How to return disabled applications to Xiaomi: all ways for MIUI

Have you accidentally disabled an important application on Xiaomi or it disappeared after the update? MIUI has a feature: some system utilities (such as Camera, Phone or Settings) can not be removed completely, but they can be deactivated through the application menu. Restore them with standard methods is not always easy - especially if they are not displayed in the list of installed programs.

In this article, you will find 4 proven ways to return disabled applications on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones (including models from 2023-2026).We will discuss both safe methods through MIUI settings, and advanced ones using ADB and hidden menus. All instructions are adapted to the latest firmware versions (MIUI 14/15) and do not require superuser rights (root).

Before you start, make sure that the problem is not due to a system failure or a virus. If the application is not just disabled but removed (for example, through ADB or TWRP), its recovery will require a firmware reflash.

Why apps are turned off on Xiaomi

There are three main reasons why MIUI apps may disappear from the menu:

• 🔹 Manual disconnection by the user - through Settings → Annexes → Application management. This is often by accident when you try to free up memory.
• 🔹 Automatic optimization – a function MIUI It's called "Security." → Cleaner can deactivate rarely used programs.
• 🔹 Failure after the update – especially relevant for the Redmi Note 12/13 and POCO F5/X5, post-update MIUI 15 System utilities are missing (for example, FM-radio).

A separate category is apps hidden by the manufacturer, such as some models for the European market (EEA) have Google Services or Mi Video disabled by default, which can be returned, but this will require additional steps (see the section on ADB).

If you are not sure what exactly happened to the app, check its status:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select "Show all apps."
3. In the search box, enter the name of the missing application.

If it is displayed marked "Disabled" it can be returned in a standard way (see next section). If the app is not listed at all, advanced methods will be required.

Method 1: Enable via MIUI settings (without ADB)

The simplest method is suitable for user applications (installed from the Play Market) and part of the system (e.g. Camera, Gallery, Notes). It does not require a PC connection and works on all versions of MIUI from 12 to 15.

Algorithm of action:

Open Settings → Applications → Application Management

Press three points. → "Show all applications"

Find the disabled app in the list (use search)

Put it on him. → press "Include"

Confirm the action if a warning appears-->

If the "Enable" button is inactive or absent, the application is removed at the system level (e.g., via ADB or custom firmware).

Exceptions: Some system utilities (such as Mi Pay or Game Turbo) may not be enabled through this menu, but will require ADB or hidden commands (see MIUI code section).

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If the app doesn't show up in search, try entering its batch name (e.g. com.miui.gallery for Gallery).A list of packages for popular Xiaomi utilities can be found at the end of the article.

Method 2: Reset application settings (if the standard method doesn’t work)

If the application is not enabled through the Application Management menu but you are sure it is not removed, try resetting all the programs settings.This method helps in 60% of cases when the problem is caused by a cache failure or a rights conflict.

How to perform the reset:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Clean (or Settings → Applications → Clean up in new versions of MIUI).
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select "Reset App Settings."
3. Confirm action. Attention: this will delete stored data for all programs (such as logins in social networks), but will not affect media files.

After you reboot, check if the app appears on the menu. If not, move on to the next method.

Method 3: Recovery through ADB (for system applications)

This method is suitable for recovering remote system applications that are not displayed in the settings. MIUI. It requires connecting your smartphone to your PC and installing Android Debug Bridge (ADB). Warning: misuse ADB It could cause the system to fail!

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 📱 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔧 Utility. ADB (You can download from the official Android website).
• 🔍 Packet name of the annex (see table below).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on the smartphone Developer Mode: go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times tap on the "Version" MIUI".
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate “Debugging by USB”.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, open the command prompt (cmd) in the ADB folder and do:

adb devices

(Series numbered device should appear. If not, check the drivers.)

adb shell pm install-existing --user 0 name packet

For example, to restore the gallery:

adb shell pm install-existing --user 0 com.miui.gallery

If the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:

adb shell cmd package install-existing name packet

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The install-existing command does not reinstall the application, but only activates it for the current user.

Mistakes and solutions:

• ❌ Error: Unknown package – the batch name is incorrectly specified or the application is removed completely (firmware required).
• ❌ Operation not allowed - debugging is disabled USB or no license. Reboot the phone and reconnect.

List of package names of popular Xiaomi apps:

If the desired package is not in the table, it can be found through APK Extractor (extract application) APK-files) or on sites like APKMirror.

Method 4: Hidden MIUI codes for application recovery

MIUI has service codes that allow you to access hidden menus and features, some of which can help you return disabled system utilities without ADB. Attention: these codes do not work on all models and versions of the firmware!

Popular codes for Xiaomi:

• 📱 ##4636## - Test menu (phone and battery information).
• 🔧 ##225## Calendar and alarm clocks (can restore the clock or calendar).
• 🎵 ##36446337## - Multimedia test (helps to return Music or Video player).
• 📡 ##4634## - Network information (sometimes restores SMS or Calls).

How to use:

1. Open the phone app.
2. Enter the code as a phone number and press the call.
3. If the code works, you'll see a service menu, and look for options like "Restore apps" or "Reset app preferences."

On Xiaomi 13/14 and Redmi Note 12/13 with MIUI 15, some of the codes can be blocked. In this case, try typing them through the Calculator app:

1. Open the calculator.
2. Enter a code (e.g. 4636 for the test menu).
3. Press "=" - if the code is supported, a hidden menu will open.

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Some firmware only works when the Internet is connected, so if the menu doesn't open, check the network connection.

What to do if nothing helps

If neither of these methods worked, it could be that the application was removed at the firmware level or that there was a major system failure, and there are two options left:

1. Fastboot flashing will restore all system applications but delete user data, and instructions for your model can be found in the Xiaomi firmware section.
2. Installing custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) is a radical method that requires unlocking the bootloader.

Warning:

⚠️ Fastboot or Recovery flashing will reset all settings and data on your phone. be sure to back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup or Mi Cloud before the process starts on models with a locked bootloader (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T Pro) may require waiting 7-15 days to unlock.

If you are not sure of your abilities, it is better to contact the Xiaomi service center. Official centers can restore the firmware without losing warranty (provided that the phone has not been unlocked).

How to avoid re-disabling applications

To prevent apps from disappearing again, follow these tips:

• 🛡️ Turn off automatic cleaning in Settings → Memory. → Cleanup → Settings (uncheck the box from "Clean rarely used applications").
• 🔒 Block important apps from optimization: go to Settings → Annexes → Application management, select the desired and activate "Block".
• 📱 Update regularly MIUI — In new versions, bugs associated with the loss of system utilities are corrected.
• 🚫 Do not use accelerators such as Clean Master or DU Speed Booster – They often remove the right programs.

If you often encounter problems after updates, consider turning off automatic updates:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Tap it on three points. → "Update settings".
3. Turn off the option "Automatic booting via mobile data" and "Automatic installation".

Useful Lifehack: Create a shortcut on your desktop to quickly access hidden settings.

1. Keep your finger on an empty place on your desk.
2. Select "Widgets" → "Labels".
3. Scroll down and find “Settings” or “Apps”.
4. Drag the shortcut to the desktop for quick access.

FAQ: Frequent questions about restoring apps on Xiaomi