Have you installed a new app on your Xiaomi but can't find it? Or has the icon suddenly disappeared from your desktop? App launch problems are one of the most common situations among users of Redmi, POCO and other brands. The reasons can vary from a banal error in settings to system failures of MIUI. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to open applications on Xiaomi devices, including hidden shell functions and solutions for cases when the program does not start.
The feature of MIUI firmware is the use of optimizations and background constraints that sometimes interfere with third-party applications. For example, the system can automatically freeze rarely used programs or hide their icons in the menu. Fortunately, most problems are solved in a few steps, without resetting or reflashing. Next, you will find instructions for different scenarios, from standard start-up to recovery of hidden applications through Settings.
1. Standard application launch via menu
If the app is installed correctly and not hidden by the system, the easiest way to open it is through the main menu. On most Xiaomi devices (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11), the algorithm is the same:
- 📱 Swipe your finger up from the bottom edge of the screen (on gesture-controlled models) or tap the App Menu icon (six dots at the bottom of the screen).
- 🔍 Type the name of the application in the search bar at the top of the screen, which will speed up the search if the icon is “lost” among others.
- 🖱️ Click on the app icon once. If the icon is highlighted but not opened, go to the launch failure section.
On some versions of MIUI 14+, the app menu may look like a vertical swipe (like on the iPhone).If the swipe up doesn't work, try:
- Touch and hold the bottom of the screen for 1-2 seconds.
- Use the Home button (if activated in the settings).
2. if the application icon disappeared from the desktop
A common problem after updating MIUI or resetting is that the icons disappear from the home screen, and the app itself stays in the system. Here's how to return it:
- Check the All Apps folder: Sometimes icons are automatically folded into the Recent or Recommended folder.
- Restore through screen settings: 🛠️ Hold an empty space on the desktop → Select Screen Settings. 🔄 Go to the App Icons tab and find the missing app in the list. ☑️ Activate the switch next to its name.
If the app is hidden by the system (e.g. Google Play Services or Mi Video), it can be returned via:
Settings → Applications → Application Management → [Three dots at the top] → Show all applications☑️ What to do if the icon is missing
3. Launching through System Search and Voice Assistant
MIUI has two tools for fast app search – text search and voice assistant Xiao AI. The first works even on a locked screen (if the option is activated):
- 🔍 Swipe your finger down the center of the screen (on models with the MIUI 13+) or click on the magnifying glass at the top of the app menu.
- 🗣️ For voice search, say "Open [app name]" (e.g., "Open Telegram"). Only works when Xiao is turned on. AI (Settings → Xiao AI → Voice assistant).
Voice launch is convenient if your hands are busy or your screen is dirty, but note that some applications (such as banking) may block the opening through the assistant for security reasons.
| Method of searching | Is it working on a locked screen? | Need the Internet? | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Text search (swipe down) | ✅ Yes (if included in the settings) | ❌ No. | Not looking for system applications |
| Search for the app menu | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | Shows only installed applications |
| Voice assistant Xiao AI | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes (for recognition) | Does not open some banking applications |
4. If the application does not open: reasons and solutions
When you click on an icon but nothing happens (or there is an error) it is most often associated with:
- 🚫 Freezing of the application by the system MIUI (battery-saving).
- 🔄 Cash that conflicts with the new version of the program.
- 🛡️ Blocking antivirus or Google Play Protect.
- 📱 Incompatible with the Android version (relevant to older models like Redmi) 4X).
The first thing to do is to defrost the application and clear its cache:
Settings → Applications → Application Management → [Select App] → Clear the cache → Allow background activity⚠️ Note: If an application requires authorization after cleaning the cache (for example, VKontakte or Telegram), save the login details in advance. Some programs (for example, WhatsApp) can delete unsaved chats.
If the app still doesn’t open, try:
- Reboot your phone (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
- Remove and install the app again (for Google Play: My profile → App Management → Delete).
- Check for updates for MIUI (Settings → About Phone → System Update).
What to do if the application gives an error "Not responding"
5. Hidden System Applications: How to Find and Open
MIUI hides some of the pre-installed apps (e.g. Mi Pay, Game Turbo, Security) so as not to clutter up the menu.
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Show All Apps.
- In the list, find the app you want and click on it: 🔓 Unlock the launch (if disabled). 📥 Add an icon to your desktop (Create a shortcut option).
Some system applications (such as EngineerMode for testing iron) are hidden deeper.
- 📞 Open the Phone app and type in: ##4636## for phone and battery information. ##6484### for camera test (on some models). ##64663## for sensor test.
⚠️ Warning: Don't enter codes found on questionable sites - some of them (#7780###) can reset your phone to factory settings.The official list of supported commands for your Xiaomi model can be found in the documentation on the Mi Service website.
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If you need to use a hidden system application often (like Game Turbo for games), create a shortcut on your desktop through the App Information menu.
6.Alternative methods: ADB and third-party launchers
If standard methods do not help (for example, the application is removed by the system or blocked by MIUI policies), you can use:
- 🤖 ADB-For advanced users: adb shell pm list packages -f | grep 'name packet' adb shell am start -n com.android.package/.Activity To find out the exact name of the package, use the App Inspector app from Google Play.
- 🎨 Third-party launchers (such as Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher) that show all installed applications, including hidden ones MIUI.
The use of ADB will require:
- Enable Developer Mode (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times).
- Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Connect your phone to your PC and use commands through Platform Tools.
On devices with MIUI 14+ some ADB-In order to unlock them, type in the terminal: adb shell settings put global settings hidden_api_policy 0.
7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
Many of the problems with launching applications on Xiaomi are due to incorrect optimization settings, and this is what users usually miss:
- 🔋 Autocleaning RAM: In Settings → Battery → Battery optimization: Some applications are labeled "Limit background activity." Remove this restriction for commonly used programs.
- 🔒 Blocking the installation from unknown sources: if you downloaded APK-file, but you can’t install it, check your settings → Annexes → Special rights → Installation from unknown sources.
- 📦 Version conflict: on new models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) Some older apps (like Android 9) may not run. check compatibility on Google Play.
Another common mistake is to remove system applications through ADB or root rights, which can cause a cyclical reboot of your phone, and if you accidentally delete an important application (such as MiuiSystemUI), you can only restore it through firmware or reset settings.
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Before removing any system application via ADB, back up with the command adb backup -apk -shared -all -f backup.ab.