One of the problems detected by Uptodown when downloading apps is that caused by the MIUI customization layer used by most Xiaomi devices. Luckily, there is a workaround to avoid the "download error" message during the app installation process via the Uptodown App Store.
A customization layer is a set of features that overlaps with the Android operating system itself to add apps and features added by a manufacturer. MIUI is the layer used by Xiaomi, and when you try to install an XAPK file in some versions, you get an error that prevents it from finishing correctly. Avoiding this is possible by disabling some of the MIUI features that cause this issue:
- The first thing you have to do is turn on the developer options on your Android device. This is a hidden menu that lets you make all sorts of adjustments to the operating system and it's not accessible by default. To display it, go to Settings >About phone and tap five times on the device Model number (or on the MIUI version).
- Next, go to Settings > Additional settings and at the bottom of the list, you'll find a new section called Developer options.
- Navigate to the bottom of this submenu until you find the option turn on MIUI optimization. You need to turn this off.
Once these steps are completed, you can install any app without errors, as well as be able to re-enable the MIUI optimization checkbox at any time. Even so, it is worth mentioning that having it disabled, could lead to some of the following changes—which in many instances are even positive for the user, but as said, you can just re-enable the option to return to the initial state:
- You'll have more available RAM after freeing up some of the resources used by the customization layer.
- Some transition effects on the menus may be substituted for Android stock effects.
- Some options (battery, status, etc.) may look slightly different, visually.
- Some MIUI apps may not work correctly, but this won't affect any apps outside of the Xiaomi bloatware.
- Any apps initially unsupported by MIUI will work better.