Apps Mi App Store on Xiaomi: what kind of store is it, how to use it and why you need it

If you own a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone, you’ve probably come across a pre-installed Apps Mi App Store (or just the Mi App Store).This Xiaomi app store often raises questions: why you need it if there is Google Play, how to use it and can it be removed? In this article, we will discuss in detail all the nuances of working with the Mi App Store, including its features on the new versions of MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS, and explain why some applications are available only through it.

The competition between Android app stores is not limited to Google Play and Huawei’s AppGallery. Xiaomi is also actively developing its ecosystem, and the Mi App Store is a key element of it. Here you will find not only branded services (for example, Mi Home for smart home or Mi Fit for fitness bracelets), but also exclusive offers optimized for the brand’s devices. However, users often have problems, from the inability to download the app to conflicts with Google Play.

What is the App Mi App Store and how is it different from Google Play?

Mi App Store (or Apps in the smartphone menu) is Xiaomi’s official app store pre-installed on all of the brand’s devices, and unlike Google Play, it is focused on the Chinese and global markets, offering:

• 📱 Exclusive applications for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO (for example, topics MIUI, brand-name).
• 🌍 Localized content for different regions (including Russia, India, Europe).
• 🔒 More freedom for developers: it’s easier to publish apps here than it is on Google Play.
• 💰 Promotions and discounts often unavailable in other stores.

There are downsides, however: the Mi App Store directory is smaller than Google Play, and some apps may not be optimized for Western users, and the store is integrated with the Xiaomi ecosystem, so some features (such as data synchronization) only work when you log in to Mi Account.

Important: On devices for the Chinese market (with China ROM firmware), the Mi App Store may be the main or only app store, as Google Play is not there by default.

How to open and use the Mi App Store on Xiaomi

Finding the Mi App Store is simple: its icon is usually called “Apps” or “GetApps” (on newer versions of MIUI) and looks like a white square with multi-colored dots. If the icon is not on the home screen, check the Tools folder or search the system (Conductor → Search → “GetApps”).

The store interface is intuitive:

1. Home page – here are displayed recommendations, popular apps and promotions.
2. "Categories" - applications are grouped by topics (games, social networks, utilities, etc.).
3. "Top" - ratings of the most downloaded and highly appreciated programs.
4. “Mine” – your downloads, updates and account settings.

To download the app:

1. Find it through search or in categories.
2. Click "Install" (if the application is paid, you will need to link the payment method).
3. Confirm the download in the window that appears.

Why some apps are only available in the Mi App Store

Some programs (especially Xiaomi’s proprietary utilities) can only be downloaded through the Mi App Store.

• 🔧 Integration with MIUI/HyperOS: Applications like Mi Home or Mi Remote are closely related to system functions and require deep optimization.
• 🌐 Regional restrictions: Some services (e.g. Mi Pay or Mi Credit) are only available in certain countries.
• 🛡️ Xiaomi controls the distribution of its apps to avoid pirated or modified versions.
• 💡 Exclusive features: For example, topics for MIUI or firmware for smart devices Xiaomi distributed only through the branded store.

If you don't find the app on Google Play, check it in the Mi App Store. For example, the official Mi Robot Vacuum robot control app is often updated earlier here, rather than on Google Play.

How to update apps through Mi App Store

Updates to the Mi App Store can come independently of Google Play.

1. Open the Mi App Store and go to the tab "My" (profile icon in the lower right corner).
2. Click "Updates" - all programs with available new versions will be displayed here.
3. Select apps to update or click "Update All".

If the update is suspended or not installed:

• Check your internet connection (better use Wi-Fi).
• Clear the store cache: Settings → Apps → App management → GetApps → Storage → Clear the cache.
• Reset the device.

Attention! ⚠️ Some updates through the Mi App Store may require additional permissions (such as access to contacts or location.

Check the Internet connection

Clear the Mi App Store cache

Reboot your smartphone

Update the Mi App Store itself (if there is an update)

Make sure there is enough memory on the device-->

Can I remove the Mi App Store and how to do it?

Mi App Store is a system application, so you can't completely uninstall it without root permissions.

• 🔕 Disable: This hides the icon and stops background processes. → Annexes → Application management → GetApps → Shut down.
• 🗑️ Remove Updates: Returns the store to the factory version (but does not remove it completely).
• 🔧 Hide the icon: Use a launcher with support for hiding applications (for example, Nova Launcher).

⚠️ Attention! Disabling the Mi App Store can cause problems with updating Xiaomi branded apps (such as Mi Home or Security).If you use the brand’s smart devices, it’s best to keep the store active.

If you want to get rid of the store completely, you will need:

1. Unlock the bootloader on the device.
2. Get root rights (for example, through Magisk).
3. Delete APK-a store file using Root Explorer or ADB:

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

This method is suitable only for advanced users and can lead to unstable operation of the system.

Mi App Store Problems and Solutions

Users often encounter errors in the Mi App Store, and consider the most common:

If none of these methods helped, try resetting the store settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → GetApps → Storage.
2. Click "Reset Settings" (or "Clear all data").
3. Reset the device.

💡

If the Mi App Store is constantly giving out bugs, try using Google Play to download it. APK-Store file (e.g. from this page) Install it manually - this often solves the problems with the work.

Mi App Store on HyperOS: What has changed

With the release of the new firmware HyperOS (replacement of MIUI on devices 2026), the Mi App Store has undergone changes:

• 🆕 New design: interface closer to Material You, with adaptive colors and animations.
• 🔄 Improved sync with other Xiaomi devices (e.g. Pad 6 tablets or Xiaomi Book laptops).
• 🛡️ Enhanced security: Checking apps for malicious code is now stricter.
• 🌐 Localization: Regional languages (including Russian) are better supported).

However, some users note that the HyperOS Mi App Store has become more “intrusive” with more notifications of new apps and promotions to turn them off:

1. Open the Mi App Store and go to “My → Settings”.
2. Turn off the "Recommendations" and "Push Notifications" options.

⚠️ On HyperOS, some system apps (such as Mi Home) can only automatically update via the Mi App Store, even if you have disabled auto-update in Google Play.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi App Store