GetApps on Xiaomi: what it is, why you need it and how to work with it

If you own a Xiaomi, Redmi or a smartphone POCO, You may have noticed that the GetApps app (or GetApps Store) is pre-installed, and it appears on the menu immediately after you buy the device, and it often raises questions about what kind of store it is, how it differs from Google Play, and whether it can be removed without consequences for the system?

In fact, GetApps is a Xiaomi app catalog that offers users an alternative way to install software. Unlike Google Play, it offers both popular global programs and exclusive Chinese services optimized specifically for the brand’s devices. But it’s not so clear: the app has both advantages (for example, access to localized versions of software for China) and disadvantages (advertising, background activity).

In this article, we'll go into detail about what GetApps are, how to use it, why it shouldn't be removed, and what to do if it interferes with your smartphone, and answering the common questions: does it affect autonomy, can it be installed through it? APK-Files and how it differs from the Mi App Store (if you’ve heard that name).

What is GetApps and why you need it on Xiaomi

GetApps (full name – Xiaomi GetApps) – is the official app store from Xiaomi, preinstalled on all smartphones of the brand under the control of the smartphone. MIUI. It performs several key functions:

• 📱 Google Play Alternative: allows you to install apps without being tied to a Google account, which is relevant for users in China (where Google services are blocked) and those who prefer not to use Google Play Services.
• 🌍 Localized versions of applications: here are often adapted for MIUI Versions of software that can run more stable than Google Play.
• 🔍 Exclusive content: Some apps (such as Xiaomi’s branded services or Chinese messengers) are only available through GetApps.
• 💰 Promotions and discounts: the store regularly sells for paid applications, and also distributes bonuses for purchases.

It’s important to understand that GetApps isn’t just a Google Play take, it’s part of Xiaomi’s ecosystem, for example, allowing you to update branded apps (like Mi Home or Mi Fit) even if they were originally installed from another source, and that the store is integrated with system services, such as when you first launch a smartphone, it offers you to download recommended utilities to optimize your work.

But there’s a flip side to the app: it can consume traffic in the background (for example, to check for updates) and sometimes show ads in the interface, which is one of the reasons why some users prefer to turn it off.

GetApps from Google Play and Mi App Store

Many people confuse GetApps with Google Play or the outdated Mi App Store name, but they're actually different services, and each has its own characteristics.

An important nuance: since 2020, Xiaomi has completely switched from the Mi App Store to GetApps, so if you see the old name - it is either residual files in the system or a fraudulent application. The official GetApps has an icon with a green robot and the inscription "GetApps" - it can be checked in the application settings (Information section).

Another key difference is automatic updates, which are configured globally for all apps on Google Play, and GetApps allows you to selectively disable auto-update for specific programs, which is convenient if you want to control traffic flow.

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If you see two stores on the menu, GetApps and Google Play, don't rush to remove the first one. Some system apps (such as Mi Video or Mi Browser) are only updated through GetApps, and removing them can cause crashes.

How to use GetApps: step-by-step instructions

GetApps is intuitive, but it has a few hidden features that not everyone knows about.

1. Search and installation of applications

To find the program:

1. Open GetApps (the icon with the green robot).
2. Enter the title in the search bar or select a category (e.g., "Games", "Social Networks").
3. Click on the desired application → Install.

Note that some applications may require additional permissions (such as access to contacts or location). Unlike Google Play, there is no single permissions management center – they need to be manually configured in the Settings menu. → Annexes.

Updating the annexes

To check for updates:

1. Open GetApps → Go to the Update tab (down arrow icon).
2. Click Update All or select specific programs.
3. If you need to save traffic, turn off auto-update in the store settings.

3. Removal of unnecessary programs

To uninstall the application installed through GetApps:

1. Click the program icon on the main screen → select Delete.
2. Or open the Settings. → Annexes → Installed, find the program and click Delete.

Examine reviews and ratings|Check the permissions that the program requests|Make sure the developer is official (for example, for WhatsApp it should be Meta Platforms, Inc.)|View the date of the last update (if long ago - the risk of an outdated version)-->

4. Hidden functions

Few people know that GetApps has:

• 🎁 Bonus Distribution: Sometimes you can get free coins in the Promotions section to buy paid apps.
• 🔄 Beta testing: some programs (e.g, MIUI Launcher) available in beta only through GetApps.
• 📥 Installation APK: In the store settings, you can enable the option to install.apk files (analogue to "Unknown sources" in Android).

To enable installation APK:

1. Open GetApps → Click on the profile avatar (top right).
2. Go to Settings. → Installation of packages.
3. Activate the switch Allow installation from unknown sources.

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If you turn on the installation APK Through GetApps, be sure to check files with antivirus (like Dr.Web or Malwarebytes). Unlike Google Play, there is no automatic virus check.

Can I delete GetApps and how to do it?

Technically, GetApps is a system application, and you can't completely uninstall it without root permissions, but there are several ways to disable or hide it if it interferes:

Method 1: Disconnection through settings

This is the safest method that does not require superuser rights:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find GetApps in the list (you can use the search).
3. Click Disconnect → Confirm the action.

After that, the icon will disappear from the menu and the background activity will cease, but the application will remain in the system and will occupy space (about 50-100 MB).

Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root)

If you are willing to use ADB (Android debugging tool, you can uninstall GetApps without getting root rights:

1. Enable Developer Mode (click 7 times on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
2. Activate debugging over USB in the developer settings.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, open the command line and type: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks

This command will only remove the app for the current user, without affecting system files. To return GetApps, just reset your phone settings or enter a command:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.xiaomi.mipicks

Method 3: Hiding the icon from the main screen

If you don’t need to remove the app, you just want to take it out of your sight:

1. Press the GetApps icon on the home screen.
2. Drag it up to the inscription Delete (or Hide, depending on version). MIUI).
3. Confirm the action.

The application will remain in the menu of all programs, but will not distract on the desktop.

⚠️ Note: If you remove GetApps through root or modified recovery (e.g, TWRP), function MIUI For example, you will lose the ability to update branded applications (Mi Home, Mi Fit) or sync data with Mi Account.

Does GetApps affect autonomy and performance?

One of the most common questions is, how much does GetApps eat away at battery power and RAM? The answer depends on how you use it:

• 🔋 Background activity: By default, the app checks for updates every few hours, which consumes about 1-3% of the charge per day (according to tests on the Redmi Note 10 Pro).
• 📶 Traffic: when used actively (search, installation) the consumption is 5-15 MB per day.
• 🖥️ RAM: on average, takes 80-120 MB of RAM in an open interface and 20-30 MB in a folded state.

By comparison, Google Play Services consumes 2-3 times more resources in the background, and it introduces more features (like contact sync or geolocation).

• Disable auto-update in GetApps settings.
• Limit background activity through Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.
• Freeze the application with Greenify or similar utilities (root required).

Based on the results of tests on Xiaomi 12T (2023, a complete shutdown of GetApps gives you a 4-7% increase in autonomy when you use a smartphone, but the effect will only be noticeable if you do not use other Xiaomi services (such as Mi Cloud or Mi Video), which depend on updates through this store.

⚠️ Warning: If you notice that system applications (such as Camera or Gallery) have stopped updating after disabling GetApps, return it to work. MIUI (for example, MIUI 14) updates for branded software are distributed only through the official store.

Security: Can GetApps be Trusted?

Security is one of the most controversial issues, and on the one hand, GetApps is the official app from Xiaomi, and all the programs in it are tested for viruses, and on the other hand, the level of moderation here is lower than in Google Play, so the risk of running into suspicious software is higher.

What speaks in favor of safety:

• 🛡️ All apps are checked for malicious code (according to Xiaomi).
• 🔒 The software (Mi Home, Mi Fit) is secure.
• 📜 There is a review and ranking system (although it is less developed than Google Play).

Potential risks:

• 🕵️‍♂️ There are clones of popular apps (like fake WhatsApp or TikTok) in the store!
• 📊 Some programs request excessive permissions (e.g. access to the Internet) SMS or calls without an obvious reason).
• 🌐 Apps from GetApps may collect data for Xiaomi (this is stated in the privacy policy).

How to minimize the risks:

1. Install only applications with a rating of 4.5+ and plenty of feedback.
2. Check permissions before installing (for example, the messenger does not need access to your contacts unless you consent to it).
3. Use an antivirus (such as Avast or Kaspersky) to scan installed programs.

If you doubt the security of the application, it is better to install its analogue from Google Play or from the official website of the developer. VK GetApps may be outdated versions with vulnerabilities.

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The safest way to use GetApps is to install only Xiaomi branded apps (such as Mi Remote or Mi Community) through it. For the rest of the software, it is better to use Google Play or proven sources like APKMirror.

Alternatives GetApps: how to replace the store on Xiaomi

If you have decided to opt out of GetApps but want to have an alternative to Google Play, consider the following options:

If you're interested in security, APKMirror or Aurora Store is the best choice. F-Droid is the best option for open source experiments. And if you're looking for the widest possible catalog (including pirated content, which is not recommended), you can try Aptoide.

Please note: when using third-party stores, disable installation from unknown sources in the security settings (Settings) → Annexes → Special access → Install unknown applications. This will reduce the risk of accidental malware installation.

FAQ: Frequent questions about GetApps on Xiaomi