How to open all applications on Xiaomi: hidden, system and disabled

Have you ever noticed that some apps are missing from the menu on a Xiaomi smartphone? Or you wanted to run a system utility but didn't find it on the software list? Because MIUI hides some of the built-in apps, both to save space on the screen and to protect against accidental changes, but you can still access them, and we'll show you how to do it without root rights and complicated manipulations.

In this article, you will find 4 working ways to open all applications on Xiaomi, including system, disabled and those that do not appear in the standard launcher. The methods are suitable for most models - from the Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra, and also work on MIUI 14, MIUI 13 and older versions. Importantly, some actions require caution, so read the warnings carefully before following instructions.

Why are Xiaomi apps becoming invisible?

Before we get to the ways to restore access, let’s understand why apps disappear from the menu:

• 🔹 User Disconnection: Many system utilities (such as Mi Video or Mi Music) can be disabled in settings, after which they disappear from the launcher, but remain in the system.
• 🔹 Optimization MIUI: shell automatically hides underused applications to reduce desktop clutter.
• 🔹 Manufacturer restrictions: some service utilities (e.g. EngineerMode or CIT) hidden specifically so that users do not change critical settings.
• 🔹 Update errors: After the update MIUI Sometimes the app visibility settings are reset.

Interestingly, even remote applications (like a standard browser or gallery) often remain in the system as stumps — they can’t be run in the usual way, but they take up space in memory, which we will also discuss below.

Method 1: Enabling Hidden Applications through MIUI Settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which are suitable for applications that are disabled by the user and do not require additional programs.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Show all applications.
3. Find the right app in the list (for example, the camera or the camera). FM-radio) and tap it.
4. If the Enable button is active, press it. If there is no button but the app does not appear in the menu, click Open Default or Reset.

This works for 70-80% of cases, but it won’t help with deep-hidden system utilities (e.g. com.qualcomm.embms or com.xiaomi.simactivate).

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Backup of important data

Charge your phone at least 50%

Disable battery optimization for system applications-->

Method 2: Use of alternative launchers

The standard MIUI launcher (Mi Launcher or POCO Launcher) often hides system applications, the solution being to install a side launcher that shows all APKs installed, including hidden ones.

Best options:

• 📱 Nova Launcher (Pay version allows you to show hidden apps in the menu).
• 🔍 Apex Launcher – In the settings there is an option “Show hidden applications".
• 🛠️ Microsoft Launcher – sometimes displays system utilities that you can’t see MIUI.

How to set up:

1. Install the selected launcher from Google Play.
2. Run it and in the settings, find the App Drawer section (or "Application Menu").
3. Activate the option of Show hidden apps (or similar).
4. Return to the main screen – now the previously hidden apps should appear in the menu.

⚠️ Note: Some system applications (e.g. com.android.providers.telephony) may not run even through an alternative launcher – they require special rights or commands. ADB.

Method 3: Access via ADB (for power users)

If previous methods didn’t work, you’ll need to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to manage hidden settings, which is suitable for all Xiaomi models, but requires a computer connection.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB (You can download from the official Android website).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phone to the computer and confirm the debugging permission on the smartphone screen.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must display the serial number of your device.
4. To see all installed applications, including hidden ones, follow: adb shell pm list packages -f The list will also include system packages (e.g. package:/system/priv-app/EngineerMode/EngineerMode.apk=com.miui.engineermode).
5. To enable a hidden application, use: adb shell pm enable com.name.package For example, for the engineering menu: adb shell pm enable com.miui.engineermode

⚠️ Note: Not all system applications can be run safely. For example, activating com.qualcomm.qcrild or com.android.phone can cause network loss or other failures. Before experimenting, back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

💡

If the adb device team doesn’t find your phone, try reinstalling Xiaomi drivers or using a USB 2.0 port (sometimes USB 3.0 causes debugging problems).

Method 4: Engineering menu and service codes

Some hidden applications (such as test utilities or diagnostic menus) can be opened through service codes or an engineering menu, which does not require ADB, but does not work on all models.

Popular codes for Xiaomi:

How to use:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter one of the codes (as a normal number).
3. If the code is supported, a hidden menu will open.

⚠️ Warning: Do not change the settings in the engineering menu unless you know what they are intended for! For example, changing the Band Mode settings in the network testing menu (#4636##) can lead to loss of connection with the operator.

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Service codes are the fastest way to open diagnostic utilities, but they don’t give you access to all hidden applications (e.g., com.xiaomi.market or com.miui.player).

What if the app is removed and not hidden?

Sometimes users confuse hidden apps with remote ones. If you manually uninstall a system application (for example, through ADB or Titanium Backup), you can restore it only by flashing it or installing the original APK.

How to check if the application is removed or hidden:

• 🔍 Launch it. ADB and execute the command: adb shell pm list packages | grep "Package Name" If the packet is not found - the application is removed.
• 📁 Check the folder. /system/app or /system/priv-app through a file manager with root rights (e.g., Root Explorer).

If the application is removed, it can be restored as follows:

1. Find the original APK for your version of MIUI (e.g., on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums).
2. Install it through ADB: adb install name file.apk
3. If you need system application rights, use: adb shell pm install -r -t -i "com.android.vending" -d /path/to/app.apk

⚠️ Attention: Installation of system APK different version MIUI or models can cause conflicts and failures. Always check compatibility!

Method compatibility table for different versions of MIUI

Not all methods work on all firmware versions. Below is a compatibility summary table:

If your version of MIUI is not listed in the table, try the methods in order from simple to complex: first setup, then launcher, then ADB.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hidden apps on Xiaomi