Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the need to replace the standard gallery with a more functional counterpart from Google. Despite the fact that the MIUI shell or its new version of HyperOS offer their own solutions for viewing media files, many users prefer the Google Photos ecosystem for its smart search, unlimited (in some capacity) storage and cross-platform.
The process of integrating Google’s image service as the primary tool requires several sequential steps: You don’t just install the app, you also have to reconfigure the system file associations to make sure that any photo is clicked on to the interface you want, especially after you reset or turn on a new device for the first time, when the system insists on using pre-installed services.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the details of the setup, from choosing the default application to the intricacies of synchronization in the background. You will learn how to bypass the power saving limitations of MIUI, which often block the operation of cloud services, and how to make the process of viewing and editing images as comfortable as possible.
Installation and initial settings of Google Photos
The first step is to install the current version of the app from the official Google Play Store. Although many Xiaomi smartphones may have the app pre-installed, the in-store version is updated more often and contains the latest security fixes. Once installed, launch the program and log in to your Google account, which will be used to store the archive.
When you first start up, the system will prompt you to enable Autoboot and Sync, which is a key parameter that keeps your data safe in the cloud. If you plan to completely abandon local storage or want to have a backup in case of loss of your device, this option must be activated. In the quality settings, you can choose High Quality mode to save space or Original mode to save parts as much as possible.
It is important to immediately provide the application with all the requested permissions to access files and media files. Without full rights, Google Photos will not be able to correctly index images in the phone’s memory, and will not be able to offer you the “Clear Place” feature, which deletes images already stored in the cloud. Also make sure that the battery settings allow background hot action.
⚠️ Attention: On smartphones with a shell MIUI Aggressive energy saving can stop photos being uploaded to the cloud. Be sure to set "No Limits" mode for this application in the battery settings.
Changing the application by default in the Android system
To stop Android from offering you to open photos through the standard Xiaomi gallery, you need to reset the current default settings. Often users ignore this step, which causes the phone to continue to open photos through the built-in application, even if you installed third-party software. The OS mechanism is built on the priority of preinstalled services until the user clearly indicates otherwise.
To start, go to your device's settings section. Find the app management section. Depending on the version of MIUI or HyperOS, the path may vary slightly, but the logic remains the same: we need to find the standard gallery and forget its choice, and this action will not delete your photos, but only reassociate files with this application.
Settings → Applications → All Apps → Gallery → Open by Default → Reset SettingsAfter reset, try opening any photo from the file manager or through messaging. The system should give a window asking “What to open?” In this list, select Google Photos and be sure to click “Always” (or “Use by default”). Now all links to images will lead to the interface of the Google application.
- 📱 Go to the system settings and find the "Applications" section».
- 🗑️ Find the standard “Gallery” in the list and click on it.
- 🔄 Select the option “Open by default” and click “Reset settings».
- ✅ When you next open a photo, select Google Photos and confirm the action with the “Always” button».
☑️ Priority change checklist
Set priorities in the shell MIUI and HyperOS
Xiaomi shells have their own file association management features that can overwrite standard Android settings. Newer versions of HyperOS have a deeper integration of services, but the basic principles remain the same. If a simple reset doesn’t work, a deeper intervention in file management settings will be required.
Sometimes the problem is not in the gallery, but in the file manager. The system can use the built-in preview explorer, which is tightly connected to the system gallery, in which case it is recommended that the Files (or Explorer) settings also search for the Open Files section and change the priority there for the Images data type.
There is also a hidden ability to manage through the developer menu or special interface settings, but for most users, standard methods are enough. If the system persistently returns you to your home gallery after a reboot, check for firmware updates. In early versions of MIUI, there were bugs that blocked the change of default media applications.
Hidden interface settings
Solving synchronization and background work problems
Even after successfully configuring the application by default, you may find that new photos do not appear in the cloud. This is a classic problem of battery optimization on Xiaomi devices. The system seeks to save charge by killing background processes, which include downloading media files. To avoid data loss, you need to configure exceptions.
Go to the battery settings and find a list of apps. Search Google Photos and change the mode from "Energy Saving" to "No Limits" to allow the application to run in the background without time limits. Also, enable auto-start for this service so that it activates immediately after the phone is turned on.
Another important aspect is mobile Internet. By default, sync is only enabled via Wi-Fi. If you need to upload photos over a mobile network, go to the settings of the Google Photos app itself, select “Bring Up Settings” and switch the “Use Mobile Network” slider to the active position. Be careful with the tariffs that have a traffic limit.
- 🔋 Set the Battery Mode “No Limits” for Google Photos.
- 🚀 Enable auto-run of the application in the appropriate settings menu.
- 📶 Allow the use of mobile data for synchronization in the application settings.
- 🌙 Turn off Do Not Disturb mode for background processes if it blocks data transfers.
⚠️ Note: When you enable sync via mobile, monitor the amount of traffic you consume. High-resolution video files can quickly exhaust your Internet packet.
Comparison of functionality: Xiaomi Gallery vs Google Photos
Understanding the differences between a standard solution and a Google product will help you make better use of the capabilities of a smartphone. Each system has its own strengths, and in some use cases, Xiaomi’s native gallery may be more convenient, despite the habit of Google’s interface.
The table below compares key characteristics so you can objectively assess the feasibility of a full transition, and it’s worth noting that Google Photos is constantly updating its object recognition algorithms, which is its main trump card.
| Characteristics | Xiaomi Gallery (MIUI/HyperOS) | Google Photo |
|---|---|---|
| Speed of operation | High (local access) | Depends on the speed of the Internet |
| Search for photos | Basic (by date, album) | Smart (objects, faces, places, text) |
| Editing | Extended, MIUI filters | Basic, Google Tools |
| Hiding photo | Secure folder (password/fingerprint) | Protected section (requires unlocking) |
| Integration | Deep with the system. | Deep with Google’s ecosystem |
However, it’s worth considering that Google Photos wins in cross-platformity: You can access your photos from any computer or tablet just by logging in. Xiaomi’s native gallery is tied to the device, and you’ll have to use sophisticated sync techniques or the Mi Cloud, which is less popular, to access the archive from your PC.
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Google Photos wins in intelligent search and access from any device, whereas Xiaomi Gallery is faster locally and offers more tools for quick editing.