How to Remove the Default Browser on Xiaomi: The Complete Guide 2026

Xiaomi’s standard Mi Browser browser is often a source of frustration: aggressive advertising, limited privacy settings, and an uncomfortable interface are making people look for alternatives. However, simply installing Chrome or Firefox is not enough – the system keeps opening links in its native browser. Why is this happening?

It's about settings. MIUI, where the default system applications for processing web links are spelled out. Even after installing a third-party browser, Xiaomi ignores user choice, citing “performance optimization.” In this article, we will discuss all working ways to disable Mi Browser as the default browser, including hidden settings and circumvention of restrictions. MIUI 14/15. Important: Some methods require unlocking the bootloader or ADB-We have noted the teams separately.

Why Xiaomi doesn’t make it easy to change the default browser

The manufacturer deliberately complicates the process of changing standard applications, and here are the key reasons:

• 💰 Monetization through advertising: Mi Browser shows banners and sponsored links, bringing Xiaomi revenue. Third-party browsers (e.g. Chrome) block some of this advertising.
• 🔒 Traffic Control: The system browser collects data about visited sites to personalize Xiaomi services (for example, Mi Cloud or GetApps).
• 🛠️ Integration with MIUI: Some features (such as Quick Links on the Home Screen or Mi Share) only work through the Mi Browser.

Since MIUI 12, the company has removed the default browser direct switch from the settings menu, which is hidden in the newer versions (MIUI 14+), but the workarounds remain from simple to technically complex.

⚠️ Note: Disable Mi Browser via ADB or deleting system files can cause Mi Account, Toms and other Xiaomi services to malfunction. → Additionally. → Backup.

Method 1: Standard browser change (does not work on all models)

On some devices (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro or the POCO X3 Pro with MIUI 13), the default browser change option is still available.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Find the Browser section and select the desired application (e.g. Google Chrome).

If you don't have a Browser item on the list, your version of MIUI has hidden it.

Method 2: Reset application settings (without root)

This method resets all default application settings, including the browser, and is suitable for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO on MIUI 12-15:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three points → Reset application settings.
3. Confirm action. Once you reboot the first time you open the link, the system will prompt you to select a browser.

The downside is that settings for all apps will reset (for example, YouTube will open video again in its player, not in VLC).

Method 3: Disable Mi Browser via ADB (for advanced)

If the standard methods don’t work, use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method does not require root rights, but you need a computer and USB-cable.

Steps:

1. Turn on USB Debugging on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode). Then go back to Settings → Additional → Developer → Debugging on USB.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser


adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.mi.globalbrowser

After completing the commands, Mi Browser will disappear from the list of applications, and the system will automatically prompt you to choose another browser when opening links.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu), these commands may cause an Operation not allowed error. In this case, try an alternative command: adb shell pm clear com.android.browser.

Method 4: Remove Mi Browser via TWRP (requires an unlocked bootloader)

Radical method for users with unlocked bootloader and installed TWRP Recovery. Allows you to completely remove the system application.

Instructions:

1. Download the official ZIP-file to delete Mi Browser (for example, MiBrowserRemover.zip).
2. Reboot the phone to TWRP (clip Power + Volume up).
3. Select Install → specify the path to the downloaded file → swipe for confirmation.
4. After the reboot, Mi Browser will be removed, and the system will prompt you to choose a different browser.

Warning: Removing system applications can lead to soft-brick (the device will boot but with errors). TWRP.

Method 5: Using third-party launchers

Some launchers (such as Nova Launcher or Lawnchair) allow you to bypass the limitations of MIUI and force you to open links in your chosen browser.

How to set up:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Click the empty space on the home screen → Nova Settings → Apps and notifications.
3. Select the default browser and specify the desired application.
4. Return to your system settings and make Nova Launcher the default launcher.

The downside: the method only works for links opened from the home screen. Links from messages or other applications may still open in the Mi Browser.

💡

If after changing the browser links still open in Mi Browser, clear the cache and data of the Settings application → Applications → Mi Browser → Storage → Clear the cache / Clear the data.

Frequent problems and solutions

Even after a successful browser change, users are faced with bugs.

• 🔄 Links open in Chrome, Mi Browser: Clear the Android System WebView app data in the settings. This is the component responsible for processing web content.
• 🚫 Cannot select a browser in settings: Check if the beta version is installed MIUI. They often disable these options.
• 📱 After updating MIUI browser reset: This is standard system behavior. Repeat steps from Method 2 (Reset application settings).

If none of these methods work, the last option is custom ROM firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), a radical solution that removes all Xiaomi system applications, including the Mi Browser, completely.

💡

On devices with MIUI for the European Region (EEA), the default browser change is often blocked at the firmware level, in which case only the firmware of the global or Chinese version of MIUI (with the risk of loss of warranty) will help.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions