Get Apps on Xiaomi: purpose, features and hidden features

If you own a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone, you’ve probably noticed a pre-installed Get Apps app (in some firmware, App Market or Mi App Store) that at first glance duplicates Google Play features, but actually performs much more important tasks — especially for users in Russia, China and other regions where access to Google services is limited. In this article, we’ll discuss in detail what Get Apps is for, how it differs from the standard app store, and why it should not be removed even by those who actively use Market Play.

Get Apps is not just an alternative to Google Play, but a full-fledged Xiaomi ecosystem tool integrated into MIUI firmware. It offers unique features that are not available in other stores, from regional apps to branded services. For example, Get Apps distributes updates to Xiaomi system utilities (such as Mi Home or Mi Fit), and offers exclusive promotions for owners of the company's devices, while many users mistakenly consider it "junk" software and remove it - which subsequently leads to problems with the smartphone.

What is Get Apps and Why You Need It on Xiaomi

Get Apps (formerly Mi App Store) is the official app store from Xiaomi, pre-installed on all devices with MIUI firmware. Unlike Google Play, it is focused on:

🌍 Regional features: offers applications adapted for specific countries (for example, Yandex.Cards or SberBank Online for Russia).
📦 System Updates: Distributes updates to Xiaomi’s branded utilities (such as Mi Video or Mi Browser).
🎁 Exclusive content: Beta versions of software and promotions for owners of brand devices appear here.
🔒 Security: All apps undergo additional Xiaomi virus and malicious code checks.

It's important to understand that Get Apps is not a replacement for Google Play, but a complement to it. For example, in some regions (e.g. China), Google Play is blocked, and Get Apps is becoming the main source of software. Even if you don't live in such countries, the app is useful for:

🔍 Search for alternatives to popular services (for example, instead of Google Maps – Baidu Maps for China).
📲 System Updates that are not distributed through the Play Market.
💰 Receiving bonuses and discounts from Xiaomi (for example, cashback for installing certain programs).

📊 You are using Get Apps on your Xiaomi?

Only for system updates

I download apps sometimes.

Never opened it.

Delete the app.

Differences between Get Apps and Google Play: Comparative Table

To understand why Get Apps shouldn’t be ignored, compare it to Google Play in terms of key parameters:

Criteria	Get Apps (Xiaomi)	Google Play
Regional adaptation	There are local applications for each country (for example, World Pay for Russia).	Universal directory, some applications may not be available in your area.
System updates	Distributes updates for Xiaomi utilities (for example, Mi Home).	Updates only apps installed through the Play Market.
Security	Additional virus testing from Xiaomi Security.	The standard check is Google Play Protect.
Exclusive content	Beta versions of the software, promotions for Xiaomi owners.	There are no exclusives for specific brands.
Loading speed	Faster in regions with limited access to Google (e.g. China).	It can brake when you lock it.

Critical: If you delete Get Apps, Xiaomi’s system applications will stop updating through standard channels, which could cause Mi Home, Mi Fit, and other ecosystem services to crash.

How to use Get Apps: step-by-step instructions

Get Apps interface is intuitive, but has a few hidden features.

Open the app: Find the Get Apps (or App Market) icon in your smartphone menu. If it's not available, check the Tools folder or search the system.
Authorization: The first launch may require you to sign in to your Mi Account (Xiaomi account), which will give you access to personalized recommendations and bonuses.
App Search: Use the search bar at the top or browse through categories (Recommended, Top, Games, etc.).
Installation: Click on the application → Install. Some programs will require proof of permission (e.g. access to contacts).

Hidden opportunities:

🔄 Update system utilities: Go to Updates (bell icon at the top) to check for updates for Mi Home, Mi Browser and more.
🎁 Promo-promotions: in the Mi Credit (or Bonuses) section, you can get points for installing certain applications, which are then exchanged for discounts.
📥 Download management: on the menu → My downloads can be cancelled or suspended.

Review the reviews of other users

Check the permissions that the program requests

Make sure the app is compatible with your version of MIUI

Download only from the official page (not from third-party sources)-->

Attention! Some apps in Get Apps may be regional-specific, such as WeChat Pay, which only works with Chinese bank cards.

Can I delete Get Apps and what happens if I do it?

Technically, removing Get Apps is possible, but it is highly discouraged.

⚠️ System updates will stop coming to Xiaomi’s proprietary utilities (such as Mi Home or Mi Fit), which could lead to malfunctioning of smart devices in the ecosystem.
⚠️ Inability to install regional applications that are not available on Google Play (for example, World Pay or Public Services for Russia).
⚠️ Loss of access to exclusive promotions from Xiaomi (for example, discounts on the purchase of gadgets).

If you want to get rid of the app, there are two options:

Disable (no deletion): Go to Settings → Applications → App Management → Get Apps → Disable.This hides the icon, but retains functionality for system updates.
Removal through ADB (For experienced users: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.mipicks ⚠️ Attention! After that, the application can only be restored through a full reset (Hard Reset).

What to do if Get Apps does not open?

If the app doesn't start, try: 1. Clear the cache in Settings → Apps → Get Apps → Storage → Clear the cache. 2. Update the app via Settings → About the phone → System Update. 3. Reboot the smartphone. If the problem remains, the firmware may be damaged, you need to flash through Fastboot.

Hidden features of Get Apps: what does the application besides installing programs

Many users consider Get Apps to be just an app store, but it actually performs a few additional tasks:

🔧 Update: In some regions (for example, in China) updates MIUI It is distributed through Get Apps, not through Settings. → Updating the system.
📊 Usage Analytics: The app collects data about what programs you install and offers personalized recommendations (you can disable in privacy settings).
💳 Mi Pay integration: in some countries, Get Apps allows you to link a bank card to pay for purchases in the Xiaomi ecosystem.
🎮 Game Center: In the Game section, exclusive titles are available for Xiaomi devices (for example, optimized for Black Shark).

One of the most useful hidden features is app compatibility check. For example, if you’re trying to install a program that doesn’t support your MIUI version or smartphone model, Get Apps will show a warning before you start downloading, unlike Google Play, where an error can only appear after you install it.

💡

If Get Apps doesn’t have the right app, try changing the region in the Mi Account settings. Go to Profile → Settings → Country / Region and select the right option (for example, Russia or Hong Kong to access global versions of programs).

Security: How to Avoid Fraud in Get Apps

While Get Apps is considered more secure than third-party stores (like APKMirror), there are risks.

🛡️ Check Developer: Official apps (e.g. Mi Home) must be from Xiaomi Inc..
📄 Read reviews: If a program has few ratings or is suspiciously positive, it could be a fake.
🔗 Do not click on external links: some applications in the description offer to download APK From third-party sites, it is dangerous!
🔒 Configure installation confirmation: in Settings → Annexes → Special access → Install unknown apps disable permission for Get Apps if you don’t trust the sources.

Attention! In 2023, there were cases of scammers downloading fake versions of popular programs (such as WhatsApp or VK) with malicious code to Get Apps.

The name of the package (should be the same as the official one, for example, com.whatsapp).
The number of downloads (popular applications it is in the millions).
The date of the last update (if the update was a year ago, it is suspicious).

💡

Get Apps is safer than third-party apps APK-Always check the developer and reviews before installing, even if the app is in the official Xiaomi store.

Solving problems with Get Apps: Errors and fixing them

If Get Apps is not working properly, use this instruction:

Problem.	Reason.	Decision
It doesn't open.	Cache or data failure	Clear the cache in Settings → Apps → Get Apps → Storage.
Applications are not downloaded	Problems with the Internet or servers Xiaomi	Check your network connection or try it later. If the problem persists, change the DNS to 8.8.8.8.
Error "Incompatible with the device"	The app does not support your MIUI version or your model.	Try downloading APK from the developer’s official website or changing the region in Mi Account.
There's always adverts coming in.	Personalized recommendations included	Turn off the Personalized Advertising item in the application settings.

If none of these methods worked, try:

Update Get Apps via Settings → About Phone → System Update.
Reset the application settings to Settings → Apps → Get Apps → Storage → Reset.
Reinstall the firmware via Fastboot (extreme case).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about Get Apps

Can I use Get Apps without a Mi Account?

Yes, but with limitations. Without authorization, you can't: Get personalized recommendations, participate in promotions (e.g., get Mi Credit points), synchronize installed applications between Xiaomi devices, but download and install programs will remain available.

Why aren’t some apps in Get Apps that are in Google Play?

This is due to: Regional restrictions: some applications are only available in certain countries; Xiaomi's policy: the brand does not host programs that compete with its services (for example, alternative launchers); Technical requirements: if the application is not optimized for MIUI, it may not be available; Solution: try changing the region in the Mi Account settings or download APK from the official website.

How to return Get Apps after deletion?

If you have removed the application through ADB, You can only restore it: Reset your smartphone to the factory settings (Hard Reset), reflash the device through Fastboot (requires a PC and knowledge of commands). ⚠️ Attention! Both methods will lead to data loss. We recommend you to back up beforehand through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Can I update my MIUI through Get Apps?

In most regions, MIUI updates are distributed via Settings → About Phone → System Update. However, in China and some other countries, updates can come through Get Apps. If you have a global firmware version, check for updates in the standard way.

Is it safe to enter your bank card details in Get Apps?

Yes, if you use the official version of the app and only download it from a pre-installed store. Xiaomi encrypts payment data to the standard PCI DSS. However: Never enter card details on third-party sites, even if they mimic Get Apps. Use virtual cards for added security. Check the address bar when paying - it should start with https://.