Mi Macro is one of those hidden treasures in Xiaomi’s ecosystem that many users are unaware of.It’s a standard app pre-installed on most of the brand’s smartphones (from the Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi’s flagship 14 Ultra) that allows you to automate repetitive actions – from simple (like turning on Don’t Disturb at Night) to complex scenarios with triggers for time, location or events in other apps.
If you’ve ever dreamed of having your phone turn on Wi-Fi when you get home, you’ll be able to send it to your home. SMS When you're low on the battery, or when you're running music with your headphones, that's what Mi Macro is designed for, and it's often confused with Google Assistant or third-party Tasker, although it's closer to a simplified version. IFTTT, directly integrated MIUI.
In this article, we'll look at what Mi Macro can do, how to set it up even without technical skills, and give you real-world examples of automation that will save you time, and why it sometimes disappears from the menu and how to return it.
What is Mi Macro and why is it necessary?
Mi Macro (or Macro in English) MIUI) — It's a tool for creating chains of action (macros) that run automatically when a given condition occurs. It's basically a recipe for your smartphone, where you specify the "recipes" for your smartphone:
- 🔹 Trigger: An event that triggers a macro (such as a charging connection or a specific time of day).
- 🔹 Actions – what should the phone do (turn on flight mode, open the application, change the volume, etc.).
- 🔹 Conditions (optional) – additional checks before execution (for example, only if the battery is less than 20 times discharged%).
The main advantage over analogues is that Mi Macro works at the system level and does not require root rights or ADB-It's a team, unlike Tasker, but it's very integrated with the Tasker. MIUI: It can manage built-in features (like Game Turbo or Second Space) that third-party apps don’t even know about.
Examples of use:
- 📱 Automatic Turning on Dark Theme After 21:00.
- 🔊 Reduce media volume by up to 30% when connecting headphones (so as not to become deaf from a sudden sound).
- 📍 Send notifications to family members when you leave work (by geolocation).
- 🔋 Starting memory cleanup when less than 500MB is free.
⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5 or Redmi K60) The app can be called simply Macro or hidden in the Settings menu. → If you don't find it, check the Tools folder or search the system.
Where to find Mi Macro on Xiaomi smartphone
By default, the application is preinstalled on all devices with MIUI 12 and newer, but its location depends on the firmware version and region:
| MIUI version | Where to find | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12–13 | Tools folder or separate shortcut on the desktop | It can be called Automation in global firmware |
| MIUI 14 | Settings → Additionally. → Macro | Some models require activation in special. |
| HyperOS (new models) | Settings → Annexes → Macro | The interface has been changed, but the functionality is saved. |
If the application is missing after updating or resetting settings:
- Check the folder Disabled in the application menu.
- Use search by system (swipe down on desktop) → enter the Macro).
- Install it again via GetApps (Xiaomi app store) if it has been removed.
How to create the first macro: step-by-step instructions
So let's take the example of Do Not Disturb at Night automation, which is a scenario that's going to be good for most users and will help them understand the interface.
Step 1. Launch the application and press + Add macros (or Create in English version).
Step 2. Select the trigger:
- Press Trigger. → Time.
- Specify the interval, for example, from 23:00 to 07:00.
- Choose the days of the week (you can leave everything).
Step 3. Add the action:
- Press Action. → Settings of the device → Don't disturb.
- Select the Enable mode.
- Optionally, add another action to reduce the screen brightness to 30%.
Step 4: Save the macro:
- Call it a night mode (for example).
- Press Ready.
- Activate the switch next to the macro name.
The trigger is set for the right time|The action is chosen correctly (do not confuse "On" and "Off")|Macros activated by the tumbler|Manual testing (click "Execute" in the macro menu)
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To check the work, wait for the specified time or click Run in the macro menu. If Do not disturb not turned on, check the permissions for Mi Macro in the application settings.
⚠️ Note: Some actions (e.g. sending) SMS or access to geolocation) require additional permissions. If the macro does not work, go to Settings → Annexes → Macro → Permissions and enable all necessary options.
Expanded Opportunities: Variables and Conditions
For power users, Mi Macro supports variables and conditional logic, such as creating a macro that:
- 📲 Sends a message with the current battery level if it is below 15%.
- 🔄 It includes mobile data if Wi-Fi is disabled, but only in a specific location (on the Internet). GPS).
- 🎵 Runs a playlist in Spotify when you plug in the headphones, but only if they're Xiaomi Buds (named after the Bluetooth device).
For this, use:
- Variables: You can insert dynamic values in actions, such as %battery% (charge level) or %time% (current time). For a full list of variables, see the application directory (in the upper right corner).
- Conditions: In the section If you add checks, for example: Battery charge < 15% or Bluetooth device connected: Xiaomi Buds 4.
An example of a complex macro:
Trigger: Connecting to charging
Condition: Time between 20:00 and 08:00 and Battery charge < 80%
Action:
1. Insert "Do not disturb"
2. Reduce brightness to 20%
3. Send a notification: "Phone is charging. Current charge: %battery%"
4. 30 minutes to turn off mobile data (if Wi-Fi is connected)💡
To see all the variables available, create any action with text (like "Send Notice") and click on the icon {...} in the input box. There will be a complete list, including network, sensor, and even weather data.
Problems and Mistakes: Why Macros Don’t Work
Even the right macros sometimes refuse to follow through, and here are the most common reasons and solutions:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Macros doesn't run in time. | Battery optimization blocks background work | Add Mi Macro to exceptions: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Macro → No restrictions. |
| Actions not performed (e.g. Wi-Fi not enabled) | Lack of permits | Go to Settings. → Annexes → Macro → Permissions and turn on all switches |
| Macros is triggered with a delay | A weak processor or many background tasks | Limit the number of macros working at the same time or increase the interval for checking triggers |
| The application flies out when creating a macro | Conflict with the MIUI shell | Clear the app's cache: Settings → Annexes → Macro → Warehouse → Clear the cache |
If the problem persists, try:
- Reboot the phone.
- Update Mi Macro via GetApps.
- Reset the application settings (Warning: All macros will be deleted!).
How to reset Mi Macro settings without losing macros?
Mi Macro Alternatives: What to Choose When Features Are Lacking
While Mi Macro covers most household tasks, advanced automation may require alternatives:
- 🤖 Tasker is the most powerful tool for Android, but it requires root or ADB Supports JavaScript scripts and integration with API.
- ⚡ Automate is a visual constructor of automation flows, simpler than Tasker, but less flexible.
- 🌐 IFTTT — Cloud-based service for connecting apps and devices, useful for integration with Google Assistant or smart home.
- 📱 MacroDroid is the closest Mi Macro analogue, but with advanced triggers (such as gestures or text recognition on the screen).
Comparison of Mi Macro and Tasker:
| Function | Mi Macro | Tasker |
|---|---|---|
| Integration with MIUI | ✅ Complete (managing built-in functions) | ❌ Demands. ADB/root deep-tuning |
| Conditional logic | ⚠️ Basic (IF-ELSE) | ✅ Full scripts and variables |
| Automation by gesture | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes (like shaking the phone) |
| Price. | ✅ Free of charge (pre-installed) | ⚠️ A paid (7-day trial version) |
If you need automation outside of the Xiaomi ecosystem (like managing Smart Home from other brands), consider it a better option. IFTTT For local tasks on the smartphone itself, the Mi Macro is often enough.
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Mi Macro is ideal for beginners and Xiaomi users who need simple automation without unnecessary settings. API Or, it is better to choose a Tasker or IFTTT.
Security and Privacy: What You Need to Know
Mi Macro asks for a variety of permissions, from accessing location to sending permissions. SMS. This raises security questions, especially if you’re building macros with sensitive data (e.g. automated responses to messages).
What Xiaomi does to protect itself:
- 🔒 All macros are stored locally on the device and are not sent to Xiaomi servers (except for anonymous usage statistics, which can be disabled).
- 🛡️ For actions like sending SMS or access to contacts requires explicit user confirmation at first start-up.
- 📱 The app works in an isolated sandbox MIUI and cannot access data from other applications without permission.
Safety recommendations:
- Do not create macros that automatically send personal data (passwords, card numbers) without your knowledge.
- Periodically check the list of active macros in Settings → Macro – Remove those that you no longer use.
- If you are transferring your phone to another person, disable or remove macros with sensitive activities (e.g. access to banking applications).
⚠️ Note: Macros using geolocation or mobile network can reduce battery life. If you notice increased consumption, check the active triggers in Mi Macro and turn off unnecessary ones.