Xiaomi’s Handbook App: What is it and how to use it in 2026

If you own a Xiaomi, Redmi or a smartphone POCO, I'm sure you've noticed a mysterious app called the com.miui.manual on the installed software list, pre-installed on all shell devices. MIUI, But many users don't understand its purpose, some view it as a useless ballast, others as a hidden diagnostic tool, and some even try to remove it for fear of spyware.

In fact, the Handbook is Xiaomi’s official system app, which performs several functions, from storing instructions for using a smartphone to providing technical information about the device. In this article, we will discuss in detail why you need the Handbook on Xiaomi, how to use it, and why it should not be removed for no good reason, and you will learn about the hidden features of the program that can be useful when setting up or repairing the phone.

What is the application “Handbook” on Xiaomi and why it is needed

Annex "Directory"** (in English version) MIUI This can be called a User Guide or Manual, which is a built-in assistant that contains a user guide:

• 📖 Official instructions for using a smartphone (from basic functions to hidden chips) MIUI).
• 🔧 Technical specifications of your model (processor, memory, supported networks, etc.).
• 🛠️ Troubleshooting Guides (what to do if the phone doesn’t turn on, doesn’t charge, etc.).
• 📱 Links to useful services (Mi Cloud, Find Device, support for Xiaomi).

Unlike paper instructions, which are often lost, this directory is always at hand and updated with the firmware. MIUI Game Turbo 5.0 is now available, and the description will be automatically added to the app, which is especially useful for beginners who are just getting acquainted with the Xiaomi ecosystem.

It is important to understand that the “Directory” is not easy. PDF-It's a file with an instruction, and it's an interactive tool:

• 🔍 Show relevant data about your device (such as version) MIUI serial number).
• 📲 Redirect to phone settings with one tap (for example, directly from the section on setting up Wi-Fi).
• 🌐 Support multiple languages, including Russian (if installed in the system).

Where is the Xiaomi Handbook and how to open it

Find the application can be in several ways:

1. Through the App Menu: Flick through the list of installed programs – the icon is called the Guide (or User Guide) and looks like a book with a logo MIUI.
2. Through Search: Swipe down the main screen to open the search bar and type in “Handbook”.
3. Through Settings: Go to Settings → The phone. → Reference (on some models, the path may be different).

If you didn't find the app, it might be hidden.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Show All Apps.
3. Find com.miui.manual in the list and turn on the display.

On some firmware (e.g, MIUI Global or MIUI EU) This is not a mistake – Xiaomi sometimes optimizes the composition of pre-installed programs for different regions.

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If you have custom firmware (like LineageOS), the Handbook may not work or not display correctly, in which case it is better to use the official instructions on the Xiaomi website.

What information can be found in the “Handbook” Xiaomi

The content of the application depends on the phone model and version. MIUI, But in most cases, there are the following sections:

The Troubleshooting section is especially useful** – there are step-by-step instructions for problems:

• 🔄 Phone does not turn on (what to do if you are stuck on the logo) MIUI).
• 🔋 Not charged (check cable, adapter, port).
• 📶 No network (setup) APN, modem-boot).
• 🔊 Sound problems (speaker check, 3.5mm connector cleaning).

In some versions MIUI The Handbook even has video instructions showing you what you're doing, which is handy if you prefer visual learning.

Can I remove the “Handbook” from Xiaomi and what will happen if I do it?

Technically, you can remove the app, but it's not recommended for no good reason.

⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications can lead to unstable work MIUI, If you are not an experienced user, it is better not to risk the risk of updating or even "brick" the phone.

Methods of disposal:

1. Through ADB (for advanced users):
2. With root rights (requires unlocked bootloader and Magisk).
3. Through third-party software (such as System App Remover), but it is risky.

Consequences of disposal:

• ❌ Quick access to official instructions and technical data will disappear.
• ❌ Certain functions MIUI (For example, network diagnostics may not work properly.
• ❌ When updating the firmware, the application can be restored automatically.

If the Reference takes up too much space (which is unlikely – it usually does not exceed 10-20 MB), it is better to turn it off rather than delete:

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Handbook.
2. Click Disable (the app will disappear from the menu, but will remain in the system).

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Deleting the Handbook won’t free up a significant space on the phone, but it can cause problems when contacting the Xiaomi service center – there is often check the integrity of system files.

Hidden functions of the "Directory", which few people know

Many users find the Guide useless, but in fact there are a few hidden features:

1. Authentication of the device

In the About Device section, you can see Authenticity status, and if it says Official, it means that the phone has the original firmware, which is useful when buying used Xiaomi to avoid counterfeiting.

Test of equipment

In some versions MIUI (For example, on Xiaomi. 12T Redmi Note 11 in the "Directory" has a built-in test:

• 🔋 Battery check (capacity, charging cycles).
• 📱 Sensor test (gyroscope, accelerometer, proximity sensor).
• 🎤 Microphone and speaker checks.

It is convenient for quick diagnosis before sale or repair.

3. Links to hidden settings

Some sections have buttons like Open Settings that lead directly to the desired menu. NFC You can go with one tap to Settings → Connections → NFC, don't search for it manually.

Information on the guarantee

New devices can display warranty status and expiration date in the Handbook, which is relevant for countries where Xiaomi officially provides warranty service (for example, in Russia or the EU).

Open the section "About the device"|Tap 5 times on the version MIUI for extended|Check the status of "Authenticity"|Run a test of equipment (if available)|Save a screenshot of technical data for the warranty case-->

Alternatives to the “Handbook” Xiaomi: where else to look for instructions

If for some reason you can not use the built-in "Handbook", here is where you can find official information:

1.The Xiaomi Support Site

Go to the official website, select your model and download PDF-Minus: documentation is often updated with a delay.

2.Appendix Mi Community

In the official community of Xiaomi there is a section with FAQ You can ask a question and get an answer from other users or moderators.

3. Xiaomi YouTube channel

The official channel has video instructions for setting up new features, like the ones that show you videos about the new features. MIUI 14, HyperOS or Mi Smart Home setup.

Third-party resources

On forums like 4PDA or XDA Developers can find detailed guides to specific models, but beware - not all tips there are safe.

⚠️ Warning: Don’t trust instructions from lesser-known sites, especially if they suggest “hacking” or “optimizing» MIUI. This can result in a loss of warranty or a breakdown of the phone.

Frequent problems with the "Directory" and how to solve them

Sometimes the app doesn't work properly. Here are the problems and their solutions:

If none of these methods worked, try:

1. Reboot the phone.
2. Reset the application settings in Settings → Annexes → Handbook. → Drop it.
3. Contact Xiaomi via Mi Community or live chat.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi’s Handbook