How to open the application on the Xiaomi phone: all the ways to MIUI 2026

Have you downloaded a new app on your Xiaomi or Redmi but can't find it? MIUI Is this a situation that many smartphone owners of the brand know about -- the interface? MIUI It often hides app shortcuts in non-obvious places. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to run applications on Xiaomi devices, POCO And Black Shark with firmware MIUI 14/15 Android 13/14.

The problem isn't always technical, and often users don't know where to look, whether it's in the app menu, in the hidden space, or through a search. We'll look at both standard methods and little-known chips, like how to open an app if it's not on the list, or how to return a missing shortcut to the home screen. MIUI, Where the logic of the program has changed.

1. Standard method: via the application menu

The most obvious method is to use the app menu (aka “launcher”). On most Xiaomi smartphones, it opens with a swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen (on devices with a navigation bar – by clicking on the “dot” or “square” icon). If you have a third-party launcher (for example, Nova Launcher or HyperOS Launcher), the logic may differ.

The menus sort apps by alphabet or frequency of use to find the right ones:

• 🔍 Use the search bar at the top of the screen – enter the program name (even partial).
• 📁 Scroll through the list manually: applications are grouped by category (Social Networks, Games, Tools).
• ⭐ Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Sort → alphabetically, if the desired program is "lost" among the frequently used.

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 15 are the default hidden system applications (e.g. Security or Themes). To see them, click on the app menu to click on three dots. → Show system-based.

If the app is installed but not displayed in the menu, check:

• 📥 Folder recently installed (appears after downloading new programs).
• 🗑️ Recycle Bin folder – you may have accidentally deleted the shortcut (the app itself remains in the system).

2. Search by system: quick access to any application

V MIUI It's built into a global search that finds not just programs, but also settings, contacts and files:

1. Swipe down the home screen (the gesture works on most models except Xiaomi) 12T and POCO F5, where you need to click on the magnifying glass icon in the dock panel).
2. Enter the name of the application (for example, Telegram or Gallery).
3. In the search results, select the desired item - the system will immediately open the program or offer to create a shortcut.

If the search does not find the application, check its settings:

1. Open the Settings. → Search by device.
2. Make sure that the Application options and System Settings are enabled.
3. Click Clear Data if the search results are not relevant.

On some firmware (e.g, MIUI Global for the European region) search is disabled by default for system utilities:

Settings → Additional → Search by device → Show system applications

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If you use the same app frequently, pinch its icon in search results and drag it to the home screen – so you create a shortcut.

3. Desktop shortcuts: how to return missing icons

Many Xiaomi users face a problem: after the update MIUI If you reset your desktop settings, you lose your application icons. It's not a mistake, because this is how Desktop Cleanup works, which by default hides underutilized programs:

Method 1: Through the Application Menu

• 📱 Open the application menu (swipe up).
• 🔍 Find the right app (use search or scroll).
• 🖱️ Press its icon and drag it to the main screen or to the dock panel.

Method 2: through the launcher settings

• 🛠️ Press and hold an empty space on the desktop → Select Desktop Settings.
• 🔄 Go to Desktop Cleanup → The history of cleaning.
• ✅ Enable the option to Show Hidden Apps and select programs to return.

⚠️ Attention: On smartphones POCO shelled POCO Launcher logic is different — there is no Desktop Cleanup function. Instead, use the gesture to pinch the icon. → "Add to the main screen".

4. Hidden applications: how to find programs in the "Second space" or "Private mode"

If you use the "Second Space" (duplicate account) or "Private Mode" (hidden applications), the programs installed there will not appear in the main menu.

For "Second Space":

• 🔑 Go to Settings. → Second space.
• 🔄 Click Switch to the second space.
• 📱 Now open the app menu – there will be programs installed only in this profile.

For "Private Regime":

• 🔒 In the app menu, swipe left to the end. → The Private tab will appear (if the function is activated).
• 🔐 Enter your password or scan your fingerprint.
• 📁 There will be hidden applications (for example, messengers or banking programs).

If you have forgotten your private password, you can only restore access through resetting (this will delete all data in the hidden space!).

Settings → Passwords and security → Private mode → Reset password

5. Opening applications through system settings

If an application is installed but not running in standard ways (e.g. after a crash or conflict with another program), you can try opening it through the application management menu.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the program you want in the list (use search or alphabetical sorting).
3. Press it. → Choose Open.

If the Open button is inactive, check:

• 🚫 Application Status: If it says Disabled, click Enable.
• 📥 Updates: Sometimes programs don’t run because of an outdated version (update to Google Play).
• 🛡️ Permissions: Go to Permits and give access to memory, camera, etc.

For system utilities (such as Camera or Calls), the path is different:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three dots (⋮) → Show system

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, POCO F4 GT) There is no Open button in the Application Management menu for system programs, in which case use the voice assistant (press the power button and say, "Open up." <name>").

Does the app not open? Make sure that:

You have given all permissions in the settings

Cleared the cache (Settings) → Annexes → Warehouse → Clear the cache)

Rebooted phone

The problem is not the parental control restrictions.

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6. Alternative methods: voice assistant, widgets and ADB

If the standard methods didn't work, try non-obvious ones. They'll come in handy when:

• 🔧 The application is installed, but not displayed in the menu (for example, after manual transfer to the menu). SD-map).
• 🔒 Access to the program is blocked by the administrator of the device (corporate phones).
• 🤖 The launcher is not working properly after the update.

Method 1: Google Assistant or XiaoAI

Activate the assistant:

• For Google Assistant: Press the Home button or say “OK, Google.”
• For XiaoAI (on Chinese firmware): Press the Power button.

Say, "Open [app name]." If the program is installed, the assistant will run it.

Method 2: Application shortcut widget

Add a widget to the home screen for quick access:

1. Press and hold the empty space on the screen → Widgets.
2. Find the app shortcuts (or app shortcuts) widget.
3. Drag it to the screen and select the desired program.

Method 3: Through ADB (for power users)

If the application is installed but does not start due to system limitations, you can try to open it through the ADB (Android Debug Bridge:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command:

adb shell am start -n com.example.app/.MainActivity

Replace com.example.app with a real application package (you can find out through the App Inspector in Google Play).

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If the application does not open in any way, check it for viruses through Security. → Scanner: Some malware blocks legitimate software from running.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even after all the instructions are followed, some applications may not open, and let's look at the typical problems and how to fix them:

On Xiaomi smartphones with MediaTek processors (for example, Redmi Note 12 or POCO M5) Some apps may not be running due to lack of support for Google Play Services, in which case install alternative services (e.g. MicroG) or use the app. APK without dependence on Google.

If the problem persists, check:

• 📡 Internet connection: Some programs (such as Google Maps or YouTube) require a network to run for the first time.
• 🕒 Date and time: Incorrect settings can block applications (especially banking).
• 🔄 Device region: some programs (e.g. Netflix or Disney)+) not available in certain countries.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions