Xiaomi’s Handbook App: Purpose, Functions and Hidden Opportunities

If you own a Xiaomi smartphone, you've probably noticed a mysterious app called the Manual or User Guide on the installed list, preinstalled on all devices with a shell. MIUI, But many users don't understand what it's for, especially when its icon suddenly appears on the desktop or in the notification bar. In fact, it’s an official tool from Xiaomi that can save you hours of searching for solutions to typical problems.

In this article, we will discuss in detail:

• 🔍 What is Xiaomi’s Handbook and How Did It Appear in Your Phone;
• 📚 What features this app hides (spoiler: there are more than you think);
• ⚙️ How to use the Reference Book to quickly find answers to questions MIUI;
• ❌ Can this application be removed and what will happen if it is done.

This information will be especially useful for newcomers who have just switched to Xiaomi from other brands (for example, Samsung or iPhone), there are many nuances that are not obvious at first glance.

What is the “Directory” in Xiaomi smartphones?

The Handbook app** (original name in English – Manual or User Guide) is the official interactive documentation from Xiaomi, integrated into the shell. MIUI. It contains detailed instructions on how to use your smartphone, descriptions of all the system's functions, and tips for configuring and troubleshooting. In fact, it's a replacement for the paper manuals that used to come in a phone box.

Unlike static ones. PDF-The directory in Xiaomi is updated with the firmware. This means that if you have updated MIUI before the new version, the information in the application will be relevant to your current system. MIUI 14 new control gestures have appeared, and they are immediately reflected in the Handbook - you do not have to search for their description on the Internet.

Where can I find this app?

• 📱 In the menu of all applications (icon with a book and icon Xiaomi).
• 🔎 Through System Search: Just type “Handbook” in the search bar.
• ⚙️ Sometimes it appears as widgets or notifications after major updates. MIUI.

⚠️ Note: Do not confuse the official "Directory"** with fake apps from third-party sources! this app has an icon with the Xiaomi logo and does not ask for unnecessary permissions (for example, access to the site). SMS geolocation).

Main functions of the annex “Directory”

At first glance, it may seem like a boring manual, but in fact it offers a lot more features. Here are the key features that every Xiaomi user will need:

One of the most useful things is contextual search, for example, if you don't know how to turn on Always On Display, just type "permanent screen" into the Reference bar and the system will show you the exact instructions from the path in the settings: → Always On Display.

In addition, in some versions MIUI (starting MIUI 12.5) The directory is capable:

• 🎥 Show video instructions for visual learning;
• 🔄 Automatically suggest solutions if the system detects problems (e.g. slow operation);
• 📌 Save frequently used instructions in "Favorites».

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If there is no answer to your question in the Directory, try updating the app via Google Play (if it is available there) or update the firmware. MIUI last-minute.

How to use the "Directory": step-by-step instructions

Even if you've never opened this app, it's easier to understand than you think, and here's a step-by-step algorithm that can help you quickly find the information you need.

1. Open the "Directory" app** (the icon with the book).
2. On the main screen you will see several tabs: 📚 Guide - General information about the phone; ⚙️ Settings - System configuration instructions; ❓ Help – Solving common problems; 📢 News - updates and announcements from Xiaomi.

Use the search bar at the top to quickly find the answer, such as entering “screenshot” or “game mode.”

If you need information on a specific feature (such as Dual Apps), go to Settings** and select the appropriate category.

Example: You want to know how to include a dark topic in your MIUI 14. Instead of Google, open the Directory, search for “dark theme” and follow the instructions: → Screen. → Dark subject.

In some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or POCO F5) The directory is integrated with the voice assistant Xiao AI. This means you can ask a question in a voice, such as, “How to turn on the question.” NFC?», — and the system will automatically open the corresponding section in the Directory.

The hidden possibilities of the “Directory”, about which few people know

Most users use the Handbook only to search for basic instructions, but it contains a few useful tips that will make it easier to interact with the phone:

• 🔍 System diagnostics: In the Help section** there is a tool to check the health of your smartphone (e.g., a sensor, speaker or camera test) which is useful if you suspect a malfunction but don't want to carry your phone to the service.
• 📡 Network information. You can see what frequencies are here. 4G/5G It supports your phone and which ones are currently active, and it's useful if you have a problem with mobile Internet.
• 🔄 Update logs. News section** stores the history of all updates MIUI, This will help you track down which update has caused a problem.
• 📌 Security tips: Here are recommendations for setting up screen lock, data encryption, and fraud protection (for example, how to recognize phishing phishing devices). SMS).

Another little-known function is the export of leadership to the PDF. If you need to print out an instruction or save it to your computer, you can do it directly from the app (in some versions). MIUI This option is available on the menu ⋮ → Exports).

There is also a section with codes in the directory. USSD to check balance, tariff and other parameters SIM-This is convenient if you do not remember your operator's commands (for example *100# for MTS or *111# for Beeline).

Can I remove the "Directory" and what happens if I do it?

Many users try to delete the Handbook as unnecessary system debris, which is technically possible, but not recommended for several reasons:

⚠️ Note: Removal of the Reference Book may lead to malfunctions MIUI, Especially if you use a feature like Xiao. AI Or Quick Ball, or Floating Quick Access Panel, where contextual prompts in settings stop working after removal.

What happens if you remove the app:

• ❌ Tips will disappear when you configure new features (for example, after an update) MIUI).
• ❌ No notifications will be displayed about new system features.
• ❌ The work of the built-in search by settings may be broken.
• ⚠️ In rare cases, this leads to errors in the next firmware update.

If you want to get rid of the book, there are two ways:

1. Disable (Do not delete!): Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Handbook. → It'll hide it from the menu, but it won't delete files.
2. Remove through ADB (For the user experience only!: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.manual But remember: this can disrupt the stability of the work MIUI!

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It is better not to delete the Directory, but simply hide its icon from the desktop. If necessary, you can always return the application through a reset or reinstallation. MIUI.

Xiaomi’s Guide: When Should You Use It?

Although the integrated Handbook covers most of the questions, sometimes it doesn't have enough information, and in such cases, you can turn to alternative sources:

But all of these sources have a common drawback: they're not integrated into the system, so you'll have to manually search for answers. Xiaomi's handbook benefits from:

• 🔄 Updated automatically with MIUI;
• 📱 It offers solutions adapted to your phone model;
• ⚡ Offline (does not require an internet connection).

If you encounter a problem that is not in the Directory, try official sources (Mi Community or Xiaomi support) first, and then third-party forums.

Frequent problems with the "Directory" and how to solve them

Although the Handbook is a system application, it sometimes gets difficult, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

• 🔄 The app won't open or crash. Solution: clear the cache (Settings) → Annexes → Handbook. → Clear the cache) or update MIUI last-minute.
• 📱 No information on the new feature. Solution: check if the Directory is updated through Google Play (if available there). If not, wait for the next update. MIUI.
• 🌐 Interface in a language that is not clear. Solution: change the language of the Directory in its settings or change the system language in Settings → Additionally. → Language and input.
• ❌ The icon disappeared from the desktop. Solution: find the application through search on the system or return it through Settings. → Desktop → Application icons.

After the update MIUI The directory stopped working, try resetting it:

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Handbook.
2. Click on “Storage” and select “Clear Data”.
3. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: If the Directory becomes empty after cleaning the data, do not panic - it will automatically download the current information when you next connect to the Internet.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions about the “Handbook” in Xiaomi