What to do if the applications on Xiaomi do not work: from simple methods to deep diagnostics

Faced with your Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO having stopped running apps? They can fly out immediately after opening, hang on the logo, show an "App Stopped" error, or simply not respond to clicks. This problem is familiar to many users, and its causes range from banal cache failures to serious firmware errors. In this article, we will analyze all possible scenarios, from basic checks to complex system manipulations that will return your device to work.

It’s important to understand that if all apps don’t work at once (including system ones), this is one case. If problems only with individual programs (such as Google Play, WhatsApp or TikTok) are different. We will consider both options, and also give recommendations for specific models, such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5. Don’t rush to reset to factory settings – in 90% of cases, more gentle methods help!

Basic checks: Internet, memory and reboot

Before you dig deeper, make sure the problem isn't on the surface. Often apps fail for trivial reasons that are fixed in a minute.

Start by rebooting the device. Yes, it's trivial, but it works 30 percent of the time: long periods of time without a reboot cause background processes to freeze. Press the power button, select Reboot and wait 1-2 minutes. If the applications are running after that, the problem was a temporary MIUI failure.

Next, check:

• 🌐 Internet connection. Without a network, many applications (especially Google Play, YouTube, instant messengers) either fail to open or fail. Try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
• 📱 Free space on the device. When you fill up 90 times%+ The system is starting to "glutch." Check the settings. → Memory: If less than 2-3 GB is free, delete unnecessary files.
• 🔋 Battery charge: At levels below 5%, some applications are blocked MIUI So, you can save energy, plug in the charger and try again.

If the basics don't work, move on to the next step, but first answer the question:

2. Cleaning the cache and application data

Cache is a temporary file that speeds up programs, but over time, it accumulates, gets corrupted, or conflicts with updates, causing crashes, and cleaning up the cache is the first major step in diagnostics.

How to do this:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select a problem app (e.g. Google Play Store).
3. Press "Storage» → «Clear the cache».
4. If it doesn’t work, go back and select “Clear Data» (⚠️ This will delete all settings and files of the application, including logins!).

For mass cleaning (if many programs are glitched):

• 🧹 Use the built-in Settings utility → Memory. → Clean (clean button at the bottom of the screen).
• 🛠️ Install. SD Maid or CCleaner from Google Play for deep cleaning (power users only!).

After cleaning, restart the device. If the application still doesn't work, try reinstalling it:

1. Remove the program through Settings → Applications.
2. Download the latest version from Google Play or APKMirror (for Chinese firmware).

3.Problems with Google Play and Google Services

If the Google Play Store, Gmail, YouTube or other Google services are not working, the problem may lie in the failure of Google Play Services, the system component responsible for the operation of all Google applications, which is especially true for devices with MIUI based on Android without GMS (Chinese versions).

Solutions:

• 🔄 Update Google Play Services: Open Settings → Annexes → All apps. Find Google Play Services. → «Update" (if the button is active).
• 📥 Install. GMS manually (for Chinese firmware): Download Google Installer from the site MIUI Forum. Install. APK-file and follow the instructions.

Reset the settings of Google Play

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Google Play Store → Storage.
2. Click on “Clear Cache” and “Clear Data”.
3. Restart the device and log in again.

If the apps are still down after this manipulation, check the date and time on the device. Incorrect settings can block access to Google services:

1. Open Settings → Additional → Date and time.
2. Activate the options “Date Autodetermination” and “Time Zone Autodetermination”.

4. Conflicts with MIUI and optimization settings

MIUI is known for aggressive battery and memory optimization, which often strangles background processes. If applications close immediately after they fold or fail to send notifications, energy saving settings are to blame.

How to turn off optimization for a specific application:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select a problem app (such as Telegram).
3. Click on “Energy consumption” → select “No restrictions”.
4. Return and activate the Auto Start option (if any).

For deep customization (for experienced users only):

• 🔧 Open the Settings. → Special facilities → Developer Settings (if no item, click 7 times on "Version" MIUI» In Settings → The phone).
• Find options: Don't limit background processes → turn on. Background Limitation → select Standard Limitation. MIUI Optimization → Disable (may result in increased battery consumption!).

If the applications are working after the changes, but the battery is going down faster, reset some of the limitations. The balance between performance and energy saving is individually selected.

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Create a whitelist of apps that shouldn’t be optimized: messengers, navigators, and notification programs, and turn off Battery Optimization in each app’s settings.

5. Resetting and flashing

If none of the previous methods worked, it's time for radical measures: Start by resetting the settings, it will return the device to factory status, but save files in memory (photos, videos, documents).

How to reset:

1. Back up important data (contacts, SMS, application settings) through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Select Reset All Settings (not to be confused with Delete All Data!).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

If the reset doesn't work, you have to flash it back, and it's an extreme measure that requires caution.

WARNING: Firmware through Fastboot or custom ROM installation requires unlocking the bootloader, which resets the device to factory status and erases all data without recovery! Before you start, check if your model is supported by official tools on the Xiaomi website.

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If you're not sure about your skills, go to a service center. The wrong firmware can turn your smartphone into a brick that won't turn on even after you reset.

6.Problems with specific Xiaomi models

Some Xiaomi devices have unique hardware or firmware bugs, and the most common ones are:

For Xiaomi 12/13 series and Redmi Note 11/12:

• 📱 Problems with the graphic driver: applications with 3D-The solution is to update the firmware to the latest version or roll back the driver through Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔋 Overheating and trottling: when loaded, the processor reduces the frequency, which leads to lags. AIDA64 — above 60°C, clean the device of dust or replace the heat paste (at the service center).

For POCO F4/F5 and Black Shark:

For older models (Redmi 4/5, Mi A1/A2):

• 🐢 Lack of RAM: Close background apps manually or install Lite versions of programs (e.g. Facebook Lite).
• 🗃️ Faulty File System: Check with Recovery (Repair/Fix).

If your model is not specified, check out MIUI or XDA Developers forums, which often discuss specific bugs.

7. Viruses, malware and blockages

If the applications began to “glue” after installing unknown APK-files or visits to dubious sites, malware may be to blame. MIUI It has an antivirus built in, but it is not always effective.

Signs of infection:

• 🚨 Apps open, but close immediately.
• 📴 Advertising in unexpected places (even in settings!).
• 🔄 The device itself reboots or warms up without loading.

How to check and clean:

1. Install Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light from Google Play and perform a scan.
2. Check the list of installed apps in Settings → Apps – remove suspicious ones (especially with names like “System Update”, “Flash Player” or Cyrillic).
3. Open Settings → Security → Scan and run the check with the built-in antivirus.

If viruses are detected but not removed:

1. Go to Safe Mode (press the power button → “Safe Mode”).
2. Remove the malware manually.
3. Reset the device.

Warning: Some viruses block access to settings or antiviruses, in which case only factory resets or flashing will help.

8. Contact the service centre

If you've tried all the methods, but the applications still don't work, the problem could be hardware.

• 💾 Damaged memory (eMMC/UF): If the device overheated or fell frequently, the memory chip could fail, signs of accidental reboots, errors in file writing.
• 🔌 Faulty module Wi-Fi/Bluetooth: Network-dependent applications (such as Google Play) won’t work without a connection.
• 🔋 Worn-out battery: at critically low voltage, the system disables "extra" functions, including running applications.

How to check for hardware problems:

1. Connect the device to your computer and see if it's defined as a drive, and if it's not, there's a memory problem.
2. Run the test using ##4636## (enter in dial) → Test. Check Battery and Network.
3. Install AIDA64 and look at the temperature, battery voltage and sensor condition.

If you suspect a hardware malfunction:

• 📋 Save all data (if the device is still switched on).
• 🔧 Contact an official Xiaomi service center or an authorized workshop.Do not trust repairs to untested craftsmen - the risk of getting a brick after unqualified intervention is very high!

The cost of diagnostics in official Xiaomi services is usually free, and repair warranty (if it is valid) will cost 0 rubles.

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If your device is warranty, DO NOT try to disassemble it yourself or sew it – this will void the warranty obligations!

FAQ: Frequent questions