Search for applications Xiaomi: how to enable and use

Have you installed a new app on your Xiaomi but can't find it on the menu? Or want to quickly open the program without digging into numerous folders? App search is one of the most popular features in MIUI, but not all users know how to use it correctly. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to activate and customize search, including hidden features of the firmware.

The problem with finding applications on Xiaomi often occurs after a system update, reset or using third-party launchers. Even if the feature is enabled by default, its operation may differ depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13, 14 or HyperOS) and the smartphone model — whether it is Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or the flagship Xiaomi 14 series. We will look at the universal methods that work on most devices, and also point out the nuances for specific versions of the firmware.

Why is it not working to find applications in Xiaomi

Before you turn on a search, you need to figure out why it might be disabled or not working properly.

• 🔍 System Search Engine Disabled: In Some Versions MIUI (Especially on budget models, search is hidden by default to save resources.
• 📱 Used third-party launcher: Installing alternative shells (like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher) may conflict with native Xiaomi search.
• 🔄 Reset or update: After resetting to factory settings or installing a new version MIUI The search may require re-activation.
• 🚫 Parental Control Limitations: If your device has child profiles set up, some features (including search) may be blocked.
• 🛠️ System failures: Rarely, but it happens that the search stops working due to errors in the cache or the data of the com.miui.home application.

If you're facing one of these problems, don't worry, because in the next sections, we'll go into detail on how to make search work, and if you're not sure why, try all of the methods in order.

Method 1: Enabling Search through Standard Launcher

The easiest way to return a search is to use the built-in settings of the standard MIUI launcher, which works on most devices, including Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi with firmware from MIUI 11 to HyperOS.

Instructions:

1. Go to the main screen of the smartphone.
2. Make a long press (tap with a delay) on any free screen spot.
3. In the menu that opens, select Screen Settings (or Launcher Settings, depending on the version).
4. Scroll down and find the App Search section (in some versions it is called the Search Bar or Search String).
5. Activate the switch next to Show the search bar.
6. Select the line position: Top of the screen or bottom of the screen (not available on all models).

After that, a search bar similar to the one used by Google will appear on the home screen, and you can immediately start typing in the app name or using voice input (if the feature is supported).

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) The search bar may not be in the launcher settings. In this case, try other ways from this article.

Method 2: Using MIUI System Search

If the search bar on the home screen does not suit you or it is not in the settings, you can use the built-in system search MIUI. It searches not only applications, but also contacts, messages, files and even system settings.

How to turn on:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. In the upper right corner, click on the icon. ⚙️ Settings.
3. In the search bar at the top of the screen, enter the search query.
4. Select MIUI Search (or Global Search in Older Versions).
5. Make sure that the app search switch is active.
6. If necessary, enable additional options: Search in settings, Search in contacts, etc.

Now you can call a system search swipe down on the home screen or through the notification bar.It runs faster than a launcher search and covers more data on the device.

On HyperOS (new firmware for Xiaomi 14 and Redmi K70), system search is integrated with Xiaomi Smart Hub.

1. Swipe to the right of the main screen.
2. Click on the Search icon at the top of the screen.
3. Enable the option of Search by App in the Smart Hub settings.

Method 3: Voice search for applications

If you’re more comfortable with your smartphone’s voice, Xiaomi offers a built-in voice assistant that can search and open apps, a feature that’s available on most devices with MIUI 12 and up, but requires pre-setting.

How to turn on:

• 🎤 Go to Settings. → Xiaomi's voice assistant.
• 🔊 Click Voice Control Setup and follow the instructions (you will need to record voice samples).
• 📋 Enable the option to search and launch applications.
• 🔄 Go back to the home screen and say, OK Google, open [app name] or Hi Xiaomi, find [app].

Voice search is convenient when your hands are busy or you are driving (if permitted by your country’s laws), but note that it requires an internet connection and access to a microphone.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F4) Xiaomi voice assistant may conflict with Google Assistant. If commands are not recognized, disable one of the assistants in the settings.

Method 4: Search through Google App or another launcher

If you don't like the built-in MIUI, you can use third-party solutions, and the most popular option is Google's search bar, which is integrated into most launchers.

How to set up:

• 📥 Install Google App from Play Market (if it is not available by default).
• 🔧 Go to the launcher settings (long tap on the home screen) → Screen settings).
• 🔍 Select the Search String → Google.
• 🔄 Restart the launcher (you can simply lock and unlock the screen).

Now, Google's search bar will show up on the home screen, looking not only for apps, but also for information on the web, which can be both a plus and a minus (if you only need local search).

An alternative is to install a third-party launcher, for example:

• 🌟 Nova Launcher – Supports customization of search bar.
• 🔄 Apex Launcher is lightweight and fast, with built-in search.
• 📱 Microsoft Launcher – Integrated with Bing and Office Tools.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party launchers, some functions MIUI (For example, Second Space or App Lock may not work properly.

💡

If after installing a third-party launcher, application icons are missing, go to its settings and select Reset icons or Update cache.

Method 5: Search through security settings (for hidden applications)

Sometimes apps don't show up in search because they're hidden through privacy settings.This is true if you're using App Lock or Second Space.

How to return hidden apps to search:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Show All Apps.
3. Scroll down the list and find Hidden Apps (or Blocked Apps) section.
4. Click on the desired application and select Show on the home screen.
5. Return to the launcher settings and update the cache (or just restart the smartphone).

If you're using Second Space, make sure that you're searching for both profiles.

1. Switch to Second Space (swipe two fingers down from the top of the screen).
2. Repeat the steps from Method 1 or Method 2 for the second space.

💡

Hidden apps don't show up in the default search, and in order to appear, they must first be made visible in the security settings.

Problem Solving: Search doesn’t work or gives out errors

If none of these methods worked, maybe the problem goes deeper, and here are the most effective methods of diagnosis and correction:

• 🔄 Smartphone reboot: Banal but often helps.Plug the power button and select Reboot.
• 🧹 Clearing the launcher cache: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management. Find the Launcher (or MIUI Launcher! click Clear cache and Clear data (Warning: this will reset screen settings!).

Resetting launcher settings

adb shell pm clear com.miui.home

(Requires USB debugging and computer enabled).

Firmware update

Settings → About the phone → System update

Resetting all settings

Settings → Additional → Resetting settings

If after cleaning the launcher data, the search is completely lost, return it through the screen settings (see Method 1).

FAQ: Frequent questions about finding apps on Xiaomi