GetApp on Xiaomi: a detailed analysis of the system application and its functions

If you own a Xiaomi, Redmi or a smartphone POCO, You've probably encountered GetApp on your installed list, and it's on all your firmware devices. MIUI It often raises questions about what kind of service it is, why it is needed, whether it can be removed and why it sometimes slows down the system or consumes battery?

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what GetApp is, how it works on Xiaomi, what features it performs, and give practical recommendations for setting up, disabling, or uninstalling (if possible). Also consider the typical problems associated with this application, and how to solve them - from resetting the cache to blocking through the application. ADB.

We’ll focus on security: whether GetApp should be trusted, how it interacts with user data, and why some experts advise limiting user activity. If you’re looking for a way to optimize your Xiaomi experience, or just want to understand what’s behind this mysterious name, read on.

What is GetApp on Xiaomi: Official Destination

GetApp (full name – GetApps) is a branded app store from Xiaomi, analogous to Google Play Market, but with a focus on programs optimized for firmware. MIUI. It is pre-installed on all brand devices and performs several key functions:

  • πŸ“± Spread of branded applications: here you can download utilities from Xiaomi that are not always available in Google Play (for example, Mi Remote, Mi Home, themes for the game). MIUI).
  • πŸ”„ Update of system components: patches for GetApp are often distributed MIUI, drivers and minor updates.
  • 🎁 Promotions and bonuses: Users are offered discounts, free apps or premium features for a limited period of time.
  • 🌍 Local Apps: In some regions (e.g. China), GetApp replaces Google Play as the primary source of software.

It's important to understand that GetApp is not just a store, it's part of the Xiaomi ecosystem, it's integrated with your Mi Account, syncs data across devices, and can even offer personalized recommendations based on your activity, but it's this pervasiveness that's often criticized by users, especially those who value privacy.

Technically, GetApp works as a background service (com.xiaomi.mipicks) that periodically checks for updates, sends analytics, and can run push notifications, which explains why an application sometimes appears on the active process list and consumes resources.

πŸ“Š You are using GetApp on your Xiaomi?
Yeah, regularly.
Updates only
Never opened it.
Delete/disable.
I don't know what it is.

How GetApp is different from Google Play and whether it should be used

The main difference between GetApp and Google Play Market is the target audience and content. If Google Play is versatile and contains millions of apps for all Android devices, GetApp focuses solely on the Xiaomi ecosystem.

CriteriaGetApp (Xiaomi)Google Play Market
Optimization for MIUIβœ… Applications are tested for compatibility with firmware❌ There may be unstable work on custom shells
Availability in Chinaβœ… Full-time work (main shop)❌ Locked without. VPN
System updatesβœ… Distributing patches for MIUI and drivers❌ Only Android updates (without branded improvements)
Confidentiality⚠️ Collects data for personalization (linked to Mi Account)⚠️ It also collects data, but with more transparent settings.
Removal❌ You can’t remove without root (only disable)❌ You can’t delete it, but you can also disable updates.

So, do you need to use GetApp if you already have Google Play? It all depends on your tasks:

  • βœ… Yes, if you actively use the Xiaomi ecosystem (smart home, branded accessories, themes) MIUI).
  • ❌ Not if you are annoyed by notifications, background activity or prefer alternative stores (e.g. APKMirror).

Note: Some system updates (for example, for the camera or module) NFC) They can only be distributed through GetApp. If you turn off the app, you'll have to manually install those updates.

πŸ’‘

Before disabling GetApp, check in Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Update the system, whether your device uses this service to download firmware.

Why GetApp is slowing down your phone and how to fix it

One of the most common complaints about GetApp is that it's overconsumption, lag, battery drain, heat, and it can be a lot of different reasons.

  1. Background Synchronization: The app constantly checks for updates, even if you don’t use it.
  2. Cache errors: Accumulated temporary files can slow down.
  3. Google Play conflict: If both stores download updates at the same time, it creates a load.
  4. Advertising Modules: Some versions of GetApp have integrated ads that load the processor.

The solution to the problem is from simple to radical:

Clear the cache in the application settings|Disable auto-updates|Limit background activity|Remove updates (roll back to factory version)|Disconnect through ADB (for advanced users)-->

If cleaning the cache and disabling auto updates did not help, you can try rolling back the application to the factory version:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ GetApp.
  2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Remove Updates.
  3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

For experienced users, there is a more radical way - disabling through the ADB (rootless):

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks

This command will block GetApp completely, but it can cause problems with updating system components. Use it only if other methods have not worked.

What happens if you completely remove GetApp?
Removing a system application without root is fraught with malfunctions MIUI, Especially if it's responsible for updates, at best, it will stop notifying you of new firmware versions, at worst, it may stop seeing some modules (for example, the phone may not be able to see any new software, IR-blaster NFC). If you still want to get rid of GetApp, use Magisk or custom firmware like LineageOS, but be prepared for the consequences.

Security and Privacy: What GetApp Knows About You

GetApp, like any Xiaomi system application, collects user data, and according to the Mi Account privacy policy, the service can transfer the following information:

  • πŸ“Š Usage statistics: what apps you download, how often you open a store.
  • πŸ“ Location: to show regional offers (you can turn off in settings).
  • πŸ”‘ Device and firmware: phone model, version MIUI, language.
  • πŸ”— Communication with Mi Account: Account binding to synchronize data between devices.

By default, GetApp has access to:

  • Internet (for downloading applications).
  • Storage (for installation) APK).
  • Notifications (for update notifications).

To limit data collection:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ Annexes β†’ GetApp β†’ Permits.
  2. Disable access to Locations, Contacts (if requested) and Notifications.
  3. In the application itself, go to the Profile β†’ Settings β†’ Privacy and deactivate the option Personalized recommendations.

πŸ’‘

Even if you disable permissions for GetApp, it will still collect basic anonymous data (such as device model and MIUI version) for system updates. To completely stop data transmission, you need to block the app via firewall or ADB.

If you are concerned about safety, pay attention to the following points:

  • ⚠️ GetApp can install apps without your knowledge if the settings allow automatic update installation.
  • ⚠️ Some of them APK GetApp doesn’t pass Google Play Protect, which theoretically increases the risk of malware (although Xiaomi claims that all files are checked).

For maximum protection, it is recommended:

  • Install a third-party firewall (such as NetGuard) and block GetApp’s access to the Internet.
  • Use Google Play as the main source of applications, and GetApp – only for system updates.

How to completely remove GetApp (methods for different firmware)

Remove GetApp with standard tools MIUI It's not possible -- it's a system application. But there are a few workarounds, depending on your firmware and your level of access:

Method 1: Disconnect without root (for most users)

If you do not have root rights, you can only disable the app:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Find GetApp (com.xiaomi.mipicks) and open its page.
  3. Click Disable (if the button is inactive, delete the updates first).
  4. Confirm the action. The app will disappear from the menu, but it will remain in the system.

Method 2: Remove via ADB (without root but with PC)

You will need a computer with installed ADB-driver:

adb shell


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

This command will delete GetApp for the current user, but it won't affect the system files. When you reset your phone, the app will return.

Method 3: Complete removal with root rights

If you have root (for example, through Magisk), you can delete GetApp permanently:

  1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer).
  2. Go to /system/priv-app/MiPick or /system/app/MiPick.
  3. Delete the MiPick.apk and MiPick.odex files (if any).
  4. Reset the device.

πŸ’‘

Before removing system applications through root, make a firmware backup in TWRP! This will help you recover your phone if something goes wrong.

Important: on some firmware (for example, MIUI China) GetApp is responsible for critical updates. its removal may result in:

  • ❌ Lack of notifications about new versions MIUI.
  • ❌ Problems with the work of branded services (for example, Mi Cloud or Mi Remote).
  • ❌ Mistakes in connecting to Xiaomi ecosystem (smart watches, speakers, etc.).

GetApp Alternatives: What App Stores Can You Use

If you decide to abandon GetApp, but still want to have access to Xiaomi’s branded apps, consider the following alternatives:

ShopAdvantagesDeficiencies
Google Play Marketβœ… Maximum security, automatic updates❌ There are no Xiaomi branded apps
APKMirrorβœ… All versions of the application, including beta❌ Manual installation, risk of informal assembly
Aptoideβœ… Alternative store with unique content❌ Lots of advertising, possibly harmful APK
F-Droidβœ… Open source only, no tracking❌ Very limited selection (no games or proprietary software)
Mi App Store (web version)βœ… Officially APK Xiaomi without installing GetApp❌ You need to download manually, there are no auto updates.

To install Xiaomi branded apps (such as Mi Fit or Mi Home) without GetApp:

  1. Download. APK from the official website app.mi.com.
  2. Enable installation from unknown sources in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Special access β†’ Installation of unknown applications.
  3. Set the file manually.

If you need topics for MIUI, You can download them via the web version of themes.c.mi.com, but you will still need the official Themes app to use it (which in turn may depend on GetApp for updates).

Frequent GetApp Errors and How to Solve Them

Xiaomi users often face problems in the work of GetApp. Let’s consider the most common errors and their solutions:

1. Error "Cannot connect to the server" (code) 400/500)

Causes: Internet problems, firewall blocking, server failures Xiaomi.

Decision:

  • Check your network connection (switch to mobile internet or Wi-Fi).
  • Turn off the VPN or proxy.
  • Clear the cache and GetApp data in the settings.
  • Try changing. DNS (for example, at 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1).

2. the Application is not updated ("Update not available")

Reasons: conflict with Google Play, insufficient space, regional restrictions

Decision:

  • Remove GetApp updates (roll back to the factory version).
  • Clear the cache of the Google Play Market and Google Play Services.
  • Check if the traffic saving mode is included in the Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.

3. GetApp constantly sends notifications

Reasons: Push notifications about promotions or updates are included.

Decision:

  • Open GetApp, go to Profile β†’ Settings β†’ Notifications and disable all options.
  • In Android Settings, block notifications for the app: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ GetApp β†’ Notifications β†’ Shut down.

4.The application does not open or fly out

Causes: corrupted files, conflict with other services, outdated version MIUI.

Decision:

  • Clear the cache and GetApp data.
  • Remove the app updates.
  • Update MIUI to the latest version.
  • If nothing helps, reset your phone settings (pre-backup!).

πŸ’‘

If GetApp has stopped working after the update MIUI, Try resetting the app settings through Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ GetApp β†’ Warehouse β†’ Reset. It often solves launch problems.

If none of these methods worked, it may be the server-side problem of Xiaomi, check the status of the services on the official website or wait for a fix in the next update.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about GetApp

Can I remove GetApp without root?
Completely remove GetApp without root rights can not, but you can disable through settings or ADB. This hides the app from the menu and stops its background activity, but does not delete files from the system. When you reset the phone to the factory settings, GetApp will return.
Why does GetApp install apps on its own?
This happens if the settings allow automatic update installation.To disable: Open GetApp and go to Profile β†’ Settings. Find the Auto Update option and turn it off. Also check the app's permissions in your Android settings and prevent it from installing it. APK. If the problem persists, clear the cache and GetApp data.
How to return GetApp after disconnecting from the ADB?
If you disabled GetApp with the adb shell pm disable-user command, you can return it as follows: adb shell pm enable com.xiaomi.mipicks If you deleted the application through root, you will have to refashion the phone or restore deleted files from the backup.
GetApp is slowing down games.
GetApp background processes can conflict with games, especially if they require a lot of resources.Solutions: Disable GetApp through settings or ADB. Add the game to Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Special access β†’ Optimizing the battery β†’ All applications and select No Limits. Use the game acceleration mode in MIUI (Settings β†’ Special facilities β†’ Game mode).
Can I download apps from GetApp to PC?
Yes, Xiaomi provides a web version of the store at app.mi.com. Here you can: View the app catalog. Download APK-Manually install files on your phone, manage installed programs (by linking Mi Accounts), but install system updates or themes MIUI You will still need a GetApp mobile app.