Why WhatsApp is not installed on Xiaomi and what to do about it
Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI sometimes cause problems when installing WhatsApp messenger — the application may not download from Google Play, give an error “Device is not certified” or not at all in the app store.
In this article, you will find the latest ways to install WhatsApp on any Xiaomi model (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark), as well as solutions to typical bugs. We will look at official methods through Google Play and MIUI App Store, alternative options with.apk files, and nuances for devices without Google services. All instructions are tested on MIUI 13/14/15 firmware and are relevant for 2026.
If you encounter a specific error (e.g., Error 924 in Play Market or App Not Installed when manually installed), go straight to the Problem Solving section, where you have targeted instructions.
Method 1: Install WhatsApp via Google Play (official method)
This is the most reliable way, but it only works on Xiaomi smartphones with Google services preinstalled, and if your device is bought in China or embroidered on MIUI China, this method may not work, but go to alternatives.
Step-by-step:
- Open Google Play Market on your Xiaomi.
⚠️ Note: If you see a message saying "Device not certified" instead of the Install button, your Xiaomi has not passed Google's check".
Check your internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data)
Update Google Play to the latest version
Free up at least 200MB of memory on your device
Make sure there are no age restrictions on your Google account-->
Method 2: Installation via MIUI App Store (for Chinese firmware)
If your Xiaomi does not have Google services (for example, on the firmware of MIUI China), use the branded app store MIUI App Store. WhatsApp there, but can be called differently - look for (Chinese name) or WhatsApp in Latin.
How to determine:
- 📱 Open the App Store app (a blue package and white box icon).
- 🔍 In the search box, type WhatsApp or copy the Chinese name.
- 📥 Select the official app (developer – WhatsApp Inc.) and click (Download).
- 🔄 After installation, you may need to update manually – watch for notifications in Settings → Annexes → WhatsApp.
⚠️ Attention: B MIUI The App Store sometimes comes across fake versions of WhatsApp. Check the developer - it should only be WhatsApp Inc. or WhatsApp. LLC. If in doubt, compare the hash.apk file with the official one at whatsapp.com.
Google Play
MIUI App Store
APKMirror or other third-party sources
I don't know what it is.-->
Method 3: Manual installation through APK-file
If WhatsApp is not installed through stores, download the.apk file from the official website or a trusted source.This method is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Black Shark 5.
Where to download the secure APK:
- 🌐 Official website: whatsapp.com/android (safest).
- 📦 APKMirror: apkmirror.com (check version and reviews).
- 🔗 Telegram channels with verified APK (for example, @WhatsAppUpdates).
Installation instructions:
- Download WhatsApp.apk to your device.
- Open the File Manager and find the downloaded file (usually in the Downloads folder).
- Click on the file and confirm installation. If the "Installation locked" error appears, enable permission to install from unknown sources: Settings → Applications → Application Management → File Manager → Allow installation from this source
- After installation, open WhatsApp and complete the setup using SMS-code.
How to verify authenticity APK-file?
Method 4: Install WhatsApp on Xiaomi without Google (for Chinese versions)
If your Xiaomi is running MIUI China without Google services, but the MIUI App Store is not helping either, use the workarounds:
- Through browser: Open Chrome or Mi Browser. Go to whatsapp.com/android. Download APK and install it manually (see Method 3).
Aurora Store
- Install the Aurora Store from the official website.
- Sign in anonymously or through your Google account.
- Find WhatsApp and install it.
- Optimization for MIUI: Turn off Auto-Run for WhatsApp in Settings → Annexes → WhatsApp → Battery → Autorun (this will prevent spontaneous closure). Add WhatsApp to Secure Apps (Settings) → Battery → Secure applications. On Xiaomi devices with firmware MIUI 14+ WhatsApp can automatically compress the photos you send. To turn this off, go to WhatsApp Settings → Warehouse → Quality of photo and choose the best quality. FAQ: Frequent questions about installing WhatsApp on Xiaomi Can you install WhatsApp on Xiaomi without a Google account? Yes, but with restrictions. You can: Install WhatsApp via Xiaomi MIUI App Store (if available) Download APK However, without Google Play Services, some features (like backing up to Google Drive) won’t work.Why WhatsApp doesn’t send a confirmation code to Xiaomi? The problem may be: SMS blocking by the operator (try requesting a code via a call); Incorrect date/time settings (turn on Autodetermination in settings); MIUI restrictions (check Settings → WhatsApp → Apps → SMS Permits). How to transfer WhatsApp chats from another phone to Xiaomi? Portability methods: Through Google Drive: On an old phone: WhatsApp settings → Chat → Backup. On the new Xiaomi: log in to the same Google account and restore chats when you first set up WhatsApp.
- Through local copy: Copy folder /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases You can install WhatsApp, confirm the number, and wait for the request to restore the chats. ⚠️ On Chinese firmware. MIUI Backup in Google Drive may not work — use local portability. Can I install two versions of WhatsApp on one Xiaomi? Yes, using: Dual Apps in the Google Drive? MIUI: Settings → Annexes → Dual annexes → WhatsApp This will create a clone of the app with a separate account. WhatsApp Business: Install the official WhatsApp Business app next to the regular WhatsApp. Third-party launchers: Parallel Space, for example, or 2Accounts (Note that the second account will require a different phone number.Why WhatsApp is quickly draining the battery on Xiaomi? To reduce battery consumption: Turn off Media Autoboot in WhatsApp Settings → Storage. Limit background activity: Settings → Apps → WhatsApp → Battery → Background Activity → Limit Reading Notifications (Settings → Account → Privacy → Checker). Use MIUI Power Saving Mode for WhatsApp.