How to permanently remove GetApps on Xiaomi Redmi: from a simple shutdown to a deep cleaning

GetApps is a standard app on Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones that many users find unnecessary or even malicious.It takes up space in memory, consumes traffic in the background, and regularly sends notifications about “recommended” programs. While it is impossible to remove GetApps completely without root rights due to the protection of MIUI, there are several ways to significantly limit its operation or uninstall system components.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods – from basic disconnection through settings to advanced methods using ADB and Mi Unlock Tool. Instructions are tested on the Redmi Note 10 Pro, Redmi 9A, POCO X3 Pro and other models with MIUI 12.5-14. If you are tired of intrusive notifications or want to free up space in the system – read on.

Why does GetApps bother users?

GetApps (also known as com.xiaomi.mipicks) was originally marketed as an alternative app store for the Chinese market, but it is often aggressive in Xiaomi’s global firmware.

• 📱 Background activity: consumes up to 5-15 MB of traffic per month even without starting.
• 🔔 Spam Notifications: Advertise games and programs, sometimes with questionable content.
• 🗃️ Takes up space: weighs ~80-120 MB with cache and updates.
• 🔒 System privileges: not removed by standard means due to "system software" status".

According to traffic analysis, GetApps connects to api.mi.com and sdkconfig.ad.xiaomi.com, raising questions about privacy, and many users complain about installing apps without confirmation, especially on Redmi’s budget-friendly, memory-limited models.

Method 1: Disconnect via settings (without root)

The easiest and safest method is to deactivate the app in the settings. This won't delete it completely, but will stop background activity and notifications.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar, type GetApps or Theme Store (on some firmware).
3. Select the app and click Disable (if the button is inactive – tap on three dots in the upper right corner and select Remove Updates, then try again).
4. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

After the shutdown:

• ✅ Notifications from GetApps will be lost.
• ✅ Background traffic and battery consumption will decrease.
• ❌ The app icon may remain on the menu (but won’t launch).
• ❌ Updates MIUI can return the application to an active state.

💡

If the "Disable" button is inactive, try to delete all app updates first, then clear the cache and data in the same menu.

Method 2: Remove updates and reset cache

Even a disabled application can “resurrect” after system updates, and to avoid this, you need to remove all its updates and limit background activity.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → GetApps.
2. Click on the three dots in the top corner and select Remove Updates.
3. Return to the main menu of the application and click Storage → Clear cache and Clear data.
4. Then go to Battery and Performance → Battery Management → Application Selection and Set Background Activity Limit for GetApps → Limit.

Method 3: Remove via Mi App Store (alternative method)

On some firmware, GetApps can be removed through the official Mi App Store, which doesn’t work on all models, but it’s worth trying:

1. Open the Mi App Store (the cart icon with the green logo).
2. Go to the Control section → Established.
3. Find GetApps in the list and click on it.
4. If the option to Remove is available, confirm the action.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi Global, this method is often blocked. If there is no delete button, move on to the methods with the ADB root.

Advantage of the method:

• 🧹 Completely removes the application (as opposed to disabling).
• 🔄 It does not require a PC connection.

Disadvantages:

• 🚫 It only works on Chinese firmware or older versions. MIUI.
• 🔄 After the system update, it can be returned.

Method 4: Uninstallation through ADB (for advanced)

If standard methods didn’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android via PC, which allows you to remove GetApps without root rights, but requires accuracy.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 📱USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔧 Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB.
• ⚙️ Included debugging by USB phone-on.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and turn on USB Debugging.

Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.

ADB Tools

cmd

adb devices

(Your device name should appear – if not, check the drivers.)

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

If the command is successful, you'll see Success. Reboot the phone.

USB | Drivers Xiaomi|Scan ADB (verified version) | Phone Connected in File Transfer mode |Important data backup made-->

⚠️ Note: On some firmware, Xiaomi blocks pm uninstall commands for system applications. In this case, try an alternative command:

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

This won’t remove the app, but it will completely block it from working until the next settings reset.

Method 5: Complete removal with root rights

If you're willing to take drastic measures, getting root rights will remove GetApps permanently, including all of its system components.

• 🚨 Loss of warranty on most Xiaomi models).
• 🔐 Risk of “bricking” in case of error.
• 🔄 Problems with OTA-Updates (you will need to install the firmware manually).

If you do decide, follow the instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account binding and a wait of 7-15 days).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP).
3. Sweep through Magisk to get root.
4. Use Root Explorer or ADB with superuser rights to delete: /system/priv-app/MiPick /system/app/MiPick /data/app/com.xiaomi.mipicks*

After deleting, it is recommended to “freeze” the associated services via Magisk or LSPosed to prevent the application from recovering from updates.

💡

Root rights give full control over the system, but deprive you of the opportunity to use official MIUI updates. Before unlocking the bootloader, be sure to make a backup through TWRP or Xiaomi Backup.

What if GetApps is back after the update?

One of the main problems is the application's autorecovery after the MIUI update.

• 🔄 Turn off automatic updates to system applications: Go to Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Settings (⚙️). Turn off Auto-Update Apps.
• 📦 Use App Cloner or Island for isolation: these apps allow you to create a sandbox where GetApps will not be able to interact with the system.
• 🔧 Install the patch through Magisk: Universal SafetyNet Fix module or MIUI Bloater Remover blocks recovery of remote applications.

If GetApps is back,

1. Repeat deletion via ADB (Method 4).
2. Check for updates for Magisk or custom recovery.
3. Consider switching to custom firmware (like Pixel Experience or LineageOS) where GetApps is not available by default.

FAQ: Frequent questions about getting Apps removed