How to Remove Bloatware and Pre-Installed Apps on Xiaomi HyperOS
Xiaomi phones come with many pre-installed apps — some useful, many not. Here's how to remove or disable them to free up space and RAM.
Uninstall vs. Disable: What's the Difference?
- Uninstall: Completely removes the app (frees storage). Available for most third-party pre-installed apps.
- Disable: Hides the app and stops it from running (doesn't free storage, but frees RAM and removes from app drawer). Used for system apps that can't be deleted.
Method 1: Long-Press on Home Screen
Long-press any app icon → tap "Uninstall" (trash icon). Quickest for apps on the home screen.
Method 2: Via Settings
Settings → Apps → Manage Apps → select the app → "Uninstall" or "Disable".
Common Xiaomi Bloatware Safe to Remove/Disable
| App | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Video / Mi Music | Uninstall/Disable | Use YouTube / Spotify instead |
| Mi Browser | Disable | Use Chrome or Firefox |
| GetApps | Disable | If you only use Play Store |
| Mi Ads / MSA | Disable | Reduces ad tracking |
| Themes | Disable (if unused) | Can keep if you use themes |
| Mi Mover | Keep | Useful for phone transfers |
| Scanner / OCR | Optional | Useful for some users |
| Mi Drop | Keep | Useful for file sharing |
Method 3: ADB (No Root, More Thorough)
For removing deeply embedded system apps that can't be disabled via Settings:
1. Enable USB Debugging (Developer Options)
2. Connect phone to PC with USB
3. Use ADB command: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.package.name
4. Find package names using the App Inspector app
This removes apps only for your user profile — safe and reversible by factory reset.
Caution: Don't disable core system apps (Phone, Contacts, Settings, Mi Account, Google Play Services) — this will break your phone.
