Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face a situation where the icon of the preinstalled catalog of programs is puzzling. In the MIUI or HyperOS system, it can be called differently, which creates confusion for new users. The main difference lies in the firmware version: for global markets and Russia, it is GetApps service, and for Chinese versions, Mi App Store.
Understanding which store is installed on your device is critical to security, and it is through this channel that updates for system components, drivers and brand utilities are distributed. Ignoring this application can lead to unstable work of the gadget, since some processes are updated only through the vendor’s internal repository, bypassing the standard Google Play.
In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of working with a native software directory from a Chinese manufacturer. You will learn how regional versions differ, how to safely download files and why the system sometimes strongly recommends switching to alternative sources.
Official names: GetApps and Mi App Store
The main question that users have is: what is the right name for this service? The answer depends on where you bought the device and what version of the operating system it uses. In Global ROM, the application is called GetApps. It is fully localized, supports Russian and is adapted to European security standards.
The Chinese version of firmware (CN ROM) is completely different, preinstalled by the Mi App Store, which is the home store for the Chinese domestic market, with the interface predominantly in Chinese and English, and the catalogue is full of apps that are not popular outside Asia.
Importantly, both services are system components that cannot be removed without losing warranty or breaching system integrity. GetApps is the only official source of updates for Xiaomi system applications on global firmware, making it an indispensable element of the ecosystem.
The global version strictly follows Google’s rules and European data protection laws, while the Chinese version has a looser content policy but requires constant use of a VPN or complex account settings to work well outside of China.
Key differences from Google Play Market
Many users are wondering why they need an extra store when they have Google Play, but the native service offers features that are not available in the standard Android directory, primarily deep integration with the MIUI shell.
GetApps often updates to features like Themes, Security, Gallery, and Calls, and the Play Market either doesn’t have them or updates much less frequently, because Xiaomi is modifying the standard Android code and is distributing patches for its edits on its own.
- 🚀 Automatic System Component Update: Critical security fixes and shell bugs come through this channel, often without user input.
- 🎁 Exclusive content and coupons: In the Apps section, you can often find paid programs that are temporarily given away for free or at a discount.
- 🛡️ Built-in virus check: All downloaded files are scanned with built-in antivirus, which is closely integrated with the phone’s security system.
In addition, GetApps is designed to search for software that is popular in a particular region. Recommendation algorithms work differently here, offering applications that are popular among owners of this brand’s equipment, rather than among all Android users in general.