How to update applications on Xiaomi Redmi: Guide

Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones often face a situation where a familiar application stops working correctly or requires a new version to run. Software updates are a key process for ensuring data security and stability of the Android operating system or the MIUI shell. Ignoring requests to install new versions can lead to security vulnerabilities or critical errors.

There are several ways to update software, each with its own characteristics depending on where the program was downloaded from. The standard Google Play store offers automatic mechanisms, but sometimes manual user intervention is required. Owners of devices purchased in China or using alternative sources of software need to know the nuances of working with GetApps or other software. APK-file.

In this article, we will discuss all available methods in detail so that you can choose the most suitable for your use case. We will touch on the issues of setting up auto-update, solving common boot errors and working with system components. Proper version management prolongs the life of the device and guarantees access to new features.

Automatic updates via Google Play Store

The most common and safe way to get new versions of programs is to use the built-in service from Google. By default, Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones activate the automatic download function, which works in the background, which saves the user from the need to constantly monitor the status of the installed software.

To check status and set the settings, you need to open the Play Store app and click on the profile icon in the upper right corner. Then select Settings, then go to Preferences. This is where the Application Auto Update switch is located, which allows you to choose how to work: only over Wi-Fi, always over any network or not update automatically.

⚠️ Warning: Choosing the “Any Network” mode can lead to fast consumption of mobile traffic if you do not have unlimited tariff connection.

If the automation didn't work, you can force the process to start, so you select Application and Device Management from the profile menu, and the list that opens will show all the programs that are available for new versions, and clicking Update All will start downloading and installing packages in the background.

It is worth noting that some Google system services may require a device to restart to complete the integration of new components. If the phone starts to run slower after installing updates, it is recommended to restart the gadget, which will clear the cache of processes and apply configuration changes.

GetApps (Mi Apps) Store

MIUI and HyperOS devices have their own app store called GetApps (formerly known as Mi Apps), which is often used to update Xiaomi system utilities such as Security, Explorer or Gallery, which are not always properly updated through Google Play.

To manage the versions of the programs in this store, you need to open the app and go to the Control tab in the lower right corner. This shows the list of available updates. If you see a red dot or number next to the icon, this means that there is a new version. By clicking on the Update button next to a particular application or Update everything, you start the installation process.

• 📲 System Utilities: GetApps is a Priority Source for UI Components MIUI.
• 🚀 Optimization: Store offers app versions optimized specifically for Snapdragon and MediaTek processors in Xiaomi devices.
• 🔒 Security Check: All files undergo additional antivirus check before installation on the device.

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where GetApps offers to update an already installed application, although Google Play has a newer version. In such cases, it is better to focus on Google Play, since there are updates coming out earlier.

It is important to make sure that sync is enabled in GetApps settings. Go to your profile, select Settings and make sure that Auto Update is activated, which will ensure that new versions are available on time without you.

Updating Google System Components and Services

System components such as Google Play Services, WebView, and Android security drivers require special attention, but they are critical to the entire smartphone, often undetectable, but sometimes require manual activation.

For Google Play Services components, the path is through Settings -> Apps -> All Apps. Search for Google Play Services, click on it and select More (three dots in the corner) -> Update. If the button is inactive, you already have the current version installed.

The Android System WebView component is a component that is responsible for displaying web pages within apps. If it is outdated, many programs may stop opening links or not work correctly. Regularly checking its version is a good habit for any Android user.

Hand-mounted APK-files from unknown sources

Sometimes you need to manually update the app by downloading the APK installation package from a third-party resource, which may be necessary if the new version has not yet reached your region in the official store, or if the app is removed from Google Play.

When you try to open a downloaded file, the system will issue a warning about blocking the installation from unknown sources, you will be prompted to go to the settings and allow a particular browser or file manager to install applications.

⚠️ Attention: Download APK-files only from verified resources such as APKMirror or 4PDA. Installing software from dubious sources can lead to infection of the device with viruses. When you manually install a new version on top of the old one, the user's data is usually stored. However, if you change the signature of the application (for example, install a modified version), the old program will have to be completely deleted, which will lead to data loss.

Once the rights are confirmed, the system will launch the packet installer, and you will see a screen requesting replacement of an existing application. Click Install. Once the process is complete, you can immediately open the program or delete the installation file to free up space.

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Before manually installing an APK, always back up your important data via Mi Cloud or Google Drive to ensure you don’t lose information in the event of a crash.

Solving loading and installation problems

Even with a stable Internet, the update process can be interrupted or suspended, most often due to overcrowded app store cache or a lack of free memory on the device, and cleaning temporary files often solves the problem of “hangover” download.

To clear the cache, go to Settings -> Apps -> All Apps. Find the Google Play Store, select Memory and click Clear Cache. Don't confuse it with the Clear All button, as this will reset the store settings, although the account data will be saved.

• 📶 Network problems: Try switching from Wi-Fi to mobile internet or vice versa. Sometimes providers block certain download servers.
• 💾 Lack of space: Make sure that the internal drive is free at least 1-2 GB space for temporary installation files.
• 🔋 Energy saving: Power saving mode can limit background loading. Turn it off while you upgrade a large number of programs.

If persists error, try to remove updates to the Google Play Store app itself. From the app menu (three dots in the profile), select Settings -> About Play Store. There will be information about the version and the possibility of resetting it. After the reboot, the store itself will update to the current version, and the errors should disappear.

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90% of update problems are solved by simply cleaning the app store cache or switching the type of internet connection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)