How to update the Gallery app on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones: 5 proven ways

The Gallery app on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is not just a photo viewer, but a full-fledged tool for managing media files, editing pictures and synchronizing with the cloud. MIUI not automatically updated through Google Play, but new features (e.g., improved content search or content search) AI-Retouches are only available in the latest versions, and in this article we will discuss all the current ways of updating, from official to alternative, and also explain how to avoid typical installation errors.

It's important to understand that the upgrade process depends on the MIUI version, the Redmi model (like the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or Redmi 10C), and even on the firmware region. Somewhere the Gallery is built into the system and only updated with proprietary software, and some places it can be replaced with a more recent version from third-party sources, and we tested all the methods on current devices (2023-2026) and collected step-by-step instructions with nuanced consideration.

1.Why is the gallery on Xiaomi Redmi not automatically updated?

The main reason is the dual nature of the app. On most Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones, the Gallery is a system component of MIUI, not a regular app from Google Play.

• 🔄 Updates come with monthly security patches or major updates MIUI (for example, transition MIUI 13 on MIUI 14).
• 🚫 Play Market may display a message “Installed” or “Device incompatible” even if the version is outdated.
• 📦 Some features (such as cloud sync with Mi Cloud) only work in the original Gallery from Xiaomi.

The second is regional constraints, for example, the Global ROM is less likely to update than the Chinese ROM, where new features are first to appear, and the budget models (Redmi A1, Redmi 9A) can have a lightweight version of the application without some features.

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi is running on custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the standard Gallery MIUI This may not be possible at all, and you'll need to install alternatives like Google Photos or Simple Gallery.

2. Method 1: Update via MIUI Updater (official method)

The most reliable, but also the slowest way is to wait for the entire MIUI system to update. The gallery is included in the standard application package, so its version is tied to the firmware build number.

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on "Check Updates." If a new version of MIUI is available, download it (Wi-Fi and at least 1.5 GB of free space required).
3. After installation, restart the device and check the Gallery version in Settings → Applications → Application Management → Gallery.

If there are no updates but you are sure they are already out for your model, try:

• 🔍 Manually download firmware from the official website MIUI Downloads (select Stable for stable version or Beta for testing new features).
• 📡 Connect to another network (sometimes updates come later due to regional servers).

How to find out the current version of the Gallery? Go to Settings → Apps → Gallery → Version. For example, at the time of writing, the current version for MIUI 14 is 4.23.5.19 (may vary depending on the model).

Method 2: Installation APK-hand-file

If you do not want to wait for the official update, you can download and install it. APK-Xiaomi Gallery file manually.This method is suitable for most Redmi models, but requires caution:

Back up your photos (for example, in Google Photos)

Check the phone model in Settings → About the phone

Download APK only from verified sources (see list below)

Disable the antivirus (it can block the installation)

-->

Where to download APK:

• 🌐 Official Xiaomi Forum: XDA Developers (Search themes from your Redmi model).
• 📥 APKMirror (select versions marked "no-DPI" for universal compatibility).
• 📦 Telegram channels, like, @MIUIUpdates or @XiaomiFirmwareUpdater.

Installation instructions:

1. Download. APK-file (e.g, Gallery_4.23.5.19.apk).
2. Open the file through any file manager (such as Explorer or Solid Explorer).
3. If the “Installation locked” error appears, go to Settings → Applications → Special Rights → Install Unknown Applications and allow installation from your browser or file manager.
4. After installation, restart the phone.

⚠️ Attention: Installation APK From third-party sources, you may lose data (e.g. albums or tags in the Gallery). Before the procedure, export important photos to your PC or the cloud. Also avoid versions marked with "mod" - they may contain malicious code.

Method 3: Update via Google Play (if available)

On some Redmi models (such as the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G or Redmi K50), the Gallery can be displayed on Google Play as a regular app.

1. Open the Play Market and search for “Mi Gallery”.
2. If you find an app, click "Update." If you don't have a button, you already have the latest version installed.
3. If the Gallery doesn’t appear in the search, try the direct link: Mi Gallery on Google Play.

If instead of the “Update” button you see a message “Incompatible with your device”, it means that:

• 📵 Your Redmi model does not support installation via Play Market (typical for lightweight firmware devices).
• 🌍 You have Chinese firmware (China) ROM), where the gallery is distributed through other channels.
• 🔒 Manufacturer has blocked updates for your region.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → App Management → Google Play Store.

2. Click on “Clear Cache” and “Clear Data”.

3.Reboot the phone and re-search the Gallery.-->

5. Method 4: Use of alternative galleries

If upgrading the standard Gallery is not possible or does not solve your problems (for example, you need to use the standard Gallery). AI-filters or advanced editing, consider alternatives:

To make an alternative gallery the default app:

1. Install the selected application from the Play Market.
2. Open any image through the file manager.
3. In the window that appears, select “Always” and specify the desired gallery.

Important: When using Google Photos, turn off automatic download in original quality if you have limited traffic or little disk space. To do this, go to Google Photo Settings → Backup and Sync → Download quality and select High Quality (unlimited storage).

Method 5: Update via Recovery (for power users)

This is a method that works if you're willing to flash a separate Gallery module through TWRP Recovery, which is risky, but it allows you to get the latest version even on older devices. It requires an unlocked bootloader!

Step-by-step:

1. Download Flashable ZIP with Gallery for your model (see XDA or Telegram channels like @MIUIROMs).
2. Copy the file to a memory card or to the phone’s internal memory.
3. Boot in TWRP Recovery (turn off the phone, then pinch Power + Volume up).
4. Select "Install» → indicate downloaded ZIP-file → Swipe it out for confirmation.
5. After the firmware, run the Wipe Dalvik/Cache and restart the device.

⚠️ Attention: Don't ask ZIP-files intended for other Redmi models! this can cause a gallery crash or even a bootloop (cyclic reboot).Always check the file's compatibility with your version MIUI smartphone-model.

💡

Firmware through Recovery is an extreme method, only use it if other methods have not worked and you understand the risks (data loss, brick device).

7 Solving problems after the update

Even if the update is successful, there may be errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🖼️ Gallery does not open photos: Clear the app's cache: Settings → Annexes → gallery → Warehouse → Clear cache. Check access rights: Settings → Annexes → gallery → Permits (must include "Storage" and "Camera»).
• 🔄 App is constantly restarted: Remove updates (if installed) APK): Settings → Annexes → gallery → ⋮ → Remove updates. Reverse to the previous version (download the old one) APK APKMirror).
• ☁️ Mi Cloud sync does not work: Check your Xiaomi account login: Settings → Xiaomi account. Enable sync in the Gallery itself: open the app → ⋮ → Settings → Mi Cloud.

If the problem persists, try resetting the Gallery settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Gallery → Storage.
2. Click Clear Data (all settings and albums will be reset!).
3. Reboot the phone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about updating the Gallery on Xiaomi Redmi