Where and how to update apps on Xiaomi Android smartphones: a complete guide

Introduction: Why it is important to update your apps on Xiaomi

Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI or pure Android require regular updates of installed applications — this is not just a recommendation, but a necessity for the stable operation of the device. Each update brings corrections to critical vulnerabilities, new features and performance optimization. For example, the updated Google Play Services app can reduce battery consumption by 15-20%, and the latest version of the messenger Telegram — add support for new stickers or improve chat encryption.

However, Xiaomi users often face problems: apps don’t update automatically, errors occur in the Google Play Store, or updates simply hang out during the boot phase, the reasons lie in the features of the MIUI firmware, the limitations of regional versions of smartphones (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro for India vs. global version), or basic system settings. In this article, we will analyze all available methods of updating, from standard to alternative, and also explain how to solve typical errors.

We will pay special attention to the differences between the update via Google Play and the branded MIUI App Store (or GetApps), since they use different mechanisms for distribution of updates. For example, some applications (for example, Mi Home or Mi Fit) are updated only through GetApps, even if they are installed from Google Play.

Method 1: Update via Google Play Store

The basic and most reliable way is to use the Google Play Store, which is suitable for most applications, including WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube and Google system services.

1. Open the Google Play Store (the icon of the color triangle).
2. Tap the profile icon in the upper right corner.
3. Select Application and Device Management.
4. Go to the Updates tab available.
5. Click Update All or select specific apps.

If the Update button is inactive or missing, check:

• 🔄 Internet connection: Updates are not downloaded via the mobile network if a restriction is enabled in the Google Play settings (see Settings). → Networks. → Auto-update of applications).
• 📱 Is there enough memory: an update requires space equal to twice the size of the update (for example, a 100 MB update requires 200 MB of free space).
• 🔒 Limitations MIUI: on certain firmware (for example, MIUI 12.5 for China region) Google Play may be blocked – you will need to unlock through Settings → Annexes → Application management → Google Play Store → Permits.

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If updates “hang” during the download phase, try clearing the Google Play Store and Google Play Services cache in the app settings.This will reset the temporary data and often resolve the problem.

To speed up the process, you can enable automatic updates:

1. In Google Play Store, go to Settings → Networks → Auto-Update apps.
2. Select Always (Updates over Wi-Fi and mobile network) or Wi-Fi Only.

Method 2: Update via MIUI App Store (GetApps)

Xiaomi’s branded app store, GetApps (formerly the MIUI App Store), is used to update system utilities and applications from Xiaomi, such as:

• 🏠 Mi Home (Management of a Smart Home)
• 🏃 Mi Fit (fitness trackers Mi Band)
• 📱 Security (antivirus and optimizer)
• 🎵 Mi Music and Mi Video

Instructions for updating:

1. Open GetApps (an icon with a blue robot or the words "App Store").
2. Go to the Update tab (in the lower menu).
3. Click Update All or select specific apps.

Important nuances:

• 🌍 GetApps is tied to the firmware region. If you have a Chinese version MIUI, The store will be in Chinese, and some apps may not be available.
• 🔄 Updates to GetApps sometimes appear earlier than Google Play (e.g. for Mi Home).
• 🚫 Some apps (like Google Chrome) won’t be updated in GetApps – they need to be updated via Google Play.

Check your internet connection (Wi-Fi is recommended)

Clear the GetApps cache in the app settings

Disable VPN (can block access to Xiaomi servers)

Make sure there is enough memory on the device-->

If GetApps does not work:

⚠️ Attention: On firmware MIUI European region (MIUI EU) GetApps can be disabled by default. To turn it on, go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → GetApps → Turn it on.

Method 3: Automatic update in the background

To avoid manual updates, you can set up automatic mode, but on Xiaomi, this works with the caveats:

To enable auto-update on Google Play:

1. Open Google Play Store → Profile icon → Settings
2. Select Networks → Auto-Update Applications.
3. Please indicate your preferred option: Wi-Fi only or Always.

For GetApps:

1. Open GetApps → Profile (human icon) → Settings.
2. Enable the Auto Update option.
3. Choose Wi-Fi only or at any time (night).

Important: on Xiaomi smartphones with firmware for China (for example, Redmi) K40 CN-Auto-update via Google Play can be blocked at the system level, in which case you will need to install global firmware or use the software. VPN accessing Google servers.

Method 4: Manual update through APK-file

If the application is not updated through stores, you can install the new version manually using the APK-This method is suitable for:

• 🔧 Apps removed from Google Play (e.g. older versions of Mi Fit).
• 📥 Beta versions (such as WhatsApp Beta).
• 🌍 Regionally blocked applications (e.g. Google Pay for uncertified devices).

Step-by-step:

1. Download. APK-file from a trusted source (e.g. APKMirror or APKPure).
2. Before installation, allow installation from unknown sources: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Browser (or File Manager) → Allow installation from this source
3. Open the downloaded file through the File Manager or the Browser.
4. Confirm installation (if a warning appears “This application may cause harm”, ignore it if the source is reliable).

Warnings:

• 🛡️ Set up. APK Only from verified sources – virus files can steal data or block a device.
• 🔄 When manually installed, do not remove the old version – new APK It will save settings and data on top of it.
• 📱 On some Xiaomi models, for example, POCO F3) You may need to disconnect MIUI Optimization in the developer settings for correct installation APK.

Method 5: Updating System Applications via MIUI

Xiaomi system applications (e.g. Camera, Gallery, Security) are updated separately from the rest.

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select App Update.
3. The system will check the available updates and suggest installing them.

If this section is not available:

• 📱 On the old versions. MIUI (before MIUI 12) system applications are updated only through GetApps.
• 🔧 On custom firmware (for example, Xiaomi.EU), this functionality can be disabled.

Features:

• 🔄 System application updates do not delete user data (photos, camera settings, etc.).
• 🚫 Some applications (such as Mi Video) can only be updated with firmware.

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Xiaomi system apps are updated separately from the usual ones. If Google Play or GetApps do not have updates for the camera or gallery, check the App Update section in the system settings.

Solving Update Problems on Xiaomi

If applications are not updated, the reasons may be as follows:

Frequent mistakes and their solutions:

• 🔌 Error 927 on Google Play: Delete the cache and data of Google Play Services.
• 📵 Mistake. DF-DFERH-01: Check the date and time on the device.
• 🔒 App not certified: install Google Play Protect or use it VPN.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi smartphones with Chinese firmware (CN ROM) Google Play may not work properly due to lack of Google services, which may require the installation of global firmware or the use of alternative stores (for example, Aurora Store).

FAQ: Frequent questions about updating apps on Xiaomi