Xiaomi GetApps: what is this application and how to disable it

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often encounter a confusing system process called GetApps, which can appear in the list of running tasks or request permissions. It is an integrated application store that is integrated by default into the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS. Many users perceive it as an intrusive element consuming resources, but it acts as an official software distribution for regional versions of firmware.

The essence of the “Xiaomi getapps what it is” question lies in understanding the company’s content distribution policy. Unlike the global versions, where Google Play dominates, in some regions (especially Russia, India, Indonesia), this directory is preinstalled, it allows the manufacturer to control the installation of programs, promote its services and, according to critics, display ads.

In this article, we will discuss the purpose of this service, analyze its impact on the security of your device and provide step-by-step instructions for managing its operation, you will learn whether it is possible to remove this component painlessly or it is better to simply restrict its rights to maintain the stability of the system.

The main purpose and functionality of the service

GetApps (formerly known as Mi Apps) is an alternative marketplace developed by Xiaomi, which is designed to provide users with MIUI-enabled devices with access to a basic set of applications where Google services may be limited or unavailable, and is especially relevant for devices shipped to markets where specific licensing agreements apply.

The store’s functionality goes beyond downloading files; it automatically scans installed programs for updates and suggests installing them in the background. Often users notice that after updating the system, some applications change their appearance or functionality – this is the work of this service, which updates system components such as Mi Music, Mi Video or Mi Remote.

⚠️ Note: GetApps has deep system rights and can automatically install updates without explicit user confirmation if the appropriate auto-update option is activated in the settings.

It also serves as a platform for promoting games and exclusive software, where developers often place early versions of their products or special modifications specifically optimized for the Snapdragon and MediaTek processors used in Xiaomi smartphones, creating an ecosystem where hardware and software work together to improve performance.

Differences from Google Play and Third Party Stores

The main difference between GetApps and Google Play Market is the level of integration with the operating system. If the store from Google is a universal solution for all Android devices, then the product from Xiaomi is sharpened for specific models and versions of shells, which allows you to implement features that are difficult or impossible to implement with standard Android methods.

But there are also significant security and privacy flaws: App moderation in GetApps may differ from the strict standards of Google Play Protect. Although the company claims to screen all files for viruses, independent security researchers periodically find applications in the catalog with excessive permission requests or embedded advertising.

Let’s look at the key differences in the table for clarity:

Importantly, GetApps is the only official source of updates for some Xiaomi system applications in regions where Google services are limited.Trying to remove it completely can lead to errors in the standard software, so completely removing it requires caution.

Security and confidentiality issues

Data security is one of the most talked-about topics in the context of Xiaomi products. GetApps collects telemetry data about user preferences, smartphone usage time and installed program lists, which is necessary to form personalized recommendations, but for users who value anonymity, this can be a problem.

Cybersecurity experts recommend that you carefully study the permissions that the service requests, and by default, it can have access to geolocation, contact lists, and call history, and although developers explain this as necessary for social functions and recommendations, in practice, this data can be used for targeted advertising.

• 🔒 Data encryption: Data transfers between Xiaomi devices and servers are done over secure protocols, minimizing the risk of information interception in public Wi-Fi networks.
• 👁️ Unlike Google, which monetizes data through an ad network, Xiaomi primarily seeks to keep the user in its ecosystem, although ad integrations are also present.
• 🛡️ Malware protection: The built-in scanner checks files before installation, but its signature database may be inferior to the latest solutions from Google or Dr.Web.

If you're concerned about data breaches, the smart thing to do is to restrict the app's access rights, you can deny it access to the microphone, camera, and geo-location through privacy settings, and this won't disrupt the basic functionality of software updates, but will increase your digital hygiene minimum.

How to Disable or Limit GetApps

Completely removing the GetApps system application without rooting or using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is impossible, but you can effectively freeze it by banning auto-start and notifications, eliminating intrusive recommendations and background activity while maintaining system integrity.

To start, you need to go to your smartphone settings. Find the Apps section and select All Apps. From the list, look for GetApps (may appear as "Mi Apps" or have a logo with a package).

Here you will need to manually switch sliders to the “Disable” position for all items, especially for “Sun Run” and “Display on top of other applications.” It is also recommended to go to the “Notifications” subsection and turn off all categories so that the store will stop bothering you with banners.

⚠️ Note: When trying to disable system components ADB Removing critical dependencies can cause a cyclical reboot of the device (bootloop).

For advanced users who want to completely remove the package, there is a method through a computer, and by connecting a phone with USB debugging enabled, you can execute the command:

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

This command will only remove the application for the current user without affecting the system partition, allowing it to be reset factory if necessary. However, after the global firmware update (OTA), the application will likely return.

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If you use ADB for removal, make sure to write down the name of the package (com.xiaomi.mipicks) so that it can be quickly restored by install-existing in case of problems.

Managing Notifications and Auto Update

One of the most annoying features of GetApps is aggressive notification of new games, promotions or the “need” to update apps. Fortunately, the MIUI mechanism allows you to flexibly customize this aspect without resorting to radical measures.

Inside the GetApps app itself, there are hidden settings: Open a store, go to a profile (human icon) and find settings, where you can turn off the "App Auto Update," "Update Notices" and "Recommendations," which will significantly reduce information noise.

Also worth checking the battery settings. In the charge saving section for GetApps, select No Limits mode only if you really need it to update the software in the background. Otherwise, you’d better set “Limit background activity,” which will allow the system to “kill” the process when you’re not using the store.

• 🔕 Notification Channels: On Android 10 and higher, you can click on the notification from GetApps for a long time and turn off specific channels, such as Marketing or Games, leaving only Systems».
• 📉 Traffic: In the mobile network settings, you can prevent the application from accessing data transfer in the background, leaving only Wi-Fi.
• ⚙️ Reset preferences: If the store began to behave incorrectly, cleaning the data in the Memory section will return it to the factory settings without removing the very same APK-file.

Remember that ignoring system application updates completely can lead to security vulnerabilities, and it is often recommended to manually run the store and check for critical patches once a month.

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The optimal strategy is not to remove GetApps completely, but to limit its rights and background activity as much as possible, using it only when necessary to update Xiaomi’s branded services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)