How to enable auto-update apps on Xiaomi: the full guide

Why Auto-Update Apps Is Important for Xiaomi

Xiaomi’s MIUI or HyperOS-based smartphones require regular app updates — not just a matter of new features, but also protection against vulnerabilities that are exploited in 89% of Android cyberattacks (Kaspersky data for 2023). Automatic updates save time: you don’t have to manually check for updates for each of the 50+ apps installed, especially for system utilities like Mi Security or Mi Share, where updates often close critical gaps.

However, not all users know that Xiaomi auto-update works differently than on pure Android.

• 🔄 Dual update system: separately via Google Play and separately through Xiaomi’s proprietary App Store.
• 📶 Mobile Traffic Limitations: Auto Update can be blocked by default when you connect to a mobile device 3G/4G.
• 🔋 Energy saving: In Ultra Battery Saver mode background updates are automatically disabled.

In this article, we will discuss all the ways to configure auto-updates – from basic to hidden MIUI functions, and also tell you how to avoid typical errors that cause applications to stop updating.

Method 1: Auto Update via Google Play

The main update channel for most apps is the Google Play Store, where auto-update settings are universal for all Android devices, but Xiaomi has nuances due to system optimization.

To enable auto-update:

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Slip on the profile avatar in the upper right corner.
3. Select Settings → Network → Auto-Update applications.
4. Specify the preferred option: 🔄 Through any network – updates will be downloaded over Wi-Fi and mobile data (risk of overspending traffic!). 📶 Wi-Fi is the safe choice for most users. ❌ Do not update automatically - manual mode.

Check your Internet connection |Free at least 1 GB of storage |Disable VPN (can block access to the Play Store) |Make sure your Google account is added to your system

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An important point for Xiaomi: if after setting up auto-update applications still do not update, check:

• 🔋 Energy Saving Mode: Go to Settings → Battery → Battery mode and turn off background restriction for Google Play.
• 📥 Data limitations: C Settings → Connections → Use of data → Mobile traffic find Google Play and allow background data transfer.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3 Pro) after major updates MIUI Google Play settings are reset. Check them after installing a new firmware!

Method 2: Set up auto-updates in the MIUI App Store

Xiaomi’s App Store (or GetApps) updates system utilities and some third-party programs independently of Google Play, and auto-update is included separately here:

Instructions:

1. Open the App Store app (Blue Package icon).
2. Go to Profile → Settings (cog in the upper right corner).
3. Select Auto-Update of Applications.
4. Activate the switch and specify the network: 📶 Wi-Fi only (recommended). 🔄 Any network (traffic risk up to 500 MB/month).

Feature for Chinese firmware: on devices with MIUI China (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra for the domestic market), Google Play can be disabled, and all updates go through the App Store.

• 🔓 Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Annexes → Special rights.
• 🔄 Manually check for updates to Google services through APK-files from APKMirror.

💡

If the app stops working after updating through the MIUI App Store, clear its cache in Settings → Apps → App Management → [app name] → Clear the cache.

Method 3: Exceptions for individual applications

Sometimes you have to turn off auto-update for specific programs — for example, if the new version of Facebook consumes more battery or Instagram after the update began to lag.

For Google Play:

1. Open the application page in the Play Store.
2. Slip three points in the top right corner.
3. Uncheck the box from Enable Auto Update.

For MIUI App Store:

1. Press your finger on the app icon in the menu and select Application Information.
2. Go to Settings → Auto Update.
3. Choose Not Update.

Examples of when to turn off auto-update:

• 🎮 Games with large updates (such as Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile – Updates Weigh 1-2 GB).
• 📱 Applications that require new permissions after an update (e.g. access to the SMS geolocation).
• 🔋 Programs optimized for the old version MIUI (Mi Fit for Mi Band 4 may stop syncing after update).

Auto Update Issues on Xiaomi and Their Solutions

Even after you set it up properly, auto-updates may not work, and here are the typical reasons and ways to fix them:

Hidden problem: on some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi 9A or POCO M3), the firmware blocks Google Play background processes in order to save power.

1. Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization.
2. Find the Google Play Store and select No Limits.
3. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the settings to factory auto-update stopped working, the reason may be the absence of a linked Google or Mi Account. → Accounts and reset the settings.

How to Save Traffic When Auto-Renewing

Automatic app updates can eat up to 3 to 5 GB of mobile traffic per month to avoid this:

Optimization methods:

• 📊 Limit mobile updates: on Google Play, select Only via Wi-Fi.
• 📅 Set up a schedule: some firmware MIUI You can only update your apps at night (e.g. 2:00 to 5:00). → Additionally. → Update planner.
• 🚫 Eliminate “glutty” applications: disable auto-update for games and social networks (see section on exceptions).
• 🔄 Use data compression: enable traffic savings in Settings → Connections → Use of data.

For users with limited traffic:

If you are connected to a mobile network but want to allow upgrades only for mission-critical applications (such as Mi Security or Google Play Services), do the following:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want (e.g. Mi Security).
3. Tap the Mobile Data and activate the Background Data Transfer.
4. For other applications, disable this option.

💡

Even when auto-update is disabled, critical applications (such as Google Play Services) can be updated in the background through system processes.

Auto-update of MIUI system applications

System utilities like Mi Browser, Mi Video or Mi Music are not updated through Google Play, but through the MIUI system updater.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Activate the Auto Update system applications option.
4. Select the network: 📶 Wi-Fi only (recommended). 🔄 Any network (traffic risk).

Important for users of custom firmware:

If you have installed an informal firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu or Pixel Experience), system applications may not update automatically.

• 🔧 Use it. MIUI bootloader for manual update check.
• 📦 Download the current versions of the system APK from forums like Xiaomi.eu (check compatibility with your model!).

Warning: Updating system applications through third-party sources may result in:

• 🚨 Loss of functionality (e.g. Mi Share will no longer be visible to other Xiaomi devices).
• 🔒 Blocking of Mi Account for Violation of Terms of Use.

FAQ: Frequent questions about auto-update on Xiaomi