Mi Store on Xiaomi Redmi: why you need this app and how to work with it

If you recently purchased a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone or updated the firmware, you probably noticed the Mi Store app preinstalled. Many users wonder what kind of program it is, can it be removed and how it affects the operation of the device? In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of working with the Mi Store - from basic functions to hidden features that the manufacturer does not always advertise.

The Mi Store is not just an app store, as it may seem at first glance, it is a whole ecosystem of services from Xiaomi, which is integrated into the firmware. MIUI It's closely linked to other proprietary applications (e.g. Mi Account or GetApps), which are convenient for some users, and extra ballast for others. Next, you will learn how to get the most out of the Mi Store or, conversely, get rid of it without harming the system.

What is the Mi Store and why is it needed on Redmi?

Mi Store (or Mi App Store) is the official app store from Xiaomi, pre-installed on all smartphones of the brand, including the line of Redmi. Unlike Google Play, this store specializes in:

• 📱 Localized apps for the Chinese and global markets (many of them are not available on Google Play).
• 🔧 Xiaomi’s proprietary utilities, such as Mi Remote, Mi Fit or Mi Home, for managing smart devices.
• 🎁 Exclusive promotions and discounts for device owners Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco.
• 🔄 Firmware updates and security patches (in some regions).

It’s important to understand that the Mi Store isn’t a complete alternative to Google Play, it complements it by offering users access to apps optimized for the game. MIUI. For example, you can find it here:

• 🎵 Mi Music and Mi Video with support for formats that are not played in standard players.
• 📡 Mi WiFi – a utility for managing Xiaomi routers.
• 🔋 Security - proprietary antivirus with memory cleaning functions.

But the Mi Store has its drawbacks: First, the app catalog is far smaller than Google Play in terms of size; second, some users complain of intrusive advertising and notifications about “recommended” programs; and third, the app cannot be completely removed by standard means, only disable.

The Mi Store is different from Google Play and other stores

Many users confuse the Mi Store with Google Play or GetApps (another Xiaomi brand store). To avoid confusion, compare them in the table:

An important nuance: in some regions (such as China), the Mi Store replaces Google Play entirely due to the ban on Google services.

If you live outside of China, Mi Store is unlikely to be your main source of apps, but it can be useful for:

• 🔄 Download firmware updates manually (if) OTA doesn't work).
• 🎨 Setting themes and wallpapers for MIUI, Which are not available on Google Play.
• 🔧 Getting beta versions of branded applications (for example, Mi Browser or Mi Calculator).

💡

If the Mi Store does not display apps in Russian, try changing the region in the settings of the Xiaomi account. → Settings → Country/Region and select "Russia" or "Global".

How to use the Mi Store: step-by-step instructions

The Mi Store interface is intuitive, but it has hidden features that many people don't know about.

1. Search and installation of applications

To find the program:

1. Open the Mi Store (Blue Basket icon on white background).
2. Enter the title in the search bar or select a category (Games, Utilities, Themes, etc.).
3. Click on the app. → Install.

If the application is paid, you will need to link the bank card to the Mi Account account.

• 💳 Bank card (Visa, Mastercard, Mir).
• 💰 Mi Credit – Xiaomi’s internal currency (accredited for activity).
• 📱 Mobile Operator (in some countries).

Updating the annexes

The Mi Store automatically checks for updates to the programs installed through it, so you can manually update everything:

1. Go to the Updates section (the arrow icon at the bottom of the screen).
2. Click Update All or select specific apps.

3. Set up notifications

By default, the Mi Store sends notifications for new apps, promotions and updates to disable them:

1. Open the phone settings.
2. Go to the Apps → Application management → Mi Store.
3. Select Notifications and disable unnecessary options.

You can also limit the background activity of the application so that it does not consume battery power:

1. In the same Mi Store settings, select Battery.
2. Activate the option to limit background activity.

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If after the update Mi Store stopped working, clear the cache of the application in the settings (Storage) → Clear cache.This will solve most problems with freezes or download errors.

Can I remove the Mi Store from Xiaomi Redmi?

This is one of the most popular questions. Unfortunately, you can't completely remove the Mi Store with standard means, because it's a system application. However, there are several ways to get rid of it or at least disable it:

1. Disabling the application

The safest method:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Mi Store in the list and select it.
3. Click Disable (the button will become active if the application is not critical to the system).

Once disabled, the Mi Store icon will disappear from the menu, but the application file will remain in memory.

2. Removal via ADB (for power users)

If you are willing to take risks, you can remove the Mi Store with Android Debug Bridge (ADB). For that:

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

⚠️ Warning: This method requires unlocking the bootloader and can lead to unstable operation MIUI. Before executing the command, create a backup copy of the data!

3. Hiding the badge without deleting

If you are just disturbed by the icon on the desktop:

1. Hold your finger on the Mi Store icon.
2. Drag it up the screen to the inscription Delete (or Hide, depending on the version). MIUI).

The app will remain in the system, but will not appear in the menu.

Mi Store Problems and Their Solutions

Xiaomi Redmi users often encounter errors in the Mi Store, and consider the most common problems and ways to fix them:

1.Mi Store doesn't open or fly out

Reasons:

• 🗑️ Filled cache – clean it in the app settings.
• 🔄 Outdated version – Update the Mi Store via Google Play (if available) or manually download APK official website.
• 📱 Conflict with other apps – try rebooting your phone.

If nothing helps, reset the Mi Store settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Mi Store → Storage.
2. Click Clear Data and Clear Cache.

2. Applications are not downloaded or installed

Check the following points:

• 📶 Internet connection – Mi Store may not work over mobile, try Wi-Fi.
• 📁 Free space – installation requires at least 500 MB of free memory.
• 🔒 Permissions – In the security settings, enable installation from unknown sources for the Mi Store.

If the problem persists, try:

Settings → Additional → Region

Change the region to India or Russia – sometimes this helps unlock the download.

3. Persistent notices and advertising

To reduce the amount of spam:

1. Open the Mi Store and go to Profile → Settings.
2. Turn off the recommendations and push notifications.
3. In your phone settings, limit the app’s background activity (as described above).

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If the ads in the Mi Store have become too intrusive, try resetting the ad ID in your phone settings: → Google → Advertising → Reset the advertising ID.

Hidden Mi Store features that few people know about

Many users use the Mi Store only for downloading applications, but it has other useful features:

1. Application beta testing

In the Mi Store, you can become a beta tester of Xiaomi branded applications and get early access to new features.

1. Open the Profile section → Settings → Join the Beta Testing Program.
2. Select an app (such as Mi Browser or Mi Calculator).
3. Confirm your participation and wait for approval (may take up to 24 hours).

Installation of themes and wallpapers MIUI

Unlike Google Play, the Mi Store has a separate section with themes for the design of the game. MIUI:

1. Go to the Topic category.
2. Select your favorite theme and click Apply.

Some themes change not only wallpaper, but also icons, fonts, animations of transitions.

3. Authentication of the device

In the Mi Store, you can check if you have an original Xiaomi device.

1. Open the Profile section → My devices.
2. Click on your Redmi model.
3. The system will show the status of the original device or a warning about a fake.

4. Access to exclusive promotions

Mi Store often holds closed sales for owners of Xiaomi devices, so as not to miss them:

• 🔔 Include promotional notifications in your profile settings.
• 🎁 Check the Promo section in the lower menu regularly.

💡

If you’re an active user of the Xiaomi ecosystem (you have smart lamps, routers, or fitness bracelets), then the Mi Store will be the central hub for managing all devices through branded apps.

Security: Can you trust the Mi Store?

The security issue is especially important, as the Mi Store has access to your Xiaomi account data, and let’s look at the main risks and how to minimize them:

1. Virus testing of applications

Xiaomi claims that all apps in the Mi Store are being tested for malicious code.

• ✅ Plus: less risk of running into viruses than during installation APK source.
• ❌ Cons: moderation is less strict than in Google Play. there are applications with intrusive advertising or data collection.

Recommendations:

• 🛡️ Install antivirus (such as Malwarebytes or Bitdefender).
• 📋 Before installing, read reviews from other users.
• 🔍 Check permission requests (if the game requires access to contacts, it is suspicious).

2. Data collection and confidentiality

The Mi Store collects information about:

• 📱 Models of your device.
• 🌍 Your region and language.
• 📊 Established annexes (for recommendations).

To limit data collection:

1. Go to Profile → Settings → Privacy.
2. Turn off Personalized Recommendations and Usage Analytics.

⚠️ Note: If you use the Chinese version of the Mi Store (for example, on firmware for the domestic market), then the data may be transferred to servers in China. GDPR and local privacy laws, for global versions MIUI This risk is minimal.

3. Fraudulent applications

Although the Mi Store is moderately controlled, it sometimes appears to be a scam, with signs of a suspicious app:

• 💰 Asks for payment for "free" features.
• 📥 Requests unnecessary permissions (e.g. access to the SMS geolocation).
• 🔄 Has few reviews or they are all suspiciously positive.

If you have installed such an application:

1. Delete it immediately.
2. Check the phone with antivirus.
3. Change passwords from important accounts (if you entered them in a suspicious application).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Store on Xiaomi Redmi