How to return a remote application to Xiaomi: from the cart to ADB

You delete the app on Xiaomi and you don't know how to get it back? You know, random tapping, memory cleaning, or resetting, and an important program disappears from the screen. Fortunately, MIUI has a few recovery options, most of which don't require technical skills. In this article, we'll look at all the current methods, from simple retrieve from the cart to manual recovery via ADB.

It's important to understand that success depends on the type of deletion that you have, and if you uninstall an app, you'll have to reinstall it, and if you just hide it or go to archive, you can get it back in a few clicks, and we'll look at both scenarios, and the nuances for different models, from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 14.

1. Check the MIUI basket - the fastest way

Modern versions of MIUI 12-14 automatically send remote applications to the recycle bin, where they are stored for up to 30 days, analogous to the Recycle Bin feature on computers.

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🗑️ In the upper right corner, click on the basket icon (or select the basket tab in some firmwares).
• 🔄 Find the right application in the list and tap Restore.

If the cart is empty or the icon is not there, then the application has been permanently removed (for example, through Settings → Storage → Cleaning).

⚠️ Attention: Basket in MIUI It only came from version 12.5 (MIUI 11 and below) this method will not work. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

2.Restore through Google Play Market

If the app was installed from Play Market, it can be returned through download history, which works even after the phone is completely flashed, since the data is tied to a Google account.

• 🛒 Open Google Play Market and tap on the profile avatar in the upper right corner.
• 📋 Select Application and Device Management → Management → Established.
• 🔍 In the top panel, go to the Not Installed tab and find the desired application.
• ⬇️ Click on the download icon (or Install).

If the app doesn’t appear in the list, try:

1. Update the Play Market to the latest version.
2. Check that you are logged in to the same Google account from which you previously installed the program.
3. Manually find the application through search in the Play Market and install again.

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If the app was purchased but doesn't show up in history, check the Library tab in the Play Market profile.

3. Return system applications via hidden MIUI menu

Many of Xiaomi's built-in apps (e.g. Camera, Gallery, Browser) can't be completely removed -- you can only turn them off. If you delete them, they're actually hidden.

• ⚙️ Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• ☁️ In the top menu, select the filter All applications (or Systems).
• 🔍 Find the right app (such as Mi Video) and tap on it.
• 🔄 Click Enable (or Show in some versions).

If the Enable button is not, then the application has been uninstalled with root rights or through ADB. In this case, only manual reinstallation will help (see Section 5).

4.Restore from MIUI backup

If you have previously backed up your programs through Settings → Additional → Backup, you can return applications from it. This method is suitable for restoring not only programs, but also their data (for example, saves in games or settings).

• 📦 Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Backup → Local copies.
• 📅 Select the most recent copy (check the date of creation!).
• 📱 Click Restore and tick the Applications (you can also select Application Data if you need to).
• ⚠️ Confirm the recovery and wait until the completion (the phone will restart).

Important nuances:

• 🔄 Restore will rewrite the current data, and if you add new files or settings after you create a copy, it will be lost.
• 🔒 Recovery of some system applications (such as Themes or Cloud Mi) may require authorization in your Xiaomi account.
• ⏳ The process can take 10 to 30 minutes depending on the amount of data.

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the recovery from the backup - this can damage the system files and the need for a complete reset of the phone.If the process is stalled during the Preparation stage, wait at least 1 hour before the forced reboot.

Check the battery charge (minimum 50%)|Connect to Wi-Fi (a copy can weigh several GB)|Close all background applications|Shut down. VPN (It can block access to Xiaomi servers)|Make a current copy of important data (in case of failure)-->

5. Manual recovery via ADB (for power users)

If the application was removed with root permission or through ADB, it can only be returned by re-installing the system.apk file.This method is suitable for system applications that cannot be downloaded from the Play Market (for example, Mi Remote, Mi Pay or Game Turbo).

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap according to the version → return to → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 📎 The.apk file of the desired application (can be extracted from firmware or downloaded from trusted sources, for example, APKMirror).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to your PC and confirm access by ADB (a request will appear on the phone screen).
2. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the ADB folder and type: adb devices Make sure the device is identified (its serial number should appear).
3. Install the application with the command: adb install -r -d --fastdeploy name file.apk Flag -r allows overwriting, -d - downgrading version.
4. If there is a mistake INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_APK, Try it out: Adb install -r -t -d name file.apk (flag) -t allows the /system/app).

System applications (installed in /system/priv-app) may require root access or custom recovery (TWRP) in which case the command will be different:

adb push name file.apk /sdcard/


adb shell




su




mount -o rw,remount /system




cp /sdcard/file name.apk /system/priv-app/




chmod 644 /system/priv-app/file name.apk




reboot

6. Resetting settings is a last resort

If none of the methods worked, and the application is critical (like Settings or Phone), there's a complete reset, which will bring the phone back to factory status, but delete all the data.

• 📤 Backup your contacts, photos and files (via Mi Cloud or manually on PC).
• 📝 Write down logins / passwords from accounts (they will be saved, but you will have to go through the authorization again).
• 🔋 Charge your phone to at least 70%.

How to reset:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose to Erase All Data (not Settings Reset is another item!).
3. Enter the password from your Mi Account (if requested).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-15 minutes).

After discharge:

• 📱 The phone will start as new.
• 🔄 All system applications will be restored.
• 📥 Install missing programs from Play Market or backup.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (especially those with MediaTek) may require the bootloader to be re-activated via the Mi Unlock Tool after a reset. Without this, the phone won't turn on! Make sure to remember the Xiaomi account details tied to the device.

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Setting resets are the last chance to bring back system applications, but it deletes ALL user data. Use it only if other methods have failed.

FAQ: Frequent questions about app recovery