Did you download a new app to your Xiaomi but can't find it? Or did it suddenly disappear from the screen after the update? Maybe the system blocked it as "potentially dangerous," or maybe you accidentally disabled it in the settings. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to include applications on Xiaomi, Redmi and smartphones. POCO — from basic to hidden functions MIUI hyperos.
The manufacturer often changes the menu layout depending on the firmware version, so we took into account the interface features for different generations of devices.
- 🔍 The app is installed, but not displayed in the menu
- 🚫 The system blocks the start ("The device does not trust this application»)
- ⚙️ The application is disabled in the settings or through ADB
- 🔄 After updating MIUI slack-out
We pay special attention to hidden security settings MIUI, which often block out third-party APK If standard methods don't work, there's a section at the end of the article that includes alternative solutions, including resetting and working with the user. ADB.
1. Search for the application through the main menu and launcher
The first thing to check is whether the application is hidden in one of the launcher folders or on the second screen. Xiaomi uses a proprietary launcher by default. MIUI Launcher (or) POCO Launcher on the appropriate models, which has its own characteristics.
How to find the app:
- Swipe your finger up from the bottom edge of the screen to open the app menu.
- At the top of the screen, click on the magnifying glass (search) and enter the program name.
- If the application is not located, check the Hidden Applications folder (some firmwares call it Archived).
Nana POCO The new HyperOS algorithm is a little different:
- 📱 Swipe left on the home screen to open the App Vault (if the feature is enabled).
- 🔍 Use global search (long tap on the main screen) → «Search»).
- 📁 Check the Tools or Utilities folder – sometimes system applications hide there.
⚠️ Note: If you are using a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher or Apex), the problem may be its settings. → Annexes → By default. → Launcher.
Check all launcher screens|Use System Searching|Look at the folder "Hidden applications"|Try global search (swipe down on the home screen)-->
2. Unlock the application in the security settings MIUI
MIUI aggressively blocks out APK, Especially if they're not downloaded from Google Play, and even after you've installed it, it might not be able to start because of security constraints:
Open the Settings. → Annexes → Manage applications and find the program you want. If it's not on the list, try it:
- Go to Settings. → Passwords & security → Authorization & revocation: Some models may have different paths).
- Find the section “Application Rights Management” or “Special Permits”.
- Activate the “Install Unknown Apps” switch for your browser or file manager (e.g., Chrome or Files by Google).
For HyperOS (new Xiaomi 14, Redmi models) K70 etc.) the other way:
Settings → Applications → Special access → Installation of unknown applicationsIf the application is already installed but blocked:
- 🔓 Go to Settings. → Annexes → [Title of the annex] → Permits and include all necessary rights.
- 🛡️ In the Battery section, turn off Battery Optimization for this app.
- 🚀 Enable Autostart: Settings → Annexes → [Name of name] → Auto-start.
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware for China (CN ROM) The security section can be called something else, privacy or protection. If you don't find the right item, try changing the language to English, and the menu will become clearer.
| MIUI/HyperOS version | The Way to Unlock Unknown Sources | Features |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12–13 | Settings → Privacy → Special permits → Install unknown applications | Permission is required for each installer separately (browser, file manager). |
| MIUI 14 | Settings → Applications → Special access → Installation of unknown applications | A separate switch has been added to APK-file. |
| HyperOS 1.0+ | Settings → Annexes → Application management → Application settings (⚙️) → Installation of unknown applications | The menu is simplified, but some items are hidden behind additional tabs. |
3. Enable disabled or "sleeping" applications
System system MIUI It automatically disables underutilized applications to save battery life, and if the program is lost after an update or long downtime, it needs to be "waked up».
How to return the disabled application:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Show All Apps (or System Processes for embedded utilities).
- Find the app you want and click on it. If the Enable button is active, click it.
- Check the Memory section and click Clear Cache (this can help if the app freezes when you start).
For applications that are not listed:
- 🔄 Try restarting your phone – sometimes it brings back hidden programs.
- 📥 Reinstall the app (if it has been removed as “junk»).
- 🔧 Use it. ADB for compulsory inclusion (instruction in section 5).
What are "sleeping" applications in MIUI?
If the application is system (e.g. Camera, Gallery or Phone) and does not start:
⚠️ Note: Resetting system application settings may result in data loss (e.g. call or message history!
Settings → Applications → Application Management → [System App] → Storage → Resetting Settings4. Solving the “Device does not trust this application” problem
This message appears when MIUI block APK Even if you have authorized the installation from unknown sources, the system may request additional confirmation.
How to get around the lock:
- When the message “The device does not trust this application” appears, click “Settings” (or “More details”).
- Turn on the “Trust This Source” switch (the name may vary).
- Go back to the installer and try again.
If the Settings button is not available or is inactive:
- 🔒 Go to Settings. → Passwords & security → Privacy → Special permits → Install unknown applications.
- 📌 Find an installer (such as Chrome or Files) and allow installation.
- 🔄 Restart your phone and try to start the app again.
For HyperOS and New Models (Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi Note 13 and newer may require an additional step:
Settings → Applications → Special Access → Installation of packages from unknown sourcesadb install -r -t path/to/file.apk
Flag. -r replaces the existing version, and -t Allows you to test the application without full installation.-->
5. Advanced methods: ADB and reset
If the standard methods didn't work, you'd have to use the developer tools, and this is a section for power users, and the wrong commands can disrupt the system.
Method 1: Incorporating the application through ADB
- Enable Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times)
- Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm enable package.applications (you can find out the name of the package via adb shell pm list packages). | grep “title".)
Method 2: Reset application settings
This is an extreme measure that will return all programs to factory settings (but will not delete user data):
Settings → Applications → Application Management → ⚙️ (Settings) → Application Resetting⚠️ Warning: After resetting, you will have to reconfigure permissions for all applications, including camera, microphone and geolocation.
💡
If the app has been removed as a system (e.g. Mi Video or Mi Music), it can only be restored through a full phone reset or flashing, in which case it is better to use alternative programs from Google Play.
6. Frequent errors and their solutions
Even after unlocking, the application may not work properly, so let's look at the typical problems and how to fix them.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "The app is not responding." | Conflict with other programs or lack of memory. | Clear the cache in Settings → Annexes → [Name of name] → Memory. |
| "The device is not supported" | APK It is designed for another architecture (ARM/x86) orroid. | Download the version compatible with your device (check in Settings) → The phone). |
| The app immediately closes. | Damaged data or lack of permissions. | Remove and install again, having previously allowed all rights in the settings. |
| No badge on the screen. | The launcher has hidden the app or it's disabled. | Check the Hidden Apps folder or enable it in the settings (Section 3). |
If the app hangs on the logo:
- 🔄 Try restarting your phone in Safe Mode (press the power button) → «Safe Mode. If the application works, the problem is in conflict with other software.
- 📥 Update the application to the latest version.
- 🛠️ Check the space in the memory (minimum required 1-2 GB).
7. Alternative ways to run applications
If none of these methods worked, try the workarounds:
Method 1: Launching through a widget or shortcut
- 📌 Long tap on the main screen → «Widgets» → Find the widget of the desired application.
- 🔗 Use shortcut creation apps like Shortcut Maker (available on Google Play).
Method 2: Installation through a third-party launcher
Some launchers (like Nova Launcher) are better at detecting hidden applications. Install an alternative launcher and check if the program you want to see is displayed there.
Method 3: Use ADB forced-launch
If the application is installed but not running, try the command:
adb shell am start -n package.applications/package.applications.ActivitiYou can find out the full name of Activity through:
adb shell cmd package resolve-activity -c android.intent.category.LAUNCHER package.applicationsMethod 4: Flashing or resetting to factory settings
If the problem is systemic (for example, after a failed update), it can help:
- 🔄 Soft reset: Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings (saves files but resets settings).
- 🛠️ Hard reset: Squeeze the power + Volume up when the phone is off → Wipe Data (Deleting Everything, Including Files!).
⚠️ Note: Before reset, be sure to make a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup. You can't recover data from a hard reset without a backup!