Deleting apps on Xiaomi smartphones is only a seemingly irreversible process. Even if you accidentally erase an important application or clear the cache of the system, you can return it in several ways. Unlike iOS, where restoring remote programs is reduced to reinstalling through the App Store, MIUI offers advanced tools from an embedded cart to backups in the cloud. However, not all methods are universal: some work only on embroidered devices, others require superuser rights.
The main problem for Xiaomi users is that they don't know there's a hidden MIUI cart, where apps are stored up to 30 days after they're removed. If you haven't manually cleaned them, the chances of recovering without losing data remain high. But what if the cart is empty? In this case, Mi Cloud backups, Google Play installation history, or even manual recovery through ADB. Let's look at all the options, from simple to technically complex.
Note: Before you start recovery, check if your device has deactivated Developer Mode. Some methods (e.g., working with ADB) require activation via Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (7 times press).
1. Recovery through the MIUI basket (fastest way)
Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI 12 and later have a built-in basket, which goes to remote applications. It works on the principle of Recycle Bin in Windows, but with a storage time limit of 30 days. If you have recently removed the application, you can return it in a few clicks.
To open the basket:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
- 🗑️ In the upper right corner, click on the basket icon (or select the “Basket” item in the menu).
- 🔍 Find the right application in the list and tap it.
- ↩️ Click Restore and the program will return to the home screen.
Important: The Recycle Bin cleans automatically when memory is scarce or after manually cleaning through Settings → Storage → Cleanup. If you used Deep Cleaning features in the Security App, the data could have been permanently deleted.
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If the cart is empty but you're sure you've removed the app recently, try restarting the phone. Sometimes MIUI doesn't display the cart items without restarting the system.
2. reinstall via Google Play (if the app was from a store)
If an app was installed from Google Play, it can be returned through download history, which works even for remote programs if your Google account hasn’t changed, and the main advantage is that you save data (such as game progress) if the app supports cloud backup.
Instructions:
- 🛒 Open the Google Play Store.
- 👤 Slip on the profile avatar in the upper right corner → «Application and device management».
- 📋 Go to the tab "Installed» → «Not installed (or "library" in new versions).
- 🔍 Find the right application and click “Install».
If the application is not displayed in the library, check:
- 🔄 Internet connection (use Wi-Fi for large files).
- 📧 Google Account – You may have removed the app from a different profile.
- 🚫 Family Control Settings (if Restrictions are Included).
3.Restore from Mi Cloud backup
Xiaomi offers Mi Cloud storage, which automatically backs up apps, contacts and settings. If the backup function was activated before being deleted, you can return the application with its data.
- ⚠️ Recovery from the backup will reset the current system settings to the state at the date of creation of the copy.
- 📅 Copies are created once a day when connecting to Wi-Fi (if the option is enabled in Settings). → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Backup).
- 📦 Free storage – 5 GB (may not be enough for a full backup).
To recover the application from Mi Cloud:
- Open your Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
- Select “Reserve” → “Restore from the device”.
- Please specify the date of the copy (preferably the one created before the deletion).
- Check the “Applications” box and confirm the recovery.
What if Mi Cloud doesn’t see backups?
⚠️ Warning: Recovery from Mi Cloud can take up to an hour depending on the size of the backup.Do not interrupt the process, otherwise the data may get damaged.If the application does not appear after recovery, restart the phone and check the folder. Miui/backup/AllBackup via file manager.
4.Manual recovery via ADB (for power users)
If the standard methods did not work and the application was system-based (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music or Security), it can be returned via the app. ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method requires a PC, USB-Cable and basic command line knowledge. Not recommended for beginners - wrong commands can disrupt the system.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
- Activate Developer Mode on Xiaomi (see the beginning of the article) and enable USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For Developers.
- Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
- Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and do:
adb devices(Your device should be displayed. If not, check the drivers.)
adb shell
pm list packages -d(This command will show you a list of deleted but not completely cleaned apps. Find the one you want by the name of the package, such as com.miui.videoplayer.)
cmd package install-existing com.miui.videoplayer(Replace com.miui.videoplayer with your package name.)
If the install-existing command does not work, try downloading the system application APK from a trusted source (for example, APKMirror) and installing through ADB:
adb install path to fil.apkInstall ADB Tools on PC
Enable debugging over USB on Xiaomi
Download the original APK system application (if required)
Check the connection of the device with the adb device command
Make a backup of data (in case of errors)-->
5. Use of third-party utilities (at your own risk)
If none of the above methods worked, you can try specialized data recovery programs such as Dr.Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver or DiskDigger, which scan the device's memory for deleted file residues and can find.apk or cache applications.
| Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|
| ✅ Recovery even after complete cleaning | ❌ Requires root rights for deep scanning |
| ✅ Support SD-maps and internal memory | ❌ Plugins in reconstituted APK may not work |
| ✅ Possibility of data export (photos, messages) | ❌ Risk of installing malware from unofficial sources |
If you choose this method, follow the safety rules:
- 🛡️ Download the program only from official sites.
- 🔍 Before restoring, check the reviews about the utility on the forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers).
- 📵 Do not connect your phone to public Wi-Fi networks during the process.
⚠️ Note: Data recovery programs often require disabling device encryption (Settings) → Lockdown and protection → Encryption. This will temporarily reduce the security of your smartphone. Once the process is complete, be sure to turn the encryption back on.
6.Prevention: How to Avoid Losing Applications in the Future
To avoid the problem of remote applications again, set up Xiaomi in advance:
- 🔄 Enable automatic backup in Mi Cloud (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Backup).
- 📦 Export the list of installed apps regularly through Google Play (there is an export option in the Library section).
- 🚫 Avoid using Garbage Cleanup features in the Security App – they can remove the cache of system applications.
- 📱 Install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher) that saves the history of remote programs.
For system applications (Mi Home, Mi Fit, etc.), it is useful to create a local backup through ADB:
adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.abThis command will save all applications and their data to a backup.ab file on a PC to recover:
adb restore backup.ab💡
Xiaomi system applications (such as Mi Remote or Mi Pay) cannot be removed in the standard ways – they can only be disabled. If they are missing, most likely, a reset or manual removal via ADB was performed.