GetApps in Xiaomi Phone: What It Is, Why It Needs, and How to Manage It

Have you ever noticed an app called GetApps in your Xiaomi or Redmi? It pops up right after you buy it, takes up space on the home screen, and sends out hot news alerts periodically. Many users wonder what the service is, can it be removed, is it harmful to the phone? In this article, we'll take a look at all the aspects of GetApps, from destination to hidden features that aren't obvious at first sight.

GetApps is the official Xiaomi app store, which is not related to Google Play, but is closely integrated into the app store. MIUI. It offers both free and paid apps optimized specifically for the brand's devices, but its behavior often raises questions: Why is it consuming traffic in the background, how to turn off its notifications, and whether it is possible to completely get rid of this service without consequences for the system.

What is GetApps and why you need it in Xiaomi

GetApps (sometimes called the Mi App Store or Xiaomi App Store) is an alternative app store designed by Xiaomi specifically for its devices.It is pre-installed on all smartphones of the brand under the control of the shell. MIUI, including Redmi models, POCO Black Shark, the main purpose of the service is to offer users:

• 📱 Localized apps for the Chinese and global markets (many of them are not available on Google Play)
• 🔍 Recommendations based on analysis of your behavior on the phone
• 🎁 Exclusive promotions and discounts on paid programs
• 🛡️ Verified applications (according to Xiaomi, all programs are moderated for viruses)

It is important to understand that GetApps does not replace Google Play, but complements it.

• 🎮 Optimized games for Snapdragon or MediaTek processors used in Xiaomi
• 📺 Applications for Mi TV Other devices in the Xiaomi ecosystem
• 🔧 Utilities for fine-tuning MIUI, Which are not available on Google Play
• 🇨🇳 Popular Chinese services (e.g. Weibo, Douyin, Alipay)

But the service has a downside: it collects data about your installed apps, displays ads, and sometimes installs programs without the user’s explicit consent, a distrust that many Xiaomi owners have.

How GetApps Works: Technical Details

From a technical point of view, GetApps is a system application with the com.xiaomi.mipicks package (in older versions of com.xiaomi.market), which has extended rights in the Internet. MIUI. It works on the following principle:

1. Device analysis: Scanner determines phone model, version MIUI, installed applications and even geolocation.
2. Guidelines: Based on the data collected, Xiaomi servers select “relevant” content.
3. Background activity: The application periodically checks for updates for installed programs and downloads metadata from new ones.
4. Push notifications: Sends promotional messages about discounts, new games or “popular” apps.

GetApps is unique in that it can automatically install some applications (usually system utilities or affiliate services) through the Silent Install mechanism, which is allowed for pre-installed applications in the app. MIUI. For example, after updating the system, you may find new icons on the desktop – this is the work of GetApps.

Interesting fact: in Chinese versions MIUI GetApps is the main app store because Google Play is blocked, and it duplicates some of the Play Market’s features in global firmware, but with a focus on Asian content.

⚠️ Warning: If you notice GetApps is consuming too much traffic or battery, check autorun settings. MIUI This application is by default allowed to work in the background without restrictions.

Can I remove GetApps from Xiaomi: all the ways

The question of removing GetApps is one of the most popular among Xiaomi owners, and the answer depends on how deeply you are willing to interfere with the system:

Removal via ADB (no root)

Complete removal with root rights

Hiding the icon from the desktop-->

1. Disconnect without root (the safest way):

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management
• 🔍 Find GetApps (or Mi App Store)
• 🚫 Click "Disable" (the application will remain in the system, but will stop working)

2. Removal through ADB (for advanced users):

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

This command will only remove the application for the current user without affecting the system files. USB.

3. Complete removal with root rights:

• 🛠️ Install Root Explorer or similar file manager
• 📁 Move to the /system/priv-app/MiPick or /system/app/MiMarket
• 🗑️ Delete the folder with the app
• 🔄 Reset the device

⚠️ Warning: Complete removal of system applications can lead to unstable operation MIUI, Especially when you update your firmware. In some cases, GetApps is automatically restored after the update.

If you don't want to take risks, the easiest way is to simply hide the icon from your desktop by holding your finger on the icon and dragging it into the basket.The app will stay in the system but won't get in the way.

How to Disable Ads and Notifications from GetApps

One of the main annoyances associated with GetApps is intrusive advertising and notifications about “hot new products”, which, fortunately, can be turned off in several ways:

Method 1: Through application settings:

1. Open GetApps
2. Slip on the profile icon (in the upper right corner)
3. Select Settings → Notifications
4. Turn off all switches.

Method 2: Through system settings:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → GetApps
• 🔔 Select "Notifications" and disable the display
• 🔄 It is also recommended to disable "Autostart" and "Background activity"

Method 3: Blocking through MIUI Optimizer (for experienced users):

If you have a set MIUI Optimizer (module for customization), you can completely block the activity of GetApps:

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

After these actions, the app will stop showing ads and notifications, but will remain in the system.If you want to get rid of it completely, use the removal methods described in the previous section.

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If notifications continue to appear after disabling, check the "Special permissions" section in the app settings. Sometimes GetApps gets permissions to display notifications through other system services.

GetApps Security: Can You Trust This Store?

One of the most controversial issues is how secure it is to install apps from GetApps. Xiaomi says that all programs are tested for viruses and malicious code, but in practice the situation is ambiguous:

Safety benefits:

• 🛡️ All applications are signed with a Xiaomi digital certificate
• 🔍 There is a built-in virus scanning system (Mi Security Scan)
• 📋 Developers are verified before publication

Cons and risks:

• 🕵️‍♂️ Some apps collect more data than claimed
• 📦 There are "gray" programs with aggressive advertising
• 🇨🇳 Some content is targeted at the Chinese market and may contain unwanted features.

Comparison with Google Play:

Our advice: If you are not sure about the security of the app from GetApps, check it on VirusTotal or Google Play (if there is one) before installing it.

⚠️ Note: In 2022, security researchers discovered that some apps from GetApps contained adware that showed banners even on a locked screen. Xiaomi promptly removed these programs, but the risk of a recurrence remains.

Hidden features GetApps: what does this store

Many users don’t realize that GetApps has much more to do than just show a list of apps. Here are some hidden features:

Application beta testing:

In the account settings, you can subscribe to beta versions of popular programs (for example, Mi Home or Mi Fit), which allows you to get new features before others.

Installation APK without warning:

If you download APK-file via GetApps, system MIUI will not show warnings about installation from unknown sources.

3. Sync with Mi Account:

All apps installed through GetApps are linked to your Mi Account, and can be quickly restored when you change your phone.

4. Hidden sections for developers:

If you’re a developer, GetApps has a dedicated section for publishing and testing its apps with installation analytics.

Exclusive themes and wallpaper:

Some regions have unique themes available through GetApps. MIUI, Which is not in the standard store of themes.

To access these features, you sometimes need to go to Settings. → Additionally, or use special gestures (for example, swipe left on the store's home screen).

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GetApps is not just an app store, but a full-fledged ecosystem for Xiaomi users, where you can find exclusive content, beta versions of programs and even in closed testing of new features. MIUI.

GetApps Alternatives: Where to Go Instead

If you have decided to opt out of GetApps but want similar features, consider these alternatives:

• 📱 Google Play is the main Android store with the maximum selection of applications
• 🛡️ APKMirror is a reliable source APK-virus-checking files
• 🌍 Aptoide – an alternative store with an open moderation system
• 🔍 F-Droid – open source catalog without advertising and tracking
• 🇨🇳 APKPure is a good alternative for finding Asian apps

Comparison of alternatives:

If you want Chinese apps that were in GetApps, try QooApp or TapTap services – they specialize in Asian content and have a Russian-language interface.

FAQ: Frequent questions about GetApps in Xiaomi