How to Make Play Market the Default Store on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to 2026

On Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, users often face a situation where the GetApps or Mi App Store is opened by default instead of the Google Play Market. This is due to the features of MIUI firmware, which actively promotes its own services, In some cases, the problem is aggravated after updating the system, resetting settings or installing alternative launchers.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to make Play Market the main app store for Xiaomi in 2026, including solutions for devices with global, Chinese and custom firmware. Special attention will be paid to the nuances of working with MIUI 14/15, where the default algorithms for selecting applications have been changed, if you are tired of constant redirects to GetApps or want to optimize the installation of APK – this guide is for you.

Why Xiaomi is changing the store by default?

The manufacturer intentionally integrates GetApps as a priority service for several reasons:

• 📦 Content localization: Google Play firmware is often missing in Chinese versions due to blocking, so Xiaomi offers an alternative.
• 💰 Monetization: The brand store contains advertising and paid promotions that generate revenue for the company.
• 🔄 Update control: It’s easier to distribute proprietary patches for system applications through GetApps MIUI.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions: In some markets (such as India), Google charges fees for payments, making alternative stores more profitable.

It is important to understand that this is not a bug, but a deliberate policy of Xiaomi, but users can choose any store by default, and for this there are methods described below.

Method 1: Configure through application parameters (MIUI 12–15)

The easiest method is to explicitly specify Play Market as the default app for opening install links. APK. The instructions are relevant for all modern versions. MIUI:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Find the Packet Installer section (or Browser installer in English firmware).
4. Select Google Play Market from the list of available options.

If Packet Installer is not on the menu, then your version of MIUI uses a different mechanism, in which case move on to the next method.

Check the version of MIUI (Settings → About the phone)

Make sure Play Market is updated to the latest version

Clear the GetApps cache (Settings → Apps → GetApps → Clear the cache)

Disable Auto Update in GetApps (if there is such a point)

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Method 2: Reset application settings (universal method)

If the previous method didn’t work, try resetting all apps to factory settings, which will remove user preferences, including GetApps binding:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three points → Reset application settings.
3. Confirm the action (password or fingerprint is not required).
4. After resetting at the first opening APK-The system will suggest selecting the installer - specify Play Market.

⚠️ Note: This method will also reset:

• Application permissions (will need to be confirmed again).
• Notification settings.
• Background limitations for the battery.

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After resetting the application settings, check the Special Rights section in the MIUI settings - there may be new points for setting the silences.

Method 3: Use ADB-Teams (for experienced users)

If standard methods don't work, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your phone to your PC and turning on the developer mode:

1. Activate Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in your phone settings).
2. Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.miui.securitycenter This will reset security settings, including store anchors.
4. Then, execute: adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.vending/com.google.android.finsky.activities.MainActivity (this enforces Play Market as the main launcher to install).

After restarting the device, check if the Play Market opens when you click on the APK-If you don't, try an alternative command:

adb shell pm grant com.android.vending android.permission.INSTALL_PACKAGES

Method 4: Installation of an alternative launcher

Some users solve the problem dramatically by installing a third-party launcher (for example, Nova Launcher or Hyperion), which ignores the default MIUI settings.

1. Download the launcher from the Play Market (like Nova Launcher).
2. Set it as the default launcher in the settings (Settings → Home screen).
3. In the launcher settings, find the App Drawer → Hide apps section and hide GetApps.
4. Set up a store opening gesture: long tap on your desktop → Widgets → Activities → Google Play.

The advantage of this method is that you have complete control over which apps are displayed and how links are opened.

⚠️ Attention: Some functions MIUI (For example, Second Space or App Lock may conflict with third-party launchers. Before installing, back up your data via Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Method 5: Edit system files (routed devices only)

If your Xiaomi has root rights, you can manually edit the system files that are responsible for silence, which is risky, but it gives you 100% results:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer).
2. Go to /data/system/users/0/ and find the package-restrictions.xml file.
3. Open the file in the text editor and find lines from com.xiaomi.mipicks (this is the GetApps package).
4. Delete or comment (<!--... -->) blockage INSTALL_PACKAGES for com.xiaomi.mipicks.
5. Save the file, restart the device.

An alternative way is to use Magisk and the App Systemizer module, which allows you to “embed” the Play Market into the system, giving it priority over GetApps.

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For most users, the best solution will be a combination of Resetting application settings (Method 2) and settings through ADB (Method 3: This gives you a high chance of success without risking damage to the system.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even after successfully setting up the Play Market by default, users are facing problems.

• 🔄 After updating MIUI Repeat the steps from Method 1 or Method 2. MIUI 15 added the item Reset silences - disable it in the developer settings.
• 📱 APK-Files open in the browser: Clear the cache and application data (MIUI File Explorer via settings.
• 🔒 Install button in Play Market is inactive: Check if installation from unknown sources is blocked for Play Market → Annexes → Special rights → Installation of unknown applications).
• 🌐 GetApps Continues to Open on Chinese Firmware: Install Google Installer from Xiaomi’s Official Website to Restore Google Services.

If none of the methods worked, the reason could be:

• Modified firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU) where the logic of silence is changed.
• Active Second Space or Double Apps – Check the settings in both spaces.
• Corporate policy restrictions (if the phone is issued by the employer)

FAQ: Answers to popular questions