How to completely remove GetApps from Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: from simple ways to radical

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 owners often encounter the intrusive GetApps system application, Xiaomi’s proprietary app store that cannot be removed by standard methods. It not only takes up space in memory, but also consumes traffic in the background, shows ads, and sometimes even blocks APK installation from other sources. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to get rid of GetApps: from securely disabling to completely removing it through ADB, including nuances for MIUI 12/13/14 firmware.

It's important to understand that Redmi Note 9 (codenamed merlin) has protection against removing system applications, so some methods will require unlocking the bootloader or superuser rights. We'll look at options without root and with it, as well as alternative solutions - for example, hiding an application or blocking its activity. If you are not sure of your skills, start with the simplest ways and only then move to radical ones.

We warn you in advance that improper actions can lead to system failure or loss of warranty, all manipulations you perform at your own risk. If the phone is guaranteed, it is better to limit yourself to disabling the application, not completely removing it.

1.Why can't GetApps be removed in the standard way?

GetApps (com.xiaomi.mipicks) is built into MIUI as a system application.

• 🔒 Protection against removal: MIUI Blocks the “Delete” button in the application settings, leaving only the “Disable” or “Stop” options».
• 🔄 Auto-Recovery: Even if Removed APK-manually, the system will restore it the next time you update or reset it.
• 📦 Integration with services: GetApps is linked to Xiaomi Account, cloud services and updates, so its forced removal may disrupt other features.

On the Redmi Note 9, the situation is complicated by the fact that the model came out with a locked bootloader, and the official unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool requires waiting 7 days and binding the account. Without unlocking, only “soft” methods are available – disabling or hiding.

Interestingly, in some regions (e.g. Europe), Xiaomi releases firmware with Google Play preinstalled instead of GetApps, but in Russia and Asia, the app remains mandatory, due to licensing agreements and company policies.

2. Method 1: Disable GetApps without deletion (safe)

If you just need to stop the background activity of an application and hide it from the menu, this method is best suited. It does not require root rights and does not disrupt the system.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar, type GetApps (or com.xiaomi.mipicks).
3. Slip on the app and select Disable (if the button is inactive, click Stop first).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.
5. Return to the main menu and check if the GetApps icon has disappeared.

What does it mean?

• ✅ The application will stop running in the background and consume traffic.
• ✅ Disappear from the list of applications (but stay in the system).
• ✅ Not disrupting your job. MIUI or other services.

Limitations:

• ❌ After updating MIUI GetApps may be activated again.
• ❌ Some features (such as the themes) may require GetApps enabled.

💡

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

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

The method is suitable for users who are ready to connect the phone to a computer. ADB (Android Debug Bridge) allows you to remove system applications without root rights, but requires the debugging mode to be enabled.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 📱 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔧 Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB Tools.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version to activate the developer menu. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers. Activate USB Debugging and confirm permission.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and run the command line in the folder with ADB.
3. Check the connection command: Adb devices must show the serial number of your device.
4. Remove GetApps command: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks If an error occurs DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR, Try the alternative command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks
5. Restart your phone and check the result.

Possible problems and solutions:

💡

The --user 0 command removes the app only for the current user without affecting system files.This is safer than completely uninstalling, but GetApps can return after resetting.

Method 3: Removal with root rights (for experienced)

If you're willing to unlock the bootloader and get root, this method will completely remove GetApps without recovery, but it comes with risks:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the phone is under warranty).
• ⚠️ Possible disruptions MIUI (For example, the topics will not be updated).
• ⚠️ Risk of “brick” (turning the phone into a “brick”) when making mistakes.

Instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (instructions on the official Xiaomi website).
2. Install custom recovery (e.g. TWRP for merlin).
3. Get root with Magisk.
4. Delete GetApps: Open Root Explorer or a similar root-access file manager. Go to /system/priv-app/MiPick or /system/app/MiPick. Delete the MiPick folder and the MiPick.apk file. Clear the cache to /data/app/com.xiaomi.mipicks*.
5. Restart your phone and check that the app is removed.

Alternative method (via ADB root):

adb shell


su




mount -o rw,remount /system




rm -rf /system/priv-app/MiPick




rm -rf /system/app/MiPick




reboot

⚠️ Warning: After removal, GetApps may stop working: 🎨 Design topics (downloading from the cloud). 🔄 Updates MIUI System menu (you will need to install manually). 📱 Some features of your Xiaomi account (e.g. cloud backup) If these features are critical, it’s best to limit yourself to disabling the app.

5. Method 4: Blocking activity through AppOps (hidden method)

A little-known way to restrict GetApps rights without deleting it is to use the hidden AppOps menu.This won’t remove the app, but will block its background activity, notifications and internet access.

Instructions:

1. Install the AppOps Launcher app (available on Google Play).
2. Open it and find GetApps in the list.
3. Turn off the following permissions: 🌐 Internet access 📶 Background data transmission 🔔 Display of notifications 📁 Reading/write files

Save the changes and restart the phone.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Does not require rooting or ADB.
• ✅ Reversible (can be refunded at any time).
• ✅ Does not break system functions.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ The application will remain in the system and can be updated.
• ❌ Some functions (such as setting themes) may not work.

6. Method 5: Reset to factory settings with custom firmware

A radical but effective method is to install modified firmware without GetApps, which is suitable for those who have already unlocked the bootloader and are ready to experiment.

Firmware options for Redmi Note 9 (merlin):

• 📱 MIUI EU (European version without Chinese services).
• 🤖 LineageOS or Pixel Experience (Pure Android).
• 🔧 Castomic assemblies MIUI from the community, for example, MIUI Pro).

How to determine:

1. Unlock the bootloader (see method 3).
2. Install TWRP Recovery for merlin.
3. Download firmware (for example, from the XDA Developers or 4PDA forum).
4. Download to TWRP and run Wipe → Advanced Wipe (check Dalvik, Cache, Data, System).
5. Install the firmware through Install.
6. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Installing custom firmware completely erases data from your phone, including photos, contacts and apps. Pre-backup through Mi Cloud or Titanium Backup. Also make sure that the firmware is compatible with the merlin model – installing firmware from another model will lead to a “brick".

7. GetApps Alternatives: What to Replace?

If you have removed GetApps but want to use alternative app stores, consider these options:

For installation APK from third-party sources, remember to enable the option Unknown sources in the security settings. MIUI It's done this way:

1. Open Settings → Privacy → Special permissions.
2. Select the Installation from unknown sources.
3. Allow installation for your browser or file manager.

8. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When trying to remove GetApps, users often face typical problems.

• 🔄 The app returns after update MIUI: This is because the system is APK Solution: Freeze GetApps via Titanium Backup before updating or disable automatic updates in Settings → The phone. → Update MIUI.
• 🚫 Can't disable GetApps (button is inactive): Try clearing the cache and app data first, then restart the phone. If it doesn't help, use ADB (method).
• 🔌 The phone is not determined in ADB: Install Xiaomi drivers manually or use universal Google drivers USB Driver. Also check if File Transfer is enabled when you connect.
• 💥 After removal, the themes stopped working: This is OK, as the themes are downloaded through GetApps.Solution: install themes manually (.mtz files) or use third-party launchers (like Nova Launcher).

If you are facing another problem, check the error logs through the ADB command:

adb logcat | grep -i mipicks

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions