Xiaomi Redmi Mi Store: Why You Need It, How It Works, and Can You Remove It?

If you own a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone, you’ve probably noticed a pre-installed Mi Store app (sometimes called GetApps or App Store depending on the version). MIUI). This service raises a lot of questions: some users actively use it, others try to remove, and still others simply ignore it. In this article, we will discuss in detail what the Mi Store is, how it works on Redmi, what its pros and cons are, and also give step-by-step instructions for managing this application.

Mi Store is a branded app store from Xiaomi, which is designed to compete with Google Play. It offers both exclusive applications for Xiaomi devices and popular programs with optimization under the name of the company. MIUI. However, not everyone likes the Mi Store, especially those who prefer the standard Play Market or third-party stores.

What is the Mi Store and why is it needed on Xiaomi Redmi?

Mi Store (or GetApps) is the official app directory from Xiaomi, which is installed by default on all smartphones of the brand, including the Redmi line. its main task is to provide users with access to:

• 📱 Exclusive applications for Xiaomi devices (e.g. branded themes, wallpapers, tools for MIUI).
• 🔍 Optimized versions of popular programs (social networks, instant messengers, games), adapted for MIUI.
• 🎁 Promotions and promotional codes to buy apps or premium features (sometimes cheaper than Google Play).
• 🔄 Quick updates for system and third-party applications (sometimes updates appear here earlier than in the Play Market).

It is important to understand that the Mi Store does not replace Google Play, but complements it.

• 🎵 Mi Music and Mi Video are branded players with support for formats that are not played in standard applications.
• 📊 Security – antivirus and optimizer from Xiaomi with advanced features.
• 🎮 Game Turbo – a utility for improving performance in games.

However, there are also some disadvantages to the Mi Store that many users want to remove:

• 🗑️ Unnecessary notifications about new apps or promotions (sometimes too intrusive).
• 🔄 Automatically install some applications without a request (e.g. Mi Browser or Mi Credit).
• 📦 Occupied space in the memory of the smartphone (although the application itself weighs a little, the cache can grow).

How to open and use the Mi Store on Redmi

To get started with the Mi Store, look for its icon on the home screen or in the app menu, which usually looks like a white bag with a green icon (in newer versions). MIUI — If you don't have a badge, check the Tools or Xiaomi folder.

After launch, you will see the main screen with sections:

• 🔥 Recommended – popular applications, selections from Xiaomi.
• 🎁 Promotions – discounts on paid programs or premium features.
• 📥 Management – here you can see the apps installed through the Mi Store and updates are available.
• 🔍 Search – for quick finding the right software.

The interface is intuitive, but there are a few nuances:

1. Authorization: Some apps will require a Xiaomi account to download, and only free software is available without it.
2. Regional restrictions: In some countries (e.g. Russia), some content may not be available due to sanctions or licensing agreements.
3. Updates: Mi Store can update not only its applications, but also system components MIUI (For example, Mi Browser or Mi Video).

If you want to download the app:

1. Find it through search or in categories.
2. Click on the application card and select Install.
3. Confirm download (you may need permission to install from unknown sources if the app is not from Google Play).

View ratings and reviews|Check the permissions that the application requests|Make sure the app is compatible with your version MIUI|Download only from the official page (do not click on third-party links)-->

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

Mi Store is a system application, so you can't just uninstall it through your standard settings, but there are a few ways to get rid of it or at least disable it:

Method 1: Disconnect (without root rights)

This is the safest method that does not require special knowledge:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Mi Store (or GetApps) list and open its page.
3. Click Disable (if the button is inactive, click Stop first).
4. Confirm the action. The app icon will disappear from the home screen, but the file will remain in the system.

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Note: Once you turn off the Mi Store, you won’t be able to install updates for some Xiaomi system apps (such as Mi Browser or Security) and they will only be updated through Google Play if there are versions of them.

Method 2: Remove via ADB (for power users)

If you are willing to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge, you can completely remove the Mi Store:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line (or Terminal on Mac/Linux).
3. Enter the command: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks (for new versions) MIUI You may need another command: com.xiaomi.getapps).
4. Reset the device.

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Warning: Removing system applications can lead to unstable work MIUI, Especially if you are updating your firmware through OTA. In some cases, the Mi Store will recover after the update.

Method 3: Hiding the icon (if you don't want to delete)

If you just interfere with the icon on the home screen, but the application itself does not bother, you can:

• 📁 Move it to a folder (e.g. Xiaomi or Rarely Used).
• 🔍 Disable the display in the application menu via the launcher (long press). → Hide).
• 🚫 Disallow notifications: Settings → Notifications → Mi Store → Shut down.

How to disable automatic installations and notifications from the Mi Store

One of the main complaints against the Mi Store is intrusive notifications and automatic installation of unnecessary applications (for example, Mi Browser, Mi Credit or games).

Step 1: Disable Auto Updates

1. Open the Mi Store.
2. Go to Profile → Settings (cog icon in the upper right corner).
3. Find the Auto Update app and turn it off.

Step 2: Prohibit Notifications

1. Go to Settings → Notifications and Status bar → Notification management.
2. Find the Mi Store in the list and turn off all the switches.
3. For reliability, block pop-up windows: Settings → Annexes → Mi Store → Pop-ups → Banned.

Step 3: Remove preinstalled applications

Some programs (such as Mi Browser or Mi Music) are installed through the Mi Store and can take up space to remove them:

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Find an unneeded application (such as Mi Credit).
3. Press Remove (if the button is inactive, first click Stop, then Disable).

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Note: Some applications (such as Mi Browser) are associated with system processes, and their removal can lead to errors in the work. MIUI, Especially if you use proprietary features like Quick Apps (fast apps on the lock screen).

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If the Mi Store installs apps after disabling auto-updates, check your Mi Account settings. Sometimes sync with the cloud restores the standard settings.

Mi Store and Google Play: What’s better for Xiaomi Redmi

Many Xiaomi Redmi users are wondering: should you use the Mi Store if you have Google Play?

The choice depends on your needs:

• 🎯 If you need a branded themes, wallpaper or utilities for MIUI — Use the Mi Store.

Many Xiaomi Redmi experienced users combine both stores: download exclusives from the Mi Store and the rest from Google Play. Alternative stores like APKMirror or Aptoide can also be used, but this requires caution.

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If you live in Europe or Russia, some of the features of the Mi Store may be limited due to regional settings, in which case Google Play will become a more versatile solution.

Frequent Mi Store issues on Xiaomi Redmi and how to fix them

Despite optimizing for MIUI, Mi Store is sometimes unstable. Consider the problems and ways to fix them:

Problem 1: Mi Store doesn't open or crash

If the application does not start or close immediately after opening:

1. Clear the cache: Settings → Annexes → Mi Store → Memory. → Clear the cache.
2. Reset the application settings: in the same menu, click Reset Settings.
3. Update the Mi Store via Google Play (if you can) or manually download the latest version from the official Xiaomi website.
4. Check your internet connection – the Mi Store requires a stable connection to work.

Problem 2: Apps are not downloaded or installed

If the download is interrupted or an error occurs:

• 📶 Check the permissions: Settings → Annexes → Mi Store → Permits (should be included Warehouse and Internet).
• 🛠️ Make sure that the device has enough free space (minimum 1-2 GB).
• 🔒 If you download. APK, Allow installation from unknown sources: Settings → Security → Installation of unknown applications → Mi Store → Permission.
• 🌐 Try connecting to another network (e.g., from mobile internet to Wi-Fi or vice versa).

Issue 3: Notifications of new applications are constantly coming

Even if you have disabled notifications in your settings, they can appear via Mi Push Service to stop them:

1. Open the Settings. → Notifications → Additionally. → System notifications.
2. Find Mi Push Service and turn it off.
3. If notifications continue to arrive, turn off sync with Mi Account: → Xiaomi account → Synchronization → Shut down.

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Warning: Disabling Mi Push Service will block all notifications from Xiaomi system apps, including alerts for security updates or backups.Weigh the pros and cons!

Problem 4: Mi Store asks for an update, but no update is installed

This is the situation where:

• 📱 You have an outdated version. MIUI, non-supportive new Mi Store.
• 🔒 The update is blocked by regional restrictions (for example, for Russian devices).
• 📡 Problems on Xiaomi servers (check status on forums like this) 4PDA Xiaomi Community).

Decisions:

1. Update MIUI to the latest version via Settings → System Update.
2. Download. APK latest version of the Mi Store from the official Xiaomi website and install manually.
3. If the problem is in the region, try changing the region. MIUI (This may disrupt some services!).

Mi Store Alternatives for Xiaomi Redmi

If Mi Store isn’t right for you, consider alternative ways to install apps:

1. Google Play

A standard Google store with a huge library of apps.

• 🛡️ High security (all applications are tested for viruses).
• 🌍 Available in all regions without restrictions.
• 🔄 Automatic updates and backups.

Cons: There are no Xiaomi exclusives, sometimes updates appear later than in the Mi Store.

2. APKMirror

Popular download site APK-It's good if you have files:

• 📥 You need to install an app that is not in Google Play or Mi Store.
• 🔙 Want to revert to the previous version of the program.
• 🛠️ Testing beta versions of software.

⚠️ Careful: Download APK Only from trusted sources to avoid viruses!

3. Aptoide

Alternative app store with an open distribution model.

• 🆓 Lots of free apps that are paid on Google Play.
• 🛠️ Ability to create your own repositories.

Cons: less security controls, fake apps are possible.

4. Aurora Store

An informal client for Google Play, open source, allows:

• 📥 Download apps without a Google account.
• 🔍 Search software by category, like in the original Play Market.
• 🛡️ Avoid tracking from Google.

Cons: Requires manual installation APK and settings.

If you choose to use alternative stores, keep in mind the safety of:

• 🔒 Install only verified applications.
• 🛡️ Use an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes or Xiaomi’s built-in Security).
• 🔄 Update the software regularly.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Store on Xiaomi Redmi