Mi Coin on Android Xiaomi Redmi: what is this program, how does it work and can you remove it?

What is Mi Coin and why it is needed in Xiaomi Redmi smartphones

If you own a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone (for example, Redmi Note 12, Redmi 10 or POCO X5), then you probably noticed a strange name in the list of applications - Mi Coin. Many users confuse it with cryptocurrency or a virus, but in fact it is an official service from Xiaomi, integrated into the MIUI firmware. Let's figure out what it is and why it appeared on your device.

Mi Coin (or Mi Credit) is a system of internal currency that Xiaomi has implemented to encourage user activity in its services, which are essentially bonus points that can be earned for performing certain actions: viewing ads, participating in surveys, installing recommended applications or even using standard smartphone features regularly, these points are then exchanged for discounts in the Mi Store, renewal of subscriptions or other bonuses.

It is important to understand that Mi Coin is not a virus or spyware. It is part of the Xiaomi ecosystem, but its work raises questions among many users due to aggressive advertising and background processes. If you do not plan to use the bonus system, the application can be disabled or removed (we will discuss this below).

How Mi Coin Works: The Points Charging and Use Mechanism

Mi Coin is based on earn and spend, and points are awarded for:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Daily sign-in to the Mi Credit app (usually +5-10 coins).
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Install recommended games from the Tasks section (up to +500 coins per application).
  • ๐Ÿ“บ View commercials (from +2 to +50 coins per video).
  • ๐Ÿ›’ Mi Store purchases (1% of the purchase amount is returned in the form of coins).
  • ๐Ÿ“Š Participation in surveys and testing of new features MIUI.

The accumulated coins can be spent on:

  • ๐ŸŽ Discounts on Xiaomi accessories (headphones, cases, powerbank).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Renewal of the Mi Cloud or Mi Video VIP subscription.
  • ๐ŸŽซ Participation in drawings of gadgets (e.g. smartphones or smartwatches).
  • ๐Ÿ’ณ Replenishing balance in some mobile games.

However, there are nuances: the exchange rate is not always profitable (for example, for 10,000 coins, you give a discount of only $ 1-2), and some tasks require the installation of dubious applications.

๐Ÿ“Š Did you use Mi Coin on your Xiaomi?
Yeah, I'm actively hoarding coins.
I tried it, but I didn't like it.
No, I just turned it off.
I don't know what that is.

Where to find Mi Coin on Xiaomi Redmi: Search and Launch

The Mi Coin app can be hidden in the menu or called differently depending on the version of MIUI. Here's how to find it:

  1. Open Settings โ†’ All applications and search for Mi Credit or Mi Coin.
  2. If you canโ€™t find it, check the Tools or Xiaomi folder on the home screen.
  3. On some firmware, the app is called GetApps (a Xiaomi brand store), and the coin section is hidden inside it.

If there is no icon at all, it means:

  • ๐Ÿ”น The application is disabled in the settings (see next section).
  • ๐Ÿ”น Your version MIUI does not support Mi Coin (relevant to older Redmi 4X, Redmi 5A models).
  • ๐Ÿ”น You use custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS) where Xiaomi services are removed.

๐Ÿ’ก

If you canโ€™t find Mi Coin, try updating GetApps through the Play Market โ€“ sometimes a coin tab appears after the update.

How to Disable or Remove Mi Coin with Xiaomi Redmi

If you do not plan to use the bonus system, Mi Coin can be disabled or deleted. MIUI:

Method 1: Disconnect via settings (without root)

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Application Management.
  2. Find Mi Credit or GetApps (if not, use search).
  3. Click Disable (do not "Remove Updates"!).
  4. Confirm the action โ€“ the application will stop working, but will remain in the system.

Method 2: Removal via ADB (for advanced)

If the shutdown is not enough, you can uninstall the app completely using ADB:

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

For GetApps (if the coins are there):

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

Install ADB on PC|Enable debugging by USB on your smartphone |Connect your phone to your computer |Identify permission to debug in your phone-->

Attention! Deleting system applications can lead to unstable MIUI. If errors occur after deleting (for example, GetApps does not open), restore the application via the command:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.xiaomi.mipicks
What happens if you delete the Mi Coin?
The app will disappear from the menu, but background processes (such as collecting statistics) may remain. On some firmware, this leads to the error "GetApps app is stopped." In extreme cases, resetting to factory settings will help.

Security and privacy: What Mi Coin knows about you

Like any Xiaomi service, Mi Coin collects user data, and according to official policy, the app can transmit:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Device model and version MIUI.
  • ๐ŸŒ Region and language of the system.
  • ๐Ÿ”ข ID Devices and information about installed applications.
  • ๐Ÿ“Š Usage statistics (what tasks you do, how many coins you earn).

Critical: Mi Coin can track the installation of third-party applications even if you do not interact directly with the service, which is necessary to accrue points for โ€œrecommendedโ€ programs, but poses privacy risks.

To limit data collection:

  1. Open Settings โ†’ Privacy โ†’ Special Permits โ†’ Location Data and disable access for Mi Credit.
  2. Disable the application from accessing Contacts and Warehouse in the same settings.
  3. Turn off personalized advertising in Settings โ†’ Google โ†’ Advertising (if you use Google services).

๐Ÿ’ก

Even after disabling Mi Coin, some data may be transferred through other Xiaomi system services (such as Mi Account or Mi Cloud).

Mi Coin Alternatives: Other Ways to Make Money on a Smartphone

If you are not satisfied with Mi Coin, but want to earn bonuses for using a smartphone, consider alternatives:

ServiceHow to make moneyWhat can I get
Google Opinion RewardsAnswering pollsPoints on Google Play
SberSpasiboPurchases on the Sberbank cardPartner discounts
Yandex PlusShopping in Yandex Market, taxiCashback, free delivery
Cashโ€™em AllInstallation of games, viewing advertisingWithdrawal to Qiwi/Yandex.Money

The advantage of these services is more transparent terms and less privacy risks, such as Google Opinion Rewards paying real money (albeit small), and SberSpasibo does not require additional apps to be installed.

If you are interested in Xiaomi bonuses, pay attention to:

  • ๐ŸŽ Mi Community โ€“ for activity on the forum give prizes.
  • ๐Ÿ›’ Mi Store โ€“ sometimes there are promotions with cashback.

Frequent Mi Coin Problems and How to Solve Them

Xiaomi Redmi users often encounter Mi Coin bugs. Consider the most common:

1. No coins are awarded for assignments

Problem: You completed a task (e.g., set up a game), but the coins didnโ€™t come.

Decision:

  • Check your internet connection (mobile traffic or Wi-Fi is needed).
  • Update the GetApps app through the Play Market.
  • Clear the cache: Settings โ†’ Apps โ†’ GetApps โ†’ Storage โ†’ Clear the cache.
  • Reboot the phone.

2.The app is constantly hanging in the background

Mi Coin consumes battery and traffic even when not in use.

Decision:

  • Turn off auto-start: Settings โ†’ Apps โ†’ GetApps โ†’ Auto-run.
  • Limit background activity: Settings โ†’ Battery โ†’ Application selection โ†’ GetApps โ†’ Limit background.
  • Turn off notifications: Settings โ†’ Notifications โ†’ GetApps.

Error "Service unavailable"

Problem: When you open Mi Coin, an error message appears.

Decision:

  • Check if Mi Coin is blocking antivirus or firewall.
  • Make sure your region is supported (the service may not work in some countries).
  • Update MIUI to the latest version.

๐Ÿ’ก

If Mi Coin issues arise after the MIUI update, try resetting the GetApps app settings to factory settings (Settings โ†’ Apps โ†’ GetApps โ†’ Storage โ†’ Reset).

โ“ Can you exchange Mi Coin for real money?
No, officially, there is no exchange for rubles, dollars or electronic money, coins can only be spent on discounts in the Mi Store or bonuses in Xiaomi services.
โ“ Why did all my coins disappear after the MIUI update?
This is a known bug in some firmware versions. Try: Log in to Mi Account again. Clear GetApps data. โ†’ Annexes โ†’ GetApps โ†’ Warehouse โ†’ If it doesnโ€™t help, contact Xiaomi with the phone model and version. MIUI.
โ“ Why does Xiaomi need this system? Isn't it easier to give discounts directly?
Xiaomi uses Mi Coin for several purposes: ๐Ÿ“ˆ Increase engagement โ€” users log into GetApps more often and install recommended apps. ๐Ÿ“Š Collect user preferences for targeted advertising. ๐Ÿ’ฐ Partner programs โ€” Xiaomi gets money from developers to install their apps. Direct discounts are less profitable for the company because they do not stimulate additional activity.
โ“ Can I use Mi Coin on custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS)?
No, because Mi Coin is closely integrated into MIUI services. On custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience), the application is either missing or not working due to the lack of system components Xiaomi.
โ“ How to transfer Mi Coins to another Xiaomi smartphone?
Coins are linked to your Mi Account, not your device. To transfer them: Sign in with the same account on your new phone. Install or update GetApps. Go to Mi Credit, coins should show up. If there are no coins, check if they have been reset after changing the region in your account.