GetApps in Xiaomi: why you need this app store and how to use it

If you own a Xiaomi smartphone, you’ve probably noticed a pre-installed GetApps app (or App Store in Russian localization), which many users mistakenly consider an unnecessary Google Play backup, and some even try to remove it as “malware.” In fact, GetApps is a key service of the Xiaomi ecosystem, which performs several important functions at once, from optimizing the system to providing exclusive content.

In this article, we will discuss in detail why GetApps is needed in Xiaomi, how it differs from Google Play, how to use it correctly and why removing it can lead to malfunctions in the smartphone. You will also learn about the hidden features of the application, which will help save traffic, speed up the download of updates and even access beta versions of firmware. MIUI. If you want to make the most of your Redmi, POCO Or Xiaomi, this guide is for you.

What is GetApps and why it is preinstalled on all Xiaomi smartphones

GetApps (or com.xiaomi.mipicks in the system) is a branded app store from Xiaomi, which is installed on all devices of the brand, including smartphones, tablets and even smart watches. Unlike Google Play, this service is developed directly by Xiaomi and is closely integrated with firmware. MIUI. Its main objectives:

• 📱 Optimization of software for the “iron” Xiaomi – applications from GetApps undergo additional testing for compatibility with Qualcomm, MediaTek and Xiaomi chips (for example, Surge) C1).
• 🔄 Update system components – critical patches are distributed through GetApps MIUI, camera drivers and communication modules.
• 🎁 Exclusive content – themes, wallpapers, games and utilities that are not available in Google Play (for example, branded apps for Xiaomi Smart Home).
• 🌍 Localization for China and other regions – in some countries (for example, China) Google Play is blocked, and GetApps becomes the main source of software.

It is important to understand that GetApps is not a virus or a bloatware.

• 🔗 Interacts with Xiaomi servers to verify licenses and updates.
• 🛡️ Controls the integrity of the firmware through the mechanism MIUI Optimization.
• 📡 Accelerates the download of updates through use CDN (Content Delivery Networks by Xiaomi.

Without GetApps, some features MIUI For example, the themes and wallpapers from the branded store will not apply, and updates to system applications (such as Mi Browser or Mi Video) will stop coming.

How GetApps is different from Google Play: a comparison table

Many users ask, "Why do you need GetApps when you have Google Play?" These stores are actually complementary, not competing.

Critical difference: GetApps updates system components MIUI, Google Play doesn't see things, like camera drivers for Snapdragon models or modules for working with the software. NFC Xiaomi 13 series.

Another important point is that GetApps often has apps before Google Play, such as betas. MIUI or exclusive games for POCO F5 It also distributes regional updates (such as adaptations for India or Europe) that do not make it to the global Google Play.

⚠️ Note: If you delete GetApps, you will lose the ability to install updates for pre-installed Xiaomi apps (such as Mi Home or Mi Fit.

How to use GetApps: step-by-step instructions for beginners

GetApps' interface is intuitive, but it has hidden features that few people know about.

1. Installation and update of applications

To install or update the program through GetApps:

1. Open the GetApps app (an icon with a blue package and a white arrow).
2. In the search bar, enter the name of the application (for example, Mi Remote).
3. Click on the application card → Install (or update if already installed).
4. Confirm the download (if necessary, enter the password from the Mi Account).

For mass updates of all applications:

1. Go to the Update tab (the arrow icon down).
2. Click Update All or select specific apps.

The correct name of the application (no typos)

Rating and reviews of other users

File size (some games weigh) >1GB)

Compatible with your Xiaomi model (indicated in the description)-->

2. Set up auto-updates

To enable automatic update of applications:

1. Open GetApps → tap on the profile avatar (in the upper right corner).
2. Select Settings → Auto-Update applications.
3. Specify the terms: 🔄 Wi-Fi only (recommended for traffic savings). 📶 Wi-Fi and mobile network (if you have unlimited rates). ⏰ Update time (for example, at night).

3. Hidden features of GetApps

Few people know that GetApps has:

• 🎮 Section "Games" with exclusive titles for devices POCO Black Shark (for example, 144Hz optimized games).
• 📱 Beta testing MIUI — You can sign up to test new versions of the firmware here.
• 🔍 Search by category (e.g., “For Photographers” or “For Gamers”) where optimized apps are collected.
• 💰 Promotional codes and discounts on paid applications (available in the section "Promotions»).

To find these sections, scroll down the GetApps homepage or use keyword searches (like “beta” or “games”).

💡

If the app from GetApps isn’t installed, try clearing the store’s cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management → GetApps → Clear the cache.

Can I delete GetApps and what happens if I do it?

Technically, removing GetApps is possible, but it is highly discouraged.The application is system-based and is associated with:

• 🔄 Update MIUI — Without it, some security patches will not be installed.
• 📦 Operating branded services (for example, Mi Cloud or Mi Account).
• 🎨 Using themes and wallpapers – Xiaomi theme store uses GetApps infrastructure.

If you decide to remove it, there are two ways:

Method 1: Disconnect (without root)

This is a safe option that will not disrupt the system:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find GetApps (or com.xiaomi.mipicks).
3. Click Disconnect → Confirm the action.

In doing so,

• ✅ The app will disappear from the menu.
• ❌ System utilities updates will stop coming.
• ❌ Certain functions MIUI (For example, synchronization of topics may not work properly.

Method 2: Complete removal (root required)

For experienced users with an unlocked bootloader:

adb shell


su




pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks

Consequences:

• ⚠️ Mi Browser, Mi Video, Mi Music and other pre-installed apps will stop updating.
• ⚠️ Certain functions MIUI (For example, the Game Turbo can be turned off.
• ⚠️ GetApps Recovery Will Require Reset to Factory Settings.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global removal of GetApps may result in the blocking of Mi Account due to violation of the license agreement. 13T Pro or Redmi Note 12).

💡

GetApps Deletion Violates Integrity MIUI and may cause denial of warranty service.

How to fix bugs in GetApps: common problems and solutions

Sometimes GetApps may not work properly. Let's look at the common bugs and how to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, try:

1. Update MIUI to the latest version via Settings → About Phone → System Update.
2. Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
3. In extreme cases, perform a reset to factory settings (don’t forget to make a backup!).

Hidden features of GetApps: how to get the most out of the application

GetApps has a lot more than it seems, and here are some life hacks for power users:

1. Saving traffic when downloading applications

If you have limited internet access:

1. Open GetApps → click on the profile avatar → Settings.
2. Activate the option to download only over Wi-Fi.
3. Enable Data Compression (available on) MIUI 14+).

This will reduce traffic consumption by 30-40% without loss of quality.

2. Access to beta versions MIUI applications

You can become a beta tester through GetApps:

1. Open the section MIUI (bottom-screen).
2. Choose Join the Beta Testing.
3. Fill out the questionnaire and wait for approval (usually 1-3 days).

After that, you can install weekly builds. MIUI with new features before the official release.

3. Accelerate the download of updates

If the updates are too slow to load:

• 📡 Use alternative GetApps servers: Go to Settings → Additionally. → Region: Select India or Singapore (higher speed) CDN).

Background loading

4. Obtaining exclusive themes and wallpaper

GetApps has a hidden section with premium content:

1. Open the Topic tab.
2. Scroll down and find the Exclusive block for Xiaomi.
3. Some topics can be obtained for free by completing a simple task (e.g., evaluating an application).

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If you want to receive notifications about new beta versions MIUI, subscribe to the channel MIUI Updates Tracker in Telegram (@miuiupdatestracker).

GetApps Security: Can You Trust This Store?

One of the most common questions is, "Is GetApps the source of viruses?" The answer is no if you only download apps from the official store. Here's why:

• 🛡️ Xiaomi: All applications undergo modification and compatibility testing MIUI.
• 🔍 Virus scanning: uses Mi Security Scan’s own system, similar to Google Play Protect.
• 📜 License Agreements: Xiaomi removes apps that violate the rules (unlike third-party apps) APK-webpage).

But there are nuances:

• ⚠️ In some regions (e.g. China), GetApps may have ads or data collection applications (this is due to local law).
• ⚠️ Applications in the Local (country-specific) section may contain geo-restrictions.

To keep yourself safe:

1. Check the rating and reviews before installing.
2. Don't download. APK from third-party sources, even if they are advertised in GetApps.
3. Update regularly MIUI Security through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

⚠️ Note: If you see an app with a suspiciously high rating (for example, 4.9 with 5 reviews) in GetApps, it may be fake software. Check the developer - official Xiaomi apps are published under the Xiaomi Inc account..

FAQ: Frequent questions about GetApps in Xiaomi