How to update applications on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi smartphones based on firmware MIUI offer several ways to update applications – from standard through Google Play Market to proprietary tools such as MIUI However, many users face problems: applications do not update automatically, download errors occur or the system simply “does not see” available updates. In this article, we will discuss all current update methods, including hidden features. MIUI, work APK-Files and Solutions to Typical Errors.

Xiaomi devices are characterized by duplicate app stores, such as the same software can be installed through both the Play Market and the MIUI Store, which sometimes leads to version conflicts, we will explain in detail how to determine the source of the application installation and choose the best way to update it, and you will learn how to force the application to update if standard methods do not work, and what to do if after the update the program stopped running.

Update via Google Play Market: The Basic Method

For most users, the Google Play Market remains the main source of applications, and to update the software through it:

• 📱 Open Play Market (the color triangle icon on the home screen).
• 👤 Click on the profile icon in the upper right corner.
• ⚙️ Select the option Application and Device Management.
• 🔄 The Update tab will show a list of programs with the possibility of an update.

If the Update button is inactive or missing, check:

• 🌐 Internet connection (preferably Wi-Fi, as mobile traffic can be blocked by saving settings).
• 📱 Free space on the device (minimum 500-800 MB is required for stable operation of the store).
• 🔒 Google Account Settings: Go to Settings → Accounts. → Google → Google Services and Make sure Play Market is enabled.

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If the app isn’t updated through Play Market, try clearing the store’s cache: Settings → Apps → App Management → Google Play Market → Storage → Clear the cache.

On Xiaomi devices with MIUI 14+, background optimization can trigger, which suspends the Play Market in the background.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Google Play Market and open its settings.
3. Choose the Battery. → No restrictions.
4. Activate the Autostart option.

2. MIUI App Store: an alternative to Play Market

MIUI App Store (or GetApps) is Xiaomi’s own app store, which often offers updates before Google Play.

• 🛒 Launch the GetApps app (Blue Robot icon).
• 🔍 Go to the Update tab (at the bottom menu).
• 📥 Click Update All or select specific apps.

The advantages of the MIUI App Store:

• ⚡ Fast download thanks to Xiaomi servers in Russia and CIS.
• 📦 Apps not available in the Play Market (e.g. some Chinese services).
• 🔄 Automatic updates are more stable on devices with MIUI Global.

But there are nuances:

• ⚠️ Some applications can be duplicated (installed through both Play Market and GetApps), which leads to conflicts.
• 🔒 For work. MIUI App Store requires Mi Account (you can register in Settings) → Accounts. → Mi Account).

3. 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 the Play Market (e.g. TikTok in some regions).
• 📌 Beta versions of programs (available on developer sites).
• 📌 Localized builds (e.g. Google Camera for Xiaomi).

Instructions for installation of APK:

1. Download. APK-file from the official website of the developer or a trusted source (for example, APKMirror).
2. Before installing, allow installation from unknown sources: Settings → Applications → Special Access Rights → Install Unknown Applications Select the browser or file manager through which you will install APK.
3. Run the downloaded file and follow the instructions.

Attention! Installing APKs from unverified sources can lead to:

• 🦠 Virus Infection (especially if the file is downloaded from torrent trackers).
• 🔓 Data Leakage (fake apps often steal logins and passwords).
• 🚫 Blocking Google Accounts for Violation of Security Policy.

Download file only from official website | Check hash amount | Allow installation for only one file | After installation, disable permission for unknown sources | Check version reviews on forums (4PDA, XDA)

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4 Updating system applications through MIUI

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

• 📲 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update MIUI.
• 🔍 Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select App Update.
• 📥 The system will show a list of system programs with available updates.

If the item Update of the annexes is not:

• 📌 Your firmware. MIUI It is outdated – first update it.
• 📌 You have custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU) where this functionality can be disabled.

For devices with MIUI 13 and older, system applications can be updated through the MIUI App Store:

1. Open GetApps.
2. Go to the MIUI tab (in the lower menu).
3. Find the desired system application and click Update.

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Xiaomi system applications cannot be removed or updated through the Google Play Market, and their updates are tied to the MIUI firmware version or the GetApps brand store.

5. Forced update via ADB (for power users)

If the application refuses to update in the standard ways, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

• 📌 Applications blocked by politicians MIUI.
• 📌 System programs that are not updated through GetApps.
• 📌 Custom firmware devices.

Instructions:

1. Install ADB on PC (you can download from the official Android website).
2. Enable USB Debugging on Smartphone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times to unlock Developer Mode) Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging on USB
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command to force the upgrade: adb shell pm install -r -d /path/apk-file.apk Flag -r replace the current version, -d It allows you to downgrade the version (downgrade).

Attention! Using ADB can lead to:

• 🔧 Loss of application data (e.g., saved in games).
• 🚨 System Services Failure if Critical Software is Updated.
• 🔒 Blocking certain functions MIUI (For example, Face Unlock after changing system files).

6. Resolve errors when updating applications

Let’s look at common mistakes and their solutions:

If the application does not start after the update:

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 🧹 Clear the app's cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management.
• 📥 Remove and install the application again.
• 🔧 Check Permits: Some updated programs require new rights (e.g. access to Warehouse or Chamber).

7 Automatic Update: How to Set Up

To update applications without your participation:

• 🤖 Google Play Market: Open Play Market → profile icon → Settings. Select the Network. → Auto-update applications. Specify only via Wi-Fi or at any time.

MIUI App Store

1. Start GetApps → Profile → Settings.
2. Activate the Auto Update option.

To install Google Play on Chinese devices, you will need to unlock the bootloader and Global ROM firmware.

MIUI App Store

1. Run GetApps and find the app.
2. Click on the icon. ⚙️ Next to the button Update.
3. Select Disable Auto Update.

For system applications, auto-update is only disabled via ADB:

adb shell dumpsys package com.example.app | grep autoUpdatePolicy

(Replace com.example.app with the batch name of the application).