If you own a Xiaomi smartphone, tablet or TV, you’ve probably come across a pre-installed Games app (or Games in Russian localization), which often raises questions: what is it, why is it needed and can it be removed? In this article, we’ll discuss in detail what Xiaomi Games is, how to use it, what are its pros and cons, and compare it with alternative gaming platforms.
Games is not just a game catalog, but part of the Xiaomi ecosystem integrated into MIUI. It offers both free and paid games optimized for the brand’s devices. However, its functionality is often underrated due to its limited range and regional features.
What is Xiaomi Games and Why You Need It?
Games Xiaomi is the official gaming hub developed by the company for its devices, essentially an analogue of Google Play Games or Apple Arcade, but with a focus on the Asian market.The service is pre-installed on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, as well as some Mi TV models.
The main objectives of the platform:
- 🎮 Game directory – access to free and paid games optimized for Xiaomi hardware.
- 🏆 Achievements and ratings – a gamification system with rewards for activity.
- 🔄 Cloud Savings – Synchronize progress between devices (not working for all games).
- 💰 Discounts and promotions – exclusive offers for users of the Xiaomi ecosystem.
It's important to understand that Games Xiaomi is not a full-fledged app store like Google Play. There are not millions of games here, but there are exclusive projects from Asian developers that are difficult to find in other stores, such as some MMORPGs or casual games with Mi Account support.
⚠️ Note: In Russia and Europe, Xiaomi Games functionality is severely curtailed due to regional restrictions. VPN downloadable.
How to use Xiaomi Games: step-by-step instructions
To start using the service, just open the Game app (the joystick icon) on the home screen or in the application menu. If it is not available, it may be disabled or removed. In this case, check the Settings folder → Applications → Application Management → Disabled.
The main steps of working with the platform:
- Authorization – Sign in via Mi Account (required for data synchronization).
- Overview of the catalog - the games are divided into categories: "Popular", "New", "Exclusive", "For children".
- Download - click on the game → "Install". Some games require additional permissions (for example, access to storage).
- Game Management – In the “My Games” section, you can update, delete or run installed projects.
The service features a Game Turbo that is automatically activated when you start games from the directory, which optimizes performance, blocks notifications and offers additional settings for gameplay (for example, displaying FPS).
Check the free space on the device (minimum 1-2 GB)
Connect to Wi-Fi (many games weigh 500+MB)
Installation from unknown sources (if required)
Update the Games app to the latest version-->
Advantages and Disadvantages of Xiaomi Games
Like any service, Games Xiaomi has its pros and cons. Let’s take a closer look at them so you can decide whether to use it.
| Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|
| 🔹 Optimization for Xiaomi iron (less lags and departures). | 🔸 Limited catalogue of games (especially in Europe and Russia). |
| 🔹 Exclusive games from Asian developers. | 🔸 Many games in Chinese or English without localization. |
| 🔹 Built-in Game Turbo to improve performance. | 🔸 Regional restrictions (some games require a number of games) VPN). |
| 🔹 Synchronize progress with Mi Account. | 🔸 Advertising and promotional content in the interface. |
| 🔹 Periodic distribution of premium games. | 🔸 There is no refund system for purchased games. |
An important nuance: some games in Xiaomi Games may contain in-app purchases that are written off through Mi Pay, not Google Play Billing, which means that it will be more difficult to refund funds – you will have to contact Xiaomi support.
Every day.
1-2 times a week
Rarely, only on the road.
Never play.-->
How to remove or disable Games Xiaomi
If you don't use the service, you can remove it or at least disable it to make room and remove the icon that you don't need. MIUI:
Method 1: Disconnect (without root)
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the Games (com.xiaomi.gamecenter).
- Press "Disable" (if the button is inactive, first click "Stop").
Method 2: Removal (ADB required)
To completely remove you will need a computer and an ADB tool. Connect the phone to the PC, enable debugging over USB and follow the command:
adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.gamecenter⚠️ Note: Removing system applications may cause firmware to run unstable. If you have problems after Games are removed (such as Mi Account errors), restore the application through a reset or firmware reflash.
What happens if you remove Xiaomi Games?
Xiaomi Games Alternatives: Where else to download games
If the Xiaomi Games directory doesn’t suit you, consider alternative platforms for downloading games:
- 📱 Google Play Games is Google’s official store with millions of games and cloud saves. Supports Xiaomi, but no Game Turbo optimization.
- 🎮 NVIDIA GeForce NOW — Cloud-based gaming service for streaming AAA-Games (requires a stable internet).
- 🖥️ Amazon Appstore – an alternative store with exclusive games (e.g. Genshin Impact is sometimes given away for free).
- 🌍 APKMirror / APKPure - directories APK-Manual installation files (virus risk, caution required).
- 🕹️ Xbox Cloud Gaming – streaming games from the Xbox console (works on Xiaomi via the browser).
If you’re looking for hardware optimization, check out GameSpace, another Xiaomi app that combines games from multiple sources and offers additional performance settings (like FPS restriction or autobrightness lock).
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Before installing games from third-party sources (APKs), always check the hash file on sites like VirusTotal to help avoid viruses and spyware.
Xiaomi Games on Mi TVs: Features
Games is available not only on smartphones, but also on Xiaomi Mi TVs (Mi TV 4/5 series, Mi TV Q1/Q2, etc.) Here it acts as a gaming launcher for Android TV, offering casual games optimized for the remote control.
What is the difference between the TV version:
- 🎯 Control - games adapted for the remote (no need for a gamepad).
- 🖼️ Interface – a simplified menu with large icons.
- 📺 Performance – Games are not resource-intensive (most run on Mi) TV Stick).
- 👨👩👧👦 Family content – lots of children’s games and puzzles.
However, there are limitations: a catalog of games for Mi TV It's even smaller than smartphones, and many projects require a connected gamepad (like RetroArch emulators), and because of the weak iron, modern hardware is so much more powerful. 3D-Games on Xiaomi TVs are often slowed down.
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For a comfortable game on Mi TV, it is better to connect a Bluetooth gamepad (for example, Xiaomi Game Controller or 8BitDo), which will expand the possibilities and make control more convenient.
Security and privacy in Games Xiaomi
Like any Xiaomi service, Games collects user data, and the privacy policy states that the app may transfer:
- 📱 Information about the device (model, version) MIUI, IMEI).
- 🎮 Data on games (session time, achievements, purchases).
- 🌍 Geolocation (if permissions are included).
- 🔗 Mi Account Data (email, nickname).
To minimize data collection:
- Open Settings → Privacy → Application permissions.
- Find the Games and disable unnecessary permissions (geolocation, contacts, SMS).
- In Mi Account settings, limit analytics collection.
⚠️ Note: Some games from Xiaomi’s Games catalog (especially from Chinese developers) may request suspicious permissions, such as accessing calls or accessing a phone. SMS. Always check what rights you give the app and read reviews before installing it.