn on?

    If the smartphone is stuck on the logo MI or went into bootloop, try:

    1. Reboot into TWRP and restore the backup (if you did).

    2. Flash the original firmware via Mi Flash Tool (instructions on 4PDA).

    3. Contact the service center (if the warranty is still valid, do not mention unlocking the bootloader).

    5. Hiding applications without deleting

    If only the icons in the menu bother you, and not the apps themselves, you can simply hide them. This will not free up memory, but will make the interface cleaner.

    Hide methods:

    • 📱 Through the launcher: Install an alternative launcher (for example, Nova Launcher or Lawnchair) and hide the icons in it settings.
    • 🔍 Through a folder: Create a folder on the desktop (for example, “Unnecessary”) and move all unnecessary shortcuts there.
    • 🛠️ Through MIUI settings: Some versions of the shell have a function for hiding applications — Settings → Desktop → Hide applications.

    💡 Tip: If you use Nova Launcher, you can not only hide icons, but also block their appearance after updates. To do this, in the launcher settings, select “Hidden applications” and check the boxes for unnecessary apps.

    6. Alternative methods: debloating without ADB

    If working with ADB seems complicated, there are simpler tools for removing firmware:

    Popular utilities:

    • 🛠️ Universal Android Debloater (GUI version): A app with a graphical interface for removing system applications via ADB. Suitable for beginners - just connect your phone and check the boxes for unnecessary packages.
    • 📱 App Inspector (for Android): Helps to find the names of application packages, which can then be removed via ADB.
    • 🔧 Debloater Tool (for PC): Analog Universal Android Debloater, but with advanced settings for experienced users.

    ⚠️ Attention: Even specialized utilities do not guarantee 100% security. Always back up your data before mass deleting packages. For reservation, you can use Mi Cloud or third-party tools like Swift Backup (requires root).

    💡

    Removing system applications without root is possible, but requires caution. Start by disabling or uninstalling updates, and only resort to ADB and TWRP if you are confident in your actions.

    7. What to do if nothing helps?

    If none of the methods worked, radical measures remain:

    • 🔄 Reset to factory settings: Return the smartphone to a “clean” state, but delete all user data. Make a backup copy first.
    • 📥 Flashing to custom firmware: Install LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other firmware without bloatware. Requires unlocking the bootloader.
    • 📞 Contacting service: Some service centers offer the service of “cleaning” the smartphone of unnecessary software (usually paid).

    🔹 Important: Before resetting or By flashing the firmware, check whether you will lose important data. For example, in MIUI backup via Settings → Advanced → Backup and reset does not always save the settings of some applications.

    📢 Community advice: On the forum 4PDA there are topics with ready-made lists of packages safe to remove for each model Redmi. Look for your model - they often post proven scripts for automatic debloating.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about deleting applications on Redmi

    Is it possible to delete Google Play Services or Google Play Market?

    No, these are critical system components. Removing them will lead to the inoperability of most applications and services Google. The maximum that can be done is to disable auto-update or limit background activity in the battery settings.

    After deleting via ADB, the application reappeared. Why?

    Probably, the system restored it after the update MIUI. To avoid this, disable automatic firmware update in Settings → About phone → System update → Settings (⚙️) → Auto-download updates.

    How to know which application is safe to delete?

    Before deleting, check the package for forums (4PDA, XDA) or in the database AppBrain. It is dangerous to delete everything related to:

    • Security (com.miui.securitycenter);
    • System services (com.android.systemui);
    • Updates (com.android.updater).

    Will it work Google Pay after deleting system applications?

    If you have deleted components associated with Mi Pay or services Google, Google Pay it may stop working. To restore the functionality, return the deleted packages using the ADB command: 

    adb shell cmd package install-existing com.google.android.gms

    Is it possible to recover deleted application?

    Yes, if you deleted it using ADB with the flag --user 0. The command will help you return the application: 

    adb shell cmd package install-existing package_name

    If the package was deleted completely (without --user 0), only flashing or resetting the settings will help.

    🔎 Additional information: Interface MIUI and the available settings may differ depending on the firmware version and regional assembly (Global, China, EEAIf your smartphone does not have the mentioned menu items, check the version MIUI v Settings → About phone.

    💡

    Before experimenting with system files, save the list of all installed packages with the command adb shell pm list packages. This will help restore software deleted by mistake.