How to put WhatsApp on Xiaomi Redmi: 3 proven ways + mistake-making

Installing WhatsApp on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones seems like a simple task – as long as you don’t encounter bugs like “Device Not Certified,” the lack of Google Play on Chinese firmware, or a lockdown. MIUI. This instruction covers all the current ways to install the messenger on the Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi 10/11, Redmi A2 and other models, including devices with MIUI Global, MIUI China and custom firmware.

We will not only analyze the standard installation through the app store, but also alternative methods for cases where:

• 🔄 The smartphone has not passed the Google certification (error) 0x80130005)
• 🇨🇳 Chinese firmware device without Google Services
• 📱 You need to install two WhatsApp accounts on one phone.
• 🔒 MIUI block APK source

All instructions are relevant to 2026 The latest updates to Meta (owner of WhatsApp) policy and features MIUI 14/15. If your Redmi model is released before 2018 Check the “Compatibility” section of the year – there are nuances for outdated devices.

1. Preparing a smartphone before installing WhatsApp

Before installing the messenger, you need to make sure that your Xiaomi Redmi meets the minimum requirements. WhatsApp officially supports devices with Android 5.0 and newer, but for stable operation it is recommended:

• 📱 Android 8.1+ (for Redmi models 6/6A older)
• 📶 Stable connection to Wi-Fi or mobile network (3G/4G/5G)
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 50% (installation can take up to 10 minutes)
• 📁 Free space on the internal drive: 200 MB for APK + cash

Pay special attention to the firmware region. MIUI (MIUI China) no Google services, which blocks access to the Play Market. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. If it is specified China or CN, Use the installation method through APK (section).

⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with MIUI China may experience a “This device is not certified” error when you try to log into a Google account. ROM, But it voids the guarantee.

Also check if you are allowed to install applications from unknown sources:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management
2. Slip on the three points in the upper right corner and select Special Access.
3. Find Install Unknown Applications and Allow for Browser or File Manager

2. Method 1: Install WhatsApp via Google Play (recommended)

This is the easiest and safest method for devices with MIUI Global or MIUI Instructions are suitable for the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi 11 Prime and other models with Google services pre-installed.

Steps:

1. Open the Play Market (Icon) 🛍️ mainscreen).
2. In the search bar, type in WhatsApp Messenger and select the official app from WhatsApp LLC.
3. Click Set and wait for the download to be completed (size) ~50MB).
4. After installation, open the application and follow the registration instructions (phone number will be required).

If an error occurs during installation, "The device is not certified (0x80130005)», This means that your Redmi has not passed the Google Play Protect:

• 🔄 Restart your phone and try again.
• 🔧 Update Google Services: Settings → Annexes → Google Play Services → Update.
• 📧 Register your device manually through the Google Form (you will need a Google account linked to your phone).

Check the Internet connection|Update Google Play Services|Allow installation from unknown sources (in case of errors)|Charge your phone at least 50 times%-->

For Redmi models with dual SIM-WhatsApp will offer you to select a registration number. If you want to use two WhatsApp accounts on the same phone, go to section 5.

Method 2: Installation through APK-file MIUI China or without Google)

This method is suitable for Xiaomi Redmi smartphones on Chinese firmware (MIUI China), where there is no Google Play, or if you prefer to install apps manually. APK WhatsApp.

Step-by-step:

1. Open your browser (such as Mi Browser or Chrome) and go to the official WhatsApp download page.
2. Click Download now (download will start automatically).
3. After downloading, open the file. WhatsApp.apk through the notification or in the Downloads folder.
4. When the “Installation is blocked” warning appears, tap Settings and allow installation for your browser.
5. Go back to the APK file and click Install.

If the installation is interrupted with the error "Application not installed", the reasons may be as follows:

⚠️ Attention: Never download APK WhatsApp from third-party sites other than an official source or APKMirror.Fake versions may contain viruses or spyware, especially dangerous for devices with a mobile phone. MIUI, where the rights of the superuser are limited.

Once installed successfully, open WhatsApp and sign up with your phone number. If you already have an account, the system will automatically restore chats from the backup (if it was created earlier).

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If you install WhatsApp on Redmi with Chinese firmware, pre-install Google Play Services via APKMirror. without them, notifications and contact sync will not work.

Method 3: Installation through MIUI App Store (alternative to China)

For Xiaomi Redmi users in China or on firmware MIUI China Available Branded App Store MIUI App Store: It has a localized version of WhatsApp, but with limitations:

• 🌐 Interface in Chinese (can be changed to English in the store settings).
• 🔄 Updates are coming later than Google Play.
• 📱 Some features (such as WhatsApp Pay) may be disabled.

How to determine:

1. Open the GetApps app (Icon) 🛒 blue-backed).
2. In the search bar, type WhatsApp (or in Chinese).
3. Select the official application and click (download), then (install).
4. After installation, manual updates may be required through APK (see section 3).

Important: MIUI App Store clones of WhatsApp (such as WhatsApp Plus or GBWhatsApp) are common.These modified versions violate Meta rules and can lead to a ban of the account!

5 How to Install Two WhatsApp on One Xiaomi Redmi

If you need to use two WhatsApp accounts on the same phone (for example, for work and personal chats), MIUI offer two ways:

Method 1: Dual Apps (Dual Apps)

This feature is available on most Redmi models with MIUI 10 and newer. It creates a clone of the app, allowing you to register a second account.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Double Apps.
2. Find WhatsApp in the list and activate the switch.
3. On the main screen will appear a second icon WhatsApp marked Double.
4. Open the cloned app and register the second number.

Method 2: WhatsApp Business

If Dual Apps is not available (e.g. on Redmi) A1), Install WhatsApp Business from Google Play. This is the official Meta app that can be used in parallel with the regular WhatsApp.

Limitations:

• 📱 Both applications cannot work with the same number.
• 🔔 Notifications from two accounts may be duplicated.
• 📁 Backups of chats are stored separately (you can’t restore backup from regular WhatsApp to Business and vice versa).

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The function “Dual annexes” in MIUI It creates an isolated copy of WhatsApp with a separate cache and data, and it's safer than third-party launchers like Parallel Space, which can slow down your phone.

Solving typical installation errors

Even after a successful WhatsApp installation on Xiaomi Redmi, there may be problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

If WhatsApp is constantly hanging up or crashing on Redmi, try:

1. Clear the cache: Settings → Annexes → WhatsApp → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
2. Disable battery optimization: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → WhatsApp → Not optimize.
3. Install an older version APK (If the problem occurs after the update).

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) MIUI aggressively shuts down background processes, which causes WhatsApp to not receive notifications. To fix this, add the app to Settings → Battery → Launch applications and select Without restrictions.

7. WhatsApp compatibility with outdated Redmi models

If your Xiaomi Redmi is released before 2018 (e.g. Redmi) 4X, Redmi Note 5A), You may have trouble supporting the latest versions of WhatsApp:

• 📅 WhatsApp officially ends support for Android 4.4 and lower from 2022.
• 🔄 For Redmi. 3S/4/4A (Android 6.0) WhatsApp version 2.21.24.20 (last-compatible).
• 🛠️ Redmi Note 3 (Android 5.1) will have to use modified versions (risk ban!).

To check the compatibility:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone. → Android version.
2. Compare it to WhatsApp's requirements.
3. If your Android version is outdated, try updating your firmware through Settings. → Updating the system.

For Redmi models on Android 5.0-5.1 (like Redmi 2), the only way out is to install custom firmware like LineageOS (requires unlocking the bootloader), however, this voids the warranty and can lead to unstable phone operation.

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If your Redmi is too old for WhatsApp, consider alternatives: Telegram, Signal, or Viber – they support Android 4.1.+.

8 How to Update WhatsApp on Xiaomi Redmi

WhatsApp's regular updates are critical for security and new features. Xiaomi Redmi has three ways to update:

Method 1: Through Google Play

The easiest method for devices with Google services:

1. Open the Play Market.
2. Find WhatsApp in the list of installed apps.
3. If an update is available, click Update.

Method 2: Through APK-file

For firmware without Google Play:

1. Download the latest version of APK from the official website.
2. Install the file on top of the old version (chat data will be saved).

Method 3: Auto-Update in MIUI App Store

For Chinese firmware:

1. Open GetApps.
2. Go to the Office. → Updates.
3. Find WhatsApp and update it.

If the update doesn’t install, delete the old version and install the new one from scratch (chats will recover from the backup).

⚠️ Attention: Redmi with MIUI China Auto-Update WhatsApp via WhatsApp MIUI App Store may be 1-2 weeks late. To get a new version right away, download it. APK manually.

FAQ: Frequent questions