Mi Store on Xiaomi: a complete guide to the branded app store

If you are the owner of a Xiaomi smartphone, you probably noticed the pre-installed Mi Store app (or GetApps in new versions). MIUI). This branded app store often raises questions: why do you need it when you already have Google Play, how to use it and can you remove it? In this article, we will discuss in detail all aspects of working with the Mi Store - from basic features to hidden features and solving typical problems.

Many users mistakenly believe that the Mi Store is just a double of Google Play with a limited set of programs.In fact, it has unique features: exclusive applications for Xiaomi devices, optimized themes for the game. MIUI, Early access to beta software and even regional offerings that are not available in global stores, while the interface and logic of the Mi Store are significantly different from the usual Play Market, which can confuse beginners.

We won’t tell you to use the store, but instead we’ll show you how to make the most of it (or get rid of it completely if it bothers you), from installing apps without a Google account to finding hidden settings, you’ll find all of these below.

What is the Mi Store and how is it different from Google Play?

Mi Store (formerly known as Mi Market, and in recent versions) MIUI Renamed GetApps, it is Xiaomi’s official app store pre-installed on all of the brand’s smartphones. Unlike Google Play, which is universal for all Android devices, the Mi Store is designed specifically for the ecosystem. MIUI and Xiaomi devices including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark).

The main differences:

• 🔹 Exclusive content: here you can find branded applications (for example, Mi Home for smart home), themes of design MIUI, Wallpaper and even firmware for some models.
• 🔹 Regional Adaptation: Mi Store often features apps that are popular in China or India but are not available in Google Play for other regions.
• 🔹 Fast Updates: Some Xiaomi System Apps Update via Mi Store Before Play Market.
• 🔹 No dependence on Google: works even without Google services (relevant for Chinese firmware or devices without Google services) GMS).

However, the Mi Store has its downsides: a smaller app catalog compared to Google Play, sometimes slow loading (especially on Chinese servers), and in-store advertising. MIUI, which can lead to bugs.

How to open and configure Mi Store on a Xiaomi smartphone

Finding the Mi Store on your device is easy: the app icon is usually located on the home screen or in the app menu. MIUI (starting MIUI 12) The store may be called GetApps — it's the same Mi Store, just with the updated name. If there's no icon, check the Tools folder or search by app (swipe down the home screen and type GetApps in).

When you first start up, the system can request permission to access storage, contacts, or location. Don't rush to accept everything, many permissions are only for personalized advertising.

• 📱 Storage – for loading and installation APK-file.
• 🌍 Internet – to access the application directory.

Other permissions (such as Contacts or Location) can be disabled without loss of functionality.

To set up the Mi Store for yourself:

1. Open the app and tap on the avatar in the upper right corner.
2. Go to Settings (cog at the top).
3. Turn off Personalized Recommendations and Interest-Based Ads if you do not want to see targeted ads.
4. In the Updates section, enable Auto Update for critical applications (such as Mi Home or Security).

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If the Mi Store opens in Chinese, go to the app settings and select English or Russian (if available).

How to Install and Update Apps Through the Mi Store

The process of installing apps in the Mi Store is intuitive, but there are a few nuances.

1. Open the Mi Store and find the app you want through search (loop at the top) or in categories.
2. On the app page, click Install (or Update if it is already installed).
3. Confirm download – some applications require additional permissions.

Unlike Google Play, you can download the Mi Store. APK-files directly, even if the application has already been removed from the device:

1. Find the app in the store.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner of his page.
3. Select Download. APK — The file will be saved in the Download folder.

Updates to the Mi Store work differently than Google Play:

• 🔄 Auto Updates are included separately for each application (in its settings).
• ⚠️ System applications (such as Mi Browser or Music) can only be updated through the Mi Store, not the Play Market.
• 📥 Offline installation: if the download is interrupted, you can download the file later - Mi Store supports the resumption of download.

View reviews and ratings|Check the application permissions|Make sure it's the official version (no "Unverified" badge")|Download only on Wi-Fi if the file is large-->

Important: Some apps in the Mi Store may be betas or test builds, labeled with appropriate tags (Beta or Early Access) and may not work well, and if you want maximum reliability, you'd better download stable versions from Google Play (if there's an app).

Exclusive features of the Mi Store: themes, firmware, bonuses

The main advantage of the Mi Store over Google Play is exclusive content that is not available in other stores.

The Mi Store is especially useful for owners of Xiaomi devices without Google services (for example, on Chinese firmware).

• 📲 Google apps: Mi Browser instead of Chrome, Mi Mail instead of Gmail.
• 🔧 Tools for MIUI: Security (antivirus), Cleaner (optimizer).
• 🎮 Game utilities: Game Turbo for overclocking performance in games.

In the Mi Store sometimes appear closed beta tests of new features MIUI — For example, early versions of Super Wallpapers or experimental control gestures, sign up for an official Mi Community account in the store settings to access them.

Mi Store Problems and Their Solutions

Despite the convenience, the Mi Store can malfunction, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

1.Mi Store doesn't open or fly out

• 🔄 Clear the cache: go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → GetApps, click Clear Cache and Clear Data.
• 📥 Update the store: download the latest version APK From the official website of Xiaomi (Support section).
• 🛠️ Reinstall: Remove updates in the app settings, then update it again.

2. Applications are not downloaded or installed

• 🌐 Check the Internet: Mi Store may not work through some VPN proxy.
• 📂 Free up memory: You need at least 1 GB of free space to download.
• 🔒 Allow installation from unknown sources: Settings → Confidentiality → Special permits → Installation of unknown applications.

3. The error "Server is not available" appears

• 🇨🇳 Change region: If you are not in China, try India or Global in the Mi Store settings.
• ⏳ Xiaomi servers are sometimes overloaded, especially during major updates.

⚠️ Warning: If the Mi Store asks for an update MIUI Before installing the application, do not ignore this requirement. Some programs (for example, Mi Home) require an up-to-date version of the firmware to work correctly.

How to remove the Mi Store (and whether it’s worth it)

Mi Store is a system app, so you can't just uninstall it, but there are a few ways to get rid of it:

Method 1: Disconnect (without root)

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

Method 2: Remove via ADB (without root but with PC)

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

This command will remove the Mi Store only for your user without affecting system files.

Method 3: Complete removal (requires root)

• Use Root Explorer or Titanium Backup.
• Delete the files: /system/priv-app/MiAppStore (or GetApps), /data/app/com.xiaomi.mipicks*.

⚠️ Note: Removing the Mi Store may cause problems updating system applications (such as Mi Home or Security).If you are not sure, it is better to just disconnect the store.

Should I remove the Mi Store?

• ✅ Yes, if you never use it and it takes up space.
• ❌ Not if you have Chinese firmware without Google Play or use exclusive features (themes, beta tests).

Mi Store vs Google Play: What’s the best way to use Xiaomi

The choice between Mi Store and Google Play depends on your tasks.

The best option is to use both stores:

• 📱 Mi Store – for branded applications, themes and exclusives.
• 🌍 Google Play – for other programs (social networks, instant messengers, games).

If you prefer minimalism, you can leave only Google Play, but then you will have to manually download updates for Xiaomi system utilities (for example, Mi Home or Security) from the official website.

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Even if you don’t use Mi Store regularly, keep it disabled rather than deleted — some system apps (like Mi Home) may stop updating correctly without it.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Mi Store on Xiaomi