Google Play Services for AR Xiaomi: Understanding the appointment, errors and security

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:

  1. It is included in the standard set of Google services (like Google Play Services or Google Play Store).
  2. Xiaomi is certifying its devices to work with ARCore to keep them compatible with popular apps.
  3. Even if you don't use it. AR The manufacturer doesn’t know if you will need this feature in the future.
📊 You're using it. AR-apps on your Xiaomi?
Yeah, regularly.
Sometimes for games.
I tried it 1-2 times.
No, I didn't.
I don't know what it is.

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.

ComponentAppointmentWhere is it?
ARCoreDeveloper platform AR-applicationsGoogle Cloud, SDK programmer
Google Play Services for ARClient module for ARCore operation on the deviceInstalled in the system (/system/priv-app/ or as a user application)
AR-application (e.g., application, Pokémon GO)Uses ARCore to display contentInstalled 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.

💡

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.

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
  2. Find Google Play Services for AR (This may be called Google Play Services for AR).
  3. 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:

  1. Enable Developer Mode on Xiaomi (click 7 times on the MIUI version in your phone settings).
  2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
  3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.ar.core

Note: 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:

  1. Go to the Play Market and check for updates for Google Play Services for AR.
  2. If the application is disabled, turn it on in the settings.
  3. Remove the app cache: Settings → Annexes → Google Play Services for AR → Memory. → Clear the cache.
  4. 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:

  1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Google Play Services for AR → Permits.
  2. Make sure all the necessary permissions (camera, microphone, location) are enabled.
  3. 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 obsoleteUpdate/include annex
Device not supportedModel not on ARCore list or custom firmwareCheck compatibility or install a patch
Camera permission deniedNo permits for sensorsProvide access in settings
AR session failedConflict with other applications or lack of resourcesClear the cache, restart the device

💡

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

  1. Go to the supported ARCore devices page.
  2. Find your Xiaomi model on the list (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G or POCO F4 GT).
  3. 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.model

Then compare the output with the list of supported devices.

What if my Xiaomi model doesn’t support ARCore?
If your device is not on the list, but you want to try it out. AR, possible: 1. Install ARCore via a patch for Magisk (e.g., ARCore for All module). 2. Use alternatives AR-platforms such as ARKit (iOS only) or 8th Wall.-AR). 3. Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI — Sometimes support is added to new builds. ⚠️ Note that informal methods can lead to unstable work or errors in other applications.

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 alternativeDescriptionXiaomi support
ARKit (Apple)Platform AR Apple, however, only works on iPhone/iPad❌ No.
8th WallWeb Web-AR platform, works in the browser without installation✅ Yes (via Chrome or Firefox)
VuforiaPlatform for creation AR-applications, supports Android✅ Yes (requires separate installation) SDK)
EasyARChinese 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:

  1. Open the Play Market.
  2. Find Google Play Services for AR.
  3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Disable Auto Update.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ Can I transfer Google Play Services for AR memory-card?
No, it's a system application, and transferring it to SD-You can clear the cache to make room: go to Settings. → Annexes → Google Play Services for AR → Memory. → Clear the cache.
❓ Why Google Play Services is for AR consumes?
If you notice a high battery consumption, it is likely that AR-application (e.g., application, Pokémon GO) To reduce consumption: Close everything AR-Clear the cache of Google Play Services for AR. Turn off background activity for AR-games in battery settings. Normal mode (no start) AR) service consumes no more 1-2% day-time.
❓ How to Restore Google Play Services AR post-exclusion?
If you have removed the app and want it back: Go to the Play Market and find Google Play Services for AR. Click Install. If the app is not located, download it. APK with APKMirror (select the version for the arm64 or armeabi-v7a). Install. APK Manually allowing installation from unknown sources.
❓ Why Xiaomi doesn’t have Google Play Services for AR, but AR-applications work?
Your device may be using built-in support. AR from Xiaomi (for example, in some models) POCO Some apps (like Snapchat) have their own apps. AR-Engines that are not dependent on ARCore.
❓ Can Google Play Services for AR virus?
No, it's an official Google app pre-installed on certified devices, but if you notice suspicious activity (e.g., the service consumes traffic in the background without running). AR-Check your device for viruses using Google Play Protect or Malwarebytes.