How to return remote applications to Xiaomi: from the cart to system tools

You've deleted an important application on Xiaomi and you don't know how to get it back? You know, randomly tapping, cleaning up your memory, or resetting your settings, and the program you want to use disappears from the screen. Fortunately, MIUI has a few ways to restore remote applications even if you haven't backed up. In this article, we'll look at all the working methods, from standard system features to advanced tools like ADB and Google Play.

It’s important to understand that not all apps recover the same way: System utilities (like Camera or Calendar) return via MIUI settings, and third-party programs (like WhatsApp or VK) return via Google Play or backups. We’ll look at both scenarios and also tell you what to do if the app was removed along with your Mi Account.

This article is relevant for all modern Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi Note 12/13 series, POCO F5/X5, Mi 14 and other devices on MIUI 14/15 (Android 13/14). If your model is older, some points may differ - specify the firmware version in Settings → About the phone.

1.Check out the "Basket" in MIUI

The first place to look is the built-in MIUI Recycle Bin, which appeared in MIUI 12 and saves remote applications for 30 days (by default), and if less than a month has passed, the chances of recovery are very high.

To open the basket:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🗑️ In the upper right corner, click on the basket icon (or select the "Basket" tab»).
• 🔍 Scroll through the list and find the app you want. Click on it and select Restore».

If the cart is empty or the icon is not on the menu, then:

• ❌ The function is disabled in the settings (see the next section).
• ❌ The app was removed more than 30 days ago.
• ❌ You have used a third-party cleaner (such as Clean Master) that bypasses the basket MIUI.

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To turn on the cart, if it is not in the menu, go to Settings → Additional → Features → Recycle Cart and activate the switch.

2. Turn on the basket if it is disabled

Some Xiaomi firmware has the cart turned off by default, such as Global ROM devices or custom firmware, to activate it:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Features (on some models, the path may differ: Settings → System → Additional).
2. Find the "Basket" item and turn on the slider.
3. Return to App Management – now the Recycle Bin icon should appear.

If you don't have Recycle Bin in your settings, your version of MIUI doesn't support this function, so move on to the following.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for Russia (e.g. Redmi) 10C or POCO M5) The shopping cart may be called "Recently Deleted." Check all tabs in the App Management menu».

3.Restore via Google Play

If the app was installed from Google Play, it can be returned through download history, which works even for remote programs that are not included in the MIUI basket.

Instructions:

• 🛒 Open the Google Play Store and click on the profile icon in the upper right corner.
• 📋 Select “Apps and Device Management» → «Management».
• 🔍 Go to the “Installed” tab and click “Not Installed” (or “Library»).
• 📥 Find the right application and click “Install».

If the application is not displayed in the library, check:

• 🔍 You may not have installed it through Google Play, but through Google Play. APK-file.
• 📧 The app could be linked to another Google account (e.g., a work account).
• 🚫 The program has been removed from Google Play (for example, at the request of regulators).

Make sure you are logged in to the correct Google account

Check the availability of Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data)

Update Google Play to the latest version

Clear the Play Store cache in the app settings-->

4.Use backup copies of MIUI

MIUI allows you to create on-premises and cloud backups that can include lists of installed applications, and if you have enabled this feature, the chances of recovery are high.

Method 1: Local backup

• 📁 Connect your phone to your computer and open the folder. MIUI/backup/AllBackup inner-memory.
• 🔍 Find a file with the.mbk extension (for example, backup_20260515.mbk).
• 📲 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Backup and reset → Local backup and select a file to restore.

Method 2: Cloud Backup (Mi Cloud)

• ☁️ Open the Settings. → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Backup of the device.
• 🔄 Select the last backup and click “Restore».
• ⚙️ In the data list, mark “Applications” and confirm the recovery.

⚠️ Note: When recovering from backup MIUI Some apps may not be installed automatically, and in this case, they will have to be manually installed through Google Play.

5. Restore system applications through settings

If you delete the built-in app (e.g. Camera, Gallery, Browser), it can be returned via the application management menu. These programs are not removed completely - they are simply hidden from the user.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Show All Apps (or Show Systems).
3. Find the app you want (e.g. com.miui.gallery for Gallery) and click on it.
4. Select “Enable” or “Reset” (if the button is active).

If the app doesn’t appear in the list, try:

• 🔄 Reboot your phone – sometimes system programs are “returned” after a reboot.
• 📥 Install the update MIUI through settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛠️ Use it. ADB (see next section).

6 Advanced Methods: ADB and Manual Recovery

If standard methods don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a low-level system management tool that is suitable for power users and requires connecting your phone to your computer.

Step 1: Preparation

• 🖥️ Install. ADB Tools on the computer.
• 📱 Enable “Developer Mode” on your phone: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times).
• 🔧 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include “Debugging by” USB».

Step 2: Recovery through ADB

Connect your phone to your computer and execute commands in the terminal:

adb devices

(Checks device connectivity. If the phone doesn't show up, install Xiaomi USB Drivers.)

adb shell pm list packages -d

(Shows a list of disabled applications. Find the one you want by the name of the package.)

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.gallery

(Replace com.miui.gallery with your app package name.)

If the team doesn’t work, try:

adb shell cmd package install-existing --user 0 com.miui.gallery

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB Do not delete or modify system packets unless you are sure of their purpose, for example, deleting com.xiaomi.finddevice will disable the Find Device function».

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ADB can restore even system applications that are not displayed in the management menu, but this method requires caution - errors in commands can disrupt the stability of MIUI.

7.If nothing has worked: extreme measures

When all the options are exhausted, radical solutions remain, and should only be used if the remote application is critical (e.g., banking or work).

Method 1: Reset to factory settings

• ⚠️ All the data on the phone will be deleted!
• 🔄 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Backup and reset → Resetting settings.
• 🔐 After the application is reset MIUI recover.

Method 2: Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast Fastboot Fast FastBoat Fast Fast Fast FastBoat

• 📥 Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
• 🖥️ Use the Mi Flash Tool to install firmware in Fastboot mode.
• ⚙️ This method will return all system applications, but will require unlocking the bootloader (on some models).

Method 3: Appealing for Xiaomi

• 📧 Write to the support team via the official website or chat in Mi Community.
• 📄 Provide device data: model, version MIUI, problem-setting.
• 🔧 In some cases, support may offer special recovery tools.

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Before resetting, check if your Mi Account is linked to your phone. After reset, you may need to enter your username and password to unlock (Mi Cloud Lock function).

FAQ: Frequent questions about restoring apps on Xiaomi