How to update the Gallery app on Xiaomi smartphones: all ways

The Gallery app on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a photo viewer, but a full-fledged tool for managing media files, editing pictures and even creating collages. However, many users are faced with the fact that the standard gallery stops updating through Google Play, works with errors or is not in the list of available updates. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to update, from official to alternative, and also explain how to avoid problems when installing new versions.

Feature MIUI This is because some system applications (including the Gallery) are not updated through the app store, but with the firmware, which means that even if you see a notification of a new version in the Play Market, a real update may require an update of the entire system. We will explain in detail how to check the current version of the app, where to look for fresh releases, and what to do if the update hangs during the download or installation phase.

It is important to consider that the procedure may differ depending on the smartphone model (e.g. Redmi Note 12 vs Xiaomi 13 Ultra) and regional firmware (global, Chinese, EEA). If you use custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, some methods may not work, as we’ll talk about in the relevant sections.

1. How to check the current version of the Gallery on Xiaomi

Before you update your app, you need to understand which version you have installed now, which will help you avoid re-installing the same build or conflicts with system files.

Open the Settings. → Annexes → App management. Type "Gallery" (or "Gallery" in English firmware) into the search box. Tap the app you find and scroll down to the Version block, and you'll see the current build number, like, for example, the version, 14.1.2.3-g 13.0.4.0.

• 📱 MIUI 14+: The version is displayed in format X.Y.Z.W, where X is the major-version of the firmware, Y is the application update.
• 🔍 Google Play: If the gallery is installed as a custom app (not a system app), the version may differ from the system version.
• ⚙️ Hidden settings: On some firmware, the version can be seen in Gallery Settings → About the programme.

If you have a Redmi or POCO firmware MIUI for POCO, The name of the app may sound like “Photos” or «POCO In this case, search for the keyword “photo” in the app manager. Also note the date of the last update – if it is older than 6 months, your version is definitely outdated.

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If the application manager does not have a button "Remove updates", then the Gallery is sewn into the firmware and updated only through the MIUI.

2.Official ways of updating the Gallery

The most reliable method is to use built-in tools. MIUI Or Google Play, let's look at both of these options in detail.

Updating through MIUI (system-application)

If your Gallery is a system application (which is typical of most Xiaomi smartphones), its update is tied to a firmware update.

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Update MIUI.
2. Click “Check Updates.” If a new firmware version is available, the description may mention an update to the Gallery (e.g., “New version of the Gallery App with an improved editor”).
3. Download and install the firmware. After the reboot, check the Gallery version, which should update automatically.

If the firmware update is not available, but you are sure that the new version of the Gallery has already been released (for example, according to information from the Xiaomi forums), you can try to force check the updates:

• 🔄 Click on the three dots in the top right corner of the update screen and select “Update Packages».
• 📡 Connect to another network (e.g. switch from Wi-Fi to mobile internet) as sometimes Xiaomi servers will issue different service packs depending on the region.

Update via Google Play (for custom versions)

On some models (especially global firmware), the Gallery can be installed as a regular Google Play app, in which case you can update it in a standard way:

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. In the search box, type “Xiaomi Gallery” or “Mi Gallery”.
3. If you find an app, click "Update." If you don't have a button, you have the latest version installed.

Note: If the search does not show the official Gallery from Xiaomi, it may mean:

• 🚫 The app is system-based and is not distributed through the Play Market.
• 🌍 Your region does not support this version (e.g. Google Play is blocked in China).
• 📱 You have a modified firmware installed, where the Gallery is replaced by a stock Android version.

Through MIUI|Through Google Play|Manually (APK)|Not updating.|Another way.-->

3. Manual update through APK-file

If the official methods did not work, you can install a new version of the Gallery manually, downloading the new version. APK-This is a method that is suitable for advanced users, because it requires permission to install from unknown sources and can lead to conflicts with the system.

3.1 Where to download the official APK Galleries

Never download. APK From dubious sites, this could lead to malware installation:

• 🔗 Xiaomi official website: Support section of your model (e.g, mi.com/support).
• 📦 APKMirror: A verified catalog APK Search for the Mi Gallery app from Xiaomi Inc.
• 🤖 Telegram channels: Official Xiaomi channels or themed chats (e.g. Xiaomi) EU).

Before downloading, be sure to check:

1. Package name APK (Must be com.miui.gallery).
2. Firmware version (e.g, APK for MIUI 14 may not work on MIUI 12).
3. Processor architecture (ARM64 for most modern smartphones).

Step-by-step installation instruction APK

After downloading. APK Follow the following steps:

Download APK source|Check the integrity of the file (size, hash)|Make a backup copy of the current Gallery|Allow installation from unknown sources-->

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Special rights → Install from unknown sources and allow installation for your file manager (e.g. Files by Google or Mi File Manager).
2. Open the downloaded one. APK-file through the file manager.
3. Confirm installation. If a system application replacement warning appears, select “Install on top” (this will save your data).
4. After installation, restart the smartphone.

If the Gallery does not open after installation or if it gives an error, try:

• 🧹 Clear the application cache in Settings → Annexes → gallery → Memory.
• 🔄 Install an older version APK (Maybe the new one is incompatible with your firmware).
• 📱 Reset the app settings to factory (Warning: This will remove all albums and settings!).

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Hand-mounted APK It may result in loss of functions related to MIUI (For example, cloud backup or integration with Mi Account).

4. Updating the Gallery on custom firmware

If you use an informal firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, ArrowOS, etc.), the standard Xiaomi Gallery may be missing or not working properly.

Installation of an alternative gallery

Many custom firmware replace Mi Gallery with stock Android gallery or Google Photos. If you are not satisfied with the functionality, you can install one of the alternatives:

If you want to return Mi Gallery, you will have to download manually. APK and install it on top of an existing gallery (as described in Section 3).However, note that on custom firmware, some features (such as integration with Mi Cloud) may not work.

Update via Magisk modules

For advanced users, there is a way to install Mi Gallery via Magisk, which is true if:

• 🔧 You use firmware without GApps (e.g. LineageOS without Google).
• 📦 Want to get the latest version of the Gallery without updating the entire firmware.
• 🛠️ Ready for possible bugs (e.g., app crashes).

Instructions:

1. Download the Magisk module from Mi Gallery (for example, from the forum) XDA Developers or 4PDA).
2. Install the module through Magisk Manager (Modules section).
3. Reset the device.
4. Check the Gallery’s appearance in the app menu.

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Before installing the Magisk module, make a backup of the current firmware through TWRP ornamental.

5. Solving problems when updating the Gallery

Even when following instructions, users often encounter errors, and let's look at the most common problems and their solutions.

Error "Application not installed"

This error occurs if:

• 📌 APK-The file is corrupted (check checksum) MD5).
• 📱 Version. APK Incompatible with your firmware (for example, you are trying to install it) APK for MIUI 14 on MIUI 12).
• 🔒 The device is enabled to block the installation from unknown sources.

Decisions:

1. Download. APK from another source.
2. Check the compatibility of the version (for example, on APKMirror, the description indicates supported architectures).
3. Disable the antivirus (sometimes it blocks the installation).

Gallery desaparece after update

If the app disappeared from the menu after the update, this could mean:

• 🗑️ It has been removed as a duplicate (for example, if you have installed it). APK system-application).
• 🔄 There was a conflict with the cache (often occurs when manually installed).
• 📱 The firmware reset the default settings.

To bring back the Gallery:

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Show all apps and find the Gallery in the list (it may be disabled).
2. If the application is missing, try reinstalling it. APK.
3. Reset the launcher settings (prolonged tap on the home screen) → «Launcher settings» → «Drop it»).

5.3. errors when opening photos

After the update, the Gallery may not show thumbnails or give an error "Can't download the media file."

• 🖼️ The thumbnail cache (.thumbnails folder in internal memory) is damaged).
• 📂 No right of access to the storage.
• 🔍 Conflict with other applications (e.g. Google Photos or fileymi managers).

Decisions:

1. Clear the cache and Gallery data in the application settings.
2. Check the access rights: Settings → Annexes → gallery → Rights. → Warehouse (should be “Allowed»).
3. Restart the device in Safe Mode (hold the switch off button). → «Reboot in Safe Mode") and check if the Gallery is working.If so, the problem is in a third-party app.

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If, after the update, the gallery stopped seeing photos on the SD-map, reconnect the map or format it in FAT32/exFAT.

6.How to roll back Gallery update

If the new version of the Gallery is worse than the old one (e.g., brakes or lacks features), you can return the previous build.

6.1. Recoil through the application settings

If the Gallery has been updated through Google Play:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Gallery.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select “Delete Updates”.
3. Confirm the action. The app will return to the factory version.

If there is no button “Remove Updates”, then the Gallery is a system, and rollback is possible only through the APK.

6.2 Installation of the old version APK

For the kickback:

1. Download the correct version APK (For example, with APKMirror in the Version History section»).
2. Remove the current Gallery (if possible) or install the old version on top of the new one.
3. Turn off automatic updates in Google Play (open the Gallery page) → three-point → «Turn off auto-update»).

Note: When you pull back, you may lose:

• 📂 Album and tag settings.
• 🔍 History of photo editing.
• 🌐 Sync data with Mi Cloud (unless uploaded to the cloud).

7. Alternative ways to manage photos on Xiaomi

If updating the Gallery is not possible or does not solve your problems, consider alternative options for working with media files.

7.1 Use of Google Photos

Google Photos is one of the best backup and photo organization solutions.

• 📸 Automatic upload to the cloud (15 GB free).
• 🔍 Powerful search for content (e.g., “Photos with a dog on the beach»).
• 🎨 Built-in editor with AI-tool.

How to set up:

1. Install Google Photos from the Play Market.
2. Open the app and log in to your Google account.
3. Enable backup: Click on the avatar → «Photo settings» → «Backup and synchronization».
4. Select the download quality (“High” or “Original”) and enable mobile download (if necessary).

Local galleries with extended functions

If you’re interested in privacy and don’t want to upload photos to the cloud, try these apps:

For maximum performance, turn off the standard Xiaomi Gallery:

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → gallery → Shut down.
2. Install an alternative gallery and assign it to the default application to open the photo.

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To hide the System Gallery from the menu, use a Hidden Application Launcher (like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair).

FAQ: Frequent questions about updating the Gallery on Xiaomi