If you own a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone (or any other device of the brand), you've probably noticed the Mi Store app on the installed list. It comes out of the box on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, but not all users understand its purpose. Some consider it a useless ballast, some - a mandatory component of the ecosystem, and some even suspect spying. Let's figure out what kind of program it is, how it works and what to do with it.
At first glance, the Mi Store looks like a regular app store — an alternative to Google Play. But it's not really. It's closely integrated with the MIUI shell and performs several functions at once, from distributing official updates to promoting Xiaomi services. In this article, we will discuss all aspects of the Mi Store, including hidden settings, security issues and ways to optimize its work on your Redmi.
What is the Mi Store and why is it needed on Xiaomi Redmi?
Mi Store (full name – Mi App Store) is the official app store from Xiaomi, preinstalled on all devices of the brand.It works in parallel with Google Play, but has a number of key differences:
- 📱 Optimized for MIUI: Mi Store apps are customized to work with the branded shell and often have additional features (for example, integration with Mi Account or Xiaomi Cloud).
- 🌍 Local apps: In some regions (such as China, India or Russia), the Mi Store offers apps that are not available on Google Play due to geo-blocking.
- 🔄 System Component Updates: Updates are distributed through the Mi Store for Xiaomi branded services (for example, Mi Video, Mi Music, Security, etc).
- 🎁 Exclusive content: Sometimes there are beta versions of applications or promotions for owners of Xiaomi devices.
It’s important to understand that the Mi Store is not just a take on Google Play, but part of the Xiaomi ecosystem. For example, if you remove the Mi Store, some system updates may stop installing automatically. On the other hand, the app is not critical: without it, the smartphone will work, but will lose some functionality.
How to distinguish Mi Store from viruses and fakes
One of the most common questions is, "Is it a virus?" Indeed, the Mi Store name is sometimes used by scammers to spread malware. Here's how to distinguish an official app from a fake:
| Sign. | Official Mi Store | Fake app |
|---|---|---|
| Icon | White packet with green ribbon on a blue background | There may be color distortions, a different logo, or the words "Mi Store Pro" |
| Package name | com.xiaomi.mipicks or com.xiaomi.market | Random character set (e.g. com.mistore.app.free) |
| Place of installation | Pre-installed in the System Applications section | Manually installed (there is a button "Delete") |
| Requirements of rights | Minimum (network and storage access) | Requests administrator rights, access to SMS or contacts |
If you doubt the authenticity of the Mi Store, check it through Settings → Apps → Application Management → Mi Store. The official app will be marked as system and have the signature of Xiaomi Inc. You can also download the original APK from the official Xiaomi website and compare hash amounts.
⚠️ Note: If your Mi Store has banner ads with suspicious offers (such as “You won an iPhone!”), this is a sign of infection with an advar. You need to check the device with an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes) and reset your ad settings in Settings → Google → Advertising.
Main features of the Mi Store: what the application can do
The Mi Store does more than it first appears, and here are its key features:
- 📦 Installation and update of applications: In addition to third-party programs, updates for Xiaomi system utilities (for example, Mi Remote, Mi Fit) are distributed here).
- 🔍 Search for localized content: In some countries (e.g. India), Mi Store offers apps optimized for the local market (banking, transportation, news).
- 🎯 Personalized recommendations: Based on your smartphone model and region, current applications are offered (for example, for Redmi Note 12, games with support for 120 Hz may be recommended).
- 📊 Management of updates MIUI: Through the Mi Store, security patches and minor shell updates are sometimes distributed.
- 💰 Promotions and discounts: From time to time, exclusive offers for Xiaomi apps or services appear here (for example, discounts on Mi Cloud).
Important: Starting with MIUI 14, some of the features of the Mi Store were moved to the GetApps section (in some regions). If you don't find a familiar interface, check for this app - it performs the same role, but with a different name.
One of the hidden features of the Mi Store is access to beta firmware, which, if you're a Mi Pilot member, is the app that allows you to get early MIUI builds before they're officially released, but it's not available in all regions.
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If the Mi Store is constantly offering updates for system applications, but they are not installed, try clearing the app cache in Settings → Apps → Mi Store → Storage → Clear the cache.
How to use the Mi Store: step-by-step instructions
The interface of the Mi Store is intuitive, but it has a few hidden features.
- App Search: At the top line, type the program name. Mi Store not only searches in its directory, but also suggests you go to Google Play if the application is missing.
- Application Update: Go to the Update tab (the arrow icon at the bottom). This shows the available updates for installed programs.
- Download management: In the Downloads (download icon) section, you can pause or cancel the installation, as well as see the history of downloaded files.
- App settings: Tap the avatar in the upper right corner → Settings. You can turn off auto updates, change region, or enable notifications for new apps.
If you want to save traffic, you can prevent downloading updates on the mobile network or set a limit on background activity in the Mi Store settings, and there is an option to “Show system updates only” that hides third-party apps and only leaves critical updates for MIUI.
Disable auto-updates on mobile network | Clear the app cache | Check permissions in Android Settings | Update Mi Store to the latest version | Remove unnecessary downloads from history-->
Can I remove the Mi Store from Xiaomi Redmi and how to do it?
Technically, the Mi Store can be removed, but it is not recommended for no good reason.The application is closely linked to MIUI system services, and its removal may result in:
- 🚫 Update issues: Some security patches and updates for branded apps (Mi Video, Mi Music) will no longer be installed.
- 🔄 Work failures MIUI: Widgets may disappear or system settings may stop opening.
- 📱 Loss of functionality: For example, integration with Mi Account or Xiaomi Cloud will stop working.
If you want to get rid of the Mi Store, there are two ways:
- Disable (no root rights): Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Store → Disable the Application will disappear from the menu, but will remain in the system and will not consume resources.
- Complete removal (requires root rights): Use ADB-Command: Adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks ⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications may disrupt the work MIUI. Before that, make a backup copy through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
If you have problems after deleting (for example, system applications have stopped updating), you can restore the Mi Store through resetting settings or flashing the device.
What happens if you delete the Mi Store on global firmware?
Security and privacy: What the Mi Store knows about you
Many users worry that the Mi Store is collecting extra data, so let's figure out what information the app is actually transmitting and how to control it.
By default, the Mi Store collects:
- 📱 Device model and version MIUI (for offering compatible applications).
- 🌐 Region and language (for content localization).
- 🔍 Search history and installed applications (for personalized recommendations).
- 🔄 Updates (which updates have been installed).
To limit data collection:
- Open Mi Store → tap on the avatar → Settings → Privacy.
- Turn off the options "Personalized recommendations" and "Tracking activity".
- In Android settings, go to Settings → Apps → Mi Store → Permissions and turn off access to Locations, Contacts and Phone (if enabled).
In 2022, Xiaomi was fined by the EU for over-collecting user data, including information from the Mi Store.The company then tightened its privacy policy and now all data is anonymized. However, if you are paranoid about security, it is better to turn off the app completely.
Mi Store Alternatives: How to Replace a Standard Store
If you've removed the Mi Store or you don't like it, you can use alternative sources of apps.
| The alternative | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Google Play | Maximum selection of applications, reliability, automatic updates | Geo-blocking, lack of some local applications |
| APKMirror | Access to any version of APK, no registration | Risk of downloading an outdated or modified version |
| Aptoide | Open platform, lots of localized content | High risk of getting into malware |
| Aurora Store | Anonymous access to Google Play, no tracking | Requires customization, not all applications work |
If you need system updates for MIUI, you can download them manually from the official Xiaomi website:
https://new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/indexHowever, this will require you to know the exact model of your Redmi and the firmware version.
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If you use alternative stores, always check the hash amounts of APKs downloaded through services like VirusTotal, and even official sources sometimes spread infected files.