Mi Store Xiaomi – what is this program and is it needed on your device?

If you own a Xiaomi device, you've probably noticed the mysterious Mi Store on the app list. Many users are wondering what kind of program it is, why it is needed and can it be safely removed? In this article, we'll go through all aspects of the Mi Store, from functionality to hidden features that the manufacturer does not always advertise.

On the one hand, the Mi Store is positioned as the official app store for the Xiaomi ecosystem, and on the other, users often complain about intrusive notifications, background activity and not always understandable benefits. Is this service necessary in 2026, when alternative stores (such as Google Play or APKMirror) offer similar functionality?

Unlike the standard Google Play Market, the Mi Store is tightly integrated with firmware. MIUI And other Xiaomi-branded services, which means that removing it could affect some of the features -- but not always critically -- the key is to understand what features you're going to lose and whether the game is worth the price.

What is the Mi Store and why is it needed?

The Mi Store is Xiaomi’s official app and service catalog, pre-installed on all of the brand’s devices (smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and even TVs) and runs parallel to Google Play, but has several key differences:

First, it features exclusive applications for the Xiaomi ecosystem that you can’t find in other stores, such as proprietary utilities for setting up a smart home (Mi Home), customizing the interface (Themes), or synchronizing data between devices. Second, the Mi Store is optimized for firmware MIUI, In theory, it should be better compatible.

However, in practice, many users are faced with the fact that:

• 🔄 The app duplicates the functionality of Google Play, offering the same programs, but with less choice.
• 📱 Spam is often sent as a notification of “recommended” apps (even if you’re not interested in them).
• 🔋 Works in the background, consuming battery power and traffic.
• 🌍 In some regions (for example, in Russia) some content may not be available due to geoblocking.

In essence, the Mi Store is Xiaomi’s attempt to create its own ecosystem, similar to the Apple App Store or Huawei AppGallery.But unlike Huawei, which had no choice after the sanctions, Xiaomi continues to support Google Play, making the Mi Store more of an additional tool than a must-have tool.

Mi Store Features: What Does the App Do?

Mi Store is not limited to simple installation of programs, let's break down its key features that can be useful (or vice versa, annoying):

1. Exclusive content for Xiaomi devices

Here you will find:

• 📱 Branded shells and themes for MIUI (including dynamic wallpaper and icons).
• 🏠 Smart home apps (Mi Home, Mi Fit for wearables).
• 🎮 Games with optimization for Qualcomm or MediaTek processors used in Xiaomi smartphones.
• 🔧 Service utilities (e.g. Mi Mover for data transfer or Mi Remote for equipment management).

2. Recommendations based on your device

Mi Store algorithms analyze the model of your gadget and offer software that:

• 🔋 Optimized for battery saving (e.g., Security or Battery Doctor).
• 📸 Improves camera performance (filters, manual settings for Redmi models or POCO).
• 🎧 Supports branded accessories (Mi AirDots headphones, Mi Smart Speaker speakers).

3. Updates for system applications

Some pre-installed programs (such as Mi Browser, Mi Video or Mi Music) are updated through the Mi Store, not Google Play, which means that without it, you can miss important security patches or new features.

Regional features

Depending on the country, the Mi Store may offer:

• 🇨🇳 Google Play is a replacement for Google Play in China (as Google is blocked there).
• 🇷🇺 Russia has a limited set of applications due to sanctions (for example, there are no payment services).
• 🇮🇳 In India – localized versions of popular instant messengers and banking applications.

However, many of these features are duplicated by other services, such as topics for the use of MIUI You can download it through the settings. → Themes and updates for system applications sometimes come through Settings → The phone. → Update of the PO.

💡

If you use Xiaomi outside of China, check your Settings. → The region, whether China is in it, could block access to some of the Mi Store features and other Google services.

Security and Privacy: What to Fear?

One of the big questions that users are concerned about is, how safe is the Mi Store? Because it has access to software installation, personal data, and can even run processes in the background.

1. Data collection

Like any app store, the Mi Store collects information about:

• 📱 Models of your device and version MIUI.
• 📊 List of installed applications (for forming recommendations).
• 🌍 Your region and language of the system.
• 🔗 Mi Account (if you are logged in).

Xiaomi says the data is anonymized and used only to improve service, but in 2021, the company was sanctioned by the US for handing over user data to Chinese authorities (though this has been officially denied).

2. Vulnerabilities and malware

Unlike Google Play, where apps are heavily moderated, Mi Store sometimes slips suspicious programs.

• 🕵️‍♂️ In 2020, the Android.Triada Trojan was discovered in the store, masquerading as legitimate utilities.
• 📦 Some apps contained aggressive ads or hidden subscriptions.

The company promptly removes such programs after complaints, but the risk remains.

Background activity

The Mi Store may:

• 🔄 Automatically check for updates to installed apps (even if you didn’t ask for it).
• 📥 Download data in the background (for example, banners for advertising).
• 🔔 Send push notifications about “hot offers".

This leads to:

• 🔋 Additional battery consumption (according to the test data, up to 3-5% day-to-day).
• 📶 Mobile traffic consumption (especially if you have an unlimited rate with a speed limit after the limit).

Geoblocking and censorship

In some countries, the Mi Store may:

• 🚫 Block access to certain applications (e.g, VPN messenger).
• 💰 Imposing Paid Services Through Partner Programs.

To minimize the risks, it is recommended that:

⚠️ Warning: Do not install apps from the Mi Store that are suspiciously high-ranked (4.9-5.0) With a small number of reviews, it could be a sign of cheating.

How to remove Mi Store: step-by-step instructions

If you decide you don't need the Mi Store, you can delete it.

• 🔧 On some devices, the application is system-based and is removed only with root rights.
• ⚠️ After removal, Xiaomi branded utilities can stop updating.
• 🔄 In some cases, the Mi Store recovers after resetting settings or updating. MIUI.

Method 1: Normal removal (without root)

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Mi Store (can be called GetApps or App Store).
3. Press Remove or Disable (if the Remove button is inactive).

Method 2: Remove via ADB (without root but with PC)

If the delete button is blocked, use the command:

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

Where com.xiaomi.mipicks is the batch name of Mi Store (may vary depending on version) MIUI).

Method 3: Remove with root rights

To completely remove the system application:

1. Get root access (for example, through Magisk).
2. Use a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer).
3. Move to the /system/priv-app/MiAppStore or /system/app/MiAppStore.
4. Delete the folder with the application or rename it (for example, in MiAppStore.bak).
5. Reset the device.

Turn off automatic app updates in the Mi Store

Make a backup copy of important data

Check if there are any Mi Account-related purchases

Make sure you have an alternative way to update your system utilities.-->

What happens after removal?

• ✅ Intrusive notifications about “recommended” applications will disappear.
• ✅ Released before 50-100 MB of memory (depending on version).
• ✅ Background battery consumption will decrease.
• ⚠️ Some system applications (such as Mi Browser or Mi Video) will stop updating).
• ⚠️ Access to exclusive themes and utilities for MIUI.

⚠️ Note: On devices with global firmware (Global) ROM) The removal of the Mi Store usually goes without consequences. (China) ROM) This can lead to disruptions in work. MIUI.

Mi Store Alternatives: What to Replace?

If you have removed the Mi Store or just want to use other sources of apps, consider these options:

1. Google Play Market

Pros:

• 🔍 More strict moderation (less risk of running into viruses).
• 🌍 A wide range of apps (including those not in the Mi Store).
• 🔄 Automatic updates without unnecessary spam.

Cons:

• 🚫 There are no exclusive themes and utilities for MIUI.
• 🇷🇺 In some regions (for example, in Russia) some applications are blocked.

2. APKMirror

Pros:

• 📥 Ability to download old versions of applications.
• 🔓 No regional linkage.
• 🛡️ Verification APK on viruses before loading.

Cons:

• ⚠️ Risk of downloading an unofficial build (you need to check hashes).
• 🔄 No automatic updates.

3. Aurora Store

Pros:

• 🆓 Free and open-source analogue of Google Play.
• 🔒 You can use it without a Google account.
• 🌐 Access to applications blocked in your region.

Cons:

• 🛠️ Requires manual adjustment (sometimes root rights are required).
• 📥 Download speeds may be lower than in the official store.

4. Branded APK Xiaomi

If you need exclusive utilities (such as Mi Home or Mi Fit), you can download them directly from official sources:

• 🌐 Apk.mi.com (Official Xiaomi Repository).
• 📎 Telegram channels like Xiaomi APK (But beware of forgeries!).

5. F-Droid

Pros:

• 🐧 Open source applications (without trackers).
• 🔒 High level of confidentiality.

Cons:

• 📉 Very limited choice (no popular commercial applications).

For most users, the best solution is a combination of Google Play. + APKMirror for older versions. If you need Xiaomi branded utilities, it is better to leave the Mi Store, but turn off background activity and notifications from it.

💡

If you deleted the Mi Store, but then wanted to return it, you can restore it through resetting (Settings) → Additionally. → Resetting) or flashing the device.

How to turn off notifications and background activity of the Mi Store?

If you don't want to delete the Mi Store, but it's annoying to spam, you can just limit its activity.

1. Disable notifications

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Mi Store → Notifications.
2. Turn off all switches (especially Recommended Apps and Updates).

2. Prohibit background activity

1. In the same settings of the application, select Battery → Background activity.
2. Set a limit to Limit or Prohibit.

3. Disable auto-updates

1. Open the Mi Store.
2. Go to Profile → Settings → Auto-Update applications.
3. Choose Never or Only over Wi-Fi.

4. Restrict access to data

1. In the application settings, select Permissions.
2. Disable access to Contacts, Locations and Warehouse (if not needed).

5. Hide the icon from the menu

If you don’t want to see the app on the list:

1. Hold your finger on the Mi Store icon on the home screen.
2. Choose Remove from Screen or Hide (depending on version) MIUI).

These measures will help reduce the load on the battery and eliminate annoying advertising, while maintaining the ability to use the store when necessary.

Mi Store on different Xiaomi devices: features

The functionality and capabilities of the Mi Store may vary depending on the type of device, let’s understand how it works on different Xiaomi gadgets:

1. Smartphones and tablets (Redmi, POCO, Mi)

Here Mi Store is the most complete:

• 📱 Offers themes, wallpaper and icons for MIUI.
• 🎮 Games with optimization for Snapdragon or MediaTek processors.
• 🔧 Utilities for customizing gestures, battery and performance.

On devices with POCO Launcher (e.g, POCO F5) The interface of the store may be different, but the functionality remains the same.

2. Smart watches and fitness bracelets (Mi Band, Mi Watch)

On wearable devices, the Mi Store is presented as a section in the Mi Fit or Xiaomi Wear app.

• ⌚ Install new dials.
• 🏃‍♂️ Add widgets for training.
• 🔊 Install branded applications (e.g. Mi Pay for contactless payments).

However, the choice of applications is extremely limited – mainly it is customization of the interface.

3. Television and media set-top boxes (Mi) TV, Mi Box)

Xiaomi. TV The Mi Store is integrated into the system and is responsible for:

• 📺 Install streaming services (e.g. Netflix, Prime Video).
• 🎮 Games and apps for Android TV.
• 🔊 Music services (e.g. Mi Music).

Removing it on your TV is not recommended – it can disrupt PatchWall (branded shell Xiaomi). TV).

4. Laptops and smart speakers

On Xiaomi Notebook or Mi Smart Speaker Mi Store is less common, but can be used to:

• 💻 Installation of drivers and utilities for laptops.
• 🔊 Voice assistants and speaker services (e.g. Xiao) AI).

On these devices, the store is usually less intrusive, as it is not the main way to install software.

5. Smart home (robot vacuum cleaners, lamps, cameras)

Mi Store is not installed separately, but some features are available through Mi Home.

• 🏠 Firmware updates for smart home devices.
• 🔌 Additional scenarios of automation.

In most cases, the Mi Store is not needed for a smart home – everything is managed through Mi Home or Google Home.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Mi Store