How to return remote applications to Xiaomi Redmi 4: from simple to advanced methods

Remove the app on Xiaomi Redmi 4 and don't know how to get it back? This problem is familiar to many owners of smartphones with a shell MIUI, where standard recovery methods are not always obvious. Unlike pure Android, there are nuances here, from hidden system folders to the features of working with Google Play on Chinese firmware.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, from basic (via the app store) to advanced (using ADB and backups), focusing on restoring Xiaomi system applications, which are often removed with garbage through cleaners like Security or Clean Master, and learn how to avoid data loss when re-installation and what to do if the application disappears after resetting.

1.Restore via Google Play: When the app is just hidden

The most obvious, but not always the way to do it, is to check it in Google Play, and many users mistakenly think that if an app is removed, you should look for it again, and in fact, the installation history is saved, and you can return the program in two clicks.

Open Google Play → Profile → App and Device Management → Manage. Here, the Installed tab will show all active programs, and the Installed tab will show you those that have ever been on your device. Find the right one and click Install.

• 🔍 Problem: If the app was system-based (like Mi Video or Mi Music), it might not be in the Play Market.
• ⚙️ Nuance: Redmi 4 with Chinese firmware (China) ROM) Instead of Google Play, the Mi App Store is used.
• 📱 Tip: if the app is paid, check in the Play Market → Profile → Payments and subscriptions – it may still be linked to your account.

⚠️ Note: When you re-install through Google Play, all application data (logins, settings, cache) will be reset. If you need to save progress, try the backup method first (section 4).

2.Using the built-in MIUI "Application Recovery" function

The MIUI shell on Redmi 4 has a hidden function of remote program recovery, but it does not work on all versions of the firmware.

Settings → Applications → Application Management → ☰ (menu) → Application Recovery

This will show you a list of remote user and system applications (unless they have been completely erased from memory). Choose the one you want and click Restore. Importantly, this method does not work for applications that are removed through ADB or after a full reset.

If you don't have Application Restore on the menu, your firmware doesn't support it, so you can go to the ADB (section 5) or backup method.

3. Manual recovery of system applications through file manager

Xiaomi system applications (e.g. Mi Calculator, Mi Drop, Mi Remote) are stored in the /system/priv-app or /system/app folder. If you deleted them through Root rights or ADB but didn't clear the folder, you can try manually returning them.

For this:

1. Install a file manager with Root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /system/priv-app and find the folder with the name of the remote application (for example, MiuiVideo for Mi Video).
3. If there is a folder, but the application does not appear in the menu, check the access rights: they must be rw-r.--r-- (644 for files, 755 for folders).
4. Reboot the phone.

If you don't have a folder, you'll have to download the APK system application from trusted sources (such as APKMirror) and install it manually. Please note that the APK version must match your MIUI firmware!

Getting Root Rights (if not already)

Download file manager with Root support

Make a backup of the /system/app folder

Check the version. MIUI In Settings → The phone.-->

⚠️ Note: Incorrectly changing files in /system This can lead to bootloop. If you're not sure what you're doing, use the method of using it. ADB (section 5) or go to the service.

4.Restore from backup: Titanium Backup and MIUI Backup

If you backed up before you deleted it, you can return the app without losing data. Redmi 4 has two options:

• 📦 MIUI Backup: Built-in function (located in Settings) → Additionally. → Backup and reset: Restores both applications and their data, but only works if the copy was created before deletion.
• 🛠️ Titanium Backup: requires Root, but saves even system applications with settings. After installing TiBu, select Restore and tick the desired application.

Instructions for MIUI Backup:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local Backups.
2. Select the most recent copy (see the date of creation).
3. Click Restore and tick the desired application.
4. Confirm the recovery and wait for completion.

If you don’t have a backup, but you have a synced Xiaomi account, try logging in on another device and check the MI Cloud → Backups. Sometimes, app data is stored there.

5. Advanced Method: Recovery through ADB (for system applications)

If the application has been removed through ADB (team pm uninstall -k --user 0), It can only be returned by repeating commands, and this method is suitable for system applications that cannot be restored in other ways.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB Redmi 4 (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times press) → Developer → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Steps:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt (cmd) in the adb folder.
2. Check the connection command: Adb devices should display the name of your device.
3. Find out the full name of the remote application package (for example, for Mi Video it is com.miui.videoplayer).The list of system packages can be obtained by the command: adb shell pm list packages -s
4. Restore the application (replace package.name with real name): adb shell cmd package install-existing package.name

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

adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d "package:package.name"

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi system applications are tied to firmware. ADB They don’t work, you’ll have to search the phone or find a compatible version. APK.

💡

To find out the name of the package of an unknown application, install App Inspector from Google Play on your phone, which shows the full details of any APK, including the package name and installation path.

6.Extreme measures: phone flashing

If none of these methods work, then you have to flash it back, which is a radical way to bring all the system applications back to their original state, but delete user data (if you don't backup it). Redmi 4 has two options:

• 🔄 Update via Recovery: download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website, copy to the root of the phone’s memory (the file should be called) update.zip) and install it through Recovery (Volume Up) + Power when booting).
• 🖥️ Fastboot firmware: requires unlocked bootloader and PC. Detailed instructions are available on the official website of Xiaomi.

Before the firmware must:

1. Make a backup copy of important data (photos, contacts, messages).
2. Check the firmware version – it should match your model (Redmi 4 has modifications: Redmi 4 Pro, Redmi 4 Prime, Redmi 4A).
3. Charge your phone at least 60%.

Once you have firmware, all the system applications will be in place, but you will have to reconfigure the phone. If the problem is due to a virus or incorrect software, after flashing, install an antivirus (for example, Malwarebytes) and check the device.

💡

Firmware is the last chance to bring back remote system applications, but it must be done strictly according to official instructions Xiaomi.

FAQ: Frequent questions about recovering apps on Redmi 4