How to view remote applications on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Remove an important app on Xiaomi and don't remember its name? Or want to check out what programs were installed earlier but are now missing? Restore a list of remote apps on devices with MIUI is not an obvious task, but it is feasible. Unlike iOS, where the App Store stores a full download history, Android (and Xiaomi in particular) does not have such a feature by default. However, there are workarounds — from embedded tools to third-party services.

In this article, we will discuss all working methods: from viewing history in Google Play to using the site. ADB-We'll focus on the nuances of the teams for the experienced users. MIUI 14/15, Where the logic of working with applications is different from "pure" Android. If you need to not just see the list, but restore deleted programs - below you will also find instructions for returning data.

Why Xiaomi doesn’t have a built-in history of remote apps

Unlike Windows or macOS, which has a software basket, Android (and Xiaomi's MIUI shell) does not keep a log of uninstallations.

• 📱 Android Restrictions: The system does not store application deletion logs in a user-friendly way, and this data is stored in service files, but without root rights, you cannot read them.
• 🔄 Optimization MIUI: Xiaomi focuses on performance, and keeping a history of remote programs would require additional resources.
• 🛡️ Security: Keeping a list of remote applications could be used to track user activity (e.g., by an employer or attackers).

However, there are indirect ways to get information: Google Play, for example, stores installation history (but not deletions), and system logs (/data/system/package-usage-list.xml) may contain uninstallation traces – but you need root or ADB to read them.

⚠️ Note: If you have used the cleaning function in MIUI (For example, security → Cleaning up, some of the system logs could be permanently deleted, in which case it will be more difficult to restore the list of applications.

Method 1: Google Play installation history (the easiest method)

The most affordable way to do this is to check your installation history on Google Play, which won't show you the remote apps directly, but will allow you to see every program that's ever been installed on your device, and that will help you remember the name of the software you want.

Instructions:

1. Open the Google Play Store on your Xiaomi.
2. Slip on the profile avatar in the upper right corner.
3. Select Application and Device Management → Management.
4. Go to the Installed tab, then tap on the filter (funnel icon) and select Not Installed.

This will show you all the apps that have ever been on your device but have now been removed.

• 🔍 The list may include programs installed on other devices under the same Google account.
• ⏳ Applications that have been deleted for a long time (more than 1-2 years) may not be displayed.
• 📌 If the application was installed not through the Play Market (for example, through the APK), It won't appear on this list.

Method 2: System Logs via MIUI Security (for advanced)

The MIUI shell maintains internal activity logs, which also include application deletion data, which can be accessed through the built-in Security application, which does not require root rights, but is only suitable for devices with MIUI 12-15.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Security app (shield icon).
2. Go to Settings (cog in the upper right corner).
3. Select Security Log or Activity Logs (name depends on the version of MIUI).
4. In the list, find events marked Delete the application or Deinstallation.

Limitations of the method:

• 🕒 Logs are stored for a limited time (usually 30-90 days).
• 📵 In some models (POCO F5, Redmi Note 12: The log can be disabled by default.
• 🔐 If you cleared the security cache, the data could have been deleted.

If the desired event is not found, try exporting logs through ADB (see Method 4).

Method 3: Recovery through MIUI backups

If your Xiaomi has enabled Backup (Settings → About Phone → Backup), there is a chance to restore the list of applications from the archive. This method works even if the application itself is not saved in the backup – the name may remain in the metadata.

How to check:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup.
2. Check the list of backups available. Note the dates, which should precede the removal of the app.
3. Select the right backup and click Restore.
4. At the data selection stage, mark only the Applications and their data (do not restore everything in a row, so as not to overwrite the current settings!).

Important: Restore from the backup will not only return the list of applications, but also their data (for example, save in games or settings), this can lead to conflicts with current versions of programs.

⚠️ Note: If you restore the backup to a device with a different version MIUI (for example, MIUI 13 on MIUI 15), there may be system failures. Check version compatibility before restoring!

Method 4: Analyze system logs via ADB (for technical users)

If previous methods didn’t work, you can try to extract information about remote applications through Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting the device to a PC and basic command line knowledge.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and drivers for Xiaomi.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-TypeC Cable (preferably original).

Log extraction commands:

adb shell


su




cat /data/system/package-usage-list.xml | grep "remove"



Or for new versions of MIUI:



cat /data/system/packages.xml | grep "deleted"

What to do if the teams are not working:

• 🔐 Make sure you have root rights (most Xiaomi doesn’t have them by default).
• 📂 Check the paths to the files – in different versions MIUI They may be different.
• 🔄 Restart the device and try again.

💡

If you are not familiar with ADB, use Scrcpy to manage your smartphone with a PC. It allows you to copy logs through a graphical interface.

Method 5: Third-Party Data Recovery Applications

If system methods fail, you can use specialized data recovery utilities to scan the device's memory for traces of deleted files, including APKs and application metadata.

Top.-3 Xiaomi:

1. DiskDigger – Looking for Remnants of Remote Distant APK-It works without root, but with limitations.
2. EaseUS MobiSaver – Recovers data, including a list of installed programs (requires root for deep scanning).
3. GT Recovery – specializes in Android, supports MIUI.

How to use (for example, DiskDigger):

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Run the full scan (without root, only Basic will be available).
3. In the results, filter by extension.apk.
4. Export the files to your PC or cloud.

Please note:

• 💰 Most features in the free versions are limited (e.g., only 1-2 files are recovered).
• 🛡️ Do not install such programs from unknown sources - the risk of catching a virus!
• 🔄 The less time has passed since the removal, the higher the chances of success.

What to do if none of the methods worked

If you have tried all the ways, but the right application was not found, there are radical measures:

• 🔍 Keyword Search: Try to recall the app feature and find analogs in the Play Market or APKMirror.
• 📧 Mail Check: If the app required registration, look for confirmation emails (e.g. from no-reply)@appname.com).
• 💬 Call for support: Write to the developer (if you remember the name of the company) – they can tell you how to restore access.
• 🔄 Reset to factory settings: An extreme method that will return all pre-installed apps but delete user data.

If the application was system-based (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music), it can be restored via MIUI Hidden Settings:

1. Download Activity Launcher from Play Market.
2. Open the app and find the Hidden MIUI settings in the list.
3. Activate the option to Show all system applications.
4. Return to the main menu – remote system programs should appear.

💡

Xiaomi system apps are not completely removed – they are simply hidden, and can always be returned through hidden settings or resets.

FAQ: Frequent questions about restoring apps on Xiaomi