How to remove the default browser on Xiaomi Android smartphones: disabling, deleting and replacing

The standard MIUI Browser browser on Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones is often a source of annoyance: it consumes resources in the background, displays ads and imposes itself as the default application. While it is impossible to completely remove preinstalled software without superuser rights (root) there are several legal ways to disable its updates, hide it from the menu or replace it with an alternative browser (for example, Chrome, Firefox or Brave).

In this article, we will discuss the unique methods for MIUI 12-15, including hidden developer settings, ADB commands and bypassing system constraints. Importantly, the procedure differs from the standard for “pure” Android, since Xiaomi actively blocks the removal of system applications. If you use a device with an unlocked bootloader, at the end of the article there is a bonus section with instructions for complete removal via TWRP.

Why can't you just delete MIUI Browser?

Unlike Google Play apps, Xiaomi system utilities are integrated into firmware and protected from removal.

• 🔒 Protection MIUI: The firmware blocks the uninstallation through standard settings, even if you disable the application.
• 📦 Relationship with Services: The browser is associated with MIUI System and Security App – Deleting it may disrupt notifications or themes.
• 🛡️ Google Policy: On Devices with Google Services (GMS) Pre-installed browsers cannot be removed due to licensing requirements.

However, this does not mean that you are doomed to use MIUI Browser, but below we will show you how to turn off its background activity, remove it from the default list, and even hide the icon without root rights.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+) When you turn off your browser, push notifications from Mi Account may disappear. Before you act, check if you are syncing bookmarks through Xiaomi Cloud.

Method 1: Disconnecting through application settings

The safest method is to deactivate the browser in the app menu, which won't physically delete it, but will stop the background and remove it from the default sentence list.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar, enter Browser (or Browser in Russian).
3. Choose MIUI Browser (Blue Globe Icon)
4. Click Disable (the button will become active after taping on three points in the upper corner).
5. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

After that:

• 🔄 The browser will disappear from the menu "Open with..." when you click on links.
• 📵 Background updates and push notifications will stop.
• ⚠️ The icon will remain on the list of all apps (but will be gray).

Backup your bookmarks (if you use MIUI Browser)

Check if your account is linked to your browser (Mi Account, Google)

Install an alternative browser (Chrome, Firefox) in advance

Close all tabs in MIUI Browser-->

If the Disable button is inactive, you have a lightweight version of MIUI on your device (e.g. for the European market), in which case you go to Method 2.

Method 2: Remove updates and reset to factory version

Even if you can’t turn off the browser completely, you can return it to the factory version by removing all updates, which will reduce its size and remove unnecessary features (such as advertising modules).

1. Go to Settings → Applications → MIUI Browser → Three Dots → Remove Updates.
2. Confirm action. The system will return the browser to the version that was when you bought the device.
3. Then open Settings → Applications → Autoboot and turn off autostart for MIUI Browser.

After this manipulation, the browser will stop interfering, but will remain in the system. To completely hide it, use Method 3.

Google Chrome

Mozilla Firefox

Brave

Opera

Other-->

Method 3: Hiding the browser icon without root

If you are annoyed by the icon MIUI Browser in the app menu, it can be hidden using standard MIUI tools or third-party launchers.

Method 1: Through MIUI settings

1. Press and hold the MIUI Browser icon on the home screen.
2. In the menu that appears, select Remove (do not delete!).
3. The icon will disappear from the home screen, but will remain in the full list of applications (Settings → Applications).

Method 2: Use of the Nova Launcher

Download Nova Launcher from Google Play and:

1. Open the launcher settings (long tap on the free screen space → Nova settings).
2. Go to Apps and Widgets → Hide Apps.
3. Mark MIUI Browser in the list and save the changes.

⚠️ Warning: Hiding the icon doesn't disable the app itself! the browser will still consume resources if you don't execute Method 1.

💡

If you use POCO Launcher, you can hide applications through the Categories menu – just drag the browser icon to the Hidden folder.

Method 4: Replace your browser by default via ADB (without root)

For advanced users, there is a method of disabling the browser via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This does not require root rights, but you need to connect the smartphone to the PC.

Step 1: Preparation

• 🖥️ Install. ADB Tools on the computer.
• 📱 Turn on Debugging. USB on a smartphone: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers).
• 🔌 Connect your phone to the PC by USB Confirm your trust in the computer.

Step 2: Execution of commands

Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and type:

adb devices

(Your device should show up. If not, check the drivers.)

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

For MIUI Browser (on new versions of MIUI):

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

If the command is successful, the browser will be completely disabled until the next reboot. To make the changes permanent, repeat the command after each MIUI update.

Method 5: Complete removal via TWRP (unlocked devices only)

If you have a bootloader unlocked and custom recovery (TWRP) installed, you can physically remove the browser from the system. This is a risky method - if you make a mistake, you can bootloop.

Step 1: Create a backup copy

1. Boot to TWRP (clip Power + Volume up when turned on).
2. Choose Backup → System and save a copy to SD-map.

Step 2: Remove from File Manager

1. In TWRP, go to Advanced → File Manager.
2. Open the /system/priv-app/ or /system/app/ folder.
3. Find folders: Browser (standard browser) MiuiBrowserGlobal (for global firmware)

Delete these folders (swipe to the right).

Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: After removal of certain functions MIUI This may not work properly, such as: You won't open links from system notifications; you may miss weather widgets (they use web browser components); you can only restore your browser through a re-firmware.

💡

Deletion via TWRP is an irreversible process. If you are not sure about your actions, use safer methods (ADB or disabling through settings).

Frequent problems and solutions

When working with Xiaomi system applications, users encounter typical errors.

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📌 Version MIUI: on MIUI 14+ For Chinese firmware, the browser is more protected.
• 📌 Superuser Rights: If you have Magisk, use the App Systemizer module to uninstall.
• 📌 Firmware region: on devices for India (Redmi Note) 11T 5G) The browser is often linked to Mi Credit services.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions