How to update your apps on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Updating apps on Xiaomi smartphones is a procedure that seems simple only at first glance.In practice, users face loading errors, compatibility issues or unexpected crashes after updates, especially for devices with custom firmware or outdated versions of MIUI, where standard methods may not work.

In this article, we will discuss not only the basic ways to update through Google Play and MIUI App Store, but also alternative options: manual installation of.apk files, using third-party stores like APKMirror or Aptoide, as well as solving common errors like 920, 927 or “insufficient memory”.

1. Update via Google Play Market: step-by-step instruction

The basic and most secure way is to use the official Google Play Store.It automatically checks the compatibility of apps with your Xiaomi model (whether it’s Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Mi 11) and the Android version.

Open Play Market and tap the profile icon in the top right corner. In the drop-down menu, select App and Device Management. Here you will see a list of programs with available updates — they are marked with the orange Update button. To update everything at once, click Update everything at the top of the screen.

• 🔄 Auto Update: Enable it in Play Market Settings (Settings) → Network preferences → Auto-Update Apps: We recommend choosing the option "Only via Wi-Fi" to avoid the consumption of mobile traffic.
• 📥 Download queue: If updates are not installed, check the queue in Settings → Application management → Sometimes downloads get stuck because of weak internet.
• 🔍 Search for updates: not all apps show up automatically in the list. Try to manually search for the program through a search and check for an update on its page.

On Xiaomi devices with MIUI 14+, there may be a conflict between the background optimization of the system and the work of the Play Market. If the updates do not download, add Google Play to the list of Secure Applications (Settings → Apps → Permissions → Auto Run).

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If the application is running slower after the update, clear its cache in Settings → Apps → [Program Name] → Storage → Clear the cache.

2. Update via MIUI App Store: features and limitations

Xiaomi smartphones are equipped by default with the branded app store, the MIUI App Store (formerly GetApps), which offers alternative versions of programs optimized for MIUI, as well as exclusive applications for the Chinese market.

To update apps through the MIUI App Store, open the store and go to the Update tab (the arrow icon at the bottom of the screen) where programs with available updates will appear. Click Update all or select specific apps. Note: some updates may require additional permissions (for example, access to Contacts or Locations).

Important: If you use a global version of MIUI (e.g. MIUI Global), some applications from the MIUI App Store may not be available, in which case the store will offer to switch to Chinese firmware, which can lead to a loss of warranty and problems with Google Mobile Services (GMS).

3. Manual update through APK-Files: When necessary

Sometimes the standard methods don't work: for example, the application is removed from the Play Market (as it was with Terraria or GTA: San Andreas), or you want to install a beta version of the program.

1. Download.apk from a trusted source (we recommend APKMirror or the official website of the developer).
2. Before installing, enable permission to install from unknown sources: Settings → Applications → Special permissions → Install unknown applications → select a browser or file manager.
3. Open the downloaded file through Explorer or MIUI File Manager and follow the installer’s instructions.

Critical information: Never install APKs from unverified sources (such as torrent trackers or obscure sites) and attackers often disguise popular apps as malware that could steal your Mi Account or bank details.

If there is an error in installation APP_NOT_INSTALLED or INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_APK, The reasons may be as follows:

• 📌 The file is corrupted (try to download again).
• 📌 Version. APK Incompatible with your firmware (e.g., you need Android 13 and you have Android 12).
• 📌 Conflict with an already installed version (remove the old application before installing).

4. Alternative shops: Aptoide, APKMirror and others

If Google Play or MIUI App Store is not suitable (for example, due to regional restrictions or the lack of an application), you can use third-party platforms.

• 🛒 Aptoide: Decentralized store with custom repositories, allows you to download old versions of applications, but requires caution - some repositories can distribute pirated software.
• 🔍 APKMirror: A reliable source of original APK Here you will find all versions of the applications, including beta tests.
• 🌍 Aurora Store: an open client for Google Play that doesn’t require a Google account. GMS (For example, on Xiaomi with Chinese firmware).

When using alternative stores, follow the rules:

⚠️ Note: Do not install applications that request suspicious permissions (such as accessing SMS or Call Log for a game or calculator.

For example, in Aptoide, open the Version tab before downloading and select the one that is compatible with your Android version and processor architecture (arm64, armeabi x86). You can learn the architecture of your Xiaomi through the application CPU-Z.

5. Solving Errors When Updating Applications

Even on new Xiaomi models (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), users experience update errors.

If the error persists, try the following steps:

1. Restart your device in Safe Mode (press the power button → Restart in Safe Mode) and check if the problem persists. If the updates are normal in Safe Mode, one of the installed applications (most often optimizers or antiviruses) is to blame.
2. Reset Google Play settings to factory settings: Settings → Apps → Google Play Market → Storage → Settings reset.
3. Update Google Play Services manually via APKMirror (look for the latest stable version for your Android).

⚠️ Note: On devices with bootloader unlocked and custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), update errors may be due to the lack of Google Mobile Services. TWRP.

6.Optimizing Updates: How to Save Traffic and Battery

Regular app updates can be a quiet drain on mobile traffic and battery power, especially for devices with small batteries (such as the Xiaomi 13 Lite or POCO M6 Pro).

• 📶 Limit background activity: in settings MIUI Go to Settings. → Annexes → App Management, select Google Play Market and turn off Background Activity.
• 🔋 Set up an update schedule: in Play Market, select Settings → Network preferences → Auto-update only over Wi-Fi and specify the time when the device is connected to charging (e.g. at night).
• 🗑️ Remove unnecessary applications: regularly check the list of installed programs and remove those that you do not use.

For advanced users, there is another way – using ADB-commands to disable automatic updates for specific applications. For example, to prevent auto-update Facebook, perform in ADB:

adb shell dumpsys device_idle whitelist -com.facebook.katana

If you often encounter problems when updating due to slow internet, try downloading it. APK-files to your computer and then transfer them to Xiaomi via Mi Drop or USB-This is especially useful for large files (such as games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile).

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Disabling auto-updates for individual apps via ADB saves up to 30% of mobile traffic per month if you actively use social networks and instant messengers.

7. Update of system applications on Xiaomi: nuances

MIUI system applications (e.g. Camera, Gallery, Security or Themes) are not updated through the Play Market, but through Xiaomi’s proprietary channels.

To update your system, go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. Here, in App Updates (or App Updates), you will see available updates. Please note that some updates require a device reboot.

If the system application is not updated:

• 🔄 Check if updates are disabled in Settings → Annexes → [Name of system application] → Updates.
• 📡 Make sure you have the current version. MIUI. Some app updates require a certain firmware (for example, the camera for Xiaomi 13 Ultra will not be updated to the new version). MIUI 13 if available MIUI 14).
• 🔧 If the application is deleted or damaged, restore it through Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Show all applications → [Name of name] → Restore.

On Chinese firmware (China ROM), system applications are updated via the MIUI App Store or Mi Community. If you use the global version but want exclusive features (for example, new filters in the Camera), you can manually install the APK of the system application from the Chinese version.

• ❌ Loss of compatibility with Google Mobile Services.
• ❌ Errors in operation (for example, the camera may not start).
• ❌ The emergence of Chinese services (for example, Mi Pay or Xiaomi Cloud for the Chinese market).

FAQ: Frequent questions about updating apps on Xiaomi