How to completely disable or delete your native browser on Xiaomi: instructions for MIUI 12, 13 and 14

The built-in MIUI Browser (formerly known as Mi Browser) is installed on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones by default. For many users, it becomes an unnecessary ballast: it takes up space in memory, sends out notifications, and sometimes opens spontaneously when you click on links. Unfortunately, it is impossible to remove it by standard means — MIUI classifies the browser as a system application. But there are workarounds.

In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to disable your native browser on Xiaomi, from simple deactivation through settings to complete deletion using ADB or root rights. Each method is tested on current versions of MIUI 12-14 (including HyperOS for new models).

Before you start, consider that some methods require unlocking the bootloader or the rights of the superuser. If you are a beginner, start with the simplest methods (sections 2–3). Advanced instructions (sections 4–6) will be useful for experienced users.

1. Simple disabling of the browser through the MIUI settings

The safest and fastest way is to deactivate the browser, not delete it, which will stop the background, remove the icon from the menu and prevent spontaneous launches, and works on all Xiaomi devices without any additional manipulation.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the list, find the Browser (or MIUI Browser).
3. Slip it and select Disable it.
4. Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

✅ Pros: does not require root, reversible, does not affect the stability of the system.

❌ Cons: the browser will remain in memory (takes up) ~50–100 MB), and some system functions may attempt to run it (e.g., when you open it). PDF postal).

💡

If after disabling the browser still opens when you click on links, install another browser (for example, Chrome) and in its settings select the option “Open supported links”

2. Removal of browser updates (reset to the factory version)

Modern versions of MIUI Browser are often updated via Google Play, making them more "stubborn." If a simple shutdown didn't help, try rolling the app back to the factory version. This will remove all updates and can solve the problem with spontaneous launches.

How to do this:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Browser.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Remove Updates.
3. Confirm the action.
4. After rollback, turn off the browser again (as in method 1).

🔹 Note: On some models (POCO F5, Redmi Note 12) this item may not be available. ADB (section).

3. Replace the browser by default (so that links open in another application)

A common complaint from users is, "I disabled the browser, but the links still open in it!" This is because MIUI Browser is the default web link handler, and to fix this, you need to manually specify another browser in the system settings.

Step-by-step:

• 📱 Install an alternative browser (such as Chrome, Firefox or Opera) from Google Play.
• 🔗 Open any browser and click on the link (for example, https://mi.com).
• 🔄 When the window "Open with..." appears, select the desired browser and mark Always.
• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Default applications → Browser and select your browser.

⚠️

Note: On MIUI 14 and HyperOS, the path to settings may be different. If there is no "Default Apps" option, search in the settings for "browser".

📌 Additional: To prevent resetting after the update MIUI, Turn off auto-update system applications in Google Play → Settings → Auto-update of applications.

4. Remove the browser via ADB (without root)

If the previous methods didn’t work, you can completely delete the browser using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which does not require root rights, but you need to unlock the bootloader and turn on the developer mode.

🛠 What's the matter:

• 🖥 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux;
• 📱 Cable USB (preferably original);
• 🔧 Utility. ADB Tools;
• ⚙ Included Developer Mode and Debugging by USB smartphone.

📝 Instructions:

1. Download and unpack ADB Tools on your computer.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Open the command line (or Terminal) in the ADB folder.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices (should display the serial number of the device).
5. Run the browser deletion command: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser For new versions of MIUI use: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.mi.globalbrowser

✅ Result: The browser will be deleted for the current user (without affecting system files), the icon will disappear, and links will open in the browser of your choice.

Enable "Developer Mode" (7 taps by build number in "About Phone")

Activate "Debugging by USB" in the developer settings

Install ADB drivers for your Xiaomi model

Download the latest version of platform-tools from the Android site

Connect your phone to the original cable-->

5. Complete removal of the browser with root rights

If you have root access (like through Magisk), you can delete the browser at the system file level, the most radical method, after which the application disappears forever - even after resetting the settings.

🚨

Warning: Incorrect root actions may result in loss of warranty or device failure.Before deleting, back up via TWRP or MIUI Backup.

🔧 Methods of disposal:

1. Through the file manager with root: Install Root Explorer or FX File Manager. Go to the /system/app/ or /system/priv-app/. Find the Browser, MiBrowserGlobal, or MiBrowser folders. Delete the folders or rename them (e.g., in the file). Browser_bak).

Through Terminal Emulator:

su


mount -o rw,remount /system




rm -rf /system/app/Browser




rm -rf /system/priv-app/MiBrowser*




reboot

📊 Comparison of removal methods:

6. Alternative solutions: Hiding icons and blocking notifications

If you don't want to delete the browser, but it's in the way, you can just hide its icon and turn off all notifications, and it won't eliminate background activity, but it will make it invisible in everyday use.

🔹 How to hide the icon:

• 📁 Use a launcher with support for hiding applications (for example, Nova Launcher or Nova Launcher). POCO Launcher).
• 🔍 In the standard launcher. MIUI Press the browser icon and drag it to the Hidden Apps folder (if any).
• 🚫 Turn off the display in the application menu through the launcher settings.

🔔 How to turn off notifications:

1. Go to Settings → Notifications → Notifications Management.
2. Find the browser in the list and turn off all switches.
3. In the section "Notification Categories" deactivate all items (news, advertising, system).

💡

Even after hiding the icon, the browser can consume up to 30–50 MB of RAM in the background. Use the methods from sections 1, 4, or 5 to completely disable it.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

When working with system applications, users often encounter errors, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

🔧 "Team team. ADB It is not working (device unauthorized):

• 🔄 Reconnect the device and confirm debugging on the smartphone screen.
• 🔑 Execute adb kill-server, then adb start-server.
• 📋 Check if the debugging is included USB developer-setting.

⚠️ "Browser is back after the update MIUI":

Note: When major system updates are made (MIUI 13 → MIUI 14) Remote applications can be restored: 🔄 Repeat the removal procedure through ADB post-refresh. 📵 Turn off auto-update system applications in Google Play. 🔧 Use Magisk to block the installation of the browser (App Systemizer module).

🤖 "I can't get root rights":

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool.
• 📱 Install. TWRP and use Magisk to get root.
• ⚠️ On new models (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12) You may need to bypass the anti-Rollback.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions