Smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO firmware-based MIUI They automatically disable underutilized applications to save battery life and optimize performance, but sometimes the system blocks programs you need, such as after an OS update or reset. Unlike remote applications, disabled applications can be returned without flashing the device.
The problem is compounded by the fact that MIUI It hides disabled applications from the main menu and the list in the settings, which users often confuse with a complete deletion, although the program files remain in the device's memory. In this article, we will analyze 5 proven ways to return access to an application β from standard tools to advanced methods using the application. ADB and hidden menus.
β οΈ Note: Not all methods work on Xiaomi with a locked bootloader.If you have not previously unlocked it officially through the Mi Unlock Tool, the methods are not available for the user. ADB It may not work on new models (e.g. Xiaomi). 13/14, Redmi Note 12).
1. Including through standard settings MIUI
The easiest way is to use the built-in application management menu, which is suitable for most models on the Internet. MIUI 12-14, but may not be available on older versions (e.g, MIUI 11 and below).
Instructions:
- Open Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show all apps.
- In the drop-down filter menu, select Unplugged.
- Find the desired application in the list and click on it.
- Tap the Enable button (or Activate on English firmware).
If the option is not in the filter, try an alternative path:
- π Go to Settings. β System system β Advanced settings β Special facilities β Utilities.
- π± The Disabled Applications section can be displayed here (on some models) POCO).
- βοΈ Nana MIUI Global sometimes requires you to first enable the display of system applications in the developer settings.
βοΈ Preparation for the inclusion of the annex
β οΈ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50) And when you turn the application on through the settings, it can turn off again after you restart. MIUI. To maintain the result after activation:
- Open the application at least once.
- Add it to Secure Applications (in battery settings).
- Turn off the optimization for him. MIUI manually.
2.Use of hidden menu MIUI Hidden Settings
MIUI Hidden Settings is an undocumented menu available on most Xiaomi devices without superuser rights.It allows you to manage system components that are hidden in the standard interface.
How to open it:
- Launch the phone (calling) application.
- Enter the combination: ##4636###.
- In the menu that appears, select MIUI Hidden Settings (or Phone Information) β Testing menu on some models).
- Go to App Manager or Application Management.
- Turn on the Disabled apps filter.
- Select the desired application and click Enable.
πΉ Important: New models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, POCO F5) code ##4636## may not work. In this case, use an alternative method:
- π² Install from Google Play app MIUI Hidden Settings Shortcut (informal).
- π§ Or activate Developer Mode (7 taps by build number in Settings) β About the phone) and use it. ADB (below).
What if MIUI Hidden Settings does not open?
3. Recovery through ADB (for power users)
ADB (Android Debug Bridge is a tool from Google that allows you to control your device through the command line.The method works on all Xiaomi models, but requires pre-configuration.
π Preparation:
- Download Platform Tools from the Android Developers website.
- Unpack the archive in the root of the C:\ disk (the path should not contain Cyrillic!).
- Turn on the phone to debug. USB (Settings β The phone. β Version. MIUI β 7 taps β return to β For developers).
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB (select File Transfer Mode).
π» Commands to enable the application:
adb devices(Connection check β the serial number of the device should be displayed)
adb shell pm list packages -d(Shows a list of disabled packets; copy the name of the desired one, for example com.android.chrome)
adb shell pm enable com.android.chrome(Replace com.android.chrome in the name of your package)
β Once you've done the command, the app will appear on the menu. If not, reboot your phone.
| ADB Team Team | Description | Example of use |
|---|---|---|
| adb shell pm list packages -d | Shows all the apps disabled | adb shell pm list packages -d | find "facebook" (search for a keyword) |
| adb shell pm enable [package] | Incorporates the specified annex | adb shell pm enable com.miui.gallery |
| adb shell pm clear [package] | Resets application data (useful if it doesnβt start) | adb shell pm clear com.android.vending (Google Play reset) |
| adb shell am start -n [packet/[activate] | Forced application launch | adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.Settings |
β οΈ Note: On devices with a blocked bootloader (bootloader) some commands ADB If you enter the adb shell pm enable and you see an Operation not allowed error, you will be able to do so:
- π You need to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (official way from Xiaomi).
- π οΈ Or use alternative methods (e.g., through the use of TWRP, if it is installed).
4 Third-party utilities: App Inspector and Package Disabler
If standard methods donβt work, you can use apps from Google Play that specialize in managing Android packages.
π Top.-3 utility for enabling disabled applications:
- π App Inspector shows all packages installed, including hidden ones, and can be filtered by status (Disabled) and enabled directly from the interface.
- βοΈ Package Disabler Pro β allows you not only to turn on, but also to disable system applications (requires) ROOT fully functional).
- π¦ Debloater β utility for removing embedded software, but there is a function to restore disabled packages.
π± Instructions for App Inspector:
- Install App Inspector from Google Play.
- Open the application and provide access to Package Management (if requested).
- Go to the Disabled Apps tab.
- Find the right app and tap it.
- Select Enable (enable).
- Confirm the action and restart the phone.
π‘ The Benefits of Third-Party Utilities:
- π Possibility of batch inclusion of several applications.
- π Show hidden system packages that donβt appear in standard settings MIUI.
- π Provide additional information (version, permissions, dependencies).
β οΈ Note: Some utilities (such as Package Disabler) may require ROOT-You can use the rights to work with system applications. Without them, functionality will be limited. Also beware of fake apps on Google Play - install only proven utilities with high ratings.
adb shell pm clear com.example.package
(Replace com.example.package in the name of your package).-->
5. Recovery via TWRP (for stitched devices)
If your Xiaomi has a custom recavator installed TWRP, You can turn on the disabled application even without ROOT, Using the built-in file manager.
π§ Step-by-step instruction:
- Turn off the phone and press Volume Up + Power to log into TWRP.
- Select Advanced β File Manager.
- Go to /data/app (which stores user applications) or /system/priv-app (system applications).
- Find a folder with the name of the disabled package (for example, com.facebook.katana-1).
- Check for the file. package.xml β If it is, the application is not removed, but only deactivated.
- Back to the main menu TWRP and choose Mount β System.
- Connect your phone to the PC and through ADB execute the activation command (as in Section 3).
πΉ Alternative method (requires) ROOT):
If you have ROOT, into TWRP file can be edited /data/system/packages.xml, It's a risky thing, but it can lead to a bootloop).
β οΈ Attention: Working with TWRP If you are not sure about your actions, use more secure methods (for example, use more secure methods, ADB or standard settings. On devices with MIUI 13/14 and locked loader TWRP may not start.
π‘
Use of the TWRP β It's the most powerful, but also the most risky method, and only use it if other methods have failed, and you have a backup of your data.
6. Features for different Xiaomi models
The process of enabling disabled applications may differ depending on the device model and version. MIUI. Below are the key nuances for popular series.
| Model/Series | Features | Recommended method |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 11/12/13/14 | Blocked loader, restrictions on ADB-team | Standard settings or MIUI Hidden Settings |
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | Supports ADB, It may require the bootloader to be unlocked. | ADB App Inspector |
| POCO F3/F4/F5 | Less restrictions on system commands, often no MIUI Hidden Settings | ADB or TWRP (if established) |
| Xiaomi Mi A1/A2/A3 (Android One) | Pure Android, no MIUI-specificity | Standard Android settings or ADB |
| Older models (Redmi 4X, Mi 5) | Support MIUI Hidden Settings, but there may be bugs with ADB | Code ##4636## or third-party utilities |
πΉ Additional advice for specific models:
- π± Xiaomi 13 Ultra and 14 Pro after the app is enabled ADB You may need to reset the cache (Wipe Cache in the TWRP).
- π Nana POCO M4 Pro and M5 Sometimes it helps to disable optimization. MIUI in the battery settings before the application is turned on.
- π On the Redmi. 9/10 s MIUI 12.5 After activation of the application, you may need to restart in Safe Mode (clamp Volume down when turned on).
β If your model is not listed in the table, try universal methods: standard settings β ADB β On newer devices (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13), prioritize the first two methods.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
When you try to turn on a disabled application, users often face typical problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
π΄ "The application is not enabled through settings"
- πΉ Check if it is system-based (e.g. com.miui.securitycenter) packets are often blocked at the firmware level.
- πΉ Try resetting the app cache through ADB: adb shell pm clear [package].
- πΉ If the application has been removed by the update MIUI, It can only be restored through the firmware (Fastboot or TWRP).
π΄ "ADB can't see the device"
- πΉ Make sure that the debugging is enabled USB And you've confirmed trust in the PC on your phone.
- πΉ Check the drivers: download Mi PC Suite or install Google Suite USB Driver.
- πΉ Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).
- πΉ Run it on Windows. ADB on behalf of the administrator.
π΄ "The app is turned on, but immediately leaves"
- πΉ Reset its data: Settings β Annexes β [attachment] β Warehouse β Clear the data.
- πΉ Check compatibility: Some older apps donβt work on newer versions of Android (e.g., Android, MIUI 14 based on Android 13).
- πΉ If it is a system application (e.g. com.miui.home), try reinstalling it through TWRP (I need a backup. /system).
β οΈ Warning: If the phone starts to brake or overheat after turning on the app, it is likely to conflict with the current version. MIUI. In this case:
- Turn it off again.
- Check for updates to the app on Google Play.
- If it is system software, wait for the firmware update or roll back to the previous version. MIUI.
Settings β Battery β Optimizing the battery β Three points. β Advanced settings β Exceptions