Xiaomi’s GetApps app store is an alternative to Google Play, optimized for MIUI-based devices. Here you will find exclusive themes, wallpaper, Mi Home smart home apps, as well as localized content for the Russian and Chinese markets. However, not everyone knows that GetApps can be installed even on devices without a pre-installed store – for example, after resetting settings or on custom firmware.
In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to install GetApps on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, including models with the global and Chinese version of MIUI. We will pay special attention to solving typical errors like “Could not download” or “Service is not available”, and also tell you how to update the store manually if the automatic update does not work.
Why do you need GetApps when you have Google Play?
Many users mistakenly believe that GetApps is just a double of Google Play with fewer apps, and in fact, Xiaomi’s branded store has several key benefits:
- 📱 Exclusive content: themes, wallpapers and fonts that are not available on Google Play (e.g. dynamic wallpapers for Google Play) MIUI 14+).
- 🏠 Localization for Russia and China: Smart Home apps (Mi Home, Yeelight) are often updated here earlier than in Google Play.
- 🔒 Less Advertising: Unlike Google Play, where banner ads are found at every turn, GetApps only shows relevant offers.
- 📥 Fast download: files APK Download from Xiaomi servers, which is often faster than Google.
GetApps is also integrated with MIUI system services, for example, it is convenient to update the firmware (MIUI OTA) through it if the standard method through Settings → About the phone does not work, and beta versions of Xiaomi applications are also available here, which are not posted to Google Play.
⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12 Pro+ GetApps can be hidden in the app menu. Before installing, check if it is disabled in the settings: Settings → Annexes → Application management → GetApps. The way. 1: Installation through MIUI App Store (official method) If your device is running on official firmware MIUI (Global or Chinese, the easiest way to use the built-in MIUI App Store. This method is suitable for most models, including: 📱 Xiaomi 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra (all regions) 📱 Redmi Note 12/11/10 Series (except for Indian versions) 📱 POCO F4/F5/X5 (If not manually removed) Instructions: Open the standard App Store** (blue cart icon). Search GetApps or GetApps Store. Click on the official Xiaomi Inc. app (icon is a green square with a white arrow). Slip "Install" and wait until the download is complete. MIUI There is no App Store (for example, after resetting), it can be restored through Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Show all system applications. Find the App Store and turn it on. VPN (Can block access to Xiaomi servers Free at least 200 MB of memory The device is connected to Wi-Fi (download) APK weight ~50–100 MB) Power saving mode is turned off (may interrupt the loading)--> Method 2: Manual installation APK-File (for custom firmware) If you use custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience or MIUI by XDA), The official method won't work. In this case, you'll have to install GetApps manually. APK-Important: Use only official builds from apkmirror.com or forum XDA Developers to avoid viruses. Step-by-step: Download the current version of GetApps at one of the links: APKMirror (official source) XDA Developers (Segment Xiaomi) ⚠️ Attention: Don't download APK from unknown sites! 2023 In the year, there were cases when under the guise of GetApps, malware was distributed with cryptocurrency miners. → Annexes → Special access rights → Install unknown applications and allow installation APK For your file manager (e.g. Files by Google or Mi File Manager). com.xiaomi.mipicks_*.apk and confirm installation. After installation, start GetApps and wait for the initial setup (you may need to restart). GetApps version Minimum version MIUI Size APK Features 6.12.0 MIUI 12 and newer ~85 MB Dynamic Wallpaper Support, Optimization for HyperOS 5.8.7 MIUI 11–13 ~60 MB Latest version with support for older devices (Redmi Note 8) 4.5.2 MIUI 10 ~40 MB Trimmed functionality, no themes for HyperOS If after installing GetApps does not open or gives an error "Service is not available", try: 🔄 Reset the device. 📶 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes blocked by the Internet) IP). 🗑️ Clear the app cache: Settings → Annexes → GetApps → Warehouse → Clear the cache. 📊 What type of installation do you prefer? MIUI App Store Manual installation APKRecovery via Mi Account Other Method 3: Recovery via Mi Account (for remote applications) If GetApps was manually deleted (for example, through ADB or TWRP), It can be restored without manual installation. APK. This will require a Mi (Mi Account) account linked to the device. → Accounts. → Mi Account and log in. Open Settings. → Annexes → App management. Tap three dots in the top right corner and select Show All Apps** (including system ones). Search in the list of GetApps** (may be called com.xiaomi.mipicks). Click Restore** (if the button is inactive, try updating. MIUI If there is no "Restore" button, the application has been removed along with the system files. APK (see method 2) or complete resetting (with subsequent updates) MIUI What to do if the recovery doesn't work? If the Restore button is inactive, it means that the file is not active. APK removed from the system section (/system/priv-app/). In this case: 1. Install GetApps manually (Method) 2). 2. If it doesn’t help, run the device through the Mi Flash Tool with a tick. clean_all (full-dump). 3. For advanced users: Restore the file com.xiaomi.mipicks.apk squirt TWRP or ADB. Solving errors in installing and using GetApps Even after successful installation, GetApps may not work properly. Consider the most common errors and how to fix them. 1: «Failed to load" (code" 403 or 502) This error is caused by: 🌍 Blocking by region (for example, if you are in Russia, and Xiaomi servers are redirected to Chinese) IP). 🔌 Internet connection problems (especially on mobile Internet). 🕒 Unsynchronized time on the device. Solutions: Connect to another Wi-Fi network or turn on mobile Internet. Check date and time: Settings → Additionally. → Date and time → Autodetermination. If the error persists, use it. VPN with servers in Hong Kong or Singapore (e.g. ProtonVPN) Error 2: "Service is not available" after the update MIUI After updating MIUI (Especially before HyperOS, GetApps may stop opening, which is because the new firmware version requires an update. APK. How to Fix: Delete the current version of GetApps via Settings → Apps. Download the latest version. APK (See Method 2) and install it. Reboot the device. Error 3: Empty screen or infinite download If after starting GetApps shows a blank screen or hangs on the logo, the problem may be in the: 🗃️ Damaged cache. 🔄 Conflict with other stores (e.g. Huawei AppGallery). 🛠️ Incompatibility with custom firmware. Solutions: Clear cache and data: Settings → Annexes → GetApps → Warehouse → Clear the cache/data. Disable other app stores (such as APKPure or Aptoide). If you use custom firmware, check if it supports Xiaomi services (Mi Push Framework). 💡If GetApps doesn’t update automatically, download the latest version. APK manually with APKMirror and install on top of the old one. This will save all your data and settings. How to update GetApps to the latest version by default GetApps updates automatically via Google Play (if installed) or through Xiaomi's own update system. However, sometimes automatic updates don't work. Here's how to update the store manually: Method 1: Through the GetApps app itself, Open GetApps. Tap the profile icon (top right). Select "Settings» → «Update. If a new version is available, confirm the download. Method 2: Through MIUI App Store If GetApps is installed as a system application, its update may come via MIUI App Store: Open up MIUI App Store (blue cart). Go to the "Updates" section.** Find GetApps in the list and update. Method 3: Manually install the new version APK If Automatic Methods Don't Work: Download the latest version APK Install the file on top of the old version (the data will not be erased). Current version Latest version Action 5.x.x 6.12.0+ Manually Update (auto-update may not work) 6.0.0–6.5.0 6.12.0+ Update through MIUI App Store or APK 4.x.x Anybody. 6.x.x Complete reinstallation (removal) required + installation) 💡If GetApps stopped opening after the update, clear the cache and application data. If that didn't work, delete and install again. Users of custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, ArrowOS) often find that GetApps is unstable or does not run at all. This is due to the lack of Xiaomi system services, on which the store depends. What can I do: 🔧 Install the Mi Push Framework (available on the XDA or Telegram channels for custom firmware). 📦 Use Magisk modules to integrate Xiaomi services (e.g. XiaomiEU Patch). 🚫 If nothing works, give up GetApps in favor of alternatives (Aurora Store, APKMirror). MIUI (for example, AOSP) GetApps will work with restrictions: ❌ No access to themes and wallpapers for MIUI. ❌ No push notifications for updates are working. ❌ There may be no “For You” section** (personalized recommendations). If you only need smart home apps (Mi Home, Yeelight), consider installing their individual apps. APK from Google Play or APKMirror – this will save you from GetApp problems. FAQ: Frequent questions about GetApps ❓ Can I install GetApps on a non--Xiaomi Devices (Samsung, Realme, etc.)? Technically yes, but the store will operate with serious limitations: there will be no section with themes and wallpapers (they are only for the purpose of creating a new store). MIUI). Some applications may not be displayed (e.g. Mi Fit for not showing up)-Xiaomi High risk of errors in loading APK. For other brands, it is better to use Google Play or Aptoide. ❓ Why GetApps is asking for an update MIUI, And this is a mistake that happens when you say, "" You have custom firmware that mimics the old version. MIUI. Xiaomi servers do not recognize your region (for example, if the device is from China and you are in Russia). The build.prop file specifies the outdated value ro.miui.ui.version.name. Solution: check the relevance of the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Update system. If no updates but the error persists, install GetApps manually (Track 2). ❓ How to transfer apps installed through GetApps to a new phone? GetApps does not have a built-in backup, but you can: Save APK-Files via Mi File Manager (Installed Apps section) ** Use Titanium Backup (requires root), restore the application list via Mi Account (if synced). → Topics → My subjects. → Exports. ❓ Is it safe to download? APK GetApps from Third-Party Sites? ⚠️ Only if it is a proven source: 🔹 APKMirror – moderate risk (check the hashes of files). 🔹 XDA Developers – low risk (moderators monitor the cleanliness of files). 🔸 Unknown sites are high risk (viruses, miners, spyware). Before installing, check: Matching the name of the package (com.xiaomi.mipicks); Digital signature (must match the official one); reviews of other users on the forum. ❓ Can I disable automatic GetApps update? Yes, but it's not recommended (new versions fix vulnerabilities). To disable: Go to Settings → Annexes → GetApps → Notifications. Turn off Auto Update.** Use full disablement ADB: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks To return: adb shell pm enable com.xiaomi.mipicks