GetApps on Xiaomi: What is this app, how does it work, and should it be kept on a smartphone?

If you own a Xiaomi smartphone, you've probably noticed a strange name on the installed app list called GetApps, which appears right after you set up your device, takes up space in your memory and sometimes sends notifications, but what is it really like? Should you use it or should you get rid of it as unnecessary junk?

In this article, we will look at what GetApps is, how it relates to the Xiaomi ecosystem, what functions it performs and what risks it poses. You will learn whether it can be removed without consequences for the system, how it affects performance and security, and what alternatives exist.

Spoiler: The answer is not as clear as it sounds, depending on how you use your smartphone and how much you trust Xiaomi's official services. Let's get it straight.

What is GetApps and why do you need it on Xiaomi?

GetApps (full name – Xiaomi GetApps) is a branded app store from Xiaomi, which is pre-installed on all smartphones of the brand. In fact, it is analogous to Google Play Market, but with a number of key differences:

• 📱 Designed specifically for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO shell-operated MIUI.
• 🌍 Offers applications optimized for Chinese and global markets (depending on the firmware region).
• 🔒 It has its own security checker, different from Google Play Protect.
• 💰 Often contains exclusive promotions and discounts for Xiaomi users.

GetApps was originally created as a major store for Chinese users, where Google Play is blocked. MIUI, And that raised a lot of questions: Why duplicate functionality when you already have a proven service from Google?

The answer lies in Xiaomi’s strategy, which seeks to reduce its reliance on Google by offering its own alternatives to key services (mail, cloud, browser, app store).

• 📊 Collect data about user preferences (with consent, according to the privacy policy).
• 💎 Promote your own apps and services (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Video).
• 🛡️ Control the distribution of software on your devices, minimizing the risks of malware.

But then the logical question is, if I already have Google Play, why would I need a second store? To answer that, let's compare the key features.

GetApps vs Google Play: Which is Best for Xiaomi?

At first glance, both stores seem to have the same function of installing apps, but there are fundamental differences to consider. Here is a comparative table of key parameters:

And you can see from the table that Google Play is actually winning in most ways: more apps, more updates, more protection, but GetApps has its advantages.

• ⚡ Quick installation without needing to sign in to a Google account (useful in countries where Google Play is blocked).
• 🎁 Exclusive offers for Xiaomi users (discounts, bonuses, early access to beta versions).
• 🔄 Possibility of installation APK Directly from the store (on Google Play, it is forbidden).
• 🇨🇳 Access Chinese apps that aren’t on Google Play (e.g. WeChat, Alipay, Douyin).

First, GetApps often installs apps without the user’s explicit consent (for example, after an update). MIUI). Second, some apps from this store contain embedded ads or collect more data than their Google Play counterparts. Finally, updates here are delayed, which can create security vulnerabilities.

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If you live in a region where Google Play is available and you don't use Chinese services, GetApps can be removed, and its only advantage in this case is exclusive promotions from Xiaomi.

Can I remove GetApps from Xiaomi without consequences?

This is one of the most popular questions among Xiaomi owners. The short answer is yes, you can, but with reservations. GetApps is a system application, but not critical to work. MIUI. Removing it will not cause system failures, but there are a few nuances:

⚠️ Note: On some models (especially Chinese firmware), GetApps is linked to Xiaomi Account services. its deletion can lead to data synchronization problems (contacts, notes, backups).

The methods of deletion depend on your access rights:

Method 1: Disconnect (without root rights)

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

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find GetApps in the list (may be called GetApps Market or App Market).
3. Click Disable (if the button is inactive, click Stop first).
4. Confirm the action and restart the device.

This won’t remove the app completely, but it will stop working, sending notifications, and updating.

Method 2: Complete removal (with root rights)

If you have root access, you can delete GetApps permanently. ADB or a file manager with superuser rights:

adb shell


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

Or through a file manager (such as Root Explorer):

1. Go to the folder. /system/priv-app/GetApps or /system/app/GetApps.
2. Remove the entire folder or rename it (for example, in the GetApps_bak).
3. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware GetApps can recover after the next update MIUI. In this case, you will need to re-delete or block through Magisk (App Systemizer module).

If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to limit yourself to shutting down. Full removal is recommended only for advanced users.

Check if Xiaomi Account is used for synchronization

Create a backup copy of important data

Make sure that Google Play is stable

Disable Auto Update in GetApps Settings (if you only plan to disable it)-->

GetApps and Security: Does it Collect Data and Can It Be Trusted?

One of the most controversial issues with GetApps is the privacy issue, which many users accuse of collecting personal data and call "spyware." Let's see if these allegations are justified.

According to Xiaomi’s official privacy policy, GetApps does collect the following data:

• 📱 Information about the device (model, version) MIUI, region).
• 🔍 Application Installation Logs (which apps you download and delete).
• 🌍 IP-address and geolocation (for targeted advertising).
• 👤 Xiaomi account details (if you are logged in).

However, it is important to understand that:

1. Data collection is only with your consent (when you first start up, you accept the user agreement).
2. Xiaomi claims that the data is anonymized and not shared with third parties (except as provided by law).
3. You can disable data collection in Xiaomi account settings (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Confidentiality).

On the other hand, independent research (e.g. from the Internet Society or Citizen Lab) shows that Xiaomi does transfer more data than Google or Apple, with some of it sent to servers in China. This is a concern for users in Europe and the United States, where strict data protection laws are in place (GDPR, CCPA).

Critical: If you use the Chinese version of the firmware (e.g., the Xiaomi Mi 11 for the Chinese market), GetApps may collect data even without your explicit consent, as it falls under local law. ROM) Data collection is more transparent, but the question remains: how much is this data protected?

If you are concerned about privacy, we recommend:

• 🔒 Disable GetApps or delete it (as described above).
• 🛡️ Use it. VPN When working with Xiaomi services.
• 📋 Regularly check the permissions of the application in Settings → Annexes → GetApps → Permits.

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If you want to completely exclude data transfers to China, install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), where all Xiaomi services are removed.

How to disable notifications and ads in GetApps?

Even if you don't plan on removing GetApps, its intrusive notifications and ads can be annoying. Fortunately, they can be turned off. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Disabling Notifications

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find GetApps and select it.
3. Go to the Notifications section.
4. Turn off the Display Notifications switch.

Step 2: Disabling Personalized Advertising

1. Open GetApps.
2. Go to Profile. → Settings → Advertising.
3. Turn off the options: 🎯 Personalized advertising 📊 Conduct data collection

Step 3: Limit background activity

To getApps does not consume battery power and traffic:

1. In the application settings (Settings) → Annexes → GetApps) select the Battery.
2. Set a background activity limit (Limit).
3. Turn off AutoRun.

After this action, the application will stop “tampering” but will remain in the system. If notifications continue to appear, check the settings in Xiaomi Account – sometimes advertising comes through the push services Mi Push.

GetApps Alternatives: Which App Stores Can You Use on Xiaomi?

If you're going to get rid of GetApps, it's logical to ask yourself, what's the replacement? There are several options, and each has its pros and cons.

For most Xiaomi users, the best solution is a combination of:

• 📱 Google Play – for basic applications.
• 🔍 APKMirror – for older versions or regionally blocked applications.
• 🛡️ Aurora Store – if you are concerned about privacy.

If you use Chinese firmware without Google services, the best option is the Aurora Store or manual installation. APK The main thing is to always check the hash amounts of files and reviews of other users before installing.

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For maximum security, Xiaomi is recommended to use Google Play + Aurora Store. It gives you access to all the apps without too much tracking.

GetApps on different models Xiaomi: features and nuances

Behavior GetApps may differ depending on the model of the smartphone and the firmware version.

1. Global firmware (Global) ROM)

On devices with global firmware (for example, Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi Note 12, POCO X5) GetApps is Behaving More 'Modestly":

• 📌 Does not install applications without permission.
• 🔕 Notifications can be deactivated by standard means.
• 🌐 Supports several languages, including Russian.

Here it can be safely turned off or removed, as it is not associated with critical functions of the system.

2. Chinese firmware (China) ROM)

On devices for the Chinese market (for example, Xiaomi 14 Pro with firmware) CN) GetApps is integrated more deeply:

• 🔗 Linked to Xiaomi Account and synchronization services.
• 📢 Aggressively Promotes Chinese Apps (WeChat, QQ, Taobao).
• 🚫 Removal can lead to disruptions in work MIUI.

On such firmware, it is better to limit yourself to disabling notifications and advertising.

3. Devices POCO and Black Shark

On smartphones. POCO (for example, POCO F5) Black Shark GetApps are often absent by default or easily removed, as these brands are positioned as more “clean” from Xiaomi’s branded services.

4. Old models (Redmi) 4X, Mi A1 etc.)

On older devices (e.g. Redmi) 4X or Mi A1) GetApps may not work well or even be available in new versions. MIUI. Here, its removal will not affect productivity in any way.

If you are not sure what firmware is installed on your device, check this in Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Global firmware is designated as Global, Chinese as China or China. CN.

FAQ: Frequent questions about GetApps on Xiaomi