Mi Store on Xiaomi: what is the application, how does it work and can you remove it?

If you own a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone, you've probably noticed a pre-installed Mi Store app (or GetApps) that appears immediately after you first set up your device, and often raises questions about what kind of store it is, why it's needed if you already have Google Play, and why it consumes traffic in the background, and what's especially surprising is that the app can't be removed by standard means - just turn it off.

In this article, we will take a closer look at what the Mi Store is, how it works on Xiaomi Android devices, how it differs from alternative app stores, and what to do if it interferes or seems unnecessary, and the hidden features of the service that can be useful even for advanced users.

It’s worth noting that the Mi Store isn’t just a take on Google Play, but a separate ecosystem with unique features, such as MIUI themes, exclusive apps for Xiaomi devices (like Mi Remote or Mi Home), and beta testing new firmware versions, but not everyone knows that the store has a “backside”: it can consume traffic, display ads and even affect the autonomy of a smartphone.

If you want to figure out how to make the most of the Mi Store or, conversely, get rid of it without harming the system, read on. We have gathered all the relevant information, including hidden settings, optimization methods and answers to frequent questions.

What is the Mi Store and why is it needed in Xiaomi?

Mi Store (formerly known as Xiaomi App Store or GetApps) is the official app store from Xiaomi, preinstalled on all devices with a shell MIUI. It performs several key functions:

First, it is an alternative to Google Play for regions where Google services are unavailable or limited (for example, in China); second, it publishes exclusive applications for the Xiaomi ecosystem that can not be downloaded anywhere else; third, the store is integrated with the company’s branded services such as Mi Account, Mi Cloud and Mi Community.

It is important to understand that the Mi Store is not just a copy of Google Play, but a separate platform with its own moderation rules, update system and even a coin system (Mi Credits).

• 📱 Branded applications are Mi Remote (DU remote), Mi Home (smart home), Mi Fit (fitness trackers).
• 🎨 Themes and wallpapers for MIUI, including exclusive designs.
• 🔄 Beta versions of firmware and tester updates.
• 💰 Promotions and promotional codes for purchases in the Mi Store (online store of equipment).

But it also has downsides: For example, it can automatically download updates for pre-installed apps in the background, even if you don’t use them, which can waste traffic and battery life, and in some regions, the store displays ads and recommendations in Chinese, which annoys users.

How Mi Store is Different from Google Play and Other Stores

The main difference between the Mi Store and Google Play is the target audience and content. If Google Play is universal and works on all Android devices, then the Mi Store is tailored to the ecosystem of Xiaomi and its users.

Another important difference is regional binding, such as the Chinese version of the Mi Store, which has apps that are not available in the global (and vice versa), which is due to Xiaomi policy and local laws, such as in Europe, the store can offer discounts on purchases from the Mi Store, and in India – local payment services.

The Mi Store is also closely integrated with Mi Account, and if you are logged in, the store will sync your downloads between Xiaomi devices, offer personalized recommendations, and even give bonuses in the form of Mi Credits for activity.

⚠️ Warning: Some apps in the Mi Store may require additional permissions, such as access to SMS or geolocation, due to the peculiarities of Chinese services, and if you don't trust such software, you should install it from Google Play or trusted sources.

Can I remove the Mi Store from Xiaomi and how to do it?

With standard Android tools, you can't remove the Mi Store, it's a system application that's uninstallable, but there are a few ways to get rid of it, or at least limit its activity.

If you want to remove the store completely, you need root rights or ADB. Without them, you can only turn off the app, which will stop it from working and background activity. Here are step-by-step instructions for both methods:

Method 1: Disconnect via settings (without root)

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Mi Store (or GetApps) list and tap it.
3. Click Disable (if the button is inactive, click Stop first).
4. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

Once disabled, the store icon will disappear from the home screen and the app will no longer consume resources, but it will remain in the system and can be activated again after the MIUI update.

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

This method requires connecting your smartphone to your computer and using the ADB tool. It is safer than getting root, but can still cause crashes if you do something wrong.

Enable debugging on USB developer-setting|Install drivers ADB PC-only|Download the platform ADB Tools|Make a backup copy of the data-->

Instructions:

adb shell


pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks

If the command fails, try an alternative package:

pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.appstore

⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications can disrupt the stability of MIUI, especially if you use Xiaomi's branded services (e.g. sync with Mi Cloud).

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.xiaomi.mipicks

-->

How to turn off automatic download updates in the Mi Store

One of the main complaints users have about the Mi Store is the background download of updates for pre-installed apps. Even if you haven't started the store, it can consume traffic and battery power, and to stop this, you need to turn off auto updates and limit background activity.

This can be done in two ways:

Method 1: Through the Mi Store settings

1. Open the Mi Store app.
2. Go to Profile → Settings (cog icon in the upper right corner).
3. Find Auto Update and select Never.
4. Turn off the option to Download over Wi-Fi and mobile network.

Method 2: Through Android System Settings

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Mi Store → Mobile Traffic.
2. Turn off Background Traffic and Data Autoupload.
3. In the Battery section, select Limit background activity.

If the store still consumes traffic after this action, try clearing the cache and application data in the settings. You can also use the Battery Optimization function in Settings → Battery to limit Mi Store activity in the background.

💡

Even after disabling auto-updates, the Mi Store can sometimes check for new versions of apps, and to completely stop this activity, you will have to disable the application via ADB or root.

Hidden features of the Mi Store: what the store can do, what you didn’t know

Many users consider the Mi Store useless and remove it, unaware that it has hidden features that may be useful.

• 🔍 Beta firmware testing: In the MIUI section, you can apply to test new versions of the shell, which gives you early access to features, but can cause bugs.
• 🎁 Mi Credits: For activity in the store (installers, reviews) bonuses are awarded, which can be exchanged for discounts in the Mi Store or gifts.
• 📱 Remote Installation: If you have multiple Xiaomi devices, you can send apps to another smartphone via Mi Account.
• 🔄 Application Recovery: After resetting the settings, the store may offer to restore previously installed programs (if you were authorized).

Another interesting feature is regional promotions, like in India, Mi Stores often offer free subscriptions, and in Europe, discounts on accessories, so if you want to see all the offers available, go to Promo or Special Offers.

There is also a section of the Game with exclusive bonuses for gamers (such as domestic currency or skins), but be careful: some games may be optimized for the Chinese market and contain ads in the local language.

Mi Store problems: bugs, bugs and how to fix them

Like any system application, the Mi Store can run insecurely, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:

If none of these methods worked, try resetting the Mi Store to factory settings.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Mi Store → Storage.
2. Click Clear Data and Clear Cache.
3. Reboot your smartphone.

If the problem persists, it may be the firmware itself, which may help to upgrade MIUI to the latest version or switch to custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU), where the Mi Store is often replaced with a lighter version.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Mi Store on Xiaomi