Remove an important app from Xiaomi Redmi 9 and don't know how to get it back? Don't panic -- 90% of the time, programs recover in minutes, even if you cleared the cache or reset the settings. In this article, we'll look at 5 proven methods, from standard recovery through Google Play to manual return system APKs through ADB.
The Redmi 9 (M2003J15SC/M2004J19G) is a feature of the fact that MIUI hides some system utilities from the user, but they can be returned without losing data. We will also explain how to avoid re-losing applications – for example, by setting up automatic backup in the Mi Cloud or disabling aggressive battery optimization, which sometimes eats up background processes.
Important: If you removed the app less than a day ago, the chances of recovery are maximum. Older removals will require backups or manual APK installation. Let's start with the easiest ways!
1. Recovery via Google Play (the fastest way)
If an app was installed from the Play Market, it can be returned in two clicks, which works even for manually deleted programs, if your Google account has not changed.
Open Play Store → Profile icon (top right) → App and device management → Installed → Uninstalled. This will show a list of all programs ever installed. Find the one you want and click "Install." The system will automatically download the latest compatible version.
- ✅ Pros: Does not require technical skills, works on any Android.
- ❌ Cons: Does not restore Xiaomi system applications (e.g. Mi Video or Security).
- ⚠️ Limitation: If an app was removed more than a year ago, it may not appear in the list.
⚠️ Attention: After recovery, check the application permissions in Settings → Annexes → Permit management. MIUI Sometimes they drop them after they are reinstalled.
2. Return through MIUI history (system applications only)
Xiaomi Redmi 9 based on MIUI 12/13 keeps a log of system changes, including removal of built-in utilities, this method is suitable for returning Calendar, Notes, Tems and other standard APKs.
Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the build number line to activate developer mode. Then go back to the main settings and open Additional → Special Features → System Log. Here, find the deletion record (see app name) and click "Cancel".
| Type of application | Recovering through MIUI? | Alternative method |
|---|---|---|
| System (Camera, Gallery) | ✅ Yes. | ADB or firmware |
| Third-party (Telegram, VK) | ❌ No. | Play Market or APK |
| Games | ❌ No. | Play Market + Preserve + Preserve + |
| MIUI widgets | ✅ Yes (partially) | Resetting launcher settings |
Critical detail: the system log in MIUI only keeps records for 30 days, and if the application was removed earlier, it won't work, so move on to ADB or backup methods.
3. Use of backups (Mi Cloud or Google Drive)
If Redmi 9 has enabled sync with Mi Cloud or Google Drive, the chances of recovery are dramatically increased. MIUI creates backups once a day when connecting to Wi-Fi, but only if the function is manually activated.
To recover the data:
- Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Backup.
- Select the latest copy (check the date of creation!).
- Check "Applications and Data" and click "Restore".
- Confirm the action with a password from the Mi Account.
The process will take 5-15 minutes depending on the amount of data.
- 🔄 Important: After recovery, the phone will restart.
- 📱 Restriction: Mi Cloud backup does not save APK-Third-party application files, only their data (such as WhatsApp settings or game progress).
- 🔗 Alternative: If you used Google Drive, restore data through Settings → Google → Backup.
Turn off the mobile internet (only use Wi-Fi)
Battery charge > 50%
Free up 1-2 GB of memory
Remember the current lock screen settings-->
4.Manual recovery via ADB (for power users)
If the system application was removed without the possibility of returning via MIUI, Android Debug Bridge (ADB) will help.This method requires a PC and basic command line knowledge, but allows you to return even deeply integrated utilities (for example, com.miui.securitycenter).
Step-by-step:
- Download ADB Tools and unpack it to the root of the C:\ disk.
- On your phone, activate debugging over USB in Settings → For developers.
- Connect Redmi 9 to your PC and type in the command line: Adb devices Make sure the device is identified (serial number should appear).
- To return a remote application, use the command: adb shell cmd package install-existing <name packet> For example, for Mi Video: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.videoplayer
⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB If you are not sure about the name of the package, first check it through the command: adb shell pm list packages | grep "miui"
A list of Xiaomi’s popular recovery packages:
- com.miui.calculator - Calculator
- com.miui.notes - Notes
- com.miui.player - Music
- com.xiaomi.scanner - Document scanner
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
5. Firmware reinstallation (extreme case)
If none of these methods work, you just have to reflash your phone, and this will bring back all the system applications, but reset the settings to the factory. On Redmi 9, you should use Fastboot firmware through the Mi Flash Tool, which stores data in the /data partition when you set it right.
Procedure:
- Download the official firmware for your model (e.g. Redmi 9 Global V12.5.1.0.RJCMIXM).
- Unpack the archive and place the folder in the root of the C:\ disk.
- Install the Mi Flash Tool and connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the phone is off).
- In the program, select the downloaded firmware, mark "Clean all and lock" (if you need to save data) or "Clean all" (full reset).
- Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-15 minutes).
| Type of firmware | Saving data? | Do you need to unlock the bootloader? |
|---|---|---|
| Fastboot (official) | ✅ Yes (when choosing "Clean all and lock") | ❌ No. |
| Recovery (via TWRP) | ✅ Yes (unless formatted) /data) | ✅ Yes. |
| Castomic (LineageOS) | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. |
Important: After firmware, the phone can request authorization to the Mi Account if it was previously tied. If you forgot your password, use the recovery service or contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.
💡
Before you run the firmware, save your phone's IMEI! Type in *#06# and take a picture of the screen, which will help restore the network if the connection goes missing after the firmware.
How to prevent re-deleting applications
To avoid losing important utilities in the future, set up Redmi 9 to follow these rules:
- 🔒 Block the removal of system applications: Open Settings → Annexes → App management. Select the application you want (like Camera) and click "Disable" instead of "Delete" so it stays in the system but won't show up in the menu.
- ☁️ Set up automatic backup: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Backup. Enable Automatic Backup and select a daily schedule. Make sure the listing shows Applications and Data".
Turn off aggressive optimization:
- Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization.
- Find the right application and select "No restrictions".
We also recommend installing App Cloner or Island from the Play Market, which creates a sandbox for testing applications without affecting the main system, so you can check the software before removing the original.
💡
Even if the application is permanently removed, its data (saves, settings) can remain in the /data/data/<name packet> folder until completely flashed. Use Root Explorer to extract it (root rights required).