GetApps on Xiaomi: Why you need an app store and how to safely remove it

If you own a Xiaomi smartphone, you've probably noticed that GetApps, the company's app store, is pre-installed, and it looks like a Google Play app at first glance, but with a lot of ads and questionable offers. Many people wonder if it can be removed without disrupting the system? And if so, how can you do it right so you don't have to run into bugs?

In this article, we will take a look at what GetApps is, what features it performs (and whether you need them), and provide proven ways to remove it from standard shutdown to complete removal via ADB. You will also learn what consequences can occur after uninstallation and how to avoid them. Instructions are suitable for all current models of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO based on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS.

What is GetApps and why you need it on Xiaomi

GetApps (formerly known as the Mi App Store) is Xiaomi’s official app store pre-installed on all of the brand’s devices, and is positioned as an alternative to Google Play, but with a focus on Chinese and local apps.

• 📱 Pre-installation on all devices: The application cannot be removed through standard settings - only disable or uninstall with superuser rights.
• 🇨🇳 Targeting the Chinese market: Most of the applications in the catalog are aimed at users from China (social networks, payment systems, games).
• 💰 Aggressive Advertising: GetApps is known for frequent notifications about “beneficial offers” that many users consider spam.
• 🔄 Update of system applications: Sometimes updates for Xiaomi branded services are distributed through GetApps (for example, Mi Video, Mi Browser).

In practice, most users outside of China don’t need GetApps. All the necessary apps can be downloaded from Google Play, and system updates come through Settings → About. However, there is a caveat: some Xiaomi models (especially for the Chinese market) don’t have Google services out of the box, in which case GetApps becomes the only official source of software.

It is important to understand that GetApps is integrated into MIUI/HyperOS at the system level, which means that its removal may affect the operation of other services, for example:

• 🛠️ Termination of updates for some system applications (e.g. Topics or Security).
• 📱 Errors when checking firmware updates (if you use the Chinese version) MIUI).
• 🔄 Possible Mi Account (Xiaomi account) malfunctions during data synchronization.

Can I delete GetApps without consequences?

Technically, you can remove GetApps, but the consequences depend on which version of MIUI/HyperOS you use and how deeply the application is integrated into the system.

Critical information: On Chinese-based devices (without Google services), removing GetApps may make it impossible to update system applications, in which case it is recommended to first flash the global version of MIUI/HyperOS.

If you're using the global version of MIUI (with Google services), GetApps can be removed, and it doesn't have critical functions.

1. Create a backup of data through Settings → Additional → Backup.
2. Make sure that all important updates are installed on the device (check in Settings → About the phone).
3. Disable automatic application installation from GetApps in security settings.

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Before you delete GetApps, check if it has any important updates for system applications (such as Mi Video or Mi Browser). If any, install them in advance to avoid problems.

How to disable GetApps without deleting (the safest way)

If you do not want to risk the stability of the system, but want to get rid of intrusive notifications and the app icon, just disable GetApps. This will not remove it completely, but will make it invisible and inactive.

Instructions for MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find GetApps (may be called Mi App Store or App Store).
3. Slip on it and select Disable (or Remove Updates if the Disable button is inactive).
4. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

After the shutdown:

• 🔕 The app icon will disappear from the main screen and menu.
• 🚫 Notifications of “recommended annexes” will cease".
• 🔄 The application will remain in the system, but will not consume resources.

Backup of important data |

Check for updates for system applications |

Disable Auto Update in GetApps| Settings

Make sure your device has Google Play installed (if you need alternative stores)-->

If the Disable button is inactive, it means that the application is protected by the system, in which case only deletion through ADB or obtaining root rights will help.

Step-by-step: How to remove GetApps via ADB

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method allows you to completely remove GetApps without root rights. This is an official method that does not violate the warranty, but requires a connection to a computer.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB smartphone.
• 🛠️ Utility. ADB (You can download from the official Android website).

Instructions:

1. Activate USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version to turn on Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Enable USB Debugging and confirm permission.
2. Connect your smartphone to your computer and select File Transfer Mode (not Charge).
3. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
4. Enter the commands in turn: adb devices (you should have your serial number device) adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks
5. Reboot your smartphone.

If the command is successful, GetApps will be removed for the current user.

• ✅ The app will disappear from the system.
• ✅ Will not waste resources and show notifications.
• ⚠️ After resetting settings or updating MIUI It could come back.

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Uninstalling through ADB is the safest way to get rid of GetApps without root permissions, but after major updates to MIUI/HyperOS, the application may recover and the procedure will have to be repeated.

If the pm uninstall command fails, try the alternative package:

pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.miservice

This will remove some of the services associated with GetApps, but may affect the operation of other system functions.

Removing GetApps with root rights: risks and nuances

If you have root access (e.g., through Magisk), you can delete GetApps permanently, including all of its system components. However, this method is only suitable for advanced users, as improper actions can lead to:

• 🔄 "Bootloop” (locked reset of the device).
• 🛠️ Disruption of work MIUI (For example, the disappearance of topics or widgets).
• 🔒 Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).

Instructions for users with root:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /system/priv-app/ or /system/app/.
3. Find folders with names: MiPick GetApps MiAppStore

.bak

Settings → Applications

Reset the device.

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Before you delete your system files, back up /system/priv-app/ via TWRP or other custom recavator to help restore the system in case of a crash.

Once removed with root rights, GetApps won't recover even after updates, but you'll lose the ability to receive updates for some system applications through standard channels.The alternative is to use APKMirror or manually install updates.

What to do if GetApps is back after the update

One of the most common problems is GetApps reappears after the MIUI/HyperOS update, which is because system applications are restored when a new firmware is installed.

1. Repeat deletion via ADB: Just run the same command pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks after the update.
2. Reverse to the previous version of MIUI: If the update brought more problems than good, you can roll back via Fastboot or Recovery.
3. Install custom firmware: Firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience does not contain GetApps or other Xiaomi system applications.
4. Use Debloater tools: Applications like Universal Android Debloater (for PC) allow you to massively remove system software.

If you don't want to do it again, you can block automatic recovery of system applications.

1. Install ADB AppControl (an application for packet management via ADB).
2. Find GetApps in the list and select the option to Block Updates.
3. Reset the device.

GetApps Alternatives: What App Stores Can You Use

If you have removed GetApps but want to have access to alternative app stores, consider the following options:

For Xiaomi users without Google services (Chinese firmware), the best option is to install Google Play through:

1. Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader).
2. Firmware of the global version MIUI/HyperOS via Fastboot.
3. Use tools like Google Installer (for some models).

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If your Xiaomi didn’t originally have Google Play (the Chinese version), it’s easier to flash global firmware than trying to remove GetApps and install alternatives separately.

FAQ: Frequent questions about GetApps on Xiaomi