How to update plugins on Xiaomi: all ways and solutions to problems

Plugins on Xiaomi devices are small modules that extend the functionality of standard applications (such as cameras, galleries or system utilities) and their regular updates ensure stable operation, bug fixes and access to new features. However, many users face problems: plugins do not update automatically, compatibility errors occur or the device simply “does not see” available updates.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to update plugins on Xiaomi smartphones and smart devices (including Redmi, POCO and Mi), as well as how to avoid typical errors. Particular attention will be paid to hidden MIUI plugins that are not displayed in the Play Market, but are critical to the system. If your phone suddenly started to slow down after the update or the plugin stopped running, here you will find a solution.

What are plugins on Xiaomi and why update them

Plugins (or system modules) in the Xiaomi ecosystem are divided into two types:

• 📱 Custom plugins – add-ons to applications (such as Mi Camera filters or Themes themes) are updated via the Play Market or App Store.
• ⚙️ System plug-ins MIUI — Hidden components that handle gestures, animations, security, and only update through Settings. → The phone. → Update the system or manually.

Why is it important to monitor their relevance?

• 🔒 Security: Outdated plugins may contain vulnerabilities (e.g., in the MiuiDaemon module, which is responsible for background processes).
• ⚡ Performance: New versions optimize battery consumption and RAM (relevant for Power Keeper or Security plugins).
• 🎯 New features: For example, an updated camera plugin can add support RAW or night mode for older models.

According to Xiaomi statistics, more than 30% of the problems with “departures” of applications are associated with outdated plugins, and 90% of users do not even suspect that these modules need to be updated separately from the main firmware.

Method 1: Update plugins through the Play Market

The easiest method is to use the Google Play Market, which is suitable for custom plugins (e.g. Mi Remote, Mi Home, Mi Fit).

1. Open the Play Market and click on the profile icon in the top right corner.
2. Select Application and Device Management.
3. Go to the Updates tab available.
4. Find plugins called Xiaomi (e.g. Xiaomi Community or Mi Video Plugins) in the list.
5. Click Update next to each or select Update All.

If Xiaomi plugins are not on the list, check out:

• 🔍 Hidden Updates: Some plugins (e.g. MiuiGallery) are updated along with the main application (Gallery).
• 🌍 Regional restrictions: Mi Pay or Mi Credit plugins may not be available in your country.

Check the Wi-Fi connection

Free up at least 500 MB of memory

Close background annexes

Shut down. VPN (It can block access to Xiaomi servers)-->

If the plugin stopped working after the update, try:

⚠️ Clear the application cache in Settings → Annexes → [Plugin name] → Memory. → Clear the cache. Do not delete data (Clear all data), otherwise the settings will reset!

Method 2: Update system plugins via MIUI

System plugins (e.g. MiuiSystemUIPlugin or MiuiSecurityCenter) are updated with the firmware or separately through the hidden MIUI menu.

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version line to activate the developer mode (if not already activated).
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Activate the USB Debugging option (optional, but will help with manual upgrades).
5. Now go to Settings → About Phone → System Update.
6. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Update Plugin Package (if the option is missing, then the plugins are updated automatically with firmware).

If the option to Update the plugin package is not available:

• 📦 Manual Installation: Download the latest version of the plugin from the official Xiaomi forum (e.g. en.miui.com) and install via Settings → Annexes → Install APK.
• 🔄 Cache reset: Go to Settings → Memory. → Clean and select Cash System Applications.

Critical information: Some plugins (e.g. MiuiSecurityCore) cannot be manually updated via the APK — This will result in the device being blocked due to integrity breach MIUI. It can only be updated through official OTA ora-flash.

Method 3: Manually Update via ADB (for power users)

If the plugin is not updated by standard methods, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is suitable for unlocked downloaders and requires a PC.

1. Download ADB Tools and unpack it on PC.
2. Connect your phone to your PC via USB and activate Debugging over USB (see previous section).
3. Open the command line in the adb.exe folder and type:

adb devices

(The name of your device should appear.)

adb shell pm list packages | grep "miui"

(This team will list all of Xiaomi’s system plugins.)

adb install [path to file.apk]

(Replace [path to file.apk] by path to downloaded plugin.)

⚠️ Attention, misuse ADB may lead to:

• 🚨 Boot failure (if the plugin is critical to the system).
• 🔒 Blocking your Mi Account (when you try to change security plugins).

💡

Before using ADB, back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This will save your data if something goes wrong.

Table: Popular Xiaomi plugins and how to update them

If your plugin is not in the table, check its name in Settings → Applications. For rare modules (such as MiuiScreenRecorder), you may need to completely flash through the Mi Flash Tool.

Solving problems when updating plugins

Users are most often faced with the following errors:

• 🚫 «Failed to update the plugin»:
• 🔄 «The plugin is updated indefinitely»:
• 📵 «The plugin is not displayed in the Play Market»:

If none of these methods worked, try resetting your network settings:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
2. Confirm the action and restart the device.
3. Repeat the update attempt.

💡

Before resetting the network, write down Wi-Fi passwords – they will be deleted!

How to roll back a plugin update if it causes problems

If the plugin starts to work incorrectly after the update (for example, MiuiCamera gives an error when shooting), you can return the previous version.

• 📥 Through APK:

Through application reset

1. Go to Settings → Applications → [Plugin name].
2. Click Clear all data (this will reset the plugin to factory settings).

⚠️ Important! rollback of system plugins (e.g. MiuiSystemUI) can lead to:

• 🖥️ Black screen when loading.
• 🔑 Loss of access to Mi Account (if the plugin is related to security).

You can also use it. ADB-team:

adb shell dumpsys package | grep "versionName"

(You will need root or unlocked bootloader rights.)