How to update WhatsApp on Xiaomi Redmi smartphone: all ways + fixing

WhatsApp

Xiaomi Redmi

MIUI

Google Play

all current ways of updating

If your Redmi Note 12, Redmi 10, or other model in the series suddenly stops working properly with WhatsApp (no messages are sent, no notifications, fly out when you open), 80% of the time the problem is solved by the update, but it is important to do it correctly so that you do not run into viruses or lose your chat history. Let's start with the simplest method.

1. Updating WhatsApp via Google Play is the standard way

The safest and most recommended way is to upgrade through the official Google Play Store.It is suitable for all Xiaomi Redmi models, where Google Mobile Services is preinstalled (GMS). Advantages of the method:

• 🔒 Security: Files are checked by Google for malicious code.
• 📥 Automation: You can enable auto-update and forget about manual control.
• 📦 Data retention: chat and media history stays in place.

To update WhatsApp via Google Play, follow the following steps:

1. Open the Google Play Store app (the color triangle icon).
2. In the search bar, type in WhatsApp and select the official app from WhatsApp. LLC.
3. If you have an update available, you'll see the Update button. Click on it.
4. Wait for the download and installation to be completed (usually takes 1-3 minutes depending on internet speed).

⚠️ Note: On some Redmi models (especially those with global firmware), Google Play may not show the update button even if the new version is available.In this case, try clearing the store cache: go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Google Play Store → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

If WhatsApp has stopped sending notifications after the update, check the battery settings in the app. MIUI:

• 🔋 Go to Settings. → Battery and productivity → Application power management.
• 🔍 Find WhatsApp in the list and select Without Limits.
• 🔔 Enable Auto Start option for the application.

2 Manual update through APK-The file is not working if Google Play is not working.

If Google Play is not available (for example, on devices with firmware for China) or does not show an update, you can install the new version of WhatsApp manually through the Internet. APK-This method is also useful if you want to test the beta version of the messenger.

Warning: Download APK from the official website only whatsapp.com/android Installing files from unknown resources can lead to virus infection or data theft.

Installation instructions:

Download APK from the official WhatsApp website

Installation from unknown sources

Make a backup of chats (Settings) → chat → Backup)

Check the free space on the device (required) ~50–100 MB)

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1. Download the latest version APK linking.
2. Open the File Manager (e.g. Files by Google or standard file manager) MIUI File Manager) and find the downloaded file (usually in the Downloads folder).
3. Before installation, allow installation from unknown sources: 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Special access rights → Installation of unknown applications. 🔧 Select the browser or file manager through which you will install APK, and turn on the permission.

Run the downloaded file and confirm the installation.

⚠️ Warning: If you see an “App Not Installed” error during installation, delete the current version of WhatsApp (pre-backup chats!) and repeat the process. APK It is designed for your processor architecture (usually arm64-v8a modern Redmi).

After installation, open WhatsApp and check the version in the menu. ⋮ → Settings → If the build number has changed (e.g. from 2.23.12.78 to 2.24.8.76), the update has been successful.

3. Update through MIUI App Store – an alternative for Chinese firmware

On Xiaomi Redmi devices with firmware for China (without Google Play), you can update WhatsApp through the branded store MIUI App Store. But there's some nuances:

• 🌍 The app can be in Chinese (use translator or intuitive icons).
• 🕒 Updates are coming later than Google Play.
• 🔄 Not all versions of WhatsApp can be accessed due to regional restrictions.

How to update:

1. Open the MIUI App Store (Blue Package and White Box icon).
2. In the search box, type WhatsApp (or in Chinese).
3. If the app is already installed, it will have a button on its page.
4. Confirm the download and wait for the installation to be completed.

Important: B MIUI The App Store sometimes comes across modified versions of apps:

• 📌 The developer must be listed as WhatsApp LLC.
• 📊 Number of downloads – the official application it is in the millions.
• ⭐ Rating - must be not lower than 4.5.

If MIUI App Store does not find WhatsApp or offers an outdated version, use the method with the help of the app. APK-file (section 2).

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On smartphones with Chinese firmware before installing WhatsApp via APK It is recommended to temporarily change the region in the settings to any European (for example, Germany), this will help to avoid blocking the number when activated.

4. Problems with updating and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, Xiaomi Redmi users may encounter errors, and consider the most common and ways to fix them.

On smartphones Xiaomi Redmi with firmware MIUI 14 and newer after the WhatsApp update, it may be necessary to manually allow access to contacts and storage, even if previously permissions were given.This is due to tightening security policies in new versions of the shell.

If none of these methods worked, try resetting your network settings:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
2. Confirm the reset and restart the device.
3. After the reboot, reconnect to Wi-Fi and try updating WhatsApp.

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Most of the mistakes when updating WhatsApp on Xiaomi Redmi are not related to the messenger itself, but to restrictions. MIUI For background activity or network access, always check your battery settings and permissions after you install the new version.

5. How to enable WhatsApp auto-update on Xiaomi Redmi

To avoid manually monitoring new versions, you can set up an automatic WhatsApp update, which is especially convenient for users who don’t want to miss important security patches.

For devices with Google Play:

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Find WhatsApp in your search.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Enable Auto Update.

For devices without Google Play (Chinese firmware):

• 🔄 Auto-update through MIUI App Store is unstable, and it is recommended to check manually for updates periodically.
• 📅 Alternative: Subscribe to notifications about new versions on the official WhatsApp website or in Telegram channels dedicated to Xiaomi.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 with a MIUI 13) Auto-update may not work due to battery optimization, in which case add Google Play Store to exceptions: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Google Play Store → No restrictions.

If you prefer to control the update process, disable auto-update and manually install new versions every 1-2 months, which will help avoid unexpected changes in the interface or conflicts with the firmware.

6.What to do if chats or media files are lost after the update

One of the most frustrating things is the loss of a correspondence history after an update, which usually happens if:

• 🗑️ No backup was made before installing the new version.
• 📱 The application was removed without data storage.
• 🔄 There was a failure in the recovery from the cloud.

How to restore chats:

1. If you have a backup in Google Drive: 📱 Install WhatsApp again. 🔑 When you first start, enter the same phone number as before. ☁️ On the recovery screen, select Restore from Google Drive.

If there is no copy, but the backup files are on the phone

• 📁 Connect your phone to your PC and check the folder /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases.
• 🔍 Find the file type msgstore.db.crypt14 (These are local backups).
• 🔄 Rename the file to msgstore.db and move it to the same folder, then reinstall WhatsApp.

Important: Local backups are created automatically once a week, but only if there is enough space on the phone to increase the chances of recovery:

• 📅 Make regular manual backups: WhatsApp settings → chat → Backup → Make a copy.
• ☁️ Link your Google account to WhatsApp for cloud storage.
• 📱 Do not remove the WhatsApp folder from internal storage manually.

If you can’t restore chats, try using third-party utilities like Dr.Fone or iMobie PhoneRescue, but their effectiveness depends on whether the data on the phone was overwritten after deleting.

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Before any WhatsApp update on Xiaomi Redmi, back up your chats in two places: Google Drive and Local Storage (Databases folder).

7. Features of the update on different models Xiaomi Redmi

WhatsApp’s update process may vary depending on the Redmi model and version. MIUI. Let’s take a look at the key nuances for popular devices:

On devices with 64GB of memory or less (e.g. Redmi) 9A) before updating is recommended:

• 📸 Transfer photos and videos from WhatsApp to a memory card or cloud.
• 🧹 Clear the app cache in the settings.
• 📱 Close all background applications before installation APK.

If your model is not listed in the table, focus on the MIUI version:

- MIUI 14+: Use Google Play or Official Play APK.

- MIUI 12–13: Check your battery settings after the update.

- MIUI For China: Install APK manually from the official website.

8. Additional Safety and Performance Tips

WhatsApp updates are not only new features, but also protection from vulnerabilities. The following tips will help make using the messenger on Xiaomi Redmi more secure and stable:

• 🔐 Enable two-factor authentication: Go to WhatsApp Settings → Account. → Two-step testing. PIN-code and link email to restore.
• 📡 Use it. VPN For stable operation: on Chinese firmware without Google Play VPN Helps to avoid blocking the number when activated. Recommended services: ProtonVPN, Windscribe (there are free rates).
• 📵 Optimize notifications: In MIUI Go to Settings. → Notifications → WhatsApp. Turn on notifications and sound. Turn off notification grouping if you want to see each message separately.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi Redmi smartphones with an unlocked bootloader (for example, after installing custom firmware), WhatsApp may block an account due to a security policy violation. If you see a notice saying “Your account is temporarily blocked,” please send an appeal via the support form in the app, indicating that the device is being used for personal purposes.

To reduce the battery load:

• 🔋 Turn off Media Autoboot in Chat Settings.
• 📹 Limit automatic video playback in notifications.
• 🔄 Clean WhatsApp cache regularly (but not data!).

If after the update, the messenger began to consume too much charge, check:

• 📊 Battery usage statistics in Settings → Battery → Battery utilization.
• 🔍 Background activity in Settings → Annexes → WhatsApp → Battery.
• 📵 Active calls or transfer of media files.

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The regular update of WhatsApp on Xiaomi Redmi not only adds new features, but also prevents the account from being blocked due to outdated versions. WhatsApp can restrict the work in apps older than 6 months.

FAQ: Frequent questions about WhatsApp updates on Xiaomi Redmi