GetApps on Xiaomi: what is this application and can it be removed

Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners often notice an unknown service called GetApps on their installed list.This app store automatically appears on the device after buying or updating the system, raising questions about its need and security. Many users perceive it as an intrusive add-on that consumes resources and shows ads even if they do not use it.

In fact, GetApps is Xiaomi’s official app store, also known as the Mi Store, preinstalled in the MIUI and HyperOS shell for regions other than China, and serves as an alternative to Google Play. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the functionality of the service, assess the risks of using it, and provide step-by-step instructions for removing it completely or safely disabling it.

What is GetApps and why do you need it?

GetApps (formerly the Mi Store) is a system component of Xiaomi’s ecosystem, with the main purpose of providing users with access to apps and games that may not be available in their region through Google Play, as well as distributing the company’s branded utilities. Unlike the standard store, it often offers early access to MIUI betas and exclusive themes.

The service is integrated deep into the operating system, and it is responsible not only for installing software, but also for automatically updating Xiaomi's built-in applications, such as Security, Explorer and Gallery. If you are an active user of this brand's technology, having this store allows faster synchronization of system components with the developer's servers.

However, for many users, the presence of a third-party store becomes a source of irritation. The application can run in the background, consuming RAM and battery power. In addition, GetApps is known for its aggressive notification policy, offering to install games or buy goods, even if you have never opened this store.

⚠️ Warning: Complete removal of system applications may disrupt some shell functions MIUI, such as automatic update of drivers or design themes.

The main features and differences of Google Play

While Google Play remains the primary source of software for most Android users, GetApps has a number of unique features: It is optimized specifically for Redmi and POCO devices, allowing it to check the compatibility of applications with specific CPU models and shell versions, which reduces the likelihood of crashes and errors after installation.

An important feature is the ability to download apps without being linked to a Google account, which can be useful in situations where Google services are temporarily unavailable or blocked on the device, and the store often offers regional apps popular in Asia that are difficult to find in the European Play Market segment.

Let’s compare the key aspects of the two stores:

• 📱 Integration: GetApps is deeply embedded in MIUI Updates system components, Google Play only updates Google services.
• 🌍 Regionality: GetApps offers content focused on Asian and European markets, including localized versions of games.
• 🔒 Security: Google Play Protect scans apps more aggressively, while moderation in GetApps may be less stringent for some software categories.
• 🚀 Speed: Downloading via Xiaomi servers is often faster on Xiaomi devices thanks to streamlining communication channels.

Resource consumption and battery impact

One of the main reasons users want to get rid of GetApps is its impact on smartphone autonomy.The app has permission to run in the background, which is necessary to check for updates.However, sometimes the com.xiaomi.mipicks process can "hang" starting to consume a significant percentage of CPU time.

If you notice that the phone is rapidly discharged or heated at rest, it is worth checking the battery usage statistics. It is often found that the app store actively used the network even when the screen is off, especially for older Redmi models with a small amount of RAM.

To minimize harm without completely removing, you can limit background activity. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps → GetApps → Battery and select No Limits mode (for control) or, conversely, ban background activity if you rarely use the store. This will prevent imperceptible charge consumption.

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To check if GetApps is eating up the battery, open Settings → Battery → Consumption and search the list of “GetApps” or “Mi Store”.

Is it safe to remove GetApps on Xiaomi?

The issue of security removal is acute, as GetApps is a system application. Simple removal through a standard interface is often impossible - the Remove button may be inactive or absent.

Deleting the app won’t cause a smartphone to “brick” or lose personal data.However, automatic updates for pre-installed Xiaomi utilities may stop working. APK-Internet files that are less secure.

There are two main approaches:

• 🛑 Disconnect: The safest method.The application stays in memory, but does not start, consumes traffic and does not show notifications.
• 🗑️ Complete Deletion: Requires the use of a computer and debugging tools (ADB). Frees up space in memory, but requires caution.

⚠️ Warning: Before any manipulation of system packages, be sure to create a complete backup of data to a cloud service or computer.

Method 1: Disconnect and Restrict Work (Without PC)

If you don’t want to mess with your computer and complex commands, the best option is to force you to stop and disable notifications.This won’t physically delete the app, but will make it “invisible” and useless to the system.

First, remove all permissions. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find GetApps (may be called Mi Store). Go to Permissions and disable all access points: memory, network, phone and location. Without access to the network, the store will not be able to download ads or data.

Then turn off notifications. In the same menu, look for Notifications and uncheck all the boxes. This will save you from pop-ups with game suggestions. Finally, click Stop or Forced Stop. In some versions of MIUI, a Disconnect button is available that will hide the icon from the desktop.

Method 2: Complete removal through ADB (For Advanced)

Physically removing the package will require a computer (Windows, macOS or Linux), USB-cable and debugging mode enabled on your smartphone, which allows you to remove the application completely, freeing up space in the system partition.

First, activate Developer Mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly press 7 times on MIUI Version (or OS Version). Then in Advanced Settings → For developers, turn on “Debugging on USB.” Connect the phone to your PC.

Download and install ADB Platform Tools on your computer. Open the Command Prompt (CMD) in the ADB folder and type in the command to check the connection:

adb devices

You'll see a debugging permission request on your phone screen, confirm it. If the console displays the serial number of the device, the connection is set.

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

If the command is successful, the application will disappear from the installed list. In case of an error, check whether the name of the package is spelled correctly (it may differ depending on the firmware region).

Possible problems after removal

After removing GetApps, some users experience errors when trying to update system applications, such as the Security app, which may issue a warning that virus databases are not updated, or require components to be updated through the store.

Theme widgets may also disappear or stop updating wallpaper if they were downloaded through Xiaomi services. In rare cases, the GetApps App Stopped error may appear on the lock screen if there are residual processes associated with this package.

To address the problems, it is recommended that:

• 🔄 Manual Update: Download APK-System application files only from official verified resources.
• 🧹 Cache Cleanup: After removal, it is advisable to restart the device in Safe Mode and clear the system cache.
• 📲 Alternatives: Install a lightweight third-party store (such as F-Droid or Aurora Store) if Google Play functionality isn’t enough.

Comparative table of methods

To make it easier for you to choose the right option, we have prepared a comparative table of methods of working with the application.

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The safest way for the average user is not to delete the application, but to deny them access to the network and notifications, which keeps the system stable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)