How to return remote applications on the Xiaomi smartphone: all ways

Why apps are disappearing from Xiaomi’s screen and where to look for them

You deleted the app on Xiaomi by mistake — or did it just disappear from your desktop? — The situation is familiar to many: you pressed the wrong button, cleared the cache, updated the firmware, and the desired program disappeared. Unlike iOS, where remote applications can be quickly returned from the App Store, on Android (especially with the MIUI shell), the recovery process depends on how the program was removed.

In this article, we’ll look at all possible scenarios, from recovering from the MIUI Recycle Bin (which many don’t know exists) to manually searching Settings → Apps and returning via Google Play. We’ll also explain how to prevent accidental deletion in the future – for example, by hiding system applications or setting up backups.

Important: If you used ADB or root rights to remove system applications (such as Mi Video or Mi Browser), standard recovery methods may not work, in which case you will need to flash or manually install APK.

Method 1: MIUI Recycle Bin - Where to look for remote applications

Since 2020, MIUI 12 and later has a built-in application basket, the equivalent of the Recycle Bin on your computer. It works by default, but many Xiaomi users do not even know it exists. Remote programs are stored in the Remote Bin for 5 days (on some models – up to 30 days), after which they are permanently erased.

To check the basket:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the basket.
3. Find the desired application in the list and click Restore.

If the item is not on the menu, it means:

• 📱 Your version. MIUI older than 12 (update firmware).
• 🗑️ Recycle Bin disabled in settings (included in Settings) → Additionally. → Basket).
• ⏳ It took more than 5 days to remove.

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If the shopping cart is empty but you’re sure you’ve removed the app recently, try rebooting your phone – sometimes the list is updated with a delay.

Method 2: Restore via Google Play (if the app was installed from there)

If an app was downloaded from Google Play, it can be returned through installation history, which works even if it was removed months ago, so that your Google account remains the same.

Instructions:

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Slip on the profile avatar in the upper right corner → App and device management.
3. Go to the Management tab → Installed → Not installed.
4. Find the right application and click Install.

If the application does not appear in the list:

• 🔍 Try to find it through a search in the Play Market - sometimes the story is reset.
• 📧 Check Google Play emails in the mail – there may be installation notifications.
• 🔄 Make sure you are logged in to the same Google account from which you installed the program.

Method 3: Find hidden or disabled applications in settings

Sometimes it seems like the app is removed, but it's actually just hidden or disabled, and this often happens after you update your MIUI or reset your settings to check:

Step 1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.

Step 2. Slip the filter (funnel icon) and select All Apps.

Step 3. Scroll down the list, and the programs that are disabled will be marked in gray. Click on the right one and select Enable.

If the application is hidden (for example, system, such as Mi Pay or Game Turbo), it can be returned as follows:

1. Go to Settings. → Home screen.
2. Select Hidden Apps and uncheck the box.

Method 4: Restore from MIUI or Google backup

If you have set up automatic backups (e.g., through Mi Cloud or Google Drive), you can try recovering apps from the backup.

• 📲 You made a backup after installing the desired application.
• 🔄 You have access to a Xiaomi or Google account tied to a backup.
• ⚠️ You are ready for the fact that the recovery will overwrite the current data (contacts, SMS, setting).

Recovery through Mi Cloud:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Restore Data.
2. Select your Xiaomi account and the latest backup.
3. Check the Apps and click Restore.

Recovery via Google:

1. When you first set up your phone (or after resetting), select Copy Data.
2. Log in to your Google account and select the backup with the desired app.

⚠️ Warning: Recovery from the backup of the Mi Cloud can return not only applications, but also old versions of programs, viruses (if they were in the system) and deleted files. Before the procedure, check if there is any malware in the backup.

Method 5: Manual recovery via APK (for power users)

If the application has been completely removed (including the data) and none of the above methods have worked, the last option is to install the APK manually.

• 📦 Xiaomi System Applications (e.g. Mi Home, Security).
• 🔧 Applications removed through ADB root.
• 📱 Programs that are not available on Google Play (e.g. regional versions).

Where to get APK:

How to install APK:

1. Download the file to your phone.
2. Allow installation from unknown sources: Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install unknown applications.
3. Open the downloaded file and follow the instructions.

⚠️ Attention: Installation APK from unverified sources can lead to data leakage or virus infection.Always check the hash of the file (for example, via VirusTotal) and read the feedback about the source.

How to Prevent Accidental Deletion of Applications in the Future

To avoid losing important programs, follow these tips:

1. Set up a backup:

• 📱 Enable autoback in Mi Cloud: Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Backup.
• 🔄 Activate reservations in Google Drive: Settings → Google → Backup.

2. Hide unnecessary system applications instead of removing:

• 👁️ Go to Settings. → Home screen → Hidden applications.
• 🔒 Disable unnecessary programs through Settings → Annexes → Shut down.

3. Use the password to delete:

• 🔐 Install a blocker app (such as AppLock) to confirm password deletion.
• 🛡️ Enable Change Protection in Google Play: Settings → Authentication → Require authentication for purchases.

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Even if the application is permanently removed, its data (such as saves in games) can remain in the /Android/data/ or /Android/obb/ folder.

Frequent questions about restoring apps on Xiaomi