Booking on Xiaomi: what kind of program it is, where it came from and how to work with it

Have you opened a list of installed apps on your Xiaomi and discovered an unfamiliar program called Booking? Or noticed that it appeared after the system update? Don't panic — it's not a virus or spyware. But it's also a useful tool, if you're not a traveler.

In this article, we will explore what Booking on Android is in the context of Xiaomi smartphones, why it is installed without your knowledge, how to use it (if it comes in handy), and how to completely remove it from the device, including residual files, and find out whether this application is connected to the official booking service Booking.com or it is a fake from Chinese developers.

Spoiler: 90% of the time, you don't need this app, but there are nuances to be aware of before you delete it, and then you'll have a detailed breakdown of the instructions, warnings, and answers to frequent questions.

What is Booking on Xiaomi: Official App or Bloatware?

Booking on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones is a pre-installed hotel and accommodation booking service that is part of a partnership between Xiaomi and Booking Holdings Inc. (Booking.com owner), but there are a few key points:

• 🔹 Not to be confused with the official Booking.com. The Xiaomi app is a simplified version with limited functionality, adapted to the Chinese and global markets. It doesn't have all the features of a full-fledged Booking.com.
• 🔹 It's not a virus, it's not a system software, and it's a bloatware, which is a pre-installed application that the manufacturer adds to monetize (through affiliate programs).
• 🔹 Automatic installation. MIUI (Especially on Chinese versions, the application can appear after the system update without asking permission.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi doesn’t hide the presence of this app — it’s listed in the preinstalled software license agreement — but most users don’t read these agreements, so Booking’s arrival comes as a surprise.

Where does Booking come from on Xiaomi smartphones?

There are three main scenarios in which this app appears on your device:

1. Starting with MIUI 12 (and especially MIUI 13/14), Xiaomi has been actively integrating partner services, and if you bought a smartphone with global or Chinese firmware, Booking could be installed out of the box.
2. Update: When you upgrade to a new version of MIUI (e.g., from 13 to 14), some applications, including Booking, can be added automatically through Package Installer.
3. Regional features: On devices for the Chinese market (China ROM) or some Asian regions, the app is installed more often due to partnerships with local services.

Check where exactly the application came from, you can through the settings:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Booking in the list and tap it.
3. Check the Warehouse section – if the installation date matches the date of the last MIUI update, it means it came with firmware.

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If you buy Xiaomi with your hands, always check the list of installed applications in Settings → Apps. Sellers sometimes reset the device not to factory settings, but through Fastboot, leaving unnecessary software.

Is the Booking app on Xiaomi secure?

From a security perspective, Booking is not malware, but there are a few nuances worth knowing about:

The main problem is not security, but intrusiveness: the app can send notifications about “burning tours” or “hotel discounts” even if you do not use it, and it takes up space in memory and can slow down the system if it runs in the background.

⚠️ Note: If you notice that Booking requests access to SMS, Calls or Administrator Rights, this is a cause for concern. The official version does not. In this case, check the device for viruses through Malwarebytes or Dr.Web.

How to use Booking on Xiaomi: a brief instruction

If you do decide to try out this app (for example, for hotel reservations), here are the basic steps:

• 🏨 Location search: Enter a city or hotel in the search bar. the app will show options with prices and ratings.
• 📅 Booking: Choose dates, number of guests and pay through integrated payment systems (including Mi Pay).
• 💳 Payment: Cards are supported Visa/Mastercard, Local systems like Alipay (on Chinese firmware).
• 📧 Booking management: In My Bookings section, you can cancel your order or download the voucher.

However, there are a few limitations compared to full-fledged Booking.com:

• Fewer filters (for example, no sorting by type of power supply or pool availability).
• Prices may differ from the official website (sometimes in a big way).
• There is no support for some languages (for example, Ukrainian or Belarusian).

How to completely remove Booking from Xiaomi (including residual files)

If you don't plan on using this app, you can delete it, but there are nuances depending on the status of the app:

Method 1: Normal removal (if permitted by the system)

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Booking and tap it.
3. Click Remove (if the button is active).

Method 2: Disconnect (if deletion is blocked)

If the Remove button is inactive:

1. In the same menu, click Disable.
2. Confirm the action. The app will disappear from the menu, but it will remain in the system.

Method 3: Remove via ADB (for power users)

If the application is system and is not removed by standard methods, you can use Android Debug Bridge:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.booking

Where com.booking is the batch name of the application (check it through App Inspector or adb shell pm list packages | grep booking).

⚠️ Note: Removing system applications through ADB It can lead to unstable work. MIUI. Before the procedure, make a backup copy through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Booking Alternatives on Xiaomi: Which Apps Are Better?

If you need to book hotels or tickets but the standard Booking app doesn’t suit you, consider these alternatives:

If you travel frequently, we recommend that you install the official Booking.com app from Google Play, which is more stable and functional than the pre-installed version. To save space, you can use the Lite version (for example, Booking.com Lite).

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Pre-installed Booking app on Xiaomi is inferior to the official Booking.com in functionality and relevance of prices. If you need a full-fledged booking service, it is better to install the original version.

Frequent Booking Problems on Xiaomi and Their Solutions

Users often face the following problems:

• 🔄 The application itself installs after the update Solution: Disable the automatic installation of applications in Settings → Annexes → Special rights → Install unknown applications. You can also block installation via Google Play (if the application is from there).
• 📵 Permanent Discount Notifications Solution: Go to Settings → Notifications → Booking and disable all alerts, or delete the app altogether.
• 💰 Prices higher than on the official website Solution: Always check the prices on Booking.com through the browser.
• 🔒 Not removed by standard methods Solution: Use ADB (instructions above or get root rights to remove completely.

If the application reappears after removal, it may mean that it is integrated into the firmware as a system, in which case only reflashing to the custom version of MIUI (for example, xiaomi.eu) or rolling back to an earlier official firmware will help.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about Booking on Xiaomi