If you own a Xiaomi smartphone, you've probably noticed a mysterious Mi App Store app (or just Apps in some versions of the firmware) on your installed list, which isn't deleted in standard ways, takes up space in memory and sometimes even appears on the active processes list. What is it, why does the manufacturer need it, and most importantly, can it be safely removed without losing the functionality of the phone?
In this article, we will explore how the Mi App Store differs from the regular Google Play Market, why Xiaomi is so aggressive in implementing it in its devices (including models for the global market), and what risks it carries for forced removal. You will also find step-by-step instructions for different versions of MIUI – from 12 to 14, including ways to disable root-rights and radical methods for power users.
Spoiler: Most of the time, it's not recommended to remove this app, but there are legal ways to minimize the impact of this app on your smartphone, and if you do take drastic measures, we'll show you how to do it with minimal system risk.
What is the Mi App Store and why does Xiaomi need it?
Mi App Store (or just Apps in the app menu) is a branded app store from Xiaomi, pre-installed on all devices running MIUI. Unlike Google Play Market, which is aimed at a global audience, this store was originally created for the Chinese market, where Google services are blocked.
The main features of the Mi App Store:
- 📱 Alternative platform for downloading applications – especially relevant for Chinese versions MIUI, where there is no access to Google services.
- 🔄 Update of Xiaomi system and proprietary applications (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Video, Security).
- 🎁 Exclusive offers – sometimes it includes discounts or bonuses for Xiaomi users.
But for most users outside China, the Mi App Store is proving useless.
- 📱 Can conflict with Google Play Market, duplicate updates.
- 🚫 Not removed by standard means – even through Settings → Annexes.
Fun fact: in Chinese versions of MIUI (without Google services), the Mi App Store is the main and only way to install apps, but in global firmware, it often becomes just a ballast.
Can I remove the Mi App Store without consequences?
The short answer is technically yes, but with reservations. The long answer requires understanding how MIUI works.
Mi App Store is a system application that is integrated into firmware, which means that:
- ✅ It can be deactivated (deactivated) without root rights.
- ⚠️ It can be deleted, but only with superuser rights (root) or through the ADB.
- 🚨 After removing some functions MIUI may not work properly (e.g. update system applications or sync with your Mi Account).
What happens if you delete the Mi App Store?
| Action. | Effects of consequences | Risk to the system |
|---|---|---|
| Uninstallation without deletion | The app stops working, but stays in memory. System app updates can come through Google Play (if any). | Low. |
| Removal via ADB | The app disappears from the system, space is freed up, and some Xiaomi branded services may stop updating. | Medium. |
| Removal with root rights | Complete removal, but possible failures in MIUI (for example, errors in checking system updates). | High-pitched |
| Removal on Chinese firmware | Loss of the main way applications are installed. The system can produce errors when running. | critical |
⚠️ Note: On Chinese-based devices (without Google Play), removing the Mi App Store will result in the loss of the ability to install apps without manual downloading. APK. It can only be restored through complete re-flashing.
If your smartphone runs a global version of MIUI (with Google services), the risks are minimal – most apps can be updated through the Play Market. However, some proprietary utilities (such as Mi Remote or Mi Fit) may stop receiving updates.
How to disable Mi App Store without removing (safe way)
If you just get in the way of an app icon or it's running out of resources in the background, just turn it off. It won't delete files, but it will stop working and hide it from the menu.
Instructions for MIUI 12/13/14:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- In the search box, type Mi App Store or Apps (the name may be different).
- Click on the app, then select Disable (or Remove Updates if the Disable button is inactive).
- Confirm the action in the window that appears.
If the button is inactive:
- 🔄 In some versions MIUI You must first delete your Mi Account in your settings.
Make sure you have global firmware (with Google Play)
Make a backup copy of important data
Remove all app updates
Turn off auto-update in Google Play for system applications-->
Once disabled, the Mi App Store icon will disappear from the menu and the app will no longer be consuming resources, but its files will remain in the device's memory (usually in the /system/priv-app/ folder).
⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3 Pro) after disabling the Mi App Store, system applications may stop updating through Google Play. APK from the official Xiaomi website.
How to Uninstall Mi App Store via ADB (for Power Users)
If you’re willing to take the risk of completely uninstalling the app, the safest way is to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB).This method doesn’t require root rights, but requires connecting the phone to a computer.
What you'll need:
- 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB (You can download from the official Android website).
- 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with enabled debugging USB.
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
Step-by-step:
- Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: Go to Settings → About Phone. Press 7 times on MIUI Version until you become a developer!
- Activate USB debugging: Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Turn on the USB debugging switch.
Connect the phone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
command-line
Terminal
ADB
adb devicesThe name of your device should appear.
Mi App Store
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks(If it doesn’t work, try com.xiaomi.market – the name of the package may vary).
If the command is successful, the application will be removed for the current user (without affecting system files).
- ✅ The icon will disappear from the menu.
- ✅ The application will stop updating.
- ✅ Released. ~50-100 MBT memory.
- ⚠️ After resetting settings or updating MIUI It could come back.
💡
Before deleting via ADB, back up your data via Settings → System → Backup. In the event of a crash, you can restore the phone to working condition.
Remove the Mi App Store with root rights (for advanced ones)
If you have root access (e.g., through Magisk), you can delete the Mi App Store completely, including system files, but this method is the riskiest and can lead to unstable MIUI operation.
Methods of disposal:
- Through Titanium Backup: Open the app and find the Mi App Store in the list. Select Delete (Do Not Freeze!) Confirm the action and restart the device.
⚠️ Note: Removing root-righted system applications can lead to a cyclical restart (bootloop) or work failures MIUI. Before experimenting, make sure you have custom recapaveri (e.g., a custom recapvereri, TWRP) re-establishment.
After complete removal:
- 📱 Xiaomi system applications will stop updating (you will have to download) APK manually).
What if the phone doesn’t turn on after removal?
Mi App Store Alternatives: What to Use Instead
If you have removed or disabled the Mi App Store but want to keep the ability to update Xiaomi’s system apps, consider these alternatives:
| Method | Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|---|
| Google Play Market | Automatic updates, a large selection of applications. | Not all Xiaomi apps are in the Play Market. |
| APKMirror | Official APKs are virus-free, there are older versions of apps. | You need to download and install manually. |
| F-Droid | Open source, no ads. | Very limited choice (mostly open-source applications). |
| Official Xiaomi website | Direct links to the latest versions of branded applications. | You need to search manually, there are no automatic updates. |
To update Xiaomi system applications (e.g. Mi Browser, Security, Gallery) you can use:
- 🌐 Xiaomi official repository on app.mi.com (available even without registration).
- 📱 Third-party stores like APKPure or APKMirror (check the hashes of files!).
If it’s important for you to get updates for Xiaomi’s branded utilities, but you don’t want to use the Mi App Store, the best option is to disable its auto-update and sometimes check the versions manually on the official website.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When you use the Mi App Store, you're going to see some common mistakes, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
1. the application is not disabled (button is inactive)
- 🔧 Check if your account is a device administrator (Settings) → Accounts).
- 📱 Remove all app updates, then try disabling again.
- 🔄 Restart your phone in Safe Mode (clip the power). → Restart in Safe Mode and try again.
2.After deletion via ADB, the application returned
- 📦 It means that MIUI I restored it the next time I updated it to prevent it from coming back:
- 🔧 Turn off automatic updates of system applications in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Settings (⚙️) → Auto-update of applications.
- 📱 Remove the app and freeze it through ADB: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks
3. "Application stopped" error after deletion
- 🚨 That means that some system app was dependent on the Mi App Store:
- 🔄 Fastboot phone search (without data loss).
- 📱 Restore the application through ADB: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.xiaomi.mipicks
4. You cannot update system applications after deletion
- 📦 Download. APK manually from the official Xiaomi website.
- 🔧 Use Google Play for the apps that are available there.
- 📱 If updates are critical (e.g. for Security), consider returning the Mi App Store.
💡
If after manipulating the Mi App Store, the phone began to work unstable, the most reliable way to return everything back is to reset the settings to the factory settings (Settings → System → Reset settings).