How to return GetApps to Xiaomi: official and hidden methods

Why is GetApps missing and can it be restored?

The GetApps app store is Xiaomi’s branded service that often disappears after resetting, updating firmware or manually uninstalling. Unlike Google Play, the store offers exclusive Mi/Redmi/POCO apps optimized for MIUI. Its absence deprives users of access to branded themes, wallpapers and utilities that are not available in other stores.

The reasons for the disappearance range from automatic removal by the system when switching to global firmware to manual uninstallation through ADB or application manager. It is important to understand that on Chinese versions of MIUI (for example, Mi 11 Ultra with firmware for the PRC market), GetApps is a system component and is removed only with root rights. On global firmware, it can be restored without hacking the system.

In this article - current ways to return the store, checked for MIUI 14/15 (The methods are distributed according to the level of complexity: from standard settings to working with the new models. APK-file ADB. If you are not sure about your actions, start with the first section – it is the safest.

πŸ“Š What kind of smartphone you Xiaomi?
Redmi Note 12/13
POCO X5/F5
Mi 11/12
Other (specify in the comments)
I don't know.

Method 1: Recovery through MIUI settings (without PC)

The easiest method is to activate the hidden option in the settings menu, which works on most global firmware (MIUI Global) and does not require a computer connection. Importantly, before you start, check that your region is listed as India, Indonesia or Russia in the settings - in these countries GetApps is enabled by default.

Instructions:

  • πŸ“± Open the Settings. β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management.
  • πŸ” In the search bar, type GetApps (if the app appears in the list but is disabled, go to the next item).
  • πŸ”„ Click on three dots in the upper right corner β†’ Show all applications β†’ Find GetApps.
  • πŸ”§ Put it on him. β†’ Enable (if the button is active) or Remove updates (if the application is frozen).

If GetApps doesn’t appear on the menu, try changing the region:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ Additionally. β†’ Region.
  2. Choose India (recommended) or Indonesia.
  3. Reset the device.
  4. Check for the GetApps icon on your desktop or in the app menu.

Make a backup copy of the data

Check the version of MIUI (Settings β†’ About the phone)

Connect to a stable Wi-Fi

Charge your phone at least 50%

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⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI EU If the Gmail or Play Market stops working after the country changes, return the original region and use alternative methods from this article.

Method 2: Installation APK-hand-file

If GetApps is not on the system, it can be installed as a regular application. APK-The file is distributed via Xiaomi's website, but the direct link changes frequently. Below are the current versions for different regions and installation instructions.

Download the appropriate APK at one of the links (checked for viruses in June 2026):

Version.RegionReferenceSize
6.12.5Global (EN)Download42 MB
6.10.8India (IN)Download38 MBB
6.9.7China (CN)Requires VPN50MB

Installation:

  1. Download APK to your phone (preferably through a browser, not messengers – they can block files).
  2. Allow installation from unknown sources: Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management β†’ Browser β†’ Allow installation from this source.
  3. Run the downloaded file and follow the instructions.
  4. After installation, restart the device.

If the installation is blocked with the error "Application not installed", do:

  • πŸ›  Remove the remnants of the old version through Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ GetApps β†’ Delete (if any).
  • πŸ”„ Try another version. APK table-top.
  • πŸ“± Check the free space on the device (requires a minimum of 500 MB on the system partition).

πŸ’‘

If GetApps doesn't open after installing, clear the app's cache: Settings β†’ Apps β†’ GetApps β†’ Clear the cache. Then restart the phone.

Method 3: Recovery through Mi Account (official method)

For users with a linked Mi Account, there is an official way to sync system applications, which runs on MIUI 12-15 firmware and does not require root rights, the main condition is that the account must be created before removing GetApps.

Step-by-step:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ Accounts. β†’ Mi Account.
  2. Make sure you're logged in. If not, log in.
  3. Go to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Restore and Reset β†’ Restore applications.
  4. Turn on the Restore System Applications slider.
  5. Click Restore and wait until the process is complete (may take up to 10 minutes).

If there is no option to Restore applications:

  • πŸ”„ Update your firmware to the latest version through Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system.
  • πŸ“§ Re-link your Mi Account: log out and log in again.
  • 🌐 Check your internet connection (better to use Wi-Fi).

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F4 GT, Redmi K50) After recovery through Mi Account, you may need to manually activate GetApps in application settings (see Method 1).

What if Mi Account does not sync apps?
If after several attempts, the recovery does not work, the problem may be in the servers of Xiaomi. Try: 1. Change the DNS to Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) in the Wi-Fi settings. 2. Connect via mobile Internet (sometimes helps change IP). 3. Wait 24 hours - sometimes synchronization is delayed due to high load on the servers.

Method 4: Installation via ADB (for power users)

If previous methods failed, you can restore GetApps using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which is suitable for global and European firmware, where the application was manually removed or blocked by the system, and requires a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and USB debugging enabled.

Preparation:

  1. Download ADB Tools (Google's official website).
  2. Turn on USB debugging on your phone: Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version (click 7 times until the message β€œYou’re a developer” appears). Then go back to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Developers β†’ Debugging on USB.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC via the original cable.

Recovery teams:

adb shell pm install -r --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks


adb shell cmd package install-existing com.xiaomi.mipicks

If GetApps has been removed completely (not just disabled), first download the APK from Method 2 and install it via ADB:

adb install getapps_global_6.12.5.apk

Common mistakes and decisions:

  • 🚫 Error: INSTALL_FAILED_INVALID_APK β†’ Download. APK again, file corrupted.
  • πŸ”Œ Device unauthorized β†’ On the phone, confirm the debugging permission (a pop-up window will appear).
  • πŸ”’ INSTALL_FAILED_USER_RESTRICTED β†’ In your phone settings, allow installation from unknown sources.

πŸ’‘

Use ADB only if you are confident in your actions. Incorrect commands can cause system applications to crash or the device to freeze.

Method 5: Fastboot Flashing (extreme case)

If GetApps is gone after a failed upgrade or factory reset, and other methods don’t work, you can just reflash your phone through Fastboot mode, which will delete all data from your device, so use it only as a last resort.

What you need:

  • πŸ–₯ Windows computer 10/11 (For the Mi Flash Tool).
  • πŸ”Œ Original. USB-cable (do not use extension cords!).
  • πŸ“ Fastboot firmware for your model (download from the official website).
  • πŸ›  Mi Flash Tool Programming.

Step-by-step:

  1. Download and unpack the firmware into a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\fastboot_rom).
  2. Turn off the phone. Press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (the image of a rabbit in a hat will appear).
  3. Connect your phone to your PC. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Refresh, and the device needs to be determined.
  4. In the program, select the firmware folder, specify Clean all mode (full cleaning) and press Flash.
  5. Wait for the end (10-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Note: Fastboot flashing will reset all data, including photos, contacts and apps. pre-backup through Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup or Mi Cloud. Also make sure that the firmware you choose matches the phone model – the error will lead to a β€œbrick” (inoperability) of the device.

How to check the compatibility of the firmware?
Compare the model code in the firmware name (for example, "tucana_global" For the Redmi Note 9 Pro) with your device: 1. Open the Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Model. 2. Find a code name (e.g., "tucana"). 3. Download the firmware only with the same code!

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even after a successful recovery, GetApps may not work properly, and below is a list of common problems and ways to fix them.

Problem.Reason.Decision
GetApps opens and closes immediately.Damaged cache or application dataClear cache and data: Settings β†’ Apps β†’ GetApps β†’ Storage β†’ Clear cache/data
No connection to the serverBlock VPN or firewallTurn off VPN, check your internet connection
Apps not displayedAn outdated version of GetAppsUpdate the app through Settings β†’ Apps β†’ GetApps β†’ Update (if available)
Error "Device not certified"Unofficial firmware or rootInstall global firmware via Fastboot (see Method 5)

If none of the methods worked:

  • πŸ“ž Contact Xiaomi Support with the phone model and version MIUI.
  • πŸ”§ Try alternative stores: APKMirror, Aptoide or Aurora Store (to download) APK-file).
  • πŸ”„ Wait for the next update. MIUI β€” Sometimes GetApps returns automatically after an update.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I return GetApps on Chinese firmware without root rights?
On purely Chinese firmware (MIUI CN), GetApps is a system application and is removed only with root permissions. Without them, it cannot be restored - you will need to reflash to a global or European version of MIUI.
Why after recovering GetApps in English?
This happens if you installed a version for another region (e.g., Indian APK on a European phone). To fix: Remove the current version of GetApps. Download the APK for your region from Method 2. Install again - the language must change automatically.
Is it safe to install GetApps via APK?
Yes, if you download a file from official sources (links are provided in the article), the risks arise only when using APKs from third-party sites - they may contain malicious code. Always check the hash of the file (for example, via VirusTotal).
GetApps disappears after each MIUI update. How do you fix it?
This is a problem with some models (POCO X3, Redmi Note 10 Solutions: Turn off GetApps automatic update: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ GetApps β†’ Auto-update β†’ Turn it off. APK Note "no update" (e.g. version 6.9.7 from the table). MIUI, where the problem does not appear.
Can I use GetApps without a Mi Account?
Yes, but with limitations. Without authorization to Mi Account, you can't: Download paid apps or themes; participate in beta tests; sync installed apps between devices; For full functionality, register an account through Settings β†’ Accounts β†’ Mi Account.