How to quickly find any application on a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone: from obvious to hidden methods

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are famous for their functionality, but sometimes even experienced users are lost in the abundance of installed applications. MIUI 14/15 Or a budget device with limited memory, where programs can hide in unexpected places, download a game, messenger or utility, but can't find it, or after updating the system, the icons disappeared from the desktop?

The problem is complicated by the fact that MIUI Actively uses automatic sorting of applications by folder (for example, "Games", "Tools"), and some programs are hidden by default in the All Apps menu. In this article, we will analyze all possible search methods - from basic to little-known, including the restoration of deleted icons and working with system utilities.

If you are in a hurry, immediately move to the fastest method (swipe search down). For those who want to understand in detail, below are step-by-step instructions with nuances for different versions. MIUI Redmi models from Redmi Note 10 to Redmi 13C).

1. Quick Search: Swipe down and search bar

The most versatile method, which works on all Xiaomi smartphones, regardless of the firmware version, is to perform one movement:

1. On any screen (even on a locked one), swipe down from the top edge of the display.
2. In the opened notification panel, tap on the search field (lamp at the top).
3. Start typing the name of the application – the system will show results in real time, including hidden programs.

This method works even if:

• 📱 The application is removed from the desktop, but not uninstalled.
• 🔍 The icon is hidden in a folder (for example, "Recommended" or "Recent").
• 🔧 The program is system and does not appear in the main menu.

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If the search does not find the application, try entering the first one. 2-3 For example, for "Telegrams" type "tele".

On the Redmi models with MIUI 13 and later, the search bar supports voice input — click on the microphone to the right of the field and say the name of the program. This is convenient if you do not remember the exact spelling (for example, "Watsap" instead of "WhatsApp").

2. Search through the "All Apps" menu

If the swipe down does not help (for example, on older versions) MIUI), Use the system menu:

1. Tap the All Apps icon (usually in the dock panel at the bottom of the screen or via swipe up from the bottom edge).
2. Scroll the list manually or use alphabetical sorting on the right (letters from A to Z).
3. To speed up the search, tap any letter in the right panel - the list will scroll to the corresponding section.

Pay attention to folders with automatically grouped applications:

• 🎮 Games – This is where game clients can hide (Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile).
• 🔧 Tools - calculators, flashlight, screen recording.
• 📁 Recent – Last used programs (can be disabled in settings).

Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) In the menu "All applications" there is a tab "Hidden" - there may be system utilities or programs that you manually hid from display.

3. Search through phone settings

If the application is not displayed either in the menu or through search, check its availability in the system settings:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. At the top of the screen, select the All Apps tab (not Downloaded!).
3. Use the search bar or scroll through the list manually.

This shows all installed programs, including system and disabled.

Often, once a week.|Sometimes, once a month.|Close by, only after updates|Never lose.|I don't know where to look.-->

If the list does not contain the application you need, but you are sure that you have installed it, check:

• 🗑️ The basket folder in Settings → Memory (recently deleted programs may be located there).
• 🔄 Archives tab in Google Play Store (if the application was removed long ago).

4. Restore the icon on the desktop

Frequently, the app is installed, but its icon is not on the home screen, and you can return it in two ways:

Method 1: Through the "All Apps" menu

1. Open All Apps (swipe up from the bottom edge).
2. Find the desired application and pinch its icon for 1-2 seconds.
3. Drag the icon to your desktop or docking panel (lower quick access panel).

Method 2: Through application settings

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired application → tap on three points in the upper right corner.
3. Click Show on the desktop.

Make sure the app is not in the "Recent" folder"|Check the “Hidden” tab in the app menu|Update the list through swipe down|Reboot your phone if the icon doesn’t appear-->

On some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) A2) If you drag and drop the icon, you might see a message that says, "Can't add:

• 📵 There is no free space on the desktop (remove unnecessary widgets).
• 🔒 The application is system-based and does not support shortcut creation (e.g, MIUI Security).
• 🛠️ In the settings, the option "Change the desktop" (Settings) is disabled → Desktop → Editing mode).

5. Search for hidden and system applications

Some programmes in MIUI It's hidden from the user by default:

• 🔧 System utilities (MIUI Optimization, Device Test).
• 📡 Service applications of the communications operator.
• 🛡️ Security Programs: Google Play Protect).

To find them:

Method 1: Engineer Mode (Engineering Menu)

For advanced users:

1. Open the Phone app and type ##4636##.
2. Go to the Usage Statistics section → Usage stats.
3. The list will show all processes, including hidden ones.

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Be careful in the engineering menu! Unknown commands can disrupt the phone.

Method 2: Through ADB (skilled)

If you know me, ADB, execute:

adb shell pm list packages -f

This will display a complete list of all installed packages, including hidden ones. To find a specific application, use:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "part of the name"

⚠️ Note: Not all hidden applications are safe to run manually. System utilities (e.g. com.xiaomi.market) may not work properly when forced to open.

6. If the application is deleted: how to restore

You deleted the program by mistake? You can restore it in a number of ways.

Method 1: Through the Google Play Store

1. Open the Google Play Store → tap on the profile avatar.
2. Select Application and Device Management → Archives.
3. Find the desired application and click "Install".

Method 2: Through MIUI Backup

If you have made a backup copy:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
2. Select the latest copy and restore the application data.

Method 3: Through a File Manager

If you have a.apk file saved:

1. Open the files. → Go to the Download folder or APK.
2. Slip the file and confirm the installation.

⚠️ Attention: Installation APK Before installing, check the file via VirusTotal or in settings, turn on the "App Check" option (Settings) → Annexes → Special access → Checking applications).

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

Let’s look at the typical problems and ways to solve them:

If none of these methods worked, try:

• 🔄 Reboot your phone – sometimes it resets your desktop cache.
• 📱 Reset the desktop settings: Settings → Desktop → Resetting settings.
• 🔧 Update MIUI — In new versions, bugs with icons are corrected.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions