How to return pre-installed applications to Xiaomi: 5 working ways

Removing standard apps on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones is a common mistake of users who want to free up memory or get rid of garbage. However, many people do not realize that system utilities like MIUI Gallery, Mi Video or even Google Play Services are closely integrated into the shell, and removing them can lead to malfunctions in the phone. Fortunately, you can restore preinstalled applications without completely resetting - and in this article we will discuss all the current ways.

The problem is complicated by the fact that the recovery method depends on the type of remote application:

• 🔹 System applications MIUI (For example, Camera, Records, Security – can be returned through hidden settings or ADB.
• 🔹 Google apps (Play Store, YouTube, Gmail) – restored through Google services or reinstalling the package GMS.
• 🔹 Utilities from third-party manufacturers (for example, Netflix, Facebook) – they will have to be installed manually from official sources.

It is also important to consider the MIUI version and smartphone model: on devices with global firmware (Global ROM), the recovery process may differ from the Chinese versions (China ROM). If you are not sure about your firmware, check it in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.

1.Recovery through "Hidden MIUI settings"

The easiest way to return remote system applications is to use the built-in MIUI feature, which is available on most devices with shell version 12.5 and later, which does not require superuser rights or a PC connection.

Step instructions:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to the section About phone (About phone).
3. Tap 5-7 times on the MIUI version until the notification “You became a developer!” appears.
4. Return to the main settings menu and open a new section Additional → Special features → Hidden settings.
5. Select Restore Apps and tick the ones you want to return.
6. Click Restore and wait until the process is complete (reboot may be required).

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (China) ROM Or custom builds) Hidden settings may not be available. In this case, move on to the following methods.

Make sure USB debugging is enabled (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 Taps → Developer → USB debugging)

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC (download from the official website)

Download the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) platform from Google

Connect your phone to your PC with the original cable

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2.Use ADB to Return System Applications

If hidden settings don’t work, use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to manage system files, a method that is suitable for power users and requires connecting your smartphone to your computer.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and unpack ADB Tools on your PC.
2. Enable USB debugging on your phone (how to do this – see checklist above).
3. Connect Xiaomi to your computer and in the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) do: adb devices make sure your device appears in the list.
4. To return a remote application, type the command (replace package.name with the real packet ID): adb shell cmd package install-existing package.name For example, to restore Galeria MIUI, use: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.gallery
5. Reboot the phone.

📌 Where to find packet IDs? Complete list of standard applications MIUI You can find it in the table below or through the command:

adb shell pm list packages -s

(The flag -s shows only system packets).

pm install /system/priv-app/NameFolders/base.apk-->

3. Reinstallation of Google Apps (GMS)

If you have removed apps from Google (Play Store, YouTube, Gmail), their recovery depends on the type of firmware:

• 🔹 On Global. ROM — Reinstall Google Play Services through the Play Store.
• 🔹 China. ROM — You will need a complete package installation GMS (Google Mobile Services via custom recavator (TWRP).

For China ROM, follow the following steps:

1. Download the current version of the GMS for your model from the Xiaomi.eu forum or 4PDA.
2. Install custom TWRP recavers (instructions are available on the same forums).
3. Load the phone into Recovery mode (press Power + Volume up when the device is off).
4. In TWRP, select Install and specify the path to the downloaded GMS.zip file.
5. After installation, run the Wipe Dalvik/Cache and restart the phone.

4. Recovery through Mi Cloud (cloud backup)

If you've previously backed up your Mi Cloud, you can try to restore deleted applications from the backup, which only works if you have the application data stored in the archive.

How to restore:

1. Open the Settings. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Make sure you are logged in under the same account you created the backup under.
3. Select Data Recovery and specify the backup date.
4. Check the item of the Application and their data.
5. Click Restore and wait until the process is completed (the process can take up to 30 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: Recovery from Mi Cloud will overwrite the current app data.If you don't want to lose relevant information (such as WhatsApp messages or photos), pre-create a new backup.

5. Manual recovery through APK-file

If none of the above methods worked, there is still a manual installation option. APK-This method is suitable for advanced users, because it requires finding compatible versions of the software.

Where to download APK:

• 🔹 APKMirror – a proven source with original files.
• 🔹 APKHere – an alternative with a wide selection of versions.
• 🔹 Forums 4PDA Xiaomi.eu – often posted modified APK for MIUI.

How to determine:

1. Download. APK-file of the desired application (for example, com.miui.gallery.apk gallery).
2. Transfer the file to your phone (for example, via USB or Telegram).
3. Enable installation from unknown sources: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Setup of installation → Allow APK installation.
4. Run the downloaded file and follow the installer's instructions.
5. If the installation is blocked, try using ADB: adb install -r -t file name.apk (the -r flag replaces the existing application, -t allows testing).

⚠️ Attention: Installation APK From third-party sources, it can lead to system conflicts or security vulnerabilities (SHA-1) Comply with the original and use the antivirus.

Extreme measures: reset to factory settings

If none of these methods worked, the last option is a full reset, which will return all pre-installed applications but delete all user data, so only use it as a last resort.

How to perform the reset:

1. Back up your important data (photos, contacts, messages) via Mi Cloud or Google Drive.
2. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Choose to erase all data and confirm the action.
4. After the reboot, the phone will return to factory status with all standard applications.

🔹 Alternative method (through recovery):

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume Up to Enter Recovery Mode.
3. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage by volume and power buttons).
4. Confirm the reset and wait until it is completed.

FAQ: Frequent questions about restoring apps on Xiaomi