MI Picks on Xiaomi: what is this feature, how it works and why the user needs it

Introduction: why MI Picks raise so many questions

If you have recently purchased a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO, I’m sure you’ve noticed a strange folder with a name on the app menu. MI Picks. It comes out on its own, it can't be removed by standard means, and inside is a collection of games and programs that you haven't installed?

Actually. MI Picks is a Xiaomi feature that is integrated into firmware. MIUI It's designed to recommend content, but its behavior is often confusing: Why does it take up space on the home screen? Why doesn't it delete? And most importantly, is it safe for the device? MI Picks is linked to system updates and why shutting it down could affect some Xiaomi services.

Spoiler: It's not a virus, but it's not the most useful tool for power users, and then we'll go through the details of how to set up, uninstall, and how to manage recommendations.

What is it? MI Picks: Official explanation from Xiaomi

According to Xiaomi documentation, MI Picks is a personalized recommendation service that analyzes user behavior and offers a user experience:

🎮 Popular games (often with exclusive bonuses for users) MIUI)
📱 Apps that may be useful (based on your installed programs)
🎁 Promotions and promotions from Xiaomi partners (for example, discounts on the Mi Store)
📺 Recommendations for Mi TV or other ecosystem devices (if they are connected to the same account)

It's essentially a Google Discover or App Store Today, but with a focus on content from Xiaomi and its partners, and it's powered by machine learning algorithms that analyze:

📊 History of installed applications
🕒 Time of use of the device
🌍 Region and language settings
🔄 Activity in other services MIUI (For example, Mi Video or Mi Browser)

It is important to understand that MI Picks is not a separate application, but part of the system shell. MIUI. Therefore, it cannot be removed through Settings. → Applications are like a regular program, but you can disable it or hide it, and we'll talk about that later.

📊 How do you feel about MI Picks?

Useful function, I use it.

It doesn't bother you, but it doesn't.

Irritating, I want to turn it off.

I didn't know what it was.

How MI Picks get on your smartphone: the mechanism of work

Many users are wondering why. MI Picks appear on the home screen without their consent, because it's embedded in the firmware at the system level and activated when one of the conditions is met:

Activation condition	What's going on?	Can we prevent it?
First turn on of smartphone	folder MI Picks are created automatically when you configure the device	No, it's part of the standard configuration. MIUI
Update MIUI to the new version	The service can return even if you have previously hidden it.	Yes, if you disable automatic recommendation updates
Connecting to Mi Account Account	Synchronized settings, including recommendations	Partially (you can turn off synchronization for specific services)
Install applications from the Mi App Store	The algorithm is starting to offer similar content.	Yes, if you use third-party stores (e.g. Google Play)

Interesting fact: in some regions (e.g. Europe) MI Picks may be called GetApps or App Vault, but the essence remains the same. MIUI For global versions, the service is less intrusive than in Chinese firmware, where it is closely integrated with local services (for example, WeChat or Alipay).

If you notice that after the update MIUI folder MI Picks is back on the home screen, not a bug, but a feature of the system. The manufacturer believes that users are useful to see current recommendations, even if they previously hid them.

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To reduce the number of recommendations, disable personalization in the settings → Recommendations MIUI — This will reduce the activity of the algorithms, but will not delete the folder completely.

Why do you need it? MI Picks: Pros and cons for the user

Let's take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of this service, and let's start with the advantages.

🎁 Exclusive offers: sometimes in MI Picks appear promo codes for purchases in the Mi Store or bonuses in games (for example, skins for the game). PUBG Mobile or Free Fire).
🔍 Easy app search: If you are looking for a program for a specific task (for example, a video editor), the service can suggest popular options.
🌐 Localized content: recommendations tailored to your region and language.
📲 Integration with the ecosystem: if you have Mi Band, Mi TV or other Xiaomi devices, the service may offer compatible applications.

Now about the disadvantages – there are much more, which explains the negative attitude of many users:

🚫 Unable to delete: the folder remains on the home screen even if you do not use the service.
📴 Traffic consumption: MI Picks constantly exchanges data with Xiaomi servers, which can be critical with a limited Internet package.
🔋 Increased battery consumption: background service activity can reduce battery life by 5-10%.
🛡️ Privacy issues: for personalization MI Picks collects data about your actions on the device.
🎯 Intrusive advertising: sometimes in the recommendations come across paid applications or games with aggressive monetization.

⚠️ Note: If you are using the Chinese version MIUI (For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro for the domestic market, MI Picks may contain content that is not available in global versions, due to local regulatory requirements and partner agreements, in which case it is recommended to reflash the device to the global or European version. MIUI.

How to disable or remove MI Picks: step-by-step instructions

If you decide to get rid of it MI Picks, you have a few options, from simple concealment to total shutdown of system processes.

Method 1: Hiding from the main screen (without root)

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

Put your finger on the folder. MI Picks on the home screen.
In the menu that appears, select Delete (or Hide, depending on the version). MIUI).
Confirm the action. The folder will disappear, but the service will continue to work in the background.

Method 2: Disabling recommendations in settings

To reduce activity MI Picks, follow the following steps:

Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
Find it on the list. MI Picks (or GetApps).
Select Limitations → Background activity and turn it off.
Then go to Settings. → Personalization → Recommendations MIUI and deactivate all switches.

Method 3: Remove via ADB (for power users)

If you are willing to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge, you can completely deactivate the service:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.mipicks

After completing this command, folder MI Picks will disappear, but may return after another update MIUI.

☑️ Preparation for shutdown MI Picks

Make a backup copy of the dataEnable debugging over USBInstall ADB-driverCheck out the MIUI version

Done: 0 / 4

Method 4: Complete removal with root rights

If you have root, you can remove the system app permanently:

Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer).
Go to the file. /system/priv-app/MiPicks.
Delete the file. MiPicks.apk and the MiPicks folder.
Reset the device.

⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications can lead to unstable work MIUI, Especially if you are using beta versions of firmware.Before doing these steps, make sure you have a backup of the data and the ability to restore the device via Fastboot.

What happens if you delete it? MI Picks through root?

In most cases, nothing critical will happen, but some functions may not work correctly: - Weather and calendar widgets will stop updating. - Some personalization settings in the calendar may disappear. MIUI. - In rare cases, access to the Mi App Store is lost (reinstallation is solved through the ADB). If there are problems after deleting, restore deleted files from a backup or re-flash the device.

MI Picks and privacy: What Xiaomi knows about you

One of the main questions that users are concerned about is what data they collect. MI According to Xiaomi’s privacy policy, the service may collect the following information:

📱 List of installed applications (for preference analysis)
🕒 Time of use of the device (to understand when to show recommendations)
🌍 Region and language settings (for content localization)
🔗 Activity data on other services MIUI (What videos are you watching in Mi Video)
📡 Network information (IP-address, type of connection)

It is important to note that Xiaomi claims that all data is anonymized and not tied to a specific user.However, independent research (for example, from Forbes or The Verge) shows that some Xiaomi models (especially those with Chinese firmware) can transfer more data than claimed.

If you are concerned about privacy, we recommend:

Shut down. MI Picks through settings (as described above).
Use the European or Global Versions MIUI (They are subject to stricter data protection controls).
Regularly check permissions for system applications in Settings → Confidentiality.
Install VPN Limiting the collection of data on your activity.

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Even if you turn it off. MI Picks, some data will still be collected by the system MIUI This can only be completely avoided by installing custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) or using devices without Xiaomi services.

Alternatives MI Picks: Which recommendation services are better

If you're not happy with it. MI Picks, but you want personalized recommendations, consider alternative services:

Service	Advantages	Deficiencies
Google Discover	More accurate recommendations, integration with Google search	High battery consumption collects a lot of data
Microsoft Launcher	Minimalist design, support for widgets	Less personalized recommendations
Nova Launcher	Flexible setting, no intrusive advertising	No built-in recommendations (should be installed separately)
AppBrain	Good selection of applications, there are filters by category	Sometimes poor quality programs are found.

If you are interested in privacy, pay attention to:

🔒 F-Droid – an open source app store (no tracking).
🛡️ Blokada – Ad Blocker and Trackers that Can Limit Data Collection MI Picks.
🌐 ProtonVPN – to Anonymize Traffic.

For users who want to get rid of recommendations completely, the best option is to install a custom launcher (for example, Nova Launcher or Lawnchair) and disable all system services. MIUI, personalization.

FAQ: Frequent questions about MI Picks

❓ Why? MI Picks return after update MIUI?

This is because the service is part of the system firmware. MIUI All standard applications (including MI Picks) are restored to the default state. To avoid this, after updating, re-disable the service through settings or ADB.

❓ Can I move the file? MI Picks on another screen?

Yes, you can drag the folder to any screen, just like any other app, but that won't turn it off -- it'll still update the recommendations in the background. To completely remove it from view, use the concealment method (click on it). → "Delete").

❓ Whether harmful MI Picks for the phone?

The service itself does not harm the device, but it can: 🔋 Increase battery consumption (due to background activity). 📶 Consume mobile traffic (unless you’re connected to Wi-Fi). 🐢 Slow down the system on weak devices (e.g. Redmi) 9A). If your smartphone is running slower after you arrive MI Picks, try to disable the service and check performance.

❓ Why in the MI Picks are coming to games in Chinese?

This is true if you are using the Chinese version. MIUI (If the interface language is changed, your region is listed as China or Hong Kong, you downloaded apps from Chinese stores (e.g. APKChina). To fix this, go to Settings. → Additionally. → Region and choose your country. If the problem persists, try changing firmware to global firmware.

❓ Can you get bonuses from MI Picks without installing games?

No, most promotions in MI Picks require you to install and run the app, but sometimes you get promo codes on the Mi Store or discounts on accessories that can be activated without additional actions!