Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphone owners often face intrusive policies around embedded software: MIUI or its modern version of HyperOS use its own MI Browser browser to open links from apps and widgets, a decision often criticized for being overloaded with advertising news, unnecessary permissions and excessive battery consumption.
Fortunately, the Android architecture makes it easy for users to change that.Switching to a third-party solution, whether it's Google Chrome, Firefox or Brave, will not only save you visual noise, but also improve the overall security of the device.The setup process takes only a few minutes, however, in the latest versions of the shell, the interface may be slightly different.
In this article, we'll go through the algorithm for all the current firmware versions in detail, learn how to force the page rendering engine you want and block pop-ups that standard software likes to show. Being willing to change the usual scenario with your phone is the first step to a clean interface.
Why you should abandon the standard MIUI browser
A standard app preinstalled in a factory is often perceived by users as the only option. However, MI Browser has a number of features that can annoy advanced users, primarily a built-in news feed and recommendations that cannot be completely disabled without root rights or complex manipulation of ADB.
In addition, the built-in solution requires a wide range of permissions, including access to location, microphone and storage, even if you use it only to read articles. Alternative products often offer more flexible privacy settings and built-in ad blockers, which is critical in today’s internet environment.
⚠️ Note: When removing or disabling system components through ADB There is a risk of disrupting some of the widgets that are tied to the standard engine.
Moving to an alternative also allows you to synchronize your browsing history with the desktop version of your browser on your computer, creating a single ecosystem where tabs from your phone are instantly accessible on your desktop, and for many, this is a crucial factor in favor of changing your default browser.
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Use incognito mode in third-party browsers for maximum privacy, as the standard Xiaomi browser can save metadata even in hidden mode.
Preparing the device before changing settings
Before you make changes to system priorities, you need to make sure that the alternative application is already installed and configured correctly. Just downloading the APK installation file from the Play Market is not enough - you need to make an initial setup inside the application itself.
It is recommended to go to the settings of the new browser immediately after installation and disable the collection of statistics, if such an option is available, you should also log in to your account so that bookmarks and passwords are pulled up automatically, this will eliminate the need for manual data entry later.
☑️ Check before changing the browser
It's important to check if the new app is not subject to background restriction. MIUI is known for its aggressive energy saving, which can "kill" processes in the background. If you plan to use the browser to receive notifications or background download, these settings should be adjusted in advance.
The default browser change algorithm in MIUI and HyperOS
The process of changing the priority application in the shells from Xiaomi is quite logical, but menu items can be called differently depending on the version of Android. In most cases, the path lies through the general settings of the system, not through the settings of the browser itself.
First, open the main settings menu of the phone. Find a section that could be called "Applications," "All Apps," or "Application Management." In some firmware versions, this item is listed as a separate "System Apps" group.
Next, you need to find the default app item, which can be in the top menu (three dots) or be a separate line in the list, and clicking on it, you'll see a list of categories: phone, messages, navigation, and of course, browser.
Settings → Applications → All Applications → (Meaning Three Dots) → Default Applications → BrowserIn the list that opens, select the option you want from the one you have installed. The system can warn you that the new application will open links. Confirm action. Now all HTTP and HTTPS requests will be processed by the software you choose.
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After changing the settings, it is recommended to restart the device so that all system services correctly register the new priority link handler.
Set up notifications and permissions of the new browser
Once you have redesigned the default browser, make sure it has the necessary rights to work properly. Unlike a standard application, third-party solutions may not automatically access the system's functions without your knowledge.
Go to the settings of the app you just assigned. The permissions section should have access to storage (for downloading files) and, if necessary, to the camera and microphone for video calls. Without these permissions, many sites will not function properly.
Pay special attention to the Notifications section. If you want to receive notifications about downloading files or news, make sure that the switch is active, while at the same time, you can turn off marketing notifications to save charge, leaving only system notifications.
| Parameter | Standard browser | Third-party (Chrome/Firefox) | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAM consumption | High. | Medium/Low | Optimize in settings |
| Advertising in tape | Present. | Absent. | Turn off in the settings |
| Locker | Basic | Expandable | Establish extensions |
| Synchronization | Mi Account | Google/Your account | Use cross-platform |
Removing or disabling MI Browser
Many users want to not only change priority, but also get rid of the intrusive application completely. Unlike many other system utilities, MI Browser can often be removed in the usual way, like any user application.
To do this, find a browser icon on your desktop or menu, press it and select "Delete." If the system requests confirmation, agree. If the delete button is inactive or absent, then your firmware version has an application protected from removal.
If you can't uninstall it, you can use the disable method. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps → MI Browser. At the bottom of the screen, there's a "Disable" button. This will hide the application and prevent it from running, freeing up the system resources.
⚠️ Warning: Deleting the system browser completely can lead to errors when trying to open links from some system weather or news widgets if they are rigidly tied to a specific package.
What to do if the browser is not deleted?
Solving problems and resetting settings
Sometimes, after changing the settings, the phone keeps persistently opening links in the old browser, which can be due to caching of actions or version conflicts, and in this situation, cleaning up application preferences helps.
The Default Apps menu often has a button called Reset Default Settings. Press it, and then the next time you click on the link, the system will ask you again than to open the address. Choose a new browser and tick the Always box.
If the problem persists, check to see if you have multiple browsers with similar names, such as Chrome and Chrome Beta, which can be confusing, delete the redundant versions or explicitly prioritize each.
Comparison of popular alternatives for Xiaomi
If you want to change your browser, if you want to be quick and minimal, look for lightweight browsers. If you want to sync with a PC, choose ecosystem solutions. Here's a comparison of the main candidates.
- 🚀 Google Chrome is perfect for users of the Google ecosystem, better sync, but can consume a lot of RAM.
- 🦊 Mozilla Firefox is a great choice for those who value privacy and support extensions, including ad blockers.
- ⚡ Via Browser is an ultra-lightweight option for older devices, takes up less than 1 MB of space, runs very fast.
- 🛡️ Brave is the best choice for blocking trackers and out-of-the-box advertising without the need to install additional plugins.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Installing multiple options will let you understand which interface and functionality is right for your Xiaomi smartphone usage style.