How to search for applications in Xiaomi: all ways to search in the MIUI 12-14

On Xiaomi smartphones with a shell MIUI Finding the right app among dozens of installed programs can become a real puzzle — especially if you actively use folders, hidden icons or system utilities. MIUI There are several built-in mechanisms at once: from the classic swipe down on the home screen to voice commands and gestures.

The problem is complicated by the fact that in different versions MIUI (12, 13, 14 and on various models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Black Shark 5) search algorithms may vary, with contextual search based on application content and titles in some places. In this article, we'll look at all the relevant methods, including hidden features like search by app. ADB Xiaomi Cloud and why sometimes search does not find even installed programs.

1.Basic search through launcher MIUI

The most obvious and quick way is to use the built-in search bar on the home screen, which appears when swiping down the center of the screen (not to be confused with a swipe down from the top edge that opens the notification bar!).This method works on all Xiaomi devices, including budget Redmi and gaming Black Shark.

What's important to know:

• 🔍 Search only by app names (not by content inside them), for example, if you ask for a photo, it will find the Gallery, but not a photo of your cat.
• 📁 If the application is hidden in a folder, the search will still show it – but it will not show the path to the folder.
• 🔄 Results are sorted by frequency of use (most used are from above).
• ⚙️ V MIUI 14 added a prediction: the system can offer an application before you finish typing.

If the swipe down does not work, check the launcher settings:

1. Click the empty space on the home screen → Home screen settings.
2. Select Application Search → Enable the option to Show the search bar.
3. Make sure that the Swipe Search down option is enabled (in some firmwares it is disabled by default).

2. Advanced Search through MIUI Search

Hidden chip MIUI — system-application MIUI Search (formerly called Quick Search) can search not only apps, but also contacts, messages, files and even system settings:

• 📱 Swipe down on the main screen and enter the request.
• 🔎 Or click on the magnifying glass icon at the dock bar (if there is one).
• 🖱️ On some models (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), you can call a search by double-clicking the Domestic button (if it is configured).

Differences from basic search:

To include enhanced capabilities:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find it. MIUI Search and enable all permissions (especially Warehouse and Contacts).
3. In the application settings, activate Search in Apps and Search in Files.

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If MIUI Search does not find the application, try to re-index the data: open the application, click on the profile avatar → Clean up search data → Re-index.

3 Search through the menu of all applications

If you prefer a classic list of all installed programs, use the application menu:

1. Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen (or click on the dot icon in the dock bar).
2. At the top of the screen will appear the search bar – enter the name.
3. For convenience, you can sort applications alphabetically (click on three dots). → Sorting).

Features of this method:

• 📊 Shows all applications, including system and disabled (as opposed to home screen search).
• 🔍 You can search by first letters (for example, "ha" for the Gallery).
• ⚠️ Not looking for content, just by name.

If the app doesn’t appear on the menu, it may:

• 📵 Hidden (check in Settings) → Annexes → Hidden applications).
• 🗑️ Removed but cache is left (clear data via Settings) → Warehouse).
• 🛠️ Blocked by the device administrator (relevant to work phones).

4.Voice search and Xiao assistant AI

On devices with MIUI Xiao voice assistant is available for the Chinese market (and some global versions) AI, And he can search and open apps with a voice command, and he can use it:

1. Activate the assistant with a long hold on the Domestic button (or say "Hey, Xiao") AI").
2. Say a command in Chinese or English, such as: Open Gallery, Launch Chrome, Find WhatsApp, Find WhatsApp

For global firmware (Redmi, POCO) Voice search works through Google Assistant:

• 🎤 Say “OK Google” or hold the Domestic button (if configured).
• 🗣️ Say the command: Open up. <name>".

Challenges and solutions:

⚠️ Note: If voice search is not working, check it out: 🔊 Is Google Assistant included in Settings? → Google → Settings of Google Assistant. 🎤 Permissions to use the microphone for Google App. 🌐 Internet connection (voice search requires cloud processing).

5. Search through ADB and system teams

For advanced users who want to automate search or recover lost applications, the method through the ADB (Android Debug Bridge. This is true if:

• 🔧 The app disappeared after the update MIUI.
• 📱 You need to find system software that does not appear in the launcher (for example, com.miui.securitycenter).
• 🤖 Massive packet search is required (for example, for backups).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and enable USB Debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times press to unlock Developer Mode, then Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging by USB).
2. Open the command line on the PC and type in: adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword" For example, to search for all applications with "camera": adb shell pm list packages | grep "camera"
3. To open the found application, use: adb shell am start -n com.android.camera/.Camera

Examples of useful commands:

6. Search through Xiaomi Cloud and sync

If you lost access to your phone or want to find an app on another Xiaomi device, you can use Xiaomi Cloud.

• 📱 Restoring the list of applications after resetting.
• 🔄 Synchronization of installed programs between devices.
• 🔍 Search for applications that have been removed but saved to the cloud.

How it works:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select the device in the Devices section.
3. Go to the Applications – here will be displayed a list of installed programs (if synchronization is enabled).
4. Use the line at the top or filters by category.

Limitations:

• ⏳ Data is not updated in real time (there may be a delay of up to 24 hours).
• 📌 Not all apps are displayed (depending on synchronization settings).
• 🔒 Mi Account and Sync in Settings Required → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization.

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Xiaomi Cloud does not have to be used APK-files, just a list of installed applications, and to restore the program, you have to download it again from Google Play or third-party sources.

7.Why Search Doesn't Find an Application (and How to Fix It)

If you entered the name of the app but the search does not find it, the reasons may be as follows:

1.The application is hidden or blocked

• 🔍 Check Hidden Apps: Settings → Annexes → Hidden applications.
• 🔒 If you use Second Space or Guest mode, the app can only be installed in one of the spaces.

2. Launcher cache damaged.

• 🧹 Clear the launcher's cache: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Launcher (com.miui.home) → Clear the cache.
• 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes it resets indexing errors.

3.The appendix is removed but a label remains

• 🗑️ Check the list of remote applications: Settings → Memory. → Annexes → Recently deleted.
• 🔍 If the shortcut is left on the screen but the app doesn't open, remove the shortcut with a long tap. → Delete.

4. Work profile limitations

⚠️ Note: On enterprise Android Enterprise phones, the administrator can block the installation or display of certain applications. → Accounts. → If the application is installed in the work profile, it will not appear in the main launcher.

Regional restrictions

• 🌍 Some apps (such as Mi Pay or Mi Video) may not appear on global firmware.
• 🔧 Solution: Change region to Settings → Additionally. → Region to India or China (requires reset).

FAQ: Frequent questions about finding apps on Xiaomi