Application “Handbook” on Xiaomi: what is this program, how it works and whether it should be removed

If you've ever looked at the installed app list on a Xiaomi smartphone, you've probably noticed a strange program called the Handbook (or com.miui.manual in the system settings) that doesn't have a desktop shortcut, doesn't send notifications, and is generally extremely modest. So what is this app, why is it preinstalled on all Mi, Redmi and POCO devices, and can you get rid of it?

In fact, the Handbook is not just a useless piece of junk, it's part of the MIUI's proprietary shell. Its main purpose is to provide contextual assistance directly to the user interface, explaining the purpose of certain functions. For example, when you first open the Security or Special Features section, it's the app that loads up short tips describing options, but many users don't even know it exists until they start cleaning the phone from unnecessary programs.

In this article, we will go into detail about how the Handbook works, where to find it, what functions it performs (including hidden ones), and what happens if it is disabled or removed, and answer the most popular question: can you safely get rid of this application without losing the functionality of MIUI?

What is a “Handbook” on Xiaomi and why you need it

The Manual app is a built-in assistant from Xiaomi that has been integrated into the MIUI shell since MIUI 8. Its main goal is to make it easier for users to interact with the device, especially for beginners.

• 📖 Contextual prompts: When you go to the settings section (e.g., “Battery” or “Display”), the app can show you brief explanations of what an option does, which is especially useful for inexperienced users.
• 🔍 Search by settings: In some versions MIUI «The directory is responsible for the search operation by the settings menu – when you enter a query in the search bar, this application analyzes the results.
• 🛠️ Hidden Features: In rare cases, hidden settings can be accessed through the “Handbook” MIUI, which are not displayed in the standard interface (e.g., debugging for developers or test modes).
• 🌐 Localization: The application stores translations of system messages and descriptions, which is important for multilingual versions. MIUI (For example, for the global firmware Redmi Note 12).

It’s important to understand that the Handbook is not a standalone program in the usual sense, but rather a system component that works in the background, doesn’t take up much space (usually 10–30 MB), doesn’t consume battery, and doesn’t send data to the Internet (according to official statements by Xiaomi), but its presence on the app list often raises questions among users, especially those who are used to deleting everything superfluous.

Interesting fact: In some regional firmware (for example, for India or China), the Guide may contain additional guidance on using specific Xiaomi features that are not available in the global versions, such as instructions for setting up mobile payments or working with Mi Pay.

Where is the "Directory" and how to open it

Unlike most apps, the Handbook doesn't have a desktop shortcut or appear in the menu of all programs.

1. Through settings: Open Settings → Apps → Application Management. In the list, search com.miui.manual or search for the word "Handbook." Tap it to open the program information.
2. Through system launcher (for power users): adb shell am start -n com.miui.manual/.ManualActivity This command will run the application directly, but without root rights it may not work.

If you try to open the Handbook manually, you’ll likely see a blank screen or a message saying, “This feature is not available,” because the app isn’t designed to be self-usable—it only works as a background service, activating when certain MIUI partitions are opened.

Lifehack: If you really need to see what the Handbook interface looks like, try resetting your phone to factory settings (without deleting data). After rebooting when you first log in to some menus (like Security or Accounts), you'll see pop-up prompts - that's what our app works.

Can I delete the "Directory" and what will happen if I do it?

This is one of the most controversial issues. In theory, it's not recommended to remove system applications, but in practice, many users get rid of unnecessary MIUI components without consequences.

If you still decide to get rid of the app, here is a safe way to disable (without deleting):

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management

2. Find the "Handbook" (com.miui.manual)

3. Press "Disable" (not "Delete"!)

4. Confirm the action and restart the phone-->

⚠️ Note: On certain devices (e.g, POCO F4 or Xiaomi 13) disabling the Guide can cause a malfunction in the search settings. If after turning off you notice that the search bar in the settings menu has stopped giving results, turn the application back on.

For those who want to remove the Handbook completely, you will need ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and here is the uninstallation command:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.manual

But remember, after the MIUI update, the application can recover, so to avoid this, you need to block the update via ADB or use Magisk modules (for rooted devices).

Hidden functions of the “Directory”: what else does this application

Few people know, but the Handbook is not just a beginner's assistant, but it has some useful features that can be useful for experienced users:

• 🔧 Access to test menus: On some devices, you can open the Engineering Mode (engineering menu) through the “Handbook” or CIT (To do this, you need to know the special commands that are entered through ADB.
• 📄 System Event Logs: The application logs some user actions (e.g., clicks on the settings menu) that can be useful for debugging.
• 🌍 Regional settings: In global firmware, the Directory stores information about local services (for example, country-specific mobile settings).
• 🔄 Resetting: In rare cases, you can reset individual settings through this application MIUI to the factory, without affecting user data.

One of the most interesting hidden features is access to undocumented MIUI settings, for example, on some devices, you can enable:

• Force FPS (forced frame rate for games)
• Hidden Developer Options (Extended Developer Options)
• Miui Optimization Toggle (Optimization Switch) MIUI, productivity-impacting)

⚠️ Warning: Attempting to activate hidden features through the Handbook can lead to unstable phone performance, especially if you use unofficial firmware or custom recaps!

Alternatives to the "Directory": how to replace it if removed

If you deleted or disabled the Guide, but suddenly realized that without the hints in MIUI is difficult to understand, there are several alternatives:

• 📚 Official Xiaomi documentation: On the website mi.com/support There are manuals for setting up phones.
• 🤖 Chatbots and assistants: Telegram has bots like @MiuiHelperBot, Who answers questions about settings.
• 📱 Third-party annexes: For example, MIUI Tips or Xiaomi Guide from Google Play. They repeat the functionality of the "Handbook", but with a more user-friendly interface.

If you’re interested in pop-up tips in the settings menu, you can try installing a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair), some of which have built-in hints for popular Android features.

For power users, the best alternative is to manually study the settings, and over time, you'll remember where it is, and you'll no longer need the Handbook, and if you want to return it, you can always reset your phone or reinstall MIUI through the Mi Flash Tool.

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

Although the Handbook usually works invisibly, it sometimes has problems, and here are the most common ways to eliminate them:

If the Reference Book has started to use up a battery (which is extremely rare), check it in the Battery section in the settings. If the consumption exceeds 1-2% per day, this is a cause for concern.

1. Clear the app cache (Settings → Apps → Directory → Memory → Clear the cache)

2.Switch it off for a few days and check if the flow has changed

3. Update MIUI to the latest version (possibly the error fixed in)

4. If nothing helps, delete through ADB (see the instruction above)-->

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi K50) «Reference: Related to the work of Xiao's voice assistant AI. If you remove it, voice commands may stop working correctly.

Conclusion: is it worth touching the "Handbook" on Xiaomi

To sum up, the following can be said:

• 🔧 If you delete it and there are problems, you can always restore it through an update. MIUI dump.

Our verdict is that if you don't feel uncomfortable with the Handbook, you should leave it alone. It takes up little space, doesn't interfere with your phone, and can sometimes be useful, but if you're absolutely sure you don't need it, turn it off or remove it by following the instructions above.

💡

The main rule: before any manipulation with system applications, back up your data!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi’s Handbook