How to copy the application on Xiaomi: a complete guide with the nuances of MIUI

Why standard copying of applications on Xiaomi does not always work

Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI They have features in processing installed applications that often become an obstacle to copying them, unlike "pure" Android, where they are used in the Internet. APK-files can be retrieved through the file manager, in MIUI Many system folders are hidden and restricted even to users with root rights, due to Xiaomi’s security policy to protect against unauthorized application distribution.

Another challenge is dynamic application optimization (ART/Dalvik-cache) which modifies the original APK-files after installation, and as a result, even if you can copy the file from /data/app, It may not be installed on another device without additional manipulation, and many modern applications use split-APKs, where the main file is complemented by configuration modules, which complicates the copying process.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to copy applications on Xiaomi, including bypassing restrictions. MIUI, work ADB, And even methods for extracting data from backups, and we'll focus on the nuances of different versions. MIUI (12 to 14) and smartphone models – from budget Redmi to flagship Xiaomi 13.

Method 1: Copying through the built-in MIUI application manager

The simplest, but limited, method is to use a standard application manager, which is only suitable for those programs that have been installed manually (not from Google Play) and do not have any software. DRM-This is how it works:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired application and tap on three dots in the upper right corner.
3. If the Export APK option is active, click on it. The file will be saved in the Download folder.

⚠️ Note: This method only works for APK, For system applications and programs from Google Play, the option will be inactive.

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If the “Export APK” option is missing, try upgrading MIUI to the latest version – in new builds, Xiaomi sometimes returns this feature for custom applications.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔹 No need for root rights or additional programs.
• 🔹 Keeps the original APK modificationless.
• 🔹 Fast - takes less than a minute.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ It only works with a limited set of applications.
• ❌ Do not copy application data (cache, settings).
• ❌ Not suitable for playing with OBB-file.

Method 2: Extract APKs through a file manager (with or without root)

For experienced users, there is a method of extraction APK It's not root-rights, but it's limited to some file managers (like Solid Explorer or some other file managers). FX File Explorer can access application folders through FUSE-fitting.

Instructions for devices without root:

1. Install Solid Explorer from Google Play.
2. Go to the Root Directory → Data → App (the folder can be called app-asec or app-lib for older versions of Android).
3. Find a folder with the name of the application package (for example, com.whatsapp) and copy the file with the.apk extension.

For root devices, the process is simplified:

1. Use any root conductor (e.g., Root Explorer).


2. Go to /data/app/{name packet}-{version}/base.apk




3. Copy the file into an accessible folder (e.g., Download).

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 13+ even with root access /data/app It can be blocked because of SELinux, and then it's going to help to temporarily shut down the protection through the command:

su


setenforce 0

But it’s risky – it could disrupt the system!

Method 3: Copying through ADB (without root but with PC)

If the first two methods didn't work, Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is your next tool, which doesn't require root rights, but you need a computer and USB debugging enabled, and ADB's advantage is that it allows you to extract not only APKs, but also application data (unless it uses encryption).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.
3. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
4. Copy. APK-file: adb shell pm path com.example.app adb pull /path/to/base.apk (Replace com.example.app with the real name of the package).

To copy the application data (if necessary):

adb backup -f backup.ab -apk -obb -shared -all -nosystem com.example.app


adb restore backup.ab

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. banking or with) DRM) They block the creation of backups through ADB. You will get a backup failed error.

Install ADB-PC-driver|Enable debugging on USB Xiaomi|Connect your phone to the original cable|Check the visibility of the device by the adb device team|Know the name of the target application package-->

Method 4: Using third-party backup apps

If working with ADB seems difficult, you can use specialized utilities.

• 📱 App Cloner – creates copies of applications with the possibility of modification (for example, for a second account), works without root, but requires payment for some functions.
• 🔄 Swift Backup is the best solution for backup applications and data. Requires root or temporary access through ADB.
• 📦 APK Extractor is a simple tool for extraction APK. Free, but does not copy data.
• 🔐 Titanium Backup is a legendary utility, but only works on older versions. MIUI (up to 12) due to changes in API Android.

Example of Swift Backup:

1. Install the app and provide root access (or use it) ADB-backup).
2. Select the app in the list and tap Backup.
3. In the backup settings, mark APK + Data (if you need to save settings).
4. Once you have created a backup, copy the file from /sdcard/SwiftBackup/backups.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 13+ Swift Backup may not see some system applications due to Scoped Storage limitations. ADB.

Using the built-in MIUI Manager | Using ADB| Third-party applications (Swift Backup, App Cloner) | File Manager with root| In another way-->

Method 5: Copying through MIUI backup (hidden function)

Few people know, but MIUI has a built-in backup mechanism that you can use to retrieve applications, which doesn't require root, but has limitations:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Select Applications and data and select the desired programs.
3. Click Backup and wait until it is completed.
4. The backup file will be saved to /MIUI/backup/AllBackup with the.backup extension.

To extract APK from the backup:

1. Rename the.backup file to.zip and unpack it.
2. Inside, find the app folder – there will be APK-file.
3. Application data (if included in the backup) will be in the data folder.

⚠️ Attention: Backups MIUI They're encrypted with a device binding, and if you transfer that file to another smartphone, you can't recover it. APK.

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Backing up MIUI is the only official way to copy apps without root, but it’s not suitable for transferring data to another device.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When copying applications on Xiaomi, users encounter common mistakes. Here's how to solve them:

• 🚫 "APK Not installed" - check if the file is modified (compare the hash amount with the original). If the application uses split-APK, copy all files from the folder split_config.*.
• 🔒 "No access to /data/app" — on MIUI 13+ Even with root, you may need to disable dm-verity via Magisk or kernel patch.
• 📱 "The app is painted after copying – most likely not copied data or OBB-For games, check the folder. Android/obb.
• 🔄 "Backup through is not working. ADB" — Some apps (such as Netflix or Google Pay) block backup via the Android:allowBackup flag="false" in the manifesto.

If you copy the app to install on another Xiaomi smartphone, consider:

• 📌 On devices with different architectures (ARM/ARM64/x86) APK may not work.
• 📌 Account-based apps (such as Mi Fit) will require re-authorization.
• 📌 Some Xiaomi system apps (such as com.miui.home) won’t work on other brands’ devices.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions