Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphone owners often encounter GetApps, the Google Play Store’s equivalent to the Chinese market, which is built deep into the shell of MIUI and HyperOS, occasionally annoying users with pop-up ads and automatic updates. Many users wonder if it’s possible to completely get rid of the component or at least minimize its impact on the system.
Disabling the service will not only remove banner ads, but also free up RAM and reduce battery consumption. The deactivation process varies depending on the version of the operating system and the region in which the smartphone was released. In some cases, standard settings are not enough, and more advanced methods are required through the computer.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all available ways to disable GetApps, starting from simple settings in the menu and ending with deleting through the ADB-You will learn how to prevent automatic activation of the service after the system update and what risks can arise from deep interference with the shell.
What is GetApps and Why It Irritates Users
GetApps is Xiaomi’s official app store, which preinstalled on all of the brand’s devices by default, originally designed for the Chinese market, where Google’s services are limited, but in global smartphone distribution, the component often remains active, with its primary function being to provide an alternative platform for downloading software, but in practice it often behaves like an advertising module.
The main reason for the negative attitude towards the service lies in its aggressive behavior: it can independently run background processes, (push) notifications with suggestions to install games or applications, and consume Internet traffic without the owner’s knowledge, especially its impact on budget models with a small amount of RAM, where every megabyte is worth its weight in gold.
- 📢 Permanent pop-up windows with software recommendations.
- 🔋 Background activity that increases battery consumption.
- 📉 Occupation of space in the system partition and cache of the device.
It is worth noting that the complete removal of the system component can lead to errors in the operation of some built-in shell functions, if they are tied to the store’s libraries, so experts recommend not to remove the service radically if you are not sure of your actions, but to use the method of forced stop and disconnect.
Preparing a smartphone before disabling system services
Before you start changing your system settings or using developer tools, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps to avoid losing important data and ensure the stability of the device during manipulation. Data security should always be a priority when working with Android system components.
First and foremost, backup your important contacts, photos and documents. While disabling GetApps is a safe operation, any interference with the system carries a theoretical risk of failure. Also, make sure that the battery is at least 50% so that the device does not turn off at a critical moment.
☑️ Checklist of preparation for setting up
It’s also important to understand which version of the shell is installed on your device. In MIUI 12, MIUI 13 and the new HyperOS, the paths to settings may vary slightly. If you plan to use the method with a computer, install Xiaomi USB Drivers and the ADB platform on your PC in advance.
⚠️ Warning: Disabling system services may cause some personalization features to disappear.Be sure to understand the consequences of your actions before you start.
Basic Disconnection through Notification and Permissions Settings
The easiest and safest way to minimize the impact of GetApps is to prevent it from sending notifications and limit background activity, a method that does not require a computer connection and is suitable for most users who just want to remove ads.
To start, go to the settings menu on your smartphone, find the application management section, which can be called differently in different versions of the firmware, but the logic remains the same: we need to find the service itself in the list of installed programs.
- Open Settings and go to the Application section.
- Select All Apps or Application Management.
- In search, type GetApps or find it in the list manually.
- Click on the Notifications item and move the switch to the Off position.
After disabling notifications, it is also recommended to restrict the application's access to data in the background, this will prevent hidden content loading. In the application menu, find the option "Saving Charge" or "AutoStart" and select the restriction mode.
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If you can’t find GetApps in the list, try switching the display to “All Apps” or enabling the system processes display in the developer menu.
Additionally, it is worth clearing the data and cache of the application to reset the accumulated advertising identifiers. This action will not delete the service itself, but return it to a “post-install” state, which often helps to get rid of the tails of old settings.
Forced Stop and Disconnect via Developer Menu
If the standard shutdown of notifications does not work, you can use a more powerful tool called "Disable" feature, which is not available in all regions, but if it is present, it allows you to actually freeze the application without removing it from the system.
Accessing advanced settings sometimes requires activating the developer mode. Make a few quick clicks on the build number in the About Phone section. Once the activation message appears, a new option for advanced users will appear in the settings menu.
| Parameter | Default value | Recommended value | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notifications | Included. | Off. | Blocking ads |
| Auto-start | Permitted. | Forbidden. | Saves battery life |
| Background processes | No restrictions. | Limited. | Reduces the load. |
| Access to data | Wi-Fi and mobile | Only Wi-Fi. | Saving traffic |
In the GetApps menu, find the Disable button. If it's active, the system will alert you of the possible consequences. Confirm the action. The application will disappear from the active list and stop running until you turn it back on yourself.
⚠️ Note: The "Disable" button may be inactive (gray) on some global firmware versions. ADB.
Remove GetApps via ADB without root rights
The most effective way to remove the service from the user space is to use the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which does not require a superuser license, which retains a warranty on the device, but requires a computer and a USB cable.
The first step is to activate USB debugging on your smartphone. Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI Version. Then in the Advanced Settings menu → For developers, turn on the USB debugging toggle.
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.mi.mipicksOnce you connect your phone to your PC and start the command line with administrator permission, type a command to delete the packet. In the case of GetApps, the packet is usually called com.mi.mipicks or com.xiaomi.mipicks. Once you run the command, the app will disappear from the screen and stop loading.
List of commands for returning a remote application
This is normal behavior of the system, because ADB-Deletion hides the application only for the current user, but does not physically erase it from the system partition.
Blocking advertising and background activity in MIUI
Even after the main service is disabled, some of its components can remain active through MIUI system advertising. To achieve maximum effect, you need to configure the built-in MSA (MIUI System Ads) tool, which will block the channels of receiving advertising data.
Go to settings and find Passwords and Security (or Special Features) and it should be in the Access to Data or Authorization and Review section. Find in the msa list and turn off the switch. The system will ask you to wait 10 seconds and confirm the action.
- 🔍 Turn off Receive recommendations in security settings.
- 📱 Stop personalizing ads in your Xiaomi account.
- 🚫 Clear the data of the application Security for resetting the ad cache.
It is also recommended to disable automatic app updates via GetApps if you are not using it as your main store. Go to the settings of the store itself (if it is still available) and uncheck the Auto Update box.
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Complex disabling of MSA and GetApps provides the best result for eliminating advertising and improving the performance of the device.
Possible problems and solutions
Users may encounter a number of challenges when disabling system components, most often because the service reactivates itself after updating the system or checking the integrity of files, a shell security mechanism that is difficult to get around without deep knowledge.
If you notice GetApps reappearing in the app list, check to see if the firmware has been updated. Global updates often return the standard set of services, in which case the disable or delete procedure through ADB will have to be repeated.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to delete system files through file managers with Root rights unless you have experience.This can lead to a bootloop phone.
In some cases, removing the app store can disrupt widgets or themes if they depend on its libraries.If you encounter unstable interfaces, simply execute a recovery command via ADB or reset your phone settings.