How to create APK-File from the installed application on Xiaomi: 5 working methods

Smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO allow APK-Files from installed applications are useful for backup, transfer to another device or analysis of programs. MIUI In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods (including those without root rights), compare their effectiveness and warn about possible errors.

Many users mistakenly believe that the APK You need to have access to system files, and in fact, most applications can be exported by standard means or through third-party utilities. APK It will work on other devices due to dependencies on Google Services or proprietary libraries Xiaomi.

Attention: extracted APK It may contain personal data (such as cache or account settings) before distributing the file, delete the extra information through an archiver or specialized tools such as APK Editor.

Why would you need to? APK-file?

Export of installed applications to format APK solves several practical problems:

• 📦 Backup: Save rare or deleted apps from the Play Market (e.g., older versions of Mi Fit or Mi Home).
• 🔄 Transfer to other devices: Install the application on a smartphone without Internet access or with limited store functionality (relevant for Xiaomi in China).
• 🔍 Security analysis: Verification APK Viruses via VirusTotal or decompile to search for hidden features (e.g. firmware) MIUI regional models).
• 🛠️ Modification: Change the interface or remove ads through tools like Lucky Patcher (requires caution!).

Important: Some apps (such as Mi Pay or Mi Cloud) are tied to Xiaomi services and may not work after being retrieved on other brands’ devices. APK, received MIUI Global, sometimes conflicting with firmware MIUI China due to differences in certificates.

⚠️ Attention: Extraction APK System applications (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) may disrupt stability MIUI. Do not delete or modify files with the.odex or.oat extension – this will lead to the collapse of the application.

Method 1: Using an Integrated File Manager MIUI

The easiest way is to use Xiaomi's standard Explorer, which allows you to export. APK Most user applications without additional tools, but the method has limitations:

• ✅ It works without root rights.
• ❌ Does not export system applications (e.g. Mi Browser or Security).
• ❌ Does not save application data (cache, settings).

Instructions:

1. Open Files on your Xiaomi.
2. Go to the Appendix section (category tab).
3. Find the right application, click on three dots (⋮) Next to it and select Export APK.
4. The file will be saved in the Download folder or MIUI/Backup/Apk.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5 Redmi Note 12 - Export option APK In this case, use methods 2-5.

Update Explorer to the latest version in Play Market

Check for free space available (APK It can weigh between 50 and 500 MB)

Disable Battery Optimization for Explorer in Settings → Annexes

Backup important data (in case of failure)-->

Method 2: Backup applications APK (rootless)

If the standard method didn't work, use third-party utilities. We tested 3 reliable applications that are compatible with the Internet. MIUI 12–14:

App Backup & Restore for most tasks: it saves more than just the APK, but also application data (e.g. game progress) to avoid errors:

1. Download the utility from Play Market or APKMirror.
2. Launch the app and give access to Warehouse and Overlay over other windows.
3. Select the desired application, click Backup and wait for completion.
4. APK and the data (if selected) will be stored in the Backups folder on the internal drive.

Xiaomi HyperOS models (such as Xiaomi 14) may be warned of “unknown sources” when the utility is first launched. → Annexes → Special access → Installation of unknown applications.

💡

If the app doesn’t appear in the backup list, check if it’s hidden in the settings. MIUI. To do this, go to the Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Show all applications and enable system display.

Method 3: Extraction APK through ADB (for advanced users)

Android Debug Bridge Tool (ADB) remove APK any application, including system, without root rights.The method requires connecting the smartphone to the PC, but guarantees 100% result.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original for stable connection).
• 📥 ADB Tools by Google.
• 🔧 Included debugging by USB Xiaomi.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode on Xiaomi: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times) Then go to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and enable debugging by USB.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm your trusted device.
3. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the adb.exe folder and type: adb devices Make sure your Xiaomi appears in the list.
4. Get a list of all applications: adb shell pm list packages -f Find the right name (for example, package:/data/app/com.xiaomi.scanner-1/base.apk).
5. Copy. APK on PC: adb pull /data/app/com.xiaomi.scanner-1/base.apk The file will be saved in the current folder on the computer.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14+ path APK If the command returns a Permission denied error, try:

adb shell


su




chmod 777 /data/app/name package-1/base.apk




exit




exit




adb pull /data/app/name packet-1/base.apk

Root rights

shell

Method 4: Extraction APK Titanium Backup (requires root)

If your Xiaomi has root rights, Titanium Backup is the most powerful tool for working with the company. APK. He allows it:

• Export any applications, including system ones.
• Save data and application settings.
• Restore backups on other devices.

Instructions:

1. Install Titanium Backup from the Play Market or official website.
2. Provide root access at the first start.
3. Find the desired application in the list, click on it and select Save!.
4. In the menu that appears, tick the boxes: 📄 Save. APK 🗃️ Save data (optional)

TitaniumBackup

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with HyperOS Titanium Backup may not work properly with system applications due to the changed structure /system. In this case, use the alternative Swift Backup (also requires root).

💡

Root access on Xiaomi voids the warranty and may result in the blocking of Mi Account services (such as Mi Pay or Find Device). → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Method 5: Manual search APK in the file system (for experienced users)

APK-The files of all the installed applications are stored in the Android system folders. They can be found manually, but the path depends on the version. MIUI and type of application (user or system).

Where to look:

• /data/app/ — User applications (such as WhatsApp, Instagram).
• /system/app/ or /system/priv-app/ — System applications (Mi Calculator, Mi Music).
• /data/app-private/ — Restricted applications (e.g. Mi Pay).

To copy APK:

1. Use a root-access file manager (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Go to one of the folders above and find the folder with the packet name (e.g. com.facebook.katana for Facebook).
3. There's a file inside. base.apk — That's what it is. APK. Copy it to a safe place.

⚠️ Note: Do not modify or delete files in folders /system — This can lead to a bootloop of a device. If you want to modify a system application, create a backup of it first. TWRP.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When extracted APK Xiaomi users are facing typical problems. We've put together solutions for the most common cases:

If APK It will be removed but not launched on another device, check:

• 🔗 Dependency (e.g. Google Play Services for Mi Fit).
• 📋 Signature of the annex (some of the APK Related to Xiaomi Certificates).
• 📱 Compatible with the Android version (for example, APK Android 13 may not work for Android 10).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions