Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget ones smartphones, but its firmware MIUI is known for the abundance of pre-installed system applications. Many of them not only take up memory space, but also run in the background, consuming battery power. However, deleting such applications is fraught with risks: from errors in the system to complete inoperability of the device.

In this article we will examine three proven methods deleting system applications on Redmi 9 —from the safest (disabling) to radical (complete removal via ADB). We will pay special attention to how to do this without obtaining root accessso as not to void the warranty. You will also find out which applications can be deleted without consequences, and which ones absolutely cannot be touched.

We warn you right away: even if you follow the instructions, there is no 100% guarantee of stable operation of the system after removing system components. You perform all actions at your own peril and risk.

Why can't system applications simply be deleted as usual?

Unlike user apps, system applications are Android integrated into the firmware and have special privileges. They can:

  • 🔄 Be updated automatically via Google Play or MIUI Updater
  • 🛡️ Have administrator rights (for example, com.miui.analytics to collect statistics)
  • 🔗 Be linked to other services (for example, com.xiaomi.midrop to transfer files)

If you simply try to delete them through the standard menu Settings → Applications, the system will either block this option or return the application after a reboot. Moreover, some components (for example com.android.phone) are critical for the operation of the phone - their removal will lead to "bootloop" (loop reboot).

Another problem is MIUI updates. After installing a new firmware version, deleted system applications can be restored automatically. This even applies to the methods that we will describe below.

📊 How do you usually deal with unnecessary system applications?
Disable via settings
Delete via ADB
Use root
Do nothing

Method 1: Disabling system applications (the safest way)

If your goal is simply to free up memory and reduce background activity, start with disablerather than uninstalling. This method does not require ADBroot access or special knowledge. There is only one downside: the application will remain in memory, but will stop working and updating.

How to disable a system application on Redmi 9:

  1. Open Settings → Applications → Manage applications.
  2. Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show all processes (or Show system ones).
  3. Find the application you need (for example, Mi Browser or Mi Music).
  4. Press Disable (if the button is inactive, the application is protected from being disabled).

Some applications (for example, com.miui.cleanmasterafter disconnection can be activated again when update MIUI. In this case, the procedure will have to be repeated.

Make a backup copy of important data

Check the MIUI version (Settings → About phone)

Write down the names of the disabled packages (in case of restoration)

Do not disable applications with the Android icon (critical services)-->

Method 2: Uninstall via ADB (without root, but with risk)

A more radical method is uninstall via Android Debug Bridge (ADB)It does not require root access, but gives access to system commands. Advantage: the application is completely removed, freeing up space. Disadvantage: if you are careless, you can disrupt the operation. MIUI.

What you will need:

  • 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
  • 🔌 USB cable (preferably original)
  • 📱 Included USB debugging on Redmi 9

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Activate USB debugging:
    • Go to Settings → About phone.
    • Tap 7 times by MIUI Versionto enable Developer Mode.
    • Return to Settings → Advanced → For Developers.
    • Enable USB debugging and confirm the permission.
  • Install ADB on your computer:
    • Download Platform Tools from Google.
    • Extract the archive to any folder (for example, C:\adb).
    • Connect Redmi 9 to your computer and select the mode File transfer.
    • Check the connection: 
      adb devices

      The serial number of your device should appear in response.

    • Uninstall an unnecessary application: 
      adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 package name

      For example, to uninstall Mi Browser:

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

    Important: the command uninstall -k uninstalls the application only for the current user (without affecting system files). This reduces the risk of damage to MIUI, but does not guarantee 100% security.

    List of safe ones to remove. packages on Redmi 9

    • com.miui.analytics — Xiaomi statistics collection
    • com.xiaomi.midrop — Mi Drop (file transfer)
    • com.miui.videoplayer — standard video player
    • com.miui.player — music player
    • com.android.browser — Mi Browser
    • com.miui.notes — Notes (if not you are using)

    ⚠️ Do not delete packages with the names: com.android., com.qualcomm., com.miui.home —these are critical services!

    ⚠️ Attention: After updating MIUI deleted applications may be restored. To avoid this, create a backup copy via adb backup or disable automatic updating of system components in Settings → About phone → System update.

    Method 3: Using MIUI Hidden Settings (ADB alternative)

    If working with ADB seems difficult, you can use the hidden menu MIUI Hidden SettingsThis method is suitable for removing some system applications without connecting to a computer.

    Instructions:

    1. Download the application MIUI Hidden Settings (required Android 9+).
    2. Open it and grant rights Manage all files (if prompted).
    3. Go to the section App Manager.
    4. Find an unnecessary system application and tap Uninstall.

    Method limitations:

    • ❌ Not all system applications are available for removal.
    • ❌ After a reboot, some components may be restored.
    • ❌ Required MIUI 12+ (on older versions it may not work).

    If the application is not removed after MIUI Hidden Settings, first try disabling it in the standard settings (see Method 1), and then try again.

    💡

    Before deleting the system application, check its name in APKMirror. If it is publicly available, you can always reinstall it manually.

    Which system applications can be removed and which cannot

    Not all pre-installed applications are equally useful (or harmful). Below is a table divided into safe, conditionally safe and critical for work Redmi 9.

    Category Package name What will happen when you delete Recommendation
    Safe com.miui.analytics Anonymous statistics will no longer be sent to Xiaomi Can be deleted
    Safe com.xiaomi.midrop Transferring files via Wi-Fi (Mi Drop) will not work Can be deleted if you don’t use
    Conditionally safe com.miui.gallery The standard gallery will disappear (can be replaced with Google Photos) Delete only if there is an alternative
    Dangerous com.android.phone Telephone connection failure, network loss Never delete
    Dangerous com.miui.home The launcher (desktop) will disappear Never delete

    If you are not sure of the purpose of the package, use the service APK Decompilerto analyze its contents. An alternative is to search by package name in Google with the request site:xda-developers.com (developer forum).

    ⚠️ Attention: On some versions MIUI for Redmi 9 (for example, MIUI 13 Global) deleting packages com.google. (for example, com.google.android.gms) may lead to account synchronization errors Google. If you use services Google (Gmail, Play Market), do not touch these components.

    What to do if, after removing the system application, the phone stopped working

    If after manipulating system packages Redmi 9 started to glitch, won’t turn on or stuck on the logo MIUI, try the following steps:

    • 🔄 Reset settings via Recovery:
      1. Turn off the phone.
      2. Hold Power + Volume Up until the logo appears Mi.
      3. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (all user data will be erased!).
    • 📥 Reinstall the deleted application manually:
      1. Download APK the desired package from APKMirror.
      2. Install via adb install file_name.apk.
  • 🔧 Restore firmware via Fastboot (last option):
    1. Download the official firmware for Redmi 9 from Xiaomi website.
    2. Flash via Mi Flash Tool in mode Fastboot.

    • If the phone does not respond at all (black screen, no vibration), it may be damaged boot partition. In this case, only flashing via EDL mode will help (requires an authorized account Xiaomi and cable EDL).

    💡

    Before any manipulations with system files, create backup via adb backup or TWRP (if installed). This is the only way to quickly restore the phone's functionality.

    Alternatives to deletion: how to reduce the impact of system applications

    If the risks of deleting system packages scare you, consider safer methods. optimization Redmi 9:

    • 🚫 Freezing via ADB (instead of deleting): 
      adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 package name

      The application will stop working, but will remain in the system To unfreeze:

      adb shell pm enable packagename
    • 🔒 Limit background activity:
      1. Go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications.
      2. Select a system application → Battery → Limit background activity.
  • 📵 Disable autorun:
    1. In the same application settings, select Autorun.
    2. Disable permission to automatic launch.

    Another effective way is installing an alternative one. launcher (for example, Nova Launcher or Lawnchair). This will allow you to hide the icons of unnecessary system applications without physically deleting them.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about deleting system applications on Redmi 9

    Is it possible to remove Google Play Services without consequences?

    No. The package com.google.android.gms is critical for the operation of most applications, including Google Play, Gmail i YouTube. Removing it will lead to massive synchronization errors. If you want to get rid of services Google, consider the firmware MIUI without GApps (for example, MIUI EU).

    Why does it come back after deleting an application via ADB?

    This happens due to the mechanism protection MIUIwhich restores system packages when updating or rebooting. To prevent the return:

    • Disable automatic updating of system applications in Settings → About phone → System update.
    • Use command adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 instead of completely uninstalling.

    How to find out which system application is responsible for what?

    There are several ways:

    1. Use the application App Inspector —it shows the purpose of the packages.
    2. Look for the name of the package on the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA.
    3. Check the application permissions in Settings → Applications → Permissions.

    Is it possible to remove MIUI completely and install a clean one Android?

    Technically yes, but this will require:

    • Unlock bootloader (officially via Mi Unlock Tool).
    • Install custom recovery (TWRP).
    • Flash Custom ROM (for example LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

      • ⚠️ This will void the warranty and may lead to unstable operation of the camera/communication module (due to lack of drivers Xiaomi).

    How to return a deleted system application if there is no backup?

    Recovery options:

    1. Download APK from the same package name (for example, on APKMirror) and install via adb install.
    2. Update MIUI via Settings → System update (the system will restore the missing packages).
    3. Reset the phone to factory settings (will delete all data!).