App Vault on Xiaomi: what is this app, can it be removed and how to do it safely

If you own a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone, you’ve probably noticed a strange widget called App Vault (or App Store in Russian localization) on the home screen, which appears after the MIUI update and often raises questions: what is it, why is it needed and why it takes up space on the desktop?

In this article, we will discuss in detail what App Vault is, what functions it performs, whether it can be removed without consequences for the system, and if so, how to do it correctly. We will also look at alternative ways to disable, hide and optimize the operation of this component so that it does not interfere with the use of the smartphone. MIUI (12 to 14) and device models – from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 13.

What is App Vault on Xiaomi and Why You Need It

App Vault (Russian version – “App Store”) is a system application from Xiaomi, which has been integrated into the MIUI shell since version 10. It is essentially a widget container that combines quick access to frequently used functions, utilities and mini-programs. Its main task is to simplify the user’s interaction with the device, providing in one place:

• 📱 Quick shortcuts for frequently used applications (camera, flashlight, scanner) QR-codes, etc.).
• 📊 Weather, calendar, notes and other system utilities.
• 🎮 Gaming accelerators (for models with Game Turbo support).
• 🔄 App recommendations based on your activity (similar to Discover in other shells).
• 📱 Managing Xiaomi Smart Devices (if they are connected to one account).

The app Vault was supposed to be an analogue of Google Discover, but with a focus on Xiaomi’s own services. However, in practice, many users see it as a useless duplication of features, especially if they do not use the brand ecosystem (smart watches, lamps, speakers, etc.), and the widget can not be moved to a folder or removed in a standard way – this is annoying.

It’s important to understand that App Vault is not just an application, but a system component of MIUI, closely related to the launcher (the program responsible for displaying the desktop), which is why it can not be removed as a regular program. However, this does not mean that nothing can be done with it – we will tell you how to disable, hide or deactivate it.

Can App Vault be removed without system consequences?

The short answer is: technically possible, but not recommended, because App Vault is built into MIUI firmware and is linked to other system processes, and forced removal of it can lead to:

• ⚠️ Failures in the launcher (disappearance of labels, errors when swiping left / right).
• ⚠️ Loss of functionality of some widgets (weather, calendar, notes).
• ⚠️ Errors in updating MIUI (The system may attempt to recover deleted files).
• ⚠️ Problems with Xiaomi smart devices (if they are tied to an account).

However, if you are determined to get rid of App Vault, there are several ways to do so with minimal risk, the main rule is to back up your data before any manipulation of system files (e.g., via Settings → About Phone → Backup).

⚠️ Note: Removing system applications may violate Xiaomi’s warranty.If your smartphone is still warranty, it is better to use the methods of disabling or hiding described below.

How to disable App Vault without removing (3 working methods)

If you don’t want to risk system stability but want to get rid of the annoying widget, use one of the safe ways to disable.They do not require Root rights or special knowledge and are suitable for most Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO models on MIUI 12/13/14.

Method 1: Disconnecting through application settings

This method works on most devices and does not require additional tools:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search box, type App Vault (or “App Storage”).
3. Click on the app you find and select Disable (or Remove Updates if the Disable button is inactive).
4. Confirm the action. The widget will disappear from the desktop, but the files will remain in the system.

If the Disable button is inactive, try first removing the app updates (if any) and then try again.

Method 2: Hiding through launcher settings

In some versions of MIUI (e.g. 13 and 14), you can simply hide the widget without turning it off completely.

1. Press the empty space on the desktop with your finger and select Screen Settings (or Launcher Settings).
2. Go to the Widgets or Additional Settings section.
3. Find the option to Show App Vault (or similar) and turn it off.
4. Restart the device if the changes do not apply immediately.

Method 3: Use of an alternative launcher

If the first two methods didn’t work, you can simply replace the standard MIUI launcher with a third-party one (like Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or Microsoft Launcher).

For this:

1. Install any launcher from Google Play.
2. When you first start, select it as the default launcher.
3. Customize the desktop to your needs – the App Vault widget will disappear automatically.

The downside of this method is that some MIUI functions (such as gestures or themes) may not work properly, but it is the most secure method that does not affect system files.

💡

Disabling App Vault through settings or replacing the launcher is the safest way to do not require Root rights and does not violate the warranty.

How to remove App Vault via ADB (without Root)

If the shutdown didn’t work and you’re willing to take risks, you can uninstall App Vault via the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices. This method doesn’t require Root rights, but it requires a computer and a little preparation.

We warn you that removing system applications via ADB can lead to unstable MIUI operation. If you are not sure about your actions, you should use the methods of disabling from the previous section.

Step 1: Preparation

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 📱 USB-smartphone-wire.
• 🔧 Installed drivers ADB and Fastboot (can be downloaded through the SDK Platform Tools by Google).
• 🔒 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Step 2: Connection and verification

Connect your smartphone to your computer and execute the following commands in the terminal (command line):

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, enter:

adb shell

Step 3: Delete App Vault

Enter the command to delete (depending on the version of MIUI):

pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.miservice

Or (for new versions):

pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution

If the command is done without errors, restart the smartphone. the App Vault widget should disappear. [DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR], So the application is protected from removal on your firmware.

⚠️ Attention: After removal through ADB Some system updates can restore App Vault. To avoid this, disable automatic app updates on Google Play or use tools like Package Disabler (requires Root).

Remove App Vault with Root Rights (for power users)

If your smartphone has Root access, you can delete App Vault completely, including all associated files, this method gives maximum purity, but also maximum risks - improper actions can lead to a "brick" (inoperability) of the device.

The work will require:

• 📱 Smartphone with unlocked bootloader and installed Magisk or SuperSU.
• 🛠️ Root-access file manager (e.g., Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
• 🔧 Backup copy of firmware (in case of restoration).

Instructions for removal

1. Open the Root Manager and go to /system/priv-app/.
2. Find folders with names: MiService SystemAdSolution AppVault (if any)

.bak

/system/app/

Reboot your smartphone.

Once you reboot, the App Vault should be gone forever, but be prepared for some MIUI features (like weather widgets or a smart assistant) to stop working.

Frequent problems after removing App Vault and their solution

Even if you successfully removed or disabled App Vault, there may be side effects, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

If after manipulation with the App Vault, the smartphone began to work unstable (hangs, reboots, errors), try the following steps:

1. Clear the cache of system applications (Settings → Storage → Clear cache).
2. Reset the launcher settings (Settings → Applications → Launcher → Storage → Clear Data).
3. If nothing helps, reset to factory settings (Settings → About Phone → Reset settings).

For users of Xiaomi smart devices (such as Mi Band or Xiaomi Home), the official Mi Home app can be an alternative, where all the management functions are collected in one place.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about App Vault