Get Apps on Xiaomi: Why You Need This App and How to Work with It

If you own a Xiaomi smartphone, you've probably noticed that Get Apps is on the installed list, and it's on every device in the brand, from budget Redmis to flagship Xiaomi 14, and it's a common question: What is this service? Why is it preinstalled? Can it be removed without consequences for the system? And most importantly, is it safe to use it?

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Get Apps, from its basic features to the hidden nuances of its work, how it differs from the Google Play Market, what pros and cons this app store has, and what to do if it interferes with or consumes traffic in the background, and a detailed removal guide for those who want to get rid of preinstalled software.

Spoiler: Get Apps isn't as simple as it sounds. It's not just an alternative to the Play Market, but part of Xiaomi's ecosystem with its own moderation rules, regional restrictions, and even unique apps that aren't available in other stores, but everything in order.

What is Get Apps and Why Xiaomi Installs It

Get Apps (sometimes displayed as com.xiaomi.mipicks in settings) is Xiaomi’s branded app store preinstalled on all of the brand’s smartphones. It runs parallel to Google Play and offers users an alternative catalog of programs, games, themes and even services for the smart home.

Why did Xiaomi decide to set up its own store?

• 📱 Content localization: Many apps in Get Apps are tailored specifically for the Chinese and Asian markets (e.g. instant messengers, payment systems, social networks, etc).
• 🔒 Circumvention of sanctions: in some regions (for example, China) access to Google Play is limited, so Xiaomi offers its own alternative.
• 💰 Monetization: the company earns from advertising and affiliate programs inside the store.
• 🛡️ Security check: Xiaomi claims that all apps in Get Apps undergo additional virus and malicious code checks.

It's important to understand that Get Apps isn't just a copy of Play Market, it has unique features:

• 🎨 Topics and wallpaper: here you can download exclusive themes for the shell MIUI, Which are not available on Google Play.
• 🏠 Smart home: a special section for managing Mi Home devices (lamps, sockets, robot vacuum cleaners).
• 🎮 Bonus Games: Some games offer exclusive in-game rewards when installed via Get Apps.

But it's not all that rosy. There are obvious downsides to the service, which we'll talk about later.

Differences between Get Apps and Google Play: Comparative Table

To see if Get Apps is worth using, compare it to the Google Play Market, where the main differences are moderation, assortment and security.

An important nuance: Get Apps often features apps that are labeled “incompatible” with your device on Google Play, which is because Xiaomi ignores some hardware restrictions imposed by developers. For example, a heavy game can be offered to install even on a weak Redmi. 9A, though she'll slow down.

Another thing is updates. Apps installed through Get Apps are updated only through Get Apps, and if you delete the store, you will lose the ability to receive updates for those programs, and this applies to Xiaomi system applications (for example, Mi Browser or Mi Video).

Is it safe to install apps from Get Apps?

This is one of the most common questions. Answer: conditionally safe, but with reservations. Yes, Xiaomi says that all applications are virus-tested, but in practice, moderation is far from perfect.

• ⚠️ The risk of the greys" APK: Unlike Google Play, it can be used to modify versions of apps (such as hacked games or pirated content).
• 📡 Data collection: Some apps from Get Apps request more permissions than their counterparts in the Play Market (e.g. access to the Apps). SMS geolocation without an obvious cause).
• 🔄 Delayed Updates: Critical security patches may arrive later than official sources.

To minimize the risks, follow these rules:

Be especially careful with:

• 🎰 Games with free in-game purchases are often fraudulent schemes.
• 💳 Financial applications (wallets, loans) – it is better to download them only from official sources.
• 📱 Lonchers and “optimizers” – they can conflict with the shell MIUI.

⚠️ Warning: If after installing the app from Get Apps, the smartphone starts to slow down, warm up or show ads in unexpected places (for example, in the notification curtain), immediately remove it and check the system for viruses using Malwarebytes or Kaspersky.

How to remove Get Apps from Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

If you don't think you need Get Apps, you can delete it.

• 🔧 On some models (Redmi Note 10, POCO X3 and newer) the application is system and is removed only with root rights.
• 📦 On older devices (Redmi 8, Mi) A2) It can be uninstalled as a regular program.
• ⚙️ The alternative to deletion is disabling (the application will remain in the system, but will not work and consume resources).

Method 1: Normal deletion (for non-system versions)

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Get Apps list (or com.xiaomi.mipicks).
3. Click Delete and confirm the action.

Method 2: Disconnect (if deletion is not available)

1. Go to the same settings → Apps and select Get Apps.
2. Click Disable (the application will freeze and stop working).
3. To return it back, click Enable.

Method 3: Removal through ADB (system-application)

If the first two methods fail, you will need the developer and computer rights:

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

This command will remove Get Apps only for your user without affecting system files. Root is not required!

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13/14 After removing Get Apps, some system components may not automatically update.If you notice that Mi Video or Mi Music has stopped updating, return the store back via the service. ADB-Command: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.xiaomi.mipicks

Alternatives to Get Apps: where to download apps instead

If you’ve removed Get Apps or are just looking for more reliable sources, here are proven alternatives:

For users, Xiaomi is especially interesting APKMirror – they often upload the latest versions of system applications (Mi Home, Mi Fit) before they appear in Get Apps.

If you need topics for MIUI, Those that were only available in Get Apps, try it out:

• 🎨 Zedge – a large catalog of wallpaper and themes.
• 🖼️ WallpapersCraft – High-quality wallpaper with support MIUI.
• 🛠️ Hex Installer – for manual installation of themes (root required).

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Before installation APK From third-party sources, always check the hash file (MD5/SHA-1) This will help you avoid the file being swapped by a virus.

How to Disable Ads and Notifications from Get Apps

Even if you don't use Get Apps, it can get annoying with constant "hot news" notifications or banner ads in the curtain.

1. Disable notifications

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Get Apps → Notifications.
2. Turn off all switches (especially "Recommendations" and "Promotions").

2. Limit background activity

1. In the same application settings, select the Battery → Background activity management.
2. Set a limit on limiting background activity.

3. Block advertising through MIUI

In the latest versions MIUI There is a built-in ad blocking:

1. Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Removal of advertisements.
2. Enable the option to hide ads in system applications.

If this item is not, try an alternative method:

• 🔧 Install Blokada or AdGuard (Ad-level Blockers) DNS).
• 📵 Turn off mobile data for Get Apps in traffic settings.

Critical information: If push notifications from other apps (e.g. banks) have stopped working in Get Apps after disabling ads, return the settings. MIUI Ad Blocker Conflicts with Google Play Services.

Frequent problems with Get Apps and how to solve them

Xiaomi users often encounter bugs in their Get Apps work, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

1.The application does not open or fly out

• 🔄 Clear the cache: Settings → Annexes → Get Apps → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 📥 Refresh the store: sometimes reinstallation through APKMirror helps.
• 🔧 Reset the application settings: in the same menu, click Reset settings.

2. Applications are not downloaded or installed

• 📶 Check your internet connection (better to use Wi-Fi).
• 🕒 Make sure the date and time on the phone are set correctly.
• 🛡️ Temporarily disable the antivirus (such as Avast or 360 Security) and it can block downloads.

3. constantly receive notifications of updates

• 🔔 Turn off auto updates: in Get Apps settings, find Auto Update apps and turn it off.
• 🚫 Go to Settings. → Notifications → Get Apps and turn off all types of alerts.

4 The application consumes a lot of traffic

• 📊 Limit background traffic: Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Transfer of data → Background mode → Get Apps → Limit.
• 🔄 Turn off auto-update apps in store settings.

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI Get Apps stopped working, do not try to remove it through root access - this can lead to a failure of system services.

💡

If Get Apps interferes with the smartphone, but you can not remove it, just turn off autostart and background activity, this will reduce the load on the battery and processor without risk to the system.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about Get Apps