Xiaomi GetApps: How to host an app and start distribution

In 2026, the GetApps ecosystem (formerly known as Mi Apps) became the second most important distribution channel for mobile developers focused on the Android market. Unlike Google Play, this store is pre-installed on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, providing direct access to hundreds of millions of users without the need to install third-party launchers.

Accommodation APK-The file has its own technical and bureaucratic nuances, which differ significantly from Google standards, developers need to consider strict security requirements, specific rules for moderation of content and the peculiarities of localization of the interface. Ignoring these details can lead to long delays or denial of publication, which is critical for release timings.

In this article, weโ€™ll take a detailed look at the entire journey from registering a developer account to the final update, learn how to properly prepare metadata, pass security checks, and optimize an app card for maximum audience coverage. A key difference between the platform and the company is that APK must be checked for no malicious code through Xiaomiโ€™s own security engine before being allowed to manually moderate.

Registration with Xiaomi Developer Center

The first step for any developer is to create an account with Xiaomi Developer Center, which serves as a single hub for managing all of the companyโ€™s products, including apps, themes and games. The registration process requires a valid Mi Account, which must be verified using a phone number. Without a confirmed account, access to the developer console is closed.

Once you log in, you'll need to fill out a profile of an organization or a sole proprietor, the system will request scans of legal status documents, for companies, it can be a business registration certificate, for individuals, it can be an ID card, and the data must match the information that will be displayed on the application card to avoid problems with payments and copyrights.

โš ๏ธ Note: Using fake data or third party documents will result in permanent account lock without recovery.System Xiaomi security uses biometric verification and cross-references with databases.

After completing the questionnaire, the verification process is initiated, which can take from 3 to 7 business days, during which time the account status will be indicated as โ€œPreparedโ€, and it is recommended not to submit repeated applications until a response is received, as this resets the moderation queue.

Creating a project and setting up an application

Once you have successfully activated your account, you go to Console โ†’ App Management and create a new project, and you need to specify the basic information: the application name, the package name, and the category, and it is important that the package name matches the package name in the source code of your Android application, otherwise you will not be able to download the APK.

At the configuration stage, you need to select the application type. The platform supports native applications, games, and Quick Apps (lightweight applications that do not require full installation). Choosing the right type affects the list of available fields to fill in and file size requirements. Heavy games with additional resources (OBB) have a separate download procedure through FTP or a special client.

  • ๐Ÿท๏ธ Category: Affects directory ranking, choose the most relevant.

Pay special attention to the Application Version field. The system tracks version semantics, and trying to download an APK with a lower version number than the one already published will be blocked. Use the major.minor.patch format to comply with the standards.

Technical requirements for APK file

In 2026, the minimally supported Target SDK must be compatible with current versions of Android (at least API 34). Apps targeting older versions of the OS will be automatically rejected by the automatic scanning system before they reach the live moderator.

The size of the installation file also plays a role. APK weighs more than 150 MB, it is recommended to use the App Bundle mechanism or to transfer resources to the Internet OBB-This speeds up loading for users with unstable Internet9 and reduces the load on distribution servers. arm64-v8a and armeabi-v7a, The 32-bit architecture is gradually being abandoned.

ParameterRequirementRecommendation
Target SDKAndroid 14 (API 34)+Use the latest stable API
Size of APKUp to 150MBUse App Bundle for large projects
SignedRelease KeyKeep the key in a secure storage
64-bitI'll be sure.Support for arm64-v8a is mandatory

It is critical to check the application manifest for excessive permissions, requesting access to contacts, geolocation or microphone should be justified by the functionality, and if the moderator finds a request for rights not used in the application, it will be returned for revision with a comment on the violation of the privacy policy.

Metadata processing and localization

The quality of the application card design directly affects the conversion to the installation_assets_ high resolution: icon (512x512 px), screenshots (minimum 3 Screenshots must show the real interface of the application, the use of stock images or mockups of devices is prohibited.

Description of the application is a place to work with SEO-The text should be structured, contain information about functionality and benefits. GetApps supports multilingualism: for each language (Russian, English, Chinese, etc.) you need to provide a separate translation. Lack of translation into the language of the region where the publication is planned may reduce the visibility of the application.

  • ๐ŸŽจ Icon: without text, without transparent background, clear boundaries.
  • ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ Screenshots: current interface, without water third-party signs.
  • ๐Ÿ“ Text: up to 4000 characters, paragraph breakdown, no references.

โš ๏ธ Note: In the description and on screenshots it is strictly forbidden to place contact information (email, phones), links to social networks or calls to go to other app stores.

To increase user confidence, we recommend adding a "Release Notes" section for each version, a brief and clear description of the changes helps to retain the audience and shows that the project is evolving.-notes-Bug fixes, โ€œperformance improvementsโ€ are perceived negatively by users.

Moderation process and publication

After downloading all the files and filling in the fields, the application is sent for verification. The moderation process in GetApps consists of two stages: automatic scanning and manual verification. Automation checks the code for viruses, hidden miners and compliance with technical standards. If this stage is passed, the application goes to a live moderator.

The average response time is 24 to 72 hours, and the status of the application can be tracked in the personal account, and the possible statuses are: "On verification", "Required revision" (with reasons), "Published" or "Disapproved". If you return for revision, you have 10 days to correct the errors and resubmit without losing the version history.

It is important to know that the first publication is always more closely checked, subsequent updates (minor versions) can be checked faster, especially if they do not affect the critical permissions or core features.

Promotion and Analytics in GetApps

Once published successfully, the user engagement process begins. The developer console provides built-in analytics tools to track installations, deletions, active users (DAU/MAU) And ratings, and this data helps to adjust product development strategies.

The platform offers various promotion tools: banners on the home page, recommendations in the category "New" or "Editor's Choice"; getting into these sections often depends on the quality of the application, the number of positive reviews and the absence of technical failures. Regular updates to the application and responses to user reviews increase the chances of getting organic traffic.

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ Rating: Try to keep a score above 4.0, low rating reduces visibility.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ Reviews: respond to user comments, this is a signal of developer activity.
  • ๐Ÿš€ Updates: frequent releases with useful features lift the app in the SERPs.

Integration with Xiaomi Push allows you to send notifications even on devices without Google services, which significantly increases the return of users (Retention). SDK, But the result is worth it.

How to get a response from GetApps support?
Use the developer console feedback form by selecting the category "Technical Issue" and answers are received within 48 hours. For urgent problems, you can use a special channel for partners if your account has Verified Partner status.
Can I update the app without a full recheck?
No, every APK update is checked. However, if you use dynamic resource updates or only change the server part, you may not need to update the client.
Do I have to pay for the placement of the application?
Xiaomi only charges fees on paid apps and in-game purchases (IAPs) if you use their payment system. There is no fee for free third-party monetization (advertising) apps.
What to do if the application is blocked?
You should review the email from the moderators, which indicates the specific reason (violation of policies, bugs, content). Once the problem is resolved, file an appeal or download the corrected version with an explanation in the Comment for the Moderator field.
Does GetApps work outside of China?
Yes, GetApps (Mi Apps) is active in India, Indonesia, Russia, Europe and other regions where Xiaomi smartphones are present.