How to open the settings of the application on Xiaomi: all the ways MIUI 12–14

Have you ever encountered a situation where an app on Xiaomi starts to behave strangely — for example, constantly sending notifications, draining the battery or requiring unnecessary permissions? Unlike the “pure” Android, the shell MIUI hides these parameters in non-obvious menu sections, and sometimes even blocks access to them without additional manipulations.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to open the settings of any application on Xiaomi, Redmi or smartphones. POCO — From the standard path through the Apps menu to hidden commands for power users, we will focus on the nuances of different versions. MIUI (12, 13, 14) and HyperOS models, where menu layout logic may differ, and you’ll also learn how to get around system limitations if the desired option suddenly disappeared after the update.

We warn you beforehand that some methods require administrator rights or developer mode activation. If you're a beginner, start with the first two, they're safe and they work on 99% of devices. The rest will be useful for non-standard tasks, such as when an application is not displayed in the installed list or its settings are blocked by the manufacturer.

1. Standard method: through the menu "Applications"

This is the most obvious and universal method that works on all versions. MIUI — 10 to 14, including Xiaomi 13T Pro, Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5. The main advantage is that you don't have to turn on any hidden modes or install third-party utilities:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
2. Scroll down and select the Application section (some firmware may call Application Management).
3. At the top of the screen, tap the Installed tab (if another tab, such as All or System, is active).
4. Find the app you want in the list and click on it, and you'll see a menu with the basic parameters.

In this section you can:

• 🔄 Clear the cache or application data (useful if it slows down).
• 🚫 Stop forcibly (if the program is suspended).
• 📱 Manage permissions (access to camera, microphone, geolocation).
• 🔔 Disable notifications or set their priority.
• 🔒 Block background activity (saves battery power).

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 14 and later, some system applications (e.g. Security or Themes) may not have a Stop button. This is normal — they cannot be forcibly closed without superuser rights.

If the desired application is not in the list, try:

• 🔍 Enable the display of all applications (the upper right corner has a filter).
• 🔄 Update the list with a swipe down (sometimes helps if the program is recently installed).
• 📂 Check the tab System - there are hidden utility.

Are there any important unsaved data in the application (cleaning up will delete it)

Have you remembered your current permissions (to return if necessary)?

Have you checked the reviews about the app (suddenly the bugs are related to its version)

Make sure the problem isn’t in the system (reboot the phone)

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2. Quick access via context menu

Not everyone knows, but Xiaomi can open app settings in two taps, either directly from the home screen or from the app menu, which saves time if you need to quickly disable notifications or deny access to geolocation. Here's how it works:

1. Find the icon of the desired application on the screen (not the folder!).
2. Hold your finger for 1-2 seconds until the context menu appears.
3. In the drop-down list, select Application Information (or App Settings on new versions) MIUI).

If you POCO shelled POCO Launcher, the algorithm is a little different:

1. Touch the app icon and hold it until it is “unlocked” from the screen.
2. Drag it to the top of the screen where the message “Information” appears.
3. Release your finger and the settings will open.

This method is convenient for:

• 🎮 Quickly disable notifications from games (e.g. Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile).
• 📸 Prohibit access to the camera for social networks (TikTok, Instagram).
• 🔋 Stopping background processes of messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp).

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite) may not have the context menu if One-Hand Mode is enabled. → Special facilities.

If the context menu is not opened:

• 🧹 Clear the Launcher cache (in the Launcher or Explorer app settings).
• 🔄 Reboot your phone – sometimes helps with interface glitches.
• 📱 Check if a third-party launcher is installed (e.g. Nova Launcher).

Standard. MIUI Launcher|POCO Launcher|Nova Launcher|Other third-party|I don't know what it is.-->

3. Search by settings: for the lazy and impatient

If you don’t want to dig through menus or are looking for a specific app (like Google Play Services, which is hard to find manually), use the built-in search feature. MIUI And you can find the settings in seconds.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings.
2. At the top of the screen, tap the magnifier (search icon) or swipe down the screen to activate the search bar.
3. Enter the name of the app (e.g. Chrome, Facebook, or Mi Video).
4. In the results, select the item with the application name and the subheading of the Application Settings.

Advantages of this method:

• ⚡ Instant result: No need to flip through long lists.
• 🔍 It even finds system applications hidden from the user.
• 📝 Works with Chinese characters (useful for firmware with multilingual interface).

If the search does not find the application:

• 📛 Check the exact name in Google Play or App Store.
• 🔤 Try typing the name in English (e.g. Gallery instead of Gallery).
• 🔄 Update the search index: go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI and tap 7 times on the build number (this will also turn on Developer Mode).

💡

If the search in the settings doesn't work, try using voice input (the microphone icon next to the magnifier), which is especially convenient for long titles like com.xiaomi.market (Mi App Store).

4. Through Developer Mode: For Hidden Applications

Some Xiaomi system utilities (e.g., com.miui.analytics or com.xiaomi.finddevice) don’t appear in the standard list of applications. To access them, you’ll have to turn on Developer Mode and use it. ADB-commands or special codes.

Step 1: Activate the Developer Mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version (you will be notified “You became a developer!”).
3. Go back to the main settings menu and open a new section for developers.

Step 2: Find the hidden app:

• 🔧 Use it. ADB-team (PC required):

adb shell pm list packages | grep 'app' name'

• 📱 Or enter a special code in the phone number dialer:

##4636##

After that, the Testing menu will open, where in the Phone Information section you can see a list of all running processes, including hidden ones.

What can be done next:

• 🛑 Stop the system application (e.g. com.miui.daemon) that handles background tasks).
• 🔒 Disable auto-start for unnecessary services (saves battery).
• 🗑️ Clear data without removing the app (useful for Google Play Services).

⚠️ Warning: Disabling system applications may cause the phone to run unstable, interface errors, or inability to update.Before experimenting, back up your Settings → Additionally. → Backup.

5. With the help of third-party utilities: for advanced users

If embedded tools MIUI You don't like it, you can use third-party customization apps, and they give you a lot of options, from massive permissions shutdowns to deep optimization of background processes.-3 tested:

How to use Greenify to optimize:

1. Install the application and give it special access rights (in the settings) MIUI This is the Permission section. → Special access → Optimizing the battery).
2. Add to the list applications that drain the battery (for example, Facebook, AliExpress).
3. Click Hibernation – they will automatically “freeze” when closed.

Warnings:

• 🚨 App Inspector requires Android 10+ It may not work on Chinese firmware.
• 🔋 Greenify is ineffective for push notification applications (e.g. messengers).
• 🛡️ Some utilities (such as Lucky Patcher) can be blocked. MIUI as».

💡

The side of the utility is convenient, but does not replace the built-in settings. For example, only through the standard menu. MIUI You can completely remove pre-installed applications (if allowed by firmware).

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after opening the app settings, you may encounter limitations or errors, and here are the most common situations and ways to fix them:

Problem 1: The Stop button is inactive

This is typical of system applications or programs with administrator rights.

• 🔓 First, remove administrator rights in Settings → Passwords and security → Administrator rights of the device.
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes it unlocks the button.
• 🛠️ For Google Play Services, use the command:

adb shell am force-stop com.google.android.gms

Problem 2: The app does not appear in the list

Possible causes and solutions:

• 📦 Application hidden (check in Settings) → Annexes → Hidden applications).
• 🗑️ The application is deleted, but its data is left (clear through Settings). → Warehouse → Other annexes).
• 🔍 This is a virus (scan your phone through Mi Security or Malwarebytes).

Problem 3: Settings reset after the update

MIUI Sometimes resets app permissions after major updates:

• 📋 Export your settings in advance using App Settings Backup (available on Google Play).
• 🔄 Reverse to the previous version of the firmware through Settings → Updating the system → Three points. → Selection of a service pack.
• 📧 Contact Xiaomi Support via Settings → Refrain if the reset occurred due to a bug.

Yes, application settings were reset.

Yeah, the phone's slowing down.

Yes, some functions are missing.

No, it worked fine.

Not updating. MIUI principle-->

FAQ: Answers to popular questions