Xiaomi, a leading smartphone manufacturer, is renowned for its high-quality devices that offer excellent value for money. However, like many other smartphone brands, Xiaomi devices often come pre-installed with a range of apps that many users find unnecessary or intrusive. These pre-installed apps, commonly referred to as ‘bloatware’, can take up valuable storage space and even affect the device’s performance. If you’re looking to declutter your Xiaomi phone and optimize its performance, this guide will walk you through the steps to safely remove bloatware.
Understanding Bloatware
Bloatware refers to software or apps that are pre-installed on a device by manufacturers or carriers. While some of these apps can be useful, many are rarely used by the average user. They can consume storage, run in the background, drain battery life, and sometimes even push unwanted notifications.
Steps to Remove Bloatware from Xiaomi Phone
1. Using the MIUI Hidden Settings App:
- Download and open the MIUI Hidden Settings App.
- Tap on “Manage Applications”.
- Scroll to find the app you wish to remove or disable.
- Tap on the app and select “Uninstall” or “Disable”.
2. Manual Removal:
- Go to “Settings” on your Xiaomi device.
- Navigate to “Apps”.
- Find the bloatware app you wish to disable and tap on it.
- Tap on “Disable” and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Advanced Removal with ADB and Fastboot:
- This method requires technical know-how and is recommended for advanced users.
- Connect your Xiaomi device to a PC.
- Use ADB and Fastboot commands to uninstall system apps.
- Ensure you know the package name of the app you wish to remove.
- Use the command:
pm uninstall –k —user <name of the package>
.
Note: Before proceeding with this method, research the apps you wish to disable. Removing essential system apps can negatively impact the device’s functionality.
4. Removing Ads from Bloatware:
- Go to “Settings” on your Xiaomi phone.
- Navigate to “Official Settings” and select “Authorization & Revocation”.
- Revoke authorization for MIUI system ADS (MSA), which collects data for advertising.
Precautions When Removing Bloatware
- Research Before Removing: Before uninstalling any app, ensure it’s not critical to the system’s functionality.
- Backup: Always backup your data before making significant changes to your device.
- Avoid Rooting: While rooting provides more control over the device, it can void the warranty and expose the device to security risks.
Also read: Download & Install Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Faces on any Smartwatch
Conclusion
While Xiaomi phones offer a plethora of features and functionalities, bloatware can sometimes dampen the user experience. By following the steps outlined above, users can reclaim storage space, enhance performance, and enjoy a more streamlined user experience. Always proceed with caution and ensure you’re making informed decisions about which apps to remove.