How to open apps on Xiaomi smartphones: from basic to hidden methods

Have you downloaded a new app to your Xiaomi but can't find it on the menu? Or have you accidentally hidden an icon and now you don't know how to get it back? Maybe you're trying to run system software that the manufacturer has hidden from users. In this article, we'll look at all the ways you can open apps on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, from standard to advanced, including working with MIUI versions and even restoring remote programs.

The problem with running apps on Xiaomi devices is often related to the features of the MIUI shell, which actively optimizes background processes and hides underutilized programs. For example, after a system update, some applications can disappear from the home screen or move to the Other folder. We will consider not only the obvious solutions (search by menu, drag and drop icons), but also lesser-known methods - through Settings, voice assistant Xiao AI, and tools for developers.

We will focus on cases where the application does not open due to system failures or manufacturer restrictions. For example, some Xiaomi models for the European market (EEA) have Google services disabled by default, which can block the launch of individual programs.

1. Standard methods: menu and search

Start with the simplest one: check if the app is hidden in the general list of programs. On most Xiaomi devices, it is enough:

1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the app menu.
2. Scroll down the list – the icon may be on the second or third page.
3. Use the search bar at the top of the screen (the magnifier icon) to enter the program name.

If the app doesn't appear on the menu, check the Others folder (or Recents in some versions of MIUI). It automatically folds underused programs. It's also worth looking at Settings → Applications → Application Management - all installed programs, including system ones, are displayed here.

What if the icon disappeared from the home screen? There are two ways to return it:

• 📱 Drag the app from the menu back to the desktop (hold the icon) 1-2 seconds, then move).
• ⚙️ B Settings → Desktop → Desktop settings enable the option "Show all applications".

⚠️ Note: On some models POCO shelled POCO Launcher applications can be grouped automatically. To disable this feature, go to Launcher Settings. → Grouping applications and select "Disable".

2. Search through system settings

If the app doesn't appear on the menu but you're sure it's installed, check it through system settings, which works even for hidden or disabled programs:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. At the top of the screen, press three dots (⋮) and select "Show all applications".
3. In the list, find the desired application and tap on it.
4. Click the "Open" button (if it is active) or turn on the "Show on Desktop" option.

This section also shows if the app is disabled (the gray icon next to the name). If so, click "Enable" to restore access. Notice the "System Apps" section, which often hides utility utilities that don't appear in the main menu.

Find in Settings → Applications → Application Management |

Enable display of all applications (three dots → Show all)|

Check the "System applications" section |

Try to turn on the disabled application (button "Enable")-->

On devices with MIUI 13/14, the path may be slightly different:

Settings → Applications → Installed Applications → Filter (funnel icon) → Show system

Example: If you are looking for a standard FM-If you have a radio that is not on the menu, find it through this section and turn on the icon, the same goes for utilities like com.miui.securitycenter or com.android.settings).

3.Voice assistant Xiao AI

Few people know, but the voice assistant Xiao AI (available on most Xiaomi devices for the Chinese and global markets) can not only open applications, but also find hidden ones.

1. Activate Xiao AI by holding the home button (on models without a touch button, swipe from bottom up with a delay) or by saying the voice command "Hey, Xiao AI."
2. Say, “Open [app name]” (e.g., “Open Gallery”).
3. If the application is hidden, the assistant will suggest showing it on the desktop.

This method is especially useful for system utilities that don't have icons on the menu, such as:

• 🔧 Developer Mode (Say "Open Developer Settings").
• 📡 Test SIM-Cards (Open the test team) SIM").
• 🔄 System Restore (Say "Open Recovery").

⚠️ Note: On devices with global firmware (Global) ROM) Xiao AI It can be disabled by default. To activate it, go to Settings. → Additionally. → Voice assistant and enable option. Some models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) will require you to download an additional language package.

4.Using ADB for Hidden Applications

If standard methods didn’t help and the app is installed on the system (for example, you see it in the list through adb shell pm list packages), you can try running it manually through Android Debug Bridge (ADB).

Step-by-step:

1. Enable the developer mode on your smartphone: go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times tap on the item "Version" MIUI".
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install Xiaomi drivers, and open the command line (or Terminal on Mac/Linux).
4. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is displayed, continue.
5. To see a list of all packages installed, follow: adb shell pm list packages -f Find the name of the desired application in the output (for example, com.miui.calculator for Calculator).
6. Launch the application with the command: adb shell am start -n com.miui.calculator/.cal.AllInOneCalculatorActivity (replace com.miui.calculator in the name of your package).

On some Xiaomi devices for the European market (EEA) system applications can be blocked at the firmware level. ADB-Commands will return the SecurityException error, which means that the launch is possible only after unlocking the bootloader.

5. Recovery of Remote or Disabled Applications

If the application has been removed or disabled (e.g., via Settings → Applications → Delete / Disable), it can be restored without flashing it.

• 🔄 Reinstall the app from Google Play or Mi App Store (if available).
• 📦 Restore from backup if you have previously done a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
• 🔧 Use the system commands to re-activate: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.example.app (replace com.example.app with the package name).

For system applications (such as Mi Video or Mi Music) that cannot be reinstalled in the standard way, try:

1. Download APK-Application file from a verified source (e.g., APKMirror).
2. Install it manually, pre-allow installation from unknown sources (Settings → Applications → Special Access → Installation of Unknown Applications).
3. If the installation is blocked, use ADB: adb install name file.apk

⚠️ Note: Removing or disabling system applications (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) may cause the phone to run unstable. If the smartphone starts to brake or overheat after the app is restored, reset settings via Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings.

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Before you uninstall your system applications, back up your Settings → Additional → Backup or use Mi PC Suite on your computer to quickly recover data in the event of a crash.

6. Launch problems: errors and solutions

Sometimes the app appears on the menu but doesn't open, and there's an "App is not responding" or "Stop" error. Let's look at the main reasons and ways to fix them:

If the app is hanging on the download screen, try:

• 🔄 Clear the data (attention – this will remove all program settings!).
• 🔒 Turn off optimization MIUI for this application: Settings → Annexes → [name] → Battery → Optimizing the battery → No restrictions.
• 📱 Restart your phone in Safe Mode (hold the power button) → "Restart Safe Mode and try to run the app again.

On devices with MIUI 12 and later, there are often problems with running applications due to aggressive battery optimization.

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management by Apps.
2. Find the problem app and select the "No Limits" mode.
3. Enable the "Out-Start" option for this application.

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If the app doesn’t open after all the manipulations, check it’s compatible with your version of MIUI. Some programs (especially banking) can be blocked on custom or Chinese firmware.

FAQ: Frequent questions