Mi Store (Xiaomi): What is this app, why is it needed and can it be removed?

Why does the Mi Store raise so many questions?

If you own a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone, you've probably noticed a pre-installed Mi Store app (sometimes called GetApps or App Store depending on the region) that appears immediately after you set up your device, sits on the menu, and sends notifications periodically. But what is it? Is it really necessary for the user, or is it just junk software that can be safely removed?

In this article, we will discuss in detail how the Mi Store differs from Google Play, what features it performs, what pros and cons of this service, and whether it can be eliminated without risk to the system. We will focus on security, memory optimization and alternative ways to install applications. If you have long wanted to understand whether to keep this application on your Xiaomi – read on.

What is the Mi Store and who designed it?

The Mi Store (officially called Xiaomi App Store or GetApps) is a branded app store from Xiaomi, pre-installed on all devices of the brand, it was created as an alternative to Google Play for markets where Google services are limited (for example, in China), but over time has spread to global versions of MIUI firmware.

Basic facts about the service:

• 📅 Launched in 2014 as part of the Xiaomi ecosystem.
• 🌍 Available in over 150 countries, but functionality varies by region.
• 📱 Preinstalled on all Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO smartphones, and some Black Shark devices.
• 🔄 Regularly updated with the firmware MIUI, but can be updated separately.

It’s important to understand that the Mi Store isn’t just a take on Google Play, it has unique features that many users don’t even know about, such as exclusive MIUI themes, Xiaomi branded services (like Mi Cloud or Mi Home), and apps optimized specifically for the brand’s devices.

How is the Mi Store different from Google Play?

Many users think of the Mi Store as a useless Google Play backup, but there are actually fundamental differences between the two.

One of the main advantages of the Mi Store is the ability to update Xiaomi system apps even if they are not available on Google Play. For example, the Camera or Security app is often updated through this store, rather than through the standard Play Market.

But there’s a flip side: many apps in the Mi Store duplicate those already on Google Play, and some may be less optimized or advertised, and the store’s interface isn’t always intuitive, especially for users who are used to Google Play.

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If you can’t find an app on Google Play (for example, due to regional restrictions), try searching for it in the Mi Store – sometimes alternative versions are available there.

The Pros and Cons of the Mi Store: Should You Use It?

Like any service, the Mi Store has its strengths and weaknesses, and let's go through them in detail so you can make an informed decision whether to leave the app or uninstall it.

The benefits of the Mi Store

• 🔄 System Application Updates: Many of the components of MIUI (e.g. Camera, Gallery, Security) are only updated through the Mi Store.
• 🎨 Exclusive themes and stickers: Here you can download unique desktop themes that are not available in other stores.
• 📦 Local apps: Some regions (like India or China) have apps that aren’t on Google Play.
• 🛡️ Fewer viruses: Because apps are moderated by Xiaomi, the risk of downloading malware is lower than from third-party sites.
• 💰 Promotions and discounts: Sometimes the Mi Store sells for paid apps or games.

Mi Store's disadvantages

• 🗑️ App Duplicate: Many Mi Store apps are already on Google Play, which creates confusion.
• 📢 Intrusive advertising: The store often sends notifications about new apps or promotions, which can be annoying.
• 🐢 Less user-friendly: Compared to Google Play, search and navigation in the Mi Store is less intuitive.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions: Some features (e.g. Mi Pay) only work in Asia.
• 📥 Takes up space in memory: the application itself and its cache can take up to 100-200 MB.

If you’re actively using the Xiaomi ecosystem (like you have smart Mi Home devices or you change themes a lot), then the Mi Store might be useful.Otherwise, its functionality is easily replaced by Google Play or other sources.

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The Mi Store is indispensable for updating Xiaomi system applications, but for most users it can be replaced by Google Play without losing functionality.

Can I remove the Mi Store without consequences?

This is one of the most popular questions among Xiaomi owners, and the answer depends on how you plan to uninstall the app:

How to remove Mi Store

1. Disconnecting via settings (the safest method):
2. Removal by ADB (requires a computer connection):
3. Removal through root rights (risky, can disrupt the system).

It is important to understand that completely removing (not disabling!) the Mi Store can lead to the following problems:

• ⚠️ System applications (Camera, Gallery, Security) will no longer be updated.
• ⚠️ Access to branded services (Mi Cloud, Mi Home) may be lost.
• ⚠️ In some cases, after the MIUI update, the application will recover automatically.

⚠️ Attention! If you delete the Mi Store via ADB or root and then update the firmware MIUI over the air (OTA), the application may return. To avoid this, disable the automatic installation of system applications in the developer settings before upgrading.

The safest option is to disable the application, rather than delete it completely, which will free up RAM and stop notifications, but will retain the ability to update system components.

Open Settings → Applications → Application Management

Find the Mi Store in the list

Click Disable (Do not Delete!)

Confirm the action.

Restart the device (optional)-->

How to optimize the Mi Store if you use it?

If you decide to leave the Mi Store, but it annoys you with intrusive notifications or slow work, you can optimize its operation with a few settings.

Tips for setting up Mi Store

• 🔔 Turn off notifications:
• 🧹 Clear the cache:
• 🔒 Turn off auto-update:
• 🌐 Change region (if necessary):

Also worth noting is the "My Apps" section of the Mi Store, which shows all the installed programs that can be updated through this store, and if you see duplicate apps (like Facebook or WhatsApp) here, it's best to update them through Google Play to avoid conflicts.

⚠️ Attention! If you use the Mi Store to update system applications, don't turn off the store's background activity in the battery settings. Otherwise, the updates may stop coming.

Mi Store Alternatives: Where else can I install apps?

If you decide to abandon the Mi Store, you have several alternatives to install apps:

The main sources of applications for Xiaomi

• 📱 Google Play is the main Android store, which has almost all the popular apps.
• 🌐 APKMirror is a reliable source of APK- virus-checked files.
• 🛒 Amazon Appstore is an alternative store with promotions for paid apps.
• 🔧 F-Droid is an open source software store (ideal for open source applications).
• 📦 Own APK – can be downloaded from official developer sites (e.g. Telegram or VK offer direct links to APK).

However, when using third-party sources, it is important to observe security measures:

• ✅ Download APK only from trusted sites (e.g. APKMirror or official resources).
• ✅ Before installing, check the hash amount of the file (if listed on the site).
• ✅ Do not install applications from unknown sources without antivirus testing.
• ✅ In Android settings, disable installation from unknown sources after installing the desired APK.

If you prefer Google Play, but some apps are not available due to regional restrictions, you can use a VPN or create a new Google account for another country.

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about the Mi Store