Update games on Xiaomi without Google Play: save progress and data

Updating mobile games through Google Play Market seems like the easiest solution, but what if the service is unavailable, blocked or you just prefer alternative sources? on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi models, POCO and Black Shark) the process of manual updating of games with the preservation of progress has its nuances - from working with the game. APK/XAPK-files before backup through MIUI Backup or third-party tools. In this article, we will discuss all current methods, including circumvention of restrictions. MIUI, Restore Savings After Reinstallation and Solve Typical Errors.

Xiaomi devices are characterized by aggressive optimization of memory and background processes, which can interrupt the update or delete the game cache at the most inopportune time. We will tell you how to turn off automatic cleaning, install.obb files correctly and avoid losing progress even when you upgrade to a new version of the game. And for owners of devices with an unlocked bootloader, we will add instructions on using ADB to transfer data between versions.

Why not just update the game via APK?

Installing a new version of the game over the old one through an.apk file often results in a reset of progress, due to the Android Package Manager: when you upgrade, the system can:

• 🔄 Rewrite the data folder (/data/data/com.game.package), If the signature of the application has changed.
• 🗑️ Delete the cache automatically if the new version requires a different file structure.
• 🔒 Block access to saves due to changes in AndroidManifest.xml (for example, when moving to 64-bit-version).

On Xiaomi, the problem is exacerbated by MIUI Optimization, which can delete “unused” application data. For example, after updating the game via.apk, the system can count old save files as garbage and clean them after 24-48 hours. To avoid this, you need not only to install the update correctly, but also to fix the game data in the device settings.

Device Preparation: Disable MIUI Optimization

Before updating the game, you must block automatic MIUI actions that can damage saves.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the game in the list and open its settings.
3. Activate the option No restrictions on background processes (if available).
4. In the Battery section, select No Limits.
5. Go back to the basic settings and open Settings → Special Options → MIUI Optimization.
6. Turn off the Memory Cleanup option when you lock the screen.

For devices with MIUI 13/14, it is additionally recommended to disable Adaptive Cleaning:

Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Optimization → Adaptive Cleaning (Switch Off)

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If the game uses cloud-based saves (e.g., Google Play Games or Facebook), log in to the service before the update, which will allow you to restore progress even if you crash.

How to update the game while maintaining progress

The choice of method depends on the format of the update file and the type of game.

The most reliable way for most users is to use XAPK, which includes both.apk and.obb data files, to avoid version conflicts.

1. Download the game.xapk file from a trusted source (e.g. APKMirror or QooApp).
2. Install XAPK Installer (or SAI – Split APKs Installer)
3. Open.xapk through the installer and follow the instructions.
4. After installation, don’t start the game right away – first check for the Android/obb/com.game.package folder in your internal memory.

Download XAPK proven-source|Install XAPK Installer|Turn off optimization MIUI play|Check for a folder. OBB post-installation|Do not update the game through the Play Market after manual installation-->

Backup of saves via MIUI Backup

If the game doesn't support cloud-based saves, the only way to guarantee progress is to back up before upgrading. MIUI has a built-in tool for this:

1. Open Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Local Backup.
3. Click Backup and select only the game from the list (check Application Data).
4. Once you have created a copy, the file will appear in the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder.

After the game update:

1. Install the new version (via.apk or.xapk).
2. Return to Local Backup and select Restore.
3. Specify the backup file and confirm the recovery of only the application data (not the program itself!).

⚠️ Attention: Recovery through MIUI Backup may not work if the new version of the game changes the structure of the database, in which case the progress will partially recover or not recover at all.

Transferring saves over ADB (for advanced users)

If the game stores progress in /data/data/com.game.package, it can be copied manually using ADB. This method requires enabled debugging over USB and works without root rights, but with restrictions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and allow debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (7 times) → Developer settings → USB debugging).
2. Open the command line on PC and execute: adb backup -f game_backup.ab -apk com.game.package (replace com.game.package with a real game ID).
3. On the phone, confirm the creation of a backup copy (do not set a password!).
4. After the game update, restore the data by the command: adb restore game_backup.ab

Critical: This method does not work for games that use anti-cheat (e.g., anti-cheat, PUBG Mobile or Free Fire, as changing data files can lead to a ban of the account, and adb backup does not copy files to the user. /obb — They need to be moved separately.

Bypassing restrictions for online gaming (Garena, Epic Games, Tencent)

Games from major publishers (Call of Duty Mobile, Honor of Kings, Genshin Impact) often block installation via.apk, requiring download through their launcher.

• 🎮 Use the official launcher (e.g. Tencent App Treasure for the PUBG Mobile.It automatically transfers saves between versions.
• 🔗 Link your account to a social network (Facebook, Twitter, Google) or a gaming service (e.g. miHoYo Account for Genshin Impact).
• 📱 Install a clone of the game via Island or Parallel Space if the new version conflicts with the old one.

For Genshin Impact and similar games with big updates:

1. Download the full installer (.apk +.obb) from the official website.
2. Remove the old version of the game without clearing the data (in the application settings, select Remove Updates rather than Remove).
3. Install the new version and wait for the files to be checked (don’t interrupt the process!).

⚠️ Note: Some games (such as Diablo Immortal) link progress to the device via Android ID or IMEI. When changing your phone or resetting your settings, it will be impossible to restore your account – use official binding methods.

Frequent mistakes and their solution

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can have problems.

If the game requires re-uploading additional files after the update (for example, Call of Duty Mobile), connect to Wi-Fi and wait for the process to be completed.

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Always check the hash files (MD5) of downloaded APK/XAPK through sites like APKMirror, which will protect you from viruses and corrupted files.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions