If you own a Xiaomi smartphone, you’ve probably noticed the Mi Store app (formerly GetApps) preinstalled, and many users are deleting it as an unnecessary duplicate of Google Play, but in fact, it performs much more functions than it seems at first glance. From exclusive themes to critical updates to system components, the Mi Store is integrated into the ecosystem. MIUI It can make life easier for owners of brand devices.
In this article, we’ll go into detail about why the Mi Store can’t be turned off without the consequences of a smartphone, what unique features it offers (and which Google Play doesn’t), and how to use it correctly, from basic setup to solving typical problems. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can uninstall the store or how to get early access to new features, the answers are below.
What is the Mi Store and how is it different from Google Play?
At first glance, Mi Store (or GetApps in older versions) MIUI) It looks like a new app store, like Google Play, Huawei’s AppGallery, or Samsung’s Galaxy Store, but its key difference is its deep integration with firmware. MIUI. It is not just a platform for downloading software, but a tool for:
- 📦 System App Updates (e.g. Camera, Gallery, Security) that are not updated through Google Play.
- 🎨 Install exclusive themes and icons not available in other stores.
- 🔄 Beta testing of new functions MIUI before their official release.
- 🔧 Recovery of Remote System Utilities (e.g. Mi Video or Mi Music).
It’s important to understand that Xiaomi doesn’t just duplicate content from Google Play, but offers unique solutions for its ecosystem.
- 📱 Branded launchers (e.g, POCO Launcher for devices POCO).
- 🔒 Smart home apps (such as Mi Home with advanced settings).
- 🎮 Gaming Utility (e.g. Game Turbo for performance optimization).
⚠️ Note: Some system updates (for example, for Camera or Security) are distributed only through the Mi Store. their absence may lead to malfunctions in the smartphone.
Why you need Mi Store: 5 key features
If you still think the Mi Store is just the “Chinese equivalent of Google Play,” it’s helpful to learn about its hidden features. Here are five reasons why it’s important to Xiaomi owners:
- System application updates. Many utilities MIUI (For example, Camera, Gallery, Notes are updated exclusively through the Mi Store. Without it, you risk staying on an outdated version with bugs.
- Exclusive themes and designs, and you can download dynamic wallpapers, icons and fonts that are not found anywhere else, such as themes that support Always-on Display. AMOLED-screen.
- Beta testing of new features. Through the Mi Store, Xiaomi distributes closed beta versions MIUI It's the only way to get early access to new products.
- Restore Remote Applications If you accidentally uninstall a system utility (e.g. Mi Video or Remote Applications) FM-The radio can be returned here.
- Local applications for different regions: The Mi Store has sections with country-specific software (e.g. Mi Pay for India or Mi Credit for Europe).
The store also offers fast downloads from Xiaomi servers, which is especially noticeable in countries with slow access to Google Play, and there are also frequent promotions and sweepstakes (for example, discounts on Mi Ecosystem devices).
Can I delete the Mi Store and what happens if I do it?
Technically, removing the Mi Store is possible, but it is highly discouraged for several reasons:
| Action. | Effects of consequences | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| Removal through Settings → Applications | The app will disappear, but system updates will stop coming | Failures in the work of the Camera, Gallery, Security |
| Disconnection through ADB | The store is hidden, but remains in the system. | Some MIUI functions may not work properly |
| Removal through root access | Complete removal of application files | Critical errors in the next update MIUI |
| Reset to factory settings | The Mi Store will automatically recover | Data loss on the device |
If you want to get rid of the store, there are safer ways to do this:
- 🔕 Disable notifications: Go to Settings → Annexes → Mi Store → Notifications and turn off all alerts.
- 📵 Hide the icon: Use any launcher (like Nova Launcher) to remove the shortcut from the home screen.
- 🛠️ Freeze through ADB: Adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks will disable the application without deleting.
⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro or X-ray) POCO F5) Mi Store is responsible for distributing HyperOS updates. its removal may block access to new firmware versions.
What to do if the Mi Store does not open?
How to use the Mi Store: step-by-step instructions
If you’ve never opened the Mi Store, you may have missed out on a lot of useful features.
- When you first start up, you'll be prompted to log in to Mi-account, which is optional, but without an account, you won't be able to access it: 📥 Cloud backup of themes and settings. 🎁 Participation in promotions and pranks. 🔄 Beta testing MIUI.
App updates.
Updates
auto-refresh
Searching for topics.
Topics
AMOLED
Xiaomi 14
Redmi K70 Pro
Participation in beta testing.
Laboratory
MIUI
HyperOS
For convenience, you can customize personalized recommendations.
- Open the Mi Store.
- Go to Profile. → Settings → Personalization.
- Select categories of interest (e.g. Games, Themes, Smart Home).
Enter Mi-account|Update all system applications|Set up personal recommendations|Check the "Laboratory" section in the beta version|Clear the cache to speed up work-->
How to get early access to new Xiaomi features through the Mi Store
One of the most valuable features of the Mi Store is the ability to participate in beta testing of new versions. MIUI It's a HyperOS, and it allows you to try out things long before they're officially released:
- Apply. Open the Mi Store and go to the Lab tab (🧪). Select the Beta Testing section MIUI (or HyperOS for new devices. Click Join and fill out the questionnaire.
Waiting for approval.
1-3 days
Mi-account
Install beta.
Updates
Important:
Participation in beta testing gives access to:
- 🆕 New functions MIUI: for example, AI-Instructions in the Chamber or extended gestures.
⚠️ Note: Beta versions may contain bugs! on some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) unstable firmware caused the battery to overheat or discharge rapidly.
💡
Before installing the beta version MIUI Check the reviews of other testers in the Lab section → They often publish lists of known bugs.
Solving Typical Mi Store Problems
Like any system application, the Mi Store can crash, and let's look at some of the most common problems and ways to solve them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Store won't open | Cache or data failure | Clear the cache in Settings → Annexes → Mi Store → Memory. |
| Do not load topics or applications | Problems with the Internet or servers Xiaomi | Check the connection or use it. VPN (For example, access to regional topics) |
| Notices are constantly coming. | Included alerts for new topics or promotions | Turn off notifications in the app settings |
| Search is not working. | An outdated version of the app | Update the Mi Store via Google Play or APKMirror |
| "Service unavailable" error | Problems with Mi-account or regional settings | Log out and log in again, or change the region in your phone settings |
If none of these methods helped, try resetting the settings. MIUI (data-free):
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Select Reset MIUI (not to be confused with a full reset!).
- Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.
💡
Before resetting the settings MIUI Make sure you have a backup of themes and personal data – they can be deleted!
Mi Store vs Google Play: What’s the best way to use Xiaomi
Many Xiaomi users are wondering: should you use the Mi Store if you have Google Play?
| Criteria | Mi Store | Google Play |
|---|---|---|
| System updates | ✅ Got it. MIUI-applications) | ❌ No (only for third-party applications) |
| Themes and design | ✅ Thousands of exclusive themes | ❌ Only through third-party launchers. |
| Security | ✅ All applications are checked by Xiaomi | ⚠️ Malware risk (despite Google Play Protect protection) |
| Regional restrictions | ✅ Access to local services (e.g. Mi Pay for India) | ❌ Many applications are blocked by region |
| Loading speed | ✅ Faster in countries with slow access to Google | ⚠️ Depends on the speed of connection to Google servers |
The ideal option is to use both stores:
- 📱 Mi Store – for system updates, themes and exclusive features MIUI.
- 🤖 Google Play – for other applications (social networks, instant messengers, games).
If you want to save traffic or battery, you can turn off auto-update in both stores and update apps manually.