What are fast apps on Xiaomi and why do you need them?
If you own a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone based on MIUI, you’ve probably come across the term “fast apps” (or Quick Apps) – it’s not just a marketing ploy – the technology is really changing the way you run programs. Unlike classic apps that are installed through Google Play or APK, fast apps work on the principle of instant launch without a full installation.
Xiaomi has introduced the technology as a response to users’ growing demands for speed and memory savings. Instead of downloading a full.apk file weighing hundreds of megabytes, you get a lightweight version of the program that loads on demand and takes up minimal space, especially for devices with limited internal memory (for example, Redmi 9A or POCO C31).
But how does it work in practice? Imagine that you need to use a taxi service or an online bank, but you don't have the space to install a full-fledged app. Quick apps solve this problem: they run directly from the browser or through a special partition in MIUI without requiring permanent storage on the device.
How fast applications work: technical details
The fast app technology is based on Google’s Instant Apps standard, but Xiaomi has adapted it to its MIUI shell, and the main difference is integration with the company’s proprietary services, such as the Mi App Store and GetApps.
- 📦 Modular download: Instead of downloading the entire application, only the components that are needed to perform a specific task (for example, paying a bill or ordering a meal) are downloaded).
- 🔄 No permanent installation: After closing, the application does not remain in the device’s memory, but it can be quickly restarted.
- 🛡️ Security: All fast apps are tested by Xiaomi for malicious code before being added to the directory.
- 🌐 Cross-platform: Works on both Xiaomi smartphones and tablets (e.g. Pad 6).
It's important to understand that fast apps don't replace full versions, they complement them. For example, in Mi Pay (the quick version), you can pay for a purchase, but you don't set up auto payments - this will require installing a full application. The technology is optimized for one-time tasks where speed is more important than functionality.
In terms of performance, fast applications consume less RAM (RAM) because they don’t run in the background, especially on budget models with 2-3 GB of RAM, where each background application affects the smoothness of the interface.
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If the fast app doesn’t open, check your internet connection – without a network, it won’t load the necessary modules.
Where to find and how to run fast apps on Xiaomi
There are several ways to find fast apps, depending on the MIUI version and the smartphone model.
- Through GetApps (the Xiaomi store): Open GetApps, go to Quick Apps (or Quick Apps) and you can find a catalog of services available, from banking apps to games. Click on what you want and it will open instantly.
On models with MIUI 13/14, the fast app section can be hidden to include:
Settings → Applications → Application Management → Quick Applications → EnableIf you don’t have an option, upgrade your firmware or check your device region – in some countries, the feature is limited due to local regulations (e.g., in the EU).
Make sure you have a MIUI 12 or newer.
Update the GetApps app to the latest version
Check your internet connection (required to download modules)
Enable the option in the settings (see the instructions above)-->
Advantages and Disadvantages of Fast Applications
Like any technology, fast applications have their pros and cons, and let's look at them in comparison to classic applications.
| Criteria | Quick applications | Classical applications |
|---|---|---|
| 📥 Memory volume | Do not occupy a permanent place (downloaded on request) | Requires installation (from 10 MB to several GB) |
| ⚡ Launch speed | Open in 1-2 seconds (if you have the Internet) | Startup is optimized (can slow down on weak devices) |
| 🔧 Functionality | Limited set of functions (basic operations only) | Full access to all opportunities |
| 🔄 Updates | Always up-to-date (downloaded from the server) | Manual or automatic updates are required |
| 🌍 Availability | Not all countries (depends on Xiaomi) | Available globally (via Google Play) |
A critical nuance: fast applications require a constant connection to the Internet. Without a network, they simply will not run, since their modules are stored on Xiaomi servers. This can be a problem in unstable connection conditions or when using mobile traffic (loading modules costs up to 5-10 MB per session).
Another drawback is the limited catalogue, which has about 200 fast apps available on GetApps as of 2026, compared to millions on Google Play.
- 🚖 Didi (China’s equivalent of Uber)
- 💳 Mi Pay (payment on payment) QR-code)
- 🎮 Mi Game Center (Cloud Games)
- 📦 Mi Delivery (Food Delivery)
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Fast apps are ideal for one-time tasks (payment, ordering, balance checks), but they will not replace full-fledged programs for continuous use.
How to remove or disable fast applications
If you don't use fast apps, you can disable them or remove them from the system, and this is true for users who prefer classic programs or want to save traffic.
- Turning off the feature in settings: Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Quick apps and deactivate the slider. This will prevent the system from offering fast versions.
- Cache Deletion: If apps have already been used, their cache can take up space. Clear it through Settings → Memory → Clear the cache of fast apps.
- Reset GetApps: Open Settings → Apps → GetApps → Storage and click Clear Data. This will reset all settings, including the history of fast launches.
Some firmware (e.g. MIUI Global) may not have a shutdown option, which can be done by resetting the GetApps store settings or installing an alternative launcher (e.g. Nova Launcher) that ignores fast apps.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI China disabling fast apps can cause failures in the work of branded services (for example, Mi Cloud or Mi Account.
Quick Applications vs. PWA (Progressive Web Applications)
Many users confuse Xiaomi’s fast apps with PWA (Progressive Web Apps), a technology that allows websites to work as native programs. Despite the superficial similarities, there are key differences between the two:
- 🔗 Source: PWA They run through a browser and are not tied to a specific ecosystem, whereas fast Xiaomi apps only work in the same way. MIUI.
- 📡 Traffic: PWA They cache data and can work offline, and fast apps always require the internet.
- 🛠️ Setting up: PWA You can “set” on the home screen as an icon, and fast apps can only be opened through GetApps or search.
Example: if you add Twitter Lite (PWA) to the home screen, it will work like a regular app, but without background processes. and the fast version of Mi Pay will only open through GetApps and will not remain on the menu after closing.
Xiaomi PWAs are not a priority because they rely on their own ecosystem, but both technologies are supported on devices with MIUI for the global market (such as the Xiaomi 13T Pro).
Can you convert a PWA into a fast app?
The Future of Fast Apps: What to Expect in 2026–2026
According to Xiaomi, by 2026, the number of fast apps in GetApps should grow to 500+, and their functionality will be expanded.
- 🤖 AI integration: fast applications will be able to adapt to the user (for example, offer frequently used features in the first place).
- 🎯 Localization for Europe: Expanding the catalog of services relevant to the European market (banks, transport).
- 🔌 Third-party launcher support: the ability to run fast apps via Nova Launcher or Action Launcher.
- 📶 Offline mode: caching of frequently used modules for working without the Internet (analogue) PWA).
Xiaomi is also testing Quick Apps 2.0, which will allow developers to create more complex applications with support for ARCore (augmented reality) and 5G. This will open up new opportunities for games and services based on geolocation.
However, there are risks: with stricter privacy policies (such as GDPR in the EU), Xiaomi may restrict data collection in fast apps, which will affect their personalization, and it is possible that Google will impose its own restrictions on Instant Apps, which will affect the MIUI ecosystem.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 15 (expected in 2026) fast apps could become a must-have component for some system features (e.g., payment via Mi Pay).If you plan to disable them, make sure it doesn't disrupt your smartphone's performance.