If you own a Xiaomi smartphone (especially the Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Mi 11, you may have noticed the mysterious Google Play Services for app list. AR. It takes up space in memory, updates periodically through the Play Market, but it doesn't have a desktop shortcut. What is it? Why is it installed on your device? And most importantly, can it be safely removed to free up precious megabytes?
Many users mistakenly mistake this app for a virus or unnecessary "junk" from Google. AR — It is a critical component for the operation of augmented reality technologies (AR) It's not going to work on Android. AR-games, for example, Pokémon GO), Applications for Virtual Fitting of Furniture (IKEA Place, and Google Measure, but why does it even appear on Xiaomi's budget smartphones? AR Is it rarely used? Let's get into the details.
In this article, we will reveal:
- 🔍 What is Google Play Services for? AR And how it relates to ARCore, Google’s augmented reality platform.
- 📱 Why is it installed on your Xiaomi, even if you don’t use it? AR.
1.What is Google Play Services for AR And why do you need it?
Google Play Services for AR (Formerly called ARCore, it is a system component that supports augmented reality technologies (AR) It acts as a bridge between the hardware of the smartphone (cameras, gyroscope, accelerometer) and AR-applications.
Without this service, it is impossible:
- 🎮 Run games with AR-component (Pokémon GO, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, Ingress Prime).
- 🛋️ Use applications for virtual fitting of furniture (IKEA Place, Houzz).
- 📏 Measure distances in the real world with Google Measure or Canvas.
- 🤳 Create AR-Masks on social media (Snapchat, Instagram).
- 📚 Learning with help AR-Textbooks (e.g. Human Anatomy Atlas).
It is important to understand that Google Play Services for AR — It's not a standalone application, it's a service package that integrates into the system, it updates automatically through Google Play and runs in the background, consuming minimal resources (if you have a minimum of resources). AR not actively used).
Xiaomi pre-installes this component on most of its smartphones (even budget ones) because:
- It is included in the standard set of Google services (like Google Play Services or Google Play Store).
- Xiaomi is certifying its devices to work with ARCore to keep them compatible with popular apps.
- Even if you don't use it. AR The manufacturer doesn’t know if you will need this feature in the future.
2 How Google Play Services for AR ARCORE?
Many people confuse Google Play Services for AR And ARCore, thinking that they're two different applications:
- 🔄 ARCore is an augmented reality platform from Google that provides API developer.
- 📦 Google Play Services for AR — This is the client part that is installed on the user's device and ensures the operation of ARCore.
ARCore is the engine, and Google Play Services for AR — "fuel that allows this engine to run on your Xiaomi. AR-Applications will not be able to identify planes, track movement or impose 3D-real-world.
| Component | Appointment | Where is it? |
|---|---|---|
| ARCore | Developer platform AR-applications | Google Cloud, SDK programmer |
| Google Play Services for AR | Client module for ARCore operation on the device | Installed in the system (/system/priv-app/ or as a user application) |
| AR-application (e.g., application, Pokémon GO) | Uses ARCore to display content | Installed by a user from the Play Market |
Starting in 2023, Google has merged Google Play Services for AR And ARCore into a single ecosystem. AR-The app automatically checks for service and updates it if necessary, which explains why the app can appear on your Xiaomi even if you haven’t installed it.
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If you have removed Google Play Services for AR, But then we decided to take advantage of it. AR-And if you put it in the application, the system will suggest you reinstall it. That's OK, that's how the addiction recovery mechanism works.
3 Can I delete Google Play Services for AR Xiaomi?
Technically, removal is possible, but the consequences depend on how you do it.
🔹 Option 1: Unplug (without deletion)
The safest way to do this is to disable the app, not remove it completely.
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find Google Play Services for AR (This may be called Google Play Services for AR).
- Click Disable (if the button is active).
✅ Pluses:
- A little RAM is released.
- The application will not be updated automatically.
- You can turn it back on at any time.
❌ Cons:
- AR-Applications will stop working (for example, Pokémon GO will be launched without AR-regime).
- Some system features (such as Google Lens) may not work properly.
🔹 Option 2: Removal through ADB (for advanced users)
If you want to completely remove the application, you will need access to it. ADB (Android Debug Bridge is a risky method, as it can disrupt the stability of the system.
Instructions:
- Enable Developer Mode on Xiaomi (click 7 times on the MIUI version in your phone settings).
- Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.ar.coreNote: After deleting some system applications (e.g. Camera or Gallery) may give up errors when trying to use the system. AR-effects.
Create a backup copy of the data|Check if you are using AR-applications|Make sure there is enough free space on the device|Know how to restore the application if necessary-->
🔹 Option 3: Removal via Magisk (requires root)
If your Xiaomi has root access, you can delete the app using the Magisk module or a file manager with superuser rights.
- ⚠️ Violation of Google Pay and other services linked to Google SafetyNet.
- ⚠️ Errors in updating the system (MIUI may require the restoration of remote components).
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi devices with MIUI 13/14 Removal of system applications through ADB or root can lead to bootloop locking. Before experimenting, check if your model supports bootloader unlocking officially.
4. Common errors of Google Play Services for AR and their solution
If your Xiaomi has a problem with AR, It is likely that the fault of the Google Play Services for AR. Let’s look at common mistakes and how to correct them:
🔸 Error: "ARCore not installed" or code 924
This error occurs when:
- Service is remote or disabled.
- An outdated version of the application has been installed.
- The device does not support ARCore (rarely for modern Xiaomi).
Decision:
- Go to the Play Market and check for updates for Google Play Services for AR.
- If the application is disabled, turn it on in the settings.
- Remove the app cache: Settings → Annexes → Google Play Services for AR → Memory. → Clear the cache.
- Reset the device.
🔸 Error: "Your device is not supported" (device not supported)
This problem may arise from:
- Older Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 4X, Mi A1).
- Custom firmware devices (unofficial) MIUI or LineageOS).
- Smartphones with unlocked bootloader.
Decision:
- Check the compatibility of your model on the official website of ARCore.
- If the device is supported but the error persists, try reinstalling Google Play Services for AR via APKMirror.
- Custom firmware may require a Magisk patch (ARCORE Patch module).
🔸 Error: Camera permission denied (no camera access)
AR-applications require access to a camera, a gyroscope, and other sensors:
- Go to Settings. → Annexes → Google Play Services for AR → Permits.
- Make sure all the necessary permissions (camera, microphone, location) are enabled.
- If permissions have already been given but the error remains, reset them and re-grant them.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| ARCore not installed (924) | Service is remote or obsolete | Update/include annex |
| Device not supported | Model not on ARCore list or custom firmware | Check compatibility or install a patch |
| Camera permission denied | No permits for sensors | Provide access in settings |
| AR session failed | Conflict with other applications or lack of resources | Clear the cache, restart the device |
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If after all the manipulations AR-The app doesn’t work, but try installing Google Play Services for AR manually from APKMirror. Choose the version that fits your processor architecture (arm64 or armeabi-v7a).
5.Security and Privacy: What Google Play Services for Knows About You AR?
Many Xiaomi users are worried that Google Play Services for AR So we're going to look at what permissions the app requests and why:
- 📸 The camera is necessary to scan the surrounding space in the AR-annexes.
- 📍 Location – used to geo-reference objects (e.g. Pokémon in the Pokémon GO).
- 🔄 Motion sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer) - are needed to track the position of the device in space.
- 💾 Storage – required for caching 3D-modelling.
According to Google’s privacy policy, data collected by Google Play Services for AR, used:
- To improve the work AR-applications.
- To analyze the performance of the device (for example, how it copes with processing) 3D-charting).
- Personalize content (e.g. recommendations) AR-playmarket).
⚠️ Note: If you are concerned about data collection, you can disable permissions for Google Play Services for AR But it's going to make everyone inoperable. AR-The alternative is to use applications. AR-applications without registering with a Google account (for example, IKEA Place works without authorization).
Important: Google Play Services for AR does not transfer videos or photos from your camera to Google servers without your explicit consent. All data is processed locally on the device, unless you explicitly authorize the download (for example, when saving the data). AR-Google Photo).
6.How to check if your Xiaomi ARCore supports?
Not all Xiaomi devices officially support ARCore. To find out if your smartphone is compatible, follow the following steps:
🔹 Method 1: Checking on the official website
- Go to the supported ARCore devices page.
- Find your Xiaomi model on the list (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G or POCO F4 GT).
- If there is no model, your device is not certified for ARCore.
🔹 Method 2: Installation of the test application
Download the official ARCore app from Google (yes, it’s separate from Google Play Services for). AR). After installation:
- If the application opens and offers to test AR — Your device is supported.
- If your device is not supported, ARCore does not work.
🔹 Method 3: Checking through ADB (power-user)
Follow the command:
adb shell getprop ro.product.modelThen compare the output with the list of supported devices.
What if my Xiaomi model doesn’t support ARCore?
7. Google Play Services for Alternatives AR Xiaomi
If you don’t want to use Google services but still need augmented reality features, consider the following alternatives:
| The alternative | Description | Xiaomi support |
|---|---|---|
| ARKit (Apple) | Platform AR Apple, however, only works on iPhone/iPad | ❌ No. |
| 8th Wall | Web Web-AR platform, works in the browser without installation | ✅ Yes (via Chrome or Firefox) |
| Vuforia | Platform for creation AR-applications, supports Android | ✅ Yes (requires separate installation) SDK) |
| EasyAR | Chinese analogue of ARCore, popular in Asia | ✅ Yes (but limited support) |
However, please note that:
- 🔹 Most popular AR-applications (Pokémon GO, Google Measure is required by Google Play Services for AR.
- 🔹 Alternative platforms often have limited functionality (e.g, 8th Wall doesn't support complex 3D-model).
- 🔹 Some solutions (for example, Vuforia) require license fees from developers, so there are few free applications based on them.
If your goal is to simply free up space on Xiaomi, it’s best to disable the automatic update for Google Play Services for the first time. AR, than to look for alternatives:
- Open the Play Market.
- Find Google Play Services for AR.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Disable Auto Update.