GetApps on Xiaomi: why you need an app store from Xiaomi and how to use it

If you are the owner of a Xiaomi smartphone, you probably noticed the pre-installed GetApps app - a branded app store from the manufacturer. Many users mistakenly believe it is an unnecessary backup to Google Play, but in fact GetApps has unique features that can be useful even for experienced owners of Redmi devices, POCO or Mi.

In this article, we will discuss in detail why GetApps is needed on Xiaomi, how it differs from Google Play, how it can save traffic, access exclusive applications and even speed up the download of programs, and also talk about hidden opportunities that are not known to everyone.

What is GetApps and why is it installed on Xiaomi?

GetApps (formerly known as Mi App Store) is the official app store from Xiaomi, which is pre-installed on all smartphones of the brand under the control of the smartphone. MIUI. Unlike Google Play, this service is designed specifically for the Xiaomi ecosystem and optimized for its features.

The main reason GetApps is present on devices is:

• 📱 Content localization – the store features applications tailored to specific regions (for example, popular services in China, India or Russia).
• 🔒 Security – all programs undergo additional verification for viruses and malicious code.
• 📶 Traffic savings – downloading apps through GetApps is often faster due to optimized Xiaomi servers.
• 🎁 Exclusive content – you can find Xiaomi branded apps (e.g. Mi Home, Mi Fit) that aren’t always available on Google Play.

It's important to understand that GetApps is not a replacement for Google Play, but a complement to it. For example, in some countries (e.g. China), Google Play is blocked, and users have to rely on alternative sources. Even if you don't live in those regions, GetApps can come in handy for accessing unique offers.

The advantages of GetApps over Google Play

Many users don’t see the point of GetApps as a ballast, but it has a few advantages that make it a useful tool.

One of the key benefits is the ability to download apps without a Google account, and if you don't want to link your device to Google services for some reason, GetApps is a great alternative, and there are often promotions where you can get paid apps for free or at a discount.

Another advantage is the integration with MIUI. For example, when installing applications through GetApps, they are automatically optimized for the shell, which can positively affect performance and battery life.

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If you install apps frequently, try enabling the Smart Download option in GetApps settings. It automatically selects the best server to download, speeding up the process.

How to use GetApps: step-by-step instructions

If you’ve never opened GetApps, then it’s time to figure out how to use it.The app’s interface is intuitive, but there are a few nuances worth knowing.

To get started:

1. Find the GetApps icon on your desktop (usually blue or green with the Xiaomi logo).
2. Open the application. You may need to accept the terms of use when you first start up.
3. At the top of the screen you will see several tabs: Recommendations, Top, Categories, Manager.
4. To search for a specific application, use the search bar at the top.

If you need to install the app:

Find the app through search or in categories|

Click on its icon to open the page|

Click on the "Install" button"|

Confirm the download if required|

Wait until the installation is completed-->

Note that some apps in GetApps may have a Chinese version, which is because the store was originally designed for Xiaomi’s domestic market, but most popular apps are available in Russian or English.

If you want to remove unwanted apps or update those you have installed, go to the Manager tab, and here you can see a list of all programs downloaded through GetApps, with the option of mass upgrades.

Hidden features of GetApps, which few people know

Many users use GetApps only to install apps, but it has a few hidden features that can be useful.

Here are some of them:

• 🔄 Auto Update over Wi-Fi – you can configure automatic updates of all applications only when connected to a wireless network, so as not to waste mobile traffic.
• 📁 Backup of applications – in the settings there is an option to create a backup of installed programs to quickly restore them after a phone reset.
• 🔍 Search by category – unlike Google Play, there is a more detailed sorting by topic (for example, “For games”, “For work”, “For health").
• 🎮 Exclusive Games – sometimes GetApps features bonus or early access games for Xiaomi users.
• 📊 Usage statistics – in the Manager tab you can see which apps take up the most space or consume traffic.

Another useful feature is to check the security of installed applications. GetApps can scan programs for viruses and suspicious activity, even if they were installed from other sources. → Security.

If you often install APK-Hand-held files, GetApps can be a good tool for managing them, and you can see a list of all the manually installed applications and update them to the latest version if you need to.

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GetApps not only installs apps, but also helps optimize the phone’s performance, saving traffic and storage space.

How to disable or remove GetApps if you don’t need it

Despite all the benefits, some users choose to get rid of GetApps to make room or avoid duplication with Google Play.There are a number of ways to do this, but it's important to understand the consequences.

If you want to simply disable the app (leaving the option to return itlater):

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find it in the GetApps list.
3. Click Disable (or Remove Updates if you want to reset it to the factory version).

If you want to completely remove GetApps, you can't do that without root rights, because it's a system application. ADB (Android Debug Bridge for uninstallation:

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

⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications can lead to unstable work MIUI. If you have problems after removing GetApps (for example, with a firmware update), it will have to be restored manually.

It’s also worth remembering that some Xiaomi branded services (such as Mi Home or Mi Fit) may require GetApps to work properly. If you’re actively using the Xiaomi ecosystem, it’s best to leave it on the system.

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If you disabled GetApps but then changed your mind, it can be easily returned via Settings. → Annexes → Show all applications → Disconnected.

Security: Can I trust GetApps?

One of the most common questions is how secure it is to install apps through GetApps. Unlike Google Play, where app verification is done using Google Play Protect, it uses Xiaomi’s own security system.

According to the company, all applications in GetApps undergo multi-step verification, including:

• 🛡️ Scanning for viruses and malicious code – antivirus software from Xiaomi and third-party partners is used.
• 🔍 Reputation Checking – Suspicious accounts are eliminated.
• 📋 Content Moderation – Apps with illegal or fraudulent content are removed.
• 🔄 Regular updates to the threat database – security updates weekly.

However, GetApps is not as reliable as Google Play, especially if it’s a little-known app, so we recommend:

⚠️ Note: Before installing the app through GetApps, check other users' reviews and ratings. If the program has a low rating or few reviews, it is better to look for an alternative on Google Play.

Another thing is data collection, and like any app store, GetApps collects information about your preferences and preferences, and if that's a concern, you can restrict access to data in your app settings or you can opt out of using it altogether.

GetApps vs Google Play vs APK: better to choose?

Xiaomi users have three main ways to install apps: through GetApps, Google Play, or download. APK-Which one is better? It depends on your goals.

Our advice:

• 📱 If you want the maximum variety of applications, use Google Play.
• ⚡ If download speed and traffic savings are important, choose GetApps.
• 🔓 If you are looking for a specific application that is not in official stores – download it. APK, but only from trusted sources (e.g. APKMirror).

The ideal option is to use both stores (GetApps and Google Play) in parallel. For example, some applications (such as Mi Home or Mi Fit) are more convenient to install through GetApps, since they are optimized for the use of the app. MIUI.

FAQ: Frequent questions about GetApps on Xiaomi