What is Mi Video and why is it installed on your Redmi?
If you recently purchased a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone (whether it’s a Redmi Note 12, Redmi 10 or any other model), you’ve probably noticed a pre-installed Mi Video app with an icon in the form of a player on an orange background. It’s not random software — it was developed by Xiaomi itself as part of the MIUI ecosystem. But why do you need it if you already have Google Photos or YouTube on your phone?
In fact, Mi Video is a versatile, feature-rich media player that replaces standard Google solutions, which can play high-resolution video (including 4K and HDR), supports subtitles, has a built-in directory of movies and TV shows (in some regions), and is integrated with the Mi Cloud cloud storage, but not everyone likes it — especially those who prefer alternative players like VLC or MX Player.
In this article, we will discuss in detail:
- 🔍 The main features of Mi Video and how it differs from competitors
- ⚙️ Hidden settings that 90% of users don’t know about
- 🗑️ How to remove or disable the application (including system restrictions)
- 🎬 Best Alternatives to Watching Redmi Videos
And yes, if you think it's just "another unnecessary player," we're going to surprise you: Mi Video has a couple of chips that even popular peers don't have.
The secret function of Mi Video
Mi Video: Why Xiaomi is installing it
At first glance, Mi Video may seem like a simplified version of YouTube or Google Photos, but it's actually a full-fledged media combine.
- 📺 Support for all popular formats: from.mp4 and.mkv to rare.flv and.avi (no need to download the codec)
- 🌍 Embedded content: Free movies and TV series from Xiaomi partners are available in some countries (India, China)
- ☁️ Mi Cloud integration: Automatic video sync between devices (if you use a Mi Account)
- 🎧 Audio effects: built-in equalizer and support for Dolby Atmos (on compatible Redmi models)
- 🔄 Background playback: Video will continue to play even if you fold the app (does not work on all firmware)
However, there are also disadvantages that users want to get rid of the app:
- 🚫 Advertising: Banners can be displayed in the free version (especially in content sections)
- 📱 System status: on some Redmi models, the application cannot be removed without root rights
- 🔍 Data Collection: Like many Xiaomi apps, Mi Video requests storage and location access
In China, Mi Video is marketed as a full-fledged alternative to Netflix with exclusive content, and in Russia and Europe, its functionality has been cut, but the basic features of the player remain available.
How to use Mi Video: step-by-step instructions for beginners
If you've never opened this app, it's time to figure out how it works. Here are some basic steps that you can take:
- Launch and Navigate: Open the app and you’ll see a main page with sections: 📂 Local files – videos stored on your phone ☁️ Cloud – files from Mi Cloud (if you are logged in) 🎬 Recommendations – Partner Content (not available in all regions)
Video playback
Swipe up/down
swipe
Subtitles
.srt
Subtitles
Select a file
And now, the hidden chips that are not written in the official documentation:
Keep your finger on the screen while playing → the Quick Settings Panel will appear
Twice tap the screen → the video will be rewinded 10 seconds ahead
Pull down from the top edge → a mini-player will open (does not work on all models)
Click on the gear icon in the player → turn on the “Night Light” mode for comfortable viewing in the dark
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If you're Redmi with AMOLED-screen (e.g. Redmi) K50 Or the Redmi Note 11 Pro.+), In the player settings, you can activate True Black mode - this will make black deeper and save battery power.
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To quickly find a video in Mi Video, use voice search: click on the microphone icon in the upper right corner and say the name of the file or actor (works only for content from the "Recommendations" section).
Can you remove Mi Video from Xiaomi Redmi: all the ways
If you are determined to get rid of the app, here are all the possible methods - from the simplest to the radical:
| Method | Do you need root rights? | The reverse effect | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shutdown | ❌ No. | The app will remain in the system, but will not work. | Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Video → Disable |
| Removal via ADB | ❌ No. | May be reset after MIUI update | Connect your phone to your PC, run the command:adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer |
| Removal with root rights | ✅ Yes. | May disrupt other system applications | Use Root Explorer or Titanium Backup to remove APKs completely |
| Hiding the icon | ❌ No. | The application will remain in the system | Hold your finger on the icon → select “Remove from the screen” or “Hide” |
⚠️ If you delete Mi Video via ADB or with root rights, after the next update MIUI To avoid this, before updating, turn off the automatic installation of system applications in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times) → Developer settings → Auto-update of system applications).
The alternative is to replace Mi Video with another player by default.
- Install an alternative player (such as VLC or MX Player).
- Open any video through the file manager.
- In the window that appears, select "Always" and specify the desired application.
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Removing Mi Video won’t improve the phone’s performance – system apps don’t consume resources in the background if they’re not used.
Best Mi Video Alternatives for Xiaomi Redmi in 2026
If you are not satisfied with the functionality of the standard player, here are the TOP-5 alternatives that are worth trying:
- 🎵 VLC Android supports all existing formats, has a built-in equalizer and the ability to stream over the network.
- 🎬 MX Player is optimized for weak devices, supports gestures and hardware acceleration. Plus: there is a version without ads (MX Player Pro).
- 📺 Kodi is not just a player, but a full-fledged media center with support for plugins (including Netflix and YouTube.
- ☁️ Plex is perfect if you have a large collection of movies on your PC, syncs the media library over the network, plus beautiful interface and recommendations.
- 🔍 nPlayer - Supports DLNA, Chromecast and playback with NAS. Disadvantage: the paid version is worth it ~300 rubles.
If you're interested in privacy, look at OPlayer or Just (Video) Player, which doesn't collect user data or show ads. HDR-Content is the best choice. VLC Or Kodi with the correct color profile settings.
⚠️ Warning! Some alternative players (like Kodi) can be blocked by antivirus because of open source. This is a false positive — these apps are safe on their own, but they are often modified for pirated add-ons.
How to solve problems with Mi Video on Xiaomi Redmi
Even a system application can malfunction, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Video is not being played | No codec or corrupted file | Install MX Player with a set of codecs or convert video to.mp4 |
| The app is constantly dying | Conflict with the MIUI update | Clear the cache: Settings → Applications → Mi Video → Storage → Clear the cache |
| No sound when playing. | Failure in audio output settings | Check if the “No Sound” mode is activated in the player or on the phone |
| Slow upload of video from the cloud | Poor Internet connection | Switch to Wi-Fi or reduce the quality in the player settings |
| Subtitles are not displayed | Incorrect encoding of the.srt file | Open the subtitles in a notebook and save it to UTF-8 encoding |
If none of these methods helped, try resetting the app settings:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Mi Video → Storage.
- Click "Clear Data" and "Clear Cache".
- Reboot the phone.
If the problem persists, it may be the firmware that's to blame, and then it's going to help:
- 🔄 Update MIUI Up to the latest version (check in Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
- 📥 Install custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience), but this requires unlocking the bootloader.
Mi Video and privacy: What Xiaomi knows about your videos
One of the main questions that users are concerned about is whether Mi Video is watching views? According to Xiaomi’s privacy policy, the app collects the following data:
- 📊 Usage statistics: what videos you watch, how long, what player settings you use.
- 📍 Location: only if you have given permission (used for content recommendations).
- 🔗 Account data: If you are logged in to Mi Account, the information is synced to the cloud.
The good news is that Mi Video does not scan the contents of your personal video files (unlike some Chinese apps), and all the data analyzed is anonymized and used only to improve the service.
- Opt out of data collection in the application settings (Mi Video → Settings → Privacy).
- Use Mi Video without authorization in Mi Account.
- Replace it with an open source player (e.g. VLC).
⚠️ If you store sensitive videos on your phone (such as surveillance footage or personal moments), it’s best to transfer them to an encrypted storage like Cryptomator or use a password-enabled player (such as a user’s password, DX Player).