Did you just buy a Xiaomi smartphone and notice a strange icon that says App Vault on the home screen? MIUI? Do not rush to remove – it is not a virus and not an advertising module. App Vault (or “App Storage”) – a proprietary tool from Xiaomi, which combines widgets, quick access to functions and even hidden system features. But how exactly does it work, whether it can be removed, and why some users call it "useless" and others call it "irreplaceable»?
In this article, we’ll take a look at App Vault in detail, from basic features to hidden chips that the manufacturer doesn’t advertise, how to customize it, what data it collects (and whether to be afraid of it), and why on some Redmi models or even what it is. POCO And yes, the big question is, can you delete App Vault without having to worry about the system?
What is App Vault on Xiaomi in simple words
App Vault is not just an app folder, but a hybrid launcher, widget and notification center designed by Xiaomi for its shell. MIUI. It first appeared in 2018 as an experimental feature, and is now installed by default on most smartphones of the brand (except for some models for the European market).
Externally, this icon is to the left of the main screen (usually with the Mi logo or the inscription “App Vault”), when swipe to the right from which the panel opens with:
- 📱 Quick applications (calculator, flashlight, scanner) QR-codes.)
- 📊 Widgets (weather, steps, calendar, exchange rates)
- 🔄 Recent actions (recent calls, messages, files)
- ⚙️ System settings (Do Not Disturb mode, mobile data, etc.)
The App Vault is designed to replace multiple screens: it combines elements of Google Discover (news feed), Samsung Free (widgets) and even Apple Today View (notification center), but unlike its peers, it allows you to flexibly customize the display elements, adding only what you need.
Why Xiaomi has added App Vault: 5 real reasons
Many users think that App Vault is an unnecessary feature, but it has specific tasks that the manufacturer solves. MIUI:
- Faster access to features: According to Xiaomi statistics, 70% of users use no more than 10 apps every day. App Vault displays them on a separate screen, reducing the number of swipes.
- Data collection for personalization: Through App Vault, the system analyzes which widgets and apps you use more often to offer relevant content (for example, the weather in your city or promotions in your favorite stores).
- Integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem: This displays notifications from smart devices (lamps, robot vacuum cleaners, fitness bracelets) if they are connected to the same Mi Account.
- Advertising and affiliate services: In some regions, App Vault has built-in banners with promotions (e.g. from AliExpress or Mi Store), which is one way to monetize Xiaomi.
- The App Vault partially replaces Google services (such as weather or newsfeed), which is important for markets where Google services are blocked (such as China).
Interesting fact: on smartphones POCO The App Vault is often disabled by default, due to Xiaomi’s policy to reduce pre-installed services in regions with strict data protection rules (for example, in the EU).
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If you don't like the banner ads in App Vault, you can turn them off. → App Vault → Recommendations and deactivate the option “Show ads».
How to turn on or off App Vault on Xiaomi
By default, App Vault is activated on most Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO (except for the ruler POCO F and some global firmware. If it's not on your screen, here's how to find it or remove it:
🔧 Enable App Vault
☑️ Activation of App Vault
If you don't have "App Vault" in your settings, your model doesn't support this feature.
| Series | Supported models | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi | Mi 11/12/13, Mi 10T, Mi 9 SE | No on the Mi 10 Lite Zooms |
| Redmi | Note 10/11/12, K40/K50 | On the Redmi. 9A cut off |
| POCO | X3/X4/X5 Pro, F3/F4/F5 | Nana POCO M-series no. |
❌ Disconnecting App Vault
You can’t remove App Vault completely (this is a system application), but you can hide it from the main screen:
- Put your finger on the App Vault icon.
- Drag it up to the inscription “Delete” (it will appear at the top of the screen).
- Confirm the action. The icon will disappear, but the service itself will remain in the system.
⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14 for China) App Vault cannot be hidden by standard means. ADB or install an alternative launcher (e.g., Nova Launcher).
Hidden App Vault features you didn’t know about
Most users use the App Vault only to quickly access a flashlight or calculator, but there are a few useful tips hidden inside:
- 🔍 Swipe down on the App Vault screen, and you'll see a search bar that looks not only for apps, but also for settings, contacts, and even files.
- 📎 Clipboard. If you copy text, then swipe left in the App Vault, you'll see a buffer history (works for text only, not for images).
- 🎵 Music control. While playing a track in the App Vault, a mini-player appears with pause and rewind buttons.
- 📡 Quick setups Wi-Fi/Bluetooth. Long-term tapping on the network icon or Bluetooth opens the extended menu (as in the notification curtain).
- 📅 Sync with Google Calendar. If you add a calendar widget, it can pulling events from Google (set up in App Vault). → Widgets → Calendar → Source).
The most useful hidden feature is the Super Wallpaper mode, if you set dynamic wallpaper (like Earth or Mars) through Settings. → Wallpaper, in the App Vault will appear interactive animation that responds to swipes.
How to return a remote App Vault?
App Vault and Security: What Xiaomi Knows About You
One of the big questions users have is, does App Vault collect data about my actions? The short answer is yes, but not as much as it seems. Here's what's being transmitted to Xiaomi:
- 📍 Location (only if you allow access to geodata for weather widgets or maps).
- 📊 Usage statistics (which widgets you open more often, but without reference to personal data).
- 🔗 Search history (if you used the search bar in App Vault).
- 📱 Device model and version MIUI (analytically).
Important: App Vault does not have access to:
- 🔒 Passwords and data of banking applications.
- 📧 Content of emails or messages (except notices you have explicitly authorized to show).
- 📷 Photo/video at the gallery.
To limit data collection:
- Go to Settings. → App Vault → Confidentiality.
- Turn off the options “Personalized recommendations” and “Use Analytics”.
- Disable geolocation access for widgets (in the settings of each widget separately).
⚠️ Attention: On firmware MIUI China (CN-ROM) App Vault can collect more data, including call history and SMS. If you use this firmware, we recommend you to switch to the global version (MIUI Global via Fastboot.
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App Vault doesn’t spy on you more than any other system service (like Google Play Services), but if you care about privacy, turn off personalization and geolocation in its settings.
App Vault Problems and How to Solve Them
Despite its usefulness, the App Vault sometimes fails, and here are the most common problems and solutions:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| App Vault doesn't open | Failure of the launcher or system cache | Clear the launcher cache: Settings → Annexes → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the cache |
| Widgets not updated | Limitation of background activity | Allow AutoRun for App Vault: Settings → Annexes → App Vault → Auto-start |
| Constantly showing ads | Regional firmware settings | Change the region to “Russia” or “EU” in Settings → Additionally. → Region |
| The icon disappeared after the update | Resetting launcher settings | Return it through Settings. → Main screen screen → App Vault |
If the App Vault is stalling or slowing down, try:
- Reset the device.
- Clear the cache and App Vault data in the application settings.
- Update MIUI Up to the latest version (frequently bugs are patched).
On some devices (such as Redmi Note 10 Pro) after upgrading to MIUI 14 App Vault starts adding widgets on its own to stop it:
Settings → App Vault → Automatic Addition → DisableAlternatives to App Vault: how to replace Xiaomi
If you don't like App Vault, you can replace it with third-party solutions.
- 🌐 Google Discover. built into Google Now and Pixel Launcher.Shows news, weather and fast action, but without Xiaomi widgets.
- 📱 Microsoft Launcher. has its own dashboard with widgets, calendar and integration with Office 365.
- 🔧 Nova Launcher + TeslaUnread. Allows you to create your own panel with widgets and notifications (requires manual configuration).
- 🍎 Samsung Free. If you have Xiaomi, but like Samsung's approach, you can install it. APK This service (not working on all models).
The main difference between the alternatives to the App Vault is the lack of deep integration with the app. MIUI. For example, Xiaomi’s weather widgets won’t work in Nova Launcher, and notifications from Mi Home smart devices won’t show up in Google Discover.
If you decide to completely abandon App Vault, remember that:
- ⚠️ Some system functions (e.g., quick access to a flashlight) may be missing.
- ⚠️ Xiaomi widgets (such as “Steps” or “Data Consumption”) will stop updating.
- ⚠️ In some firmware, disabling App Vault leads to Mi Account malfunctions.