GetApps on Xiaomi: what is this program, how does it work and can it be removed?

If you own a Xiaomi smartphone, you've probably noticed the mysterious GetApps service on the app list, which appears right after you set up your device, takes up space in your memory, and sometimes even displays notifications, but what kind of program is it, why is it needed, and why can't it be removed in standard ways?

In this article, we will discuss in detail what GetApps is on Xiaomi, what functions it performs, how it affects smartphone performance and what to do if you want to get rid of it, as well as security issues, alternative app stores and ways to optimize the system without this service.

It’s worth noting that GetApps is not a virus or malware, but its behavior can be a question for users, especially those who are used to “pure” Android without preinstalled services.

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 under the control of the shell. MIUI. It’s essentially the equivalent of Google Play Market, but with a number of key differences:

• 📱 Content Localization: GetApps features apps optimized specifically for the Chinese and global markets, including services that may not be available on Google Play.
• 🔍 Xiaomi’s recommendations: Store algorithms analyze your preferences and offer software that the company thinks you might like (sometimes too intrusive).
• 💰 Promotions and bonuses: Through GetApps, Xiaomi distributes discounts, coupons and gifts to users (for example, free themes or icons).
• 🔄 System Application Updates: Some Branded Utilities MIUI (Mi Video or Mi Music are updated through this store, not through the Play Market.

It’s important to understand that GetApps isn’t just a Google Play backup; it’s a tool that Xiaomi uses to control the ecosystem of its devices, offer users additional services and monetize them (for example, through advertising or paid subscriptions).

But many people are asking, if there's a Google Play Market, why do we need another store? The answer is simple: Xiaomi is looking to reduce its reliance on Google, especially in China, where Google's services are blocked, and GetApps makes it easier to distribute branded updates and promotional materials.

How does GetApps affect smartphone performance?

One of the biggest complaints users have about GetApps is its impact on the speed of the device, and let's look at how it loads the system and whether it can be minimized.

First, GetApps runs in the background, constantly checking for updates for installed apps and downloading recommendations.

• 📶 Consumes mobile traffic (unless connected to Wi-Fi).
• 🔋 Battery costs due to background activity.
• 🐢 Can slow down the smartphone if the device has little RAM (especially relevant for budget models Redmi).

Second, the service sometimes automatically installs updates for system applications without a user request, which can lead to unexpected consumption of traffic and memory space, which is especially annoying for those who are used to controlling every megabyte.

Third, GetApps often displays notifications for new apps or promotions, which can be distracting, and fortunately, most of these problems can be solved without uninstalling the program, as we’ll discuss later.

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If your Xiaomi has become slower after the GetApps update, try clearing the app's cache in the settings.This often helps to get back to speed.

Can I remove GetApps from Xiaomi and how to do it?

With standard Android tools, you can't remove GetApps -- it just won't let you do that because the app is system-based -- but there are a few ways to get rid of it, but each has its own nuances.

Method 1: Disconnect (without root rights)

If you do not need to completely delete the program, but stop it, do the following:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find GetApps in the list and select it.
3. Click Disable (if the button is inactive, click Stop first).
4. Confirm the action.

After that, the application will stop working and display notifications, but will remain in the system, and updates for it will also cease to be installed.

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

For a more radical solution, you can remove GetApps using ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This doesn’t require superuser rights, but it will require connecting your smartphone to your computer.

Enable USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version → 7 times tap)

Install the drivers. ADB on PC (download from Android Studio website)

Connect your phone to your computer and allow debugging.

Download the platform tools ADB (platform-tools)

Open the command line in the folder with ADB-->

Next, enter the command:

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

If the command is successful, GetApps will be removed for the current user (but will remain in the system for other profiles, if any).

Method 3: Remove root rights (for power users)

If you have root, you can remove GetApps as a regular application using a file manager (like Root Explorer) or command:

su


rm -rf /system/priv-app/MiAppStore

⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications from root may lead to unstable work MIUI or errors in updating the firmware. Do it at your own risk!

Is it safe to use GetApps?

Many users are afraid to install apps from GetApps, considering this store less reliable than Google Play.

On the one hand, GetApps is Xiaomi's official service, and all of its apps are moderated.

• 🛡️ Less control than Google Play: Google uses avanzed virus scanning systems (like Google Play Protect), while Xiaomi uses less transparency.
• 📦 The risk of “gray” applications: GetApps sometimes gets software from little-known Chinese developers, which can collect more data than claimed.
• 🔄 Latency Updates: Some apps in GetApps update later than Google Play, which can create vulnerabilities.

On the other hand, GetApps has pluses in terms of security:

• 🔒 Lack of pirated content: Unlike some third-party stores, there are no hacked versions of paid software.
• 📱 Optimization for MIUI: GetApps apps are better adapted to Xiaomi shell, which reduces the risk of conflict.

If you decide to use GetApps, follow the simple rules:

⚠️ Warning: Before installing an application, always check other users' reviews, ratings and permissions it requests. SMS Contacts without an obvious reason are a reason to be wary.

How to disable notifications and ads in GetApps?

One of the most annoying things about GetApps is that they're constantly notified of new apps, promotions, and updates, and thankfully, they can be turned off.

Method 1: Through application settings

1. Open GetApps.
2. Slip on the profile avatar in the upper right corner.
3. Go to Settings. → Notifications.
4. Turn off all switches (recommendations, updates, promotions).

Method 2: Through System Settings

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → GetApps.
2. Select Notifications.
3. Turn off permission to display notifications.

Method 3: Limiting background activity

1. In the same GetApps settings, select Battery.
2. Set a limit on background activity.
3. Turn off the auto-start application.

If you keep getting notifications after that, try clearing the cache and app data (in the same settings) and it will reset all personal recommendations, but it will eliminate intrusive advertising.

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Disabling notifications does not prevent GetApps from being used to update system applications. You can still manually check for updates.

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

If you’ve decided to drop GetApps but don’t want to be limited to Google Play, consider alternative app stores.

• 🌍 APKMirror is a reliable source APK-Files that are virus-tested, suitable for installing apps that are not available on Google Play (such as beta versions).
• 🛡️ Aptoide is a decentralized store with open moderation. There is a risk of running into malicious software, but if used carefully, it is quite safe.
• 📱 Amazon Appstore is Amazon's official store with good moderation, suitable for installing Fire-optimized apps. OS (For example, games with controller support).
• 🔍 F-Droid is an open source store. All the applications are open source, which ensures that there are no spyware modules.

When using third-party stores, remember:

⚠️ Attention: before installation APK-Always check the hash amounts of files from unknown sources (for example, via VirusTotal). SMS geolocation without cause).

If you prefer minimalism, you can do without shops, installing a small store. APK manually from official developers’ websites (e.g. Telegram, VK WhatsApp or WhatsApp offer direct download links).

Frequent problems with GetApps and their solutions

Xiaomi users often face typical GetApps issues, and let’s look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: GetApps won’t open or crash

If the application crashes when you start, try:

• Clear cache and data in settings (Settings) → Annexes → GetApps → Warehouse).
• Update GetApps via Google Play (if available) or manually download the latest version APK from the official Xiaomi website.
• Reboot the smartphone.

Problem 2: Constantly loading the processor

If GetApps is loading the processor even when you’re not using it:

• Turn off autostart in the battery settings.
• Limit background activity (see instructions above).
• Check if you have installed suspicious applications through GetApps that may use the system resources.

Problem 3: Applications are not downloaded or installed

If the download is stuck by 0% or if it gives an error:

• Check your internet connection (especially if you use it) VPN — Some regions may be blocked).
• Clear the GetApps cache and restart the app.
• Make sure there is enough free space on the device.
• Try downloading it. APK manually from the official website and install it.

Problem 4: Too much advertising

If you are annoyed by banners in the GetApps interface:

• Turn off personalized ads in your Mi Account settings.
• Use an ad blocker (like Blokada or AdGuard), but note that this may disrupt some features.

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If none of these methods worked, consider disabling or removing GetApps completely (see section above).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about GetApps