Xiaomi Store: what is this application, how to use it and can it be removed

If you are the owner of a Xiaomi smartphone and notice a mysterious app ru Store in the installed list, then do not rush to remove it - it is not a virus or malware. However, its purpose raises questions among many users. In this article, we will discuss in detail what ru Store is, why it is preinstalled on Xiaomi devices, how to use it and whether it can be eliminated without consequences for the system.

We should note right away: ru Store is a branded app store from Xiaomi, focused on the Russian market, it appeared as an alternative to Google Play after the tightening of sanctions and restrictions for Russian users. However, its functionality and necessity are controversial: some consider it a useful tool, others – unnecessary ballast. Next, we will analyze all aspects of working with this application, including hidden settings, possible risks and optimization methods.

What is the ru Store and why it is needed on Xiaomi

ru Store (or Mi App Store) RU) — This is an official app catalog developed by Xiaomi specifically for the Russian segment of users, which is designed to replace or supplement Google Play Market in conditions where access to some foreign services is limited. The application is pre-installed on all new smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, sold in Russia starting from 2022.

The main tasks of the ru Store:

• 📱 Providing access to popular Russian and international applications adapted for the local market.
• 🔒 Security by checking apps for viruses and malicious code (as claimed by Xiaomi).
• 💰 Support for local payment systems (for example, World, SBP) for in-app purchases.
• 🌍 Integration with other Xiaomi services such as Mi Account or Mi Cloud.

However, in practice, many users are faced with the fact that the ru Store directory is less extensive than Google Play, and some applications may be outdated or not optimized, and the application consumes system resources in the background, which raises questions about its real usefulness.

How to distinguish the ru Store from other app stores

Xiaomi smartphones can have several app stores installed simultaneously: Google Play, Mi App Store (global version) and ru Store. To avoid confusing them, note the following signs:

It’s important to understand that the ru Store is not a complete replacement for Google Play, for example, it lacks many global services (e.g. Netflix, Disney, etc.).+), App updates may be delayed, but for some local applications (e.g. SberBank Online, Public Services), it may be more relevant, as their versions are adapted to Russian realities.

⚠️ Note: If you have both Google Play and the Store active on your device, some apps may be duplicated, this may lead to conflicts during updates or notifications not working correctly.

Can I remove the ru Store from Xiaomi and how to do it?

Technically, the ru Store is a system application, so it won’t get rid of it in the standard way (via the Remove menu), but there are several methods that allow you to either completely remove it or at least disable it so that it doesn’t consume resources and appear in the menu.

Removal/unsetting methods:

• 🔧 Disconnecting through Settings: Go to Settings → Annexes → App management. Find the ru Store in the list and select it. Click "Disable" (if the button is active).

Note:

Removal via ADB (for advanced users):

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

Attention:

Use of patches (Magisk):

Modules like Universal Android Debloater allow you to remove system applications without root rights, but this is risky for beginners.

Make a backup copy of the data

Check the version. MIUI (In some cases, the removal is blocked)

Make sure that Google Play is stable

Have instructions on how to restore the system-->

If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to limit yourself to turning off the application.

• 🚨 Loss of ability to install updates for some system applications.
• 🔄 Mi Account or other Xiaomi services.
• 📱 Resetting to factory settings for critical errors.

Features that are worth knowing:

• 🔍 In the ru Store there is no function of automatic update of applications – you will have to check updates manually.
• 💳 For purchases inside the applications, Mir cards, SBP, as well as Mi Account balance are supported.
• 📥 Download speeds may be lower than Google Play because of servers located in Russia.

Home Security: Can you trust this store?

One of the main questions that worries users is how safe it is to install apps from the ru Store? Xiaomi says that all programs are tested for viruses and malicious code, but in practice, the risks still exist.

Security advantages:

• 🛡️ Applications are moderated before publication (unlike third-party applications). APK-file).
• 🔗 Download links are protected by protocol HTTPS.
• 📋 There is a system of reviews and ratings that helps to assess the reliability of the program.

Cons and potential risks:

• 🕵️ Some apps may collect more data than claimed (especially Chinese developers).
• 🔄 Application updates may come with a delay, which increases vulnerability to new threats.
• 📌 The ru Store does not have the function of scanning installed applications for viruses (unlike Google Play Protect).

⚠️ Note: If you install apps from the ru Store, be sure to check permission requests, for example, if the messenger requires access to your contacts, SMS And geolocation is fine, but if a simple flashlight asks for access to your photos or microphone, it's a good thing to be wary.

For additional protection, it is recommended:

• 🔒 Install an antivirus (such as Dr.Web or Kaspersky) and scan your system regularly.
• 📱 Enable application verification in security settings (Settings) → Memory and applications → Cleanup).
• 🔄 Update periodically MIUI Up to the latest version – new firmware often fixes vulnerabilities.

Alternatives to the ru Store: which app stores can be used

If you are not satisfied with the ru Store, there are several alternative ways to install applications on Xiaomi:

If you choose third-party sources (for example, APK-Files, be sure to follow the security rules:

• 🔍 Download files only from trusted sites (for example, APKMirror, APKPure).
• 📌 Before installing, check the hash amount of the file (for example, through the SHA-256).
• 🛡️ Do not install apps that request suspicious permissions.

💡

If you use multiple app stores at the same time, turn off automatic updates in each of their settings to avoid conflicts.

Frequent problems with the ru Store and how to solve them

Xiaomi users often face typical problems when working with the ru Store, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

1. ru Store does not open or fly out

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 🧹 Clear the cache and application data in the settings (Settings) → Annexes → ru Store → Memory. → Clear the cache/data).
• 📥 Update the app through MIUI Updater or reinstall it manually.

2. Cannot download or update applications

• 🌐 Check your internet connection (better to use Wi-Fi).
• 📡 Turn it off. VPN Proxies – they can block access to Xiaomi servers.
• 📅 Make sure the device has a correct date and time set.

3. applications from the ru Store are not automatically updated

• 🔍 There is no auto-update function in the ru Store - check the updates manually in the section "Updates".
• 🛠️ If the update is hanging, try removing and installing the app again.

4. constantly appear notifications from the ru Store

• 🔔 Turn off notifications in the application settings (Settings) → Notifications → ru Store).
• 🚫 If the notifications are advertising, check if additional modules like Mi Push Service are installed.

⚠️ Warning: If after installing the application from the ru Store, the smartphone began to brake or overheat, check it for viruses and remove suspicious software.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions about the ru Store