How to completely block GetApps on Xiaomi in a child: all ways

Why GetApps are Dangerous for Kids and How to Turn It Off

Xiaomi’s GetApps app store is an alternative software download platform that is installed by default on all smartphones of the brand. Unlike Google Play, there is no strict moderation of content, which makes it potentially dangerous for children. A child can accidentally download malware, games with obscene advertising or applications with microtransactions that will write off money from a tied card. Moreover, GetApps often get programs with aggressive advertising, phishing links or even viruses masquerading as legitimate utilities.

Compounding the problem, Xiaomi doesn’t provide a built-in tool to completely remove GetApps — it can only be turned off or hidden. However, there are workarounds, including setting up parental controls, using third-party launchers, or even system tricks for power users. In this article, we’ll break down all the current blocking methods, including those that work on the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 and new models (Redmi Note 13 Pro, POCO X6, Xiaomi 14, etc.).

It’s important to understand that simply hiding the GetApps icon doesn’t solve the problem — a child can find it through a search system or accidentally open it through ads in other apps.

Method 1: Parental Control in MIUI - Official Method

Xiaomi has built a Parental Control feature into MIUI that allows you to restrict access to apps, including GetApps, which does not require root rights and works on all modern devices.

1. Open Settings → Special Options → Parental Controls.
2. Create. PIN-code (remember it!) that will be requested when you try to change your settings.
3. Choose a child profile (or create a new one).
4. Go to Application Limitations and find GetApps in the list.
5. Set a time limit (e.g. 0 minutes per day) or block the launch entirely.

⚠️ Attention: If the child knows PIN-code from your Mi Account, it will be able to reset parental controls through Settings → Xiaomi account → Delete the device. To avoid this, link a second account with administrator permissions to the device (for example, your work account).

Set up complex. PIN-code (not date of birth)|Linked to a second Mi Account for backup access|Checked the lock through the guest mode|Hidden notifications from GetApps in the app settings-->

This method works on MIUI 12-15, but has a drawback: a child can bypass the lock through guest mode (if enabled) or reinstall GetApps via APK. To close these loopholes, read the following ways.

Method 2: Disable GetApps through the application settings

If you don't have to completely delete GetApps, you just have to make it inaccessible, you can turn the application off through system settings. This won't delete its files, but it will hide it from the menu and block the launch:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find GetApps in the list (you can use the search).
3. Click Disable (if the button is inactive, click Stop first).
4. Confirm the action by agreeing to the warning system.

Once disabled, the GetApps icon will disappear from the home screen, and the attempt to launch via a search or link will be blocked by the message "Application disabled." However, this method does not work on some models (for example, POCO F5), where GetApps is a system component.

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If the "Disable" button is inactive, try first to clear the cache and app data in the same menu.

⚠️ Attention: The disabled application can be activated again through the same settings. → Apps, it will be able to return GetApps back. To avoid this, block access to settings through parental control (see Method 1).

Method 3: Hide GetApps with Launcher

If system methods fail, you can hide GetApps with a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher or Microsoft Launcher) that doesn’t block the application itself, but makes it inaccessible through the standard interface:

1. Install any launcher from Google Play (recommend Nova Launcher as the most flexible).
2. Press your finger on the home screen → select Launcher Settings.
3. Find the Hidden Apps section (in Nova it is Settings → Application Box → Hide Apps).
4. Mark GetApps in the list and save the changes.

Now the GetApps icon will not appear in the app menu or in the search results, but the child will still be able to:

• 🔍 Find it through Settings → Applications (unless access is blocked).
• 📥 Reinstall through APK-web-file.
• 🔄 Return the standard launcher through system settings.

To close these loopholes, combine this method with disabling the installation from unknown sources (see Method 5) and blocking access to settings.

Standard. MIUI Launcher|Nova Launcher|POCO Launcher|Microsoft Launcher|Other-->

Method 4: Remove GetApps via ADB (for power users)

If you are willing to take drastic measures, GetApps can be completely removed from your device via ADB-This method requires connecting a smartphone to a PC and only works on unlocked bootloaders (for some models), the advantage of which is that the application will be permanently removed, not just hidden.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your smartphone: go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB Tools, and execute the command:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks

If the command fails, try an alternative package:

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

⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications can lead to unstable work MIUI, Especially on new models (Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi Note 12 Pro+). Before executing the command, make a backup copy through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset. Also note that after resetting, GetApps may return.

Method 5: Block APK installation and limit rights

Even if you delete or disable GetApps, your child can install it again via APK-It's a file from the Internet. To close this loophole, you have to:

1. Block installation from unknown sources: Go to Settings → Privacy → Special permissions → Install unknown applications and disable permission for all browsers and file managers.
2. Turn off downloading files in the browser: In Google Chrome or Mi Browser, go to the settings and prevent downloading files (Site Settings → Downloads).
3. Set a password on the file manager: Use Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer with folder lock function.

We further recommend:

• 🔒 Install antivirus with parental control (for example, Kaspersky Safe Kids or Bitdefender Parental Control).
• 📵 Disable the developer mode if you don’t need it (you can get around many limitations through it).
• 🔄 Regularly check the list of installed applications in Settings → Annexes.

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The combination of blocking APK installation + disabling GetApps + parental controls gives 90% protection. The remaining 10% is social engineering (a child can ask for help from friends or find workarounds).

Alternative methods: what to do if nothing helps

If your child is technically savvy and bypasses all restrictions, consider extreme measures:

The most radical but effective way is to reflash the phone to pure Android (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience).This will remove all Xiaomi system apps, including GetApps, but require unlocking the bootloader and technical skills. Find detailed instructions for firmware in topics on 4PDA or XDA Developers for your model.

For less experienced users, installing a children’s launcher, such as Kids Place or Google Family Link, is a good option, and these apps create a “sandbox” where the child sees only the programs you allow, and the exit from the mode is protected. PIN-code.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking GetApps on Xiaomi