GetApps on Xiaomi: why you need a branded app store and how to use it

What is GetApp on Xiaomi and why you need it

If you own a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone, you’ve probably noticed a pre-installed GetApps app (or App Store in Russian firmware), a branded app store from Xiaomi that often raises questions: why do you need it when you already have Google Play? In fact, GetApps is not just a backup, but a specialized platform with unique features optimized for the Xiaomi ecosystem.

GetApps’ primary purpose is to provide users with access to apps that are either not available on Google Play or adapted specifically for Xiaomi devices. Here you can find branded services (such as Mi Home for smart home), localized versions of popular Chinese applications, as well as programs optimized for working with the MIUI shell. In addition, GetApps often offers exclusive discounts, promo codes and early access to beta versions of applications.

It's important to understand that GetApps isn't just an alternative to Google Play, it's part of Xiaomi's ecosystem. It's easier to distribute updates to its services, test new features and collect feedback from users. For example, many MIUI features first appear in beta versions through GetApps, and then roll out to stable builds.

Google Play’s GetApps: Which is Better?

At first glance, GetApps and Google Play seem to share the same function of installing apps, but there are fundamental differences to consider.

• 🔹 Localization and regional restrictions: GetApps has apps that may be blocked from Google Play for your region (such as some Chinese services or games).
• 🔹 Optimization for MIUI: Apps from GetApps are often better integrated with the shell MIUI, Supports themes, gestures and other system features.
• 🔹 Exclusive content: Here you can find Xiaomi branded utilities (for example, Mi Remote for control equipment), which are not always available in Google Play.
• 🔹 Security and moderation: Xiaomi claims that all applications in GetApps are strictly checked for viruses and malicious code, but the level of protection is still inferior to Google Play Protect.
• 🔹 Download speed: Due to optimization for Xiaomi servers, applications from GetApps are sometimes downloaded faster, especially in countries with a developed infrastructure of the company (China, India, Russia).

However, GetApps has its drawbacks: For example, the app directory is much smaller than Google Play, and some popular services (such as Netflix or Disney+) may be missing or outdated, and the store interface is not always intuitive, especially for users accustomed to Google Play.

⚠️ Note: Some apps in GetApps may collect additional user data (for example, for targeted advertising).If you are concerned, check permissions before installing or use Google Play for sensitive applications (banks, instant messengers).

How to use GetApps: step-by-step instructions

GetApps is easy to understand, even if you have never used an alternative store.

1. Launch and Authorization: Open the GetApps app (blue package icon with white arrow) and you may need to sign in to your Mi Account when you first start, which is optional, but gives you access to personalized recommendations and cloud backups.
2. App Search: Enter the name in the search bar or explore categories (Recommended, Games, Utilities). For convenience, you can filter the applications by rating or date of addition.
3. Installation: Click on the application → Install. If additional permissions are required, the system will request confirmation. Some applications may offer Quick Installation (without downloading the full APK).
4. Updates: Go to the Updates tab (down arrow icon) to check available updates for installed programs.

If the application is not installed, check:

Free space on the device (minimum 500 MB)

Stable Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data)

No restrictions in Settings → Applications → Special access → Installation of unknown applications

Update GetApps itself (go to Mi Account → Settings → App Update)

-->

Note that some apps in GetApps may be paid or contain in-app purchases.Payment is usually debited from a Mi Account-linked card or through Mi Credit (Xiaomi’s internal currency).

💡

If you don’t like the GetApps interface, you can turn on the Children’s Mode in the app’s settings – this hides ads and restricts access to paid content.

Can I delete GetApps and how to do it?

GetApps is a system application, so you can't completely remove it without root permissions, but there are a few ways to limit or hide it:

• 📵 Disconnect: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → GetApps, click Disable. This will remove the app from the menu, but it won't free up disk space.
• 🔕 Hiding the icon: Long click on the GetApps icon → Remove from the screen (in some firmware) MIUI It only works for desktop applications).
• 🛠️ Removal through ADB (for advanced users: Connect your phone to your PC, activate Debugging USB and execute the command: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks Warning: This may disrupt some system functions!

If you still decide to get rid of GetApps, note that without it, Xiaomi branded applications (for example, Mi Home or Mi Remote) may cease to update. APK-file.

⚠️ Attention: Removing GetApps on Global Firmware Devices (Global) ROM) It can lead to disruptions in work. MIUI, Especially if you use Xiaomi Cloud or Mi Account services. ROM) The risks are lower, but the functionality may still be affected.

Security in GetApps: How to Avoid Fraud

While Xiaomi claims to be strictly moderating content in GetApps, there is a risk of running into a suspicious app.

Be especially careful with applications that offer:

• 🎁 "Free premium features of popular services (such as Spotify Premium or Netflix).
• 🔓 "Hacked versions of unlimited currency games.
• 📊 "Optimizers or cleaners that promise to speed up the phone (often empty or spyware).

Important: In 2023, Xiaomi removed dozens of apps from GetApps for hidden adware installation. If you notice suspicious activity after installing the program (for example, pop-up ads in other applications), immediately remove it and check the device with antivirus.

Hidden features of GetApps: what the store can do, what you didn’t know

Many users use GetApps only to install apps, but it has less obvious features:

• 🔄 Beta testing: In the Lab (or Beta) tab, you can try early versions MIUI For example, there are often new features for Mi Home or Mi Fit before the official release.
• 🎫 Promotions and discounts: In the Promotions section, they regularly hand out coupons for purchases in the Mi Store, discounts for games or premium subscriptions (for example, for purchases on the Mi Store). WPS Office).
• 📦 Application Archive: If you have deleted the program and want to restore it without re-searching, go to Profile → My apps. → Archives.
• 🌍 Local Guidelines: In some regions (such as India or Russia), GetApps shows apps that are popular in your country, which are not in the global Google Play.

Another great thing is the Family Library, and if you use one Mi Account on multiple devices, GetApps apps can be installed on all devices without repayment.

1. Open GetApps and log in.
2. Go to Profile. → Family library.
3. Activate the option and select devices that can be connected.

Problems with GetApps and their solutions

Like any system application, GetApps can crash, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, try resetting GetApps to factory settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → GetApps → Memory.
2. Click Clear Data (this will remove all settings, but will not affect installed applications).
3. Reset the device.

⚠️ Warning: If GetApps stopped showing Russian after reset, check the regional settings in Mi Account. Sometimes the reset also resets language preferences, especially on Chinese firmware (China) ROM).

💡

If GetApps stopped working after the MIUI update, try updating the application itself via Mi Account → Settings → App Update. Often this solves compatibility issues.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about GetApps