How to Disable or Remove a Standard Browser on Xiaomi: 5 Proven Ways

The standard Mi Browser browser on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones is often annoying for users. The application not only takes up space in memory, but also automatically opens links, shows annoying ads, and its removal through standard settings is blocked by the manufacturer. If you prefer Chrome, Firefox or another browser, this guide will help get rid of unnecessary software once and for all.

Depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13, 14 or 15) and the device model (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5, etc.), various methods are available: from simple disabling to complete removal of the system application. We will consider all current methods for 2026, including options without root rights and using ADB. Importantly, some actions require caution - improper manipulation can lead to system failures.

Why do users want to remove Mi Browser?

Xiaomi’s built-in browser has been criticized for several key flaws that make it uncomfortable to use:

• 🔍 Intrusive advertising -- even in privacy settings, you can't turn it off completely. Banners appear on the homepage and in search results.
• 📱 Automatic link opening – the system ignores user choices and redirects traffic to Mi Browser, even if the default browser is installed.
• 🛡️ Data collection – the application transmits information about visited sites to Xiaomi servers (details in the privacy policy).
• 📉 Low performance – compared to Chrome or Edge, Mi Browser is slower to process JavaScript and consumes more RAM.

In addition, the browser takes up to 150-200 MB of storage space in the device and is regularly updated through Google Play, which increases the load on Internet traffic, and even if you do not use it, it continues to work in the background, consuming battery power.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50) browser integrated into system processes. its forced removal may disrupt the function "Quick links" in the notification panel.

Method 1: Disable the browser through settings (without root)

The safest method is to deactivate the application in the system settings, and it won't delete it completely, but it will stop the background activity and hide the icon from the menu. MIUI 14/15:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search box, type "Browser" or "Browser".
3. Choose Mi Browser (Blue Globe Icon)
4. Click Disable (or Remove Updates if the button is inactive).
5. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

After the shutdown:

• 📱 The browser icon will disappear from the desktop and from the application menu.
• 🔗 Links will stop opening in Mi Browser automatically (if you have previously configured another browser by default).
• 🔄 The app will not be updated via Google Play.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI Global POCO X5) When you turn off your browser, you may lose access to the Quick Links function in the notification curtain, and you'll have to activate the app again to get it back.

Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root rights)

If you don't shut down enough, you can completely delete your browser using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which works on most Xiaomi devices but requires a connection to your computer, and the advantage is that you don't need to get root access.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and package ADB.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (path: Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices Wait for the serial number of the device to appear.
4. Execute the deletion command: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser For Mi Browser (on new models) use: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.mi.globalbrowser
5. Reboot your smartphone.

If the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:

adb shell pm hide com.android.browser

💡

Before deleting through ADB, back up your data via Settings → Memory → Backup. In rare cases, after manipulating system applications, you may need to reset your settings.

Method 3: Removal by root rights

If your device has an unlocked bootloader and you have Magisk or another root manager installed, you can delete the browser permanently, which is suitable for advanced users, since it requires working with system files.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Go to /system/app/ or /system/priv-app/.
3. Find folders with names: Browser (for old browser), MiBrowserGlobal (for new) MiBrowserMini (lightweight version)

.bak

Browser.bak

/data/data/

Reset the device.

After removal:

• ✅ The browser will disappear completely from the system.
• ✅ Free up to 200-300 MB of memory.
• ⚠️ Possible errors in the update MIUI through OTA (The system may attempt to recover deleted files).

Method 4: Replace the browser by default

If you don’t need to delete Mi Browser, but you want links to open in another browser, set up the application by default.This won’t disable the built-in browser, but will make it optional.

How to change the default browser:

1. Install an alternative browser (Chrome, Firefox, Brave) from Google Play.
2. Open any application with a link (such as Telegram or Gmail).
3. Click on the link - a window will appear with the choice of browser.
4. Select the application you want and mark Always (or Use by default).

To reset the default settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reset app settings.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 15 Some system applications (e.g. Mi Video) ignore default settings and still open links in Mi Browser.

Method 5: Use of third-party utilities (for advanced)

If manual methods are not suitable, you can use specialized utilities to remove system applications.

• 🛠️ Debloater Tools (e.g. Universal Android Debloater) – run through the ADB They can remove unnecessary software massively.
• 📱 App Inspector – Shows all system applications and their packages for accurate removal.
• 🔧 SD Maid (with SystemCleaner) – helps you find and deactivate hidden system components.

Example of Universal Android Debloater:

1. Download the utility from GitHub.
2. Connect your phone to ADB (as in Method 2).
3. Start the program and select Read device packages.
4. In the list, look for browser packages (com.android.browser or com.mi.globalbrowser).
5. Tick them and click Uninstall selected.

The advantages of utilities:

• 🎯 Accurate removal without risk of damaging the system.
• 📊 Ability to back up before deletion.
• 🔄 Mass cleaning of unnecessary apps (e.g. Mi Music, Mi Video).

💡

Use third-party utilities only if you are sure of their security. Some "debloaters" contain malicious code or remove critical system components.

What if the browser reappears after the update?

After installation OTA-update MIUI Remote system applications can recover to avoid this:

• 🔄 Turn off automatic updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Settings → Auto-update.
• 📥 Install updates manually, pre-deleting the browser through ADB.
• 🔧 Use Magisk modules (for example, MIUI Bloater Removers that block the recovery of unnecessary applications.

If the browser is still back:

1. Repeat the removal procedure through ADB or root.
2. Check for updates for Magisk (relevant for rooted devices).
3. Install Xiaomi. ADB/Fastboot Tools – the program allows you to block the recovery of remote packets.

On some firmware (MIUI China), the browser is more secure, and it requires to delete:

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website.
• 📲 Install custom recovery (TWRP).
• 🗑️ Manually edit the file /system/etc/permissions/privapp-permissions-com.android.browser.xml (delete).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Browser removal