GetApps in Xiaomi: the official app store from Xiaomi – what it is and how to use it

If you own a Xiaomi, Redmi or a smartphone POCO, You may have noticed that GetApps is a pre-installed app, and it's a branded app store from a company that often raises questions about why you need it when you already have Google Play. In fact, GetApps is not just a backup, but a full-fledged alternative with unique features, optimized specifically for Xiaomi devices.

In this article, we will take a look at what GetApps is, what it has advantages over Google Play, how to use it, and why it should not be removed from your phone, and how to solve typical problems with the service and where to download apps safely. If you want to make the most of your smartphone, read on.

What is GetApps and why you need it in Xiaomi

GetApps (formerly known as the Mi App Store) is Xiaomi’s official app store pre-installed on all of the brand’s devices, running parallel to Google Play, but has a number of key differences:

• 🔹 Optimization for MIUI — Apps are tested for compatibility with the Xiaomi shell, which reduces the risk of errors and brakes.
• 🔹 Exclusive content – there are apps that aren’t on Google Play (like branded utilities for Xiaomi).
• 🔹 Quick Updates – Some updates for system applications (Theme Store, Security) are distributed only through GetApps.
• 🔹 Regional restrictions – in some countries (e.g. China) Google Play is blocked, and GetApps is becoming the main source of software.

It is important to understand that GetApps is not just a Chinese equivalent of Play Market, but it is part of the Xiaomi ecosystem that is closely integrated with the Chinese market. MIUI And other brand services, like, you can use it to do that:

• 📱 Install firmware and updates MIUI (in some regions).
• 🎨 Download themes, wallpapers and fonts to personalize the interface.
• 🔧 Access beta versions of apps before they are released on Google Play.

However, the service has its drawbacks, such as the app catalogue is smaller than Google Play, and some programs may only be available for the Chinese version. MIUI. GetApps is also sometimes criticized for aggressive advertising in the interface.

Differences between GetApps and Google Play: a comparative table

To understand why GetApps doesn’t just duplicate Google Play, let’s compare their key features:

Important: Some system updates (e.g. for Security or Phone apps) may only be distributed via GetApps, even if you are using a global version. MIUI. This means that the removal of the service can lead to problems with the smartphone.

If you live outside of China, GetApps can still be useful for:

• 🔄 Quick update of branded Xiaomi applications.
• 🎨 Download themes and wallpapers that are not on Google Play.
• 🛡️ Virus-checking apps (Xiaomi built-in scanner).

How to use GetApps: step-by-step instructions

GetApps is intuitive, but it has a few hidden features.

1. Search and installation of applications

To find and install the program:

1. Open GetApps (the icon with the blue robot on a white background).
2. Enter the name of the application in the search bar or select a category (Games, Social Networks, Utilities, etc.).
3. Click on the desired application → Install.
4. Confirm download (installing permission from unknown sources may be required).

View ratings and reviews

Make sure the developer is verified (checkmark)

Check the permissions that the application requests

Download only on Wi-Fi if the file is large-->

Updating the annexes

GetApps automatically checks for updates to installed programs, to manually update everything:

1. Go to the Updates section (the arrow icon at the bottom of the screen).
2. Click Update All or select individual apps.
3. Wait for the download and installation to be completed.

⚠️ Note: some system applications (theme store, security) are only updated through GetApps, even if they are installed from Google Play. MIUI.

3. Set up notifications

By default, GetApps can send notifications about new apps, promotions, and updates to disable them:

1. Open GetApps → Click on the profile avatar (top right).
2. Go to Settings. → Notifications.
3. Disable unnecessary options (e.g. App Recommendations).

💡

If GetApps is slowing down or not opening, try clearing its cache. → Annexes → Application management → GetApps → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

Can I delete GetApps and what happens if I do it?

Many users want to get rid of GetApps, considering it unnecessary, but the complete removal of the service can lead to unstable work. MIUI, Especially on Chinese firmware. Let's see what we can do:

1. Disconnection (without deletion)

The safest way to do this is to disable the app, not to delete it.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find GetApps in the list.
3. Click Disable (the app will disappear from the menu, but will remain in the system).

2. Deletion (for experienced users only)

If you want to delete GetApps, consider:

• ⚠️ On Chinese firmware, this could break updates MIUI.
• ⚠️ Some system applications (Temes, Security) will no longer be updated.
• ⚠️ You need root access to remove or ADB.

To remove GetApps through ADB:

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

⚠️ Note: after deleting, you will not be able to install updates for Xiaomi system applications through Google Play. MIUI, especially after major updates.

Typical GetApps Problems and How to Solve Them

Like any service, GetApps can work incorrectly. Let’s consider the most common errors and how to fix them:

1. GetApps won't open or crash

If the application does not start, try:

• 🔄 Clear the cache (Settings) → Annexes → GetApps → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
• 🔄 Update the service (download the latest version from the official Xiaomi website).
• 🔄 Rebooting your phone – sometimes helps with temporary crashes.
• 🔄 Check the Internet connection (GetApps requires stable network access).

2. Applications are not downloaded or installed

If the loading is interrupted or the installation is not completed:

• 📶 Check the permissions: go to Settings → Annexes → GetApps → Permissions and enable Warehouse and Install Unknown Applications.
• 📶 Free up space on the device (you need at least 500 MB of free memory).
• 📶 Turn it off. VPN — Some GetApps servers can block connections via proxy.
• 📶 Check your account region: if you are using the Chinese version MIUI, Some applications may not be available.

3. "No Internet connection" error when Wi-Fi is running

This problem often arises due to a malfunction in the work. MIUI. Decisions:

• 🔧 Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
• 🔧 Change. DNS: Try using 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare).
• 🔧 Update. MIUI last-minute.

⚠️ Note: if GetApps stopped working after the update MIUI, Try to roll back on the previous firmware version or wait for a patch from Xiaomi.

💡

If GetApps doesn't work after you change region in your Mi Account, try logging out and logging in again. Sometimes this resets regional restrictions.

Is it safe to download apps from GetApps?

One of the big questions is how protected GetApps is from viruses and fraudulent apps, and compared to Google Play, there are some nuances:

1. Security advantages

• 🛡️ Built-in check – all apps are scanned by Xiaomi antivirus before publication.
• 🛡️ Fewer fraudulent apps than third-party stores (e.g. APKMirror).
• 🛡️ Security updates for system apps are coming faster than Google Play.

2 Risks and how to avoid them

Despite the checks, GetApps sometimes slips suspicious programs to keep themselves safe:

• ⚠️ Check reviews – if the application has few ratings or they are suspiciously positive, it is better not to download.
• ⚠️ Look at the developer – official apps have a verification icon (blue tick).
• ⚠️ Don't install it. APK from external sources, even if GetApps offers to download the file directly.
• ⚠️ Use an antivirus (e.g. built-in security) MIUI).

💡 Tip: if you downloaded an application from GetApps and it behaves suspiciously (shows ads, slows down the phone), immediately delete it and check the device for viruses through Settings → Security → Scanning.

How to download applications from GetApps to PC

Sometimes it's easier to manage the installation of applications from a computer, and there are two ways to do this:

1. via the official GetApps website

Go to app.mi.com (not all regions) and you can:

• 🖥️ Search for applications by category.
• 🖥️ Send links to install on your smartphone (you need a Mi Account).
• 🖥️ Download APK-Files (not for all applications).

2. Through the emulator MIUI PC-only

If the web version is not available in your region, you can use the Xiaomi emulator for PC:

1. Download and install Mi PC Suite from the official website.
2. Connect your smartphone to your computer via USB.
3. In the program, select the Application section → GetApps.
4. Control the installation directly from the PC.

⚠️ Attention: download APK From GetApps on third-party sites (not official) can be dangerous.Always check the source for authenticity!

FAQ: Frequent questions about GetApps in Xiaomi