How to remove Mi Browser from the screen and make another default browser on Xiaomi Redmi 9

Why users want to get rid of Mi Browser on Redmi 9

The Mi Browser is a standard application on all Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi 9. It is preinstalled in MIUI firmware and automatically becomes the default browser after the device is first turned on. However, many users are eager to remove or replace it for several reasons.

First, aggressive advertising: even in basic versions of MIUI, the browser shows banners, pop-ups and content recommendations that are difficult to turn off. Second, data collection – Mi Browser is integrated with the Xiaomi ecosystem and can transmit information about visited sites (despite privacy claims). Finally, limited functionality: compared to Google Chrome, Firefox or Brave, the standard browser lacks many modern features, such as synchronization with other devices or extensions.

But there's a caveat: you can't completely remove the Mi Browser without root rights -- it's a system application, but you can disable it, hide it from the home screen, reset it, and assign a different browser by default. Next, we'll look at all the working methods for Redmi 9 (and current for other models on MIUI 12-14).

Method 1: Assigning another browser by default

The easiest and most secure method is to make an alternative application (e.g. Chrome or Firefox) your primary browser. This won’t delete the Mi Browser, but it will stop opening links in it.

Instructions:

• 📱 Install an alternative browser from Google Play (e.g. Google Chrome).
• 🔗 Open any web link (e.g. in a message or note) and a window will appear to select the application.
• 🔘 Select the browser you want and select Always (or Use by default).
• ✅ Confirm the action. Now all links will open in the selected browser.

If the window with the choice does not appear, go to the settings:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Click on the Browser and select an alternative application.

Install an alternative browser from Google Play

Check for MIUI updates

Close all background applications

Make a backup copy of the bookmarks (if necessary)

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Method 2: Disable Mi Browser via MIUI settings

If you don't plan on using the Mi Browser at all, you can turn it off, which hides the app from the menu and stops the background processes. Importantly, this method doesn't remove the browser completely, but saves battery life and prevents data collection.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search box, enter Mi Browser (or Browser in Russian).
3. Slip on the app, then select Disable (button can be gray).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog box. The application will disappear from the list and stop working.

Warning: On some versions of MIUI, the Disable button may be blocked, in which case resetting browser settings (described in the next section) or using ADB (for advanced users) will help.

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If the “Disable” button is inactive, try clearing the cache and browser data first (see the next section), then try again.

Method 3: Resetting Mi Browser settings to factory

If the browser slows down, shows too many ads or “forgets” settings, resetting to factory settings will help.This will delete the history, bookmarks and cache, but will not affect the system files.

How to reset:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Mi Browser.
• 🗑️ Click Storage, then select Clear Cache and Clear Data.
• 🔄 Return to the main browser menu and tap Reset settings (if there is such a item).

Important: Once reset, all saved passwords and bookmarks will be lost, and if they are synced with your Xiaomi account, they can be restored when you re-enter.

Method 4: Remove Mi Browser via ADB (for power users)

If you’re ready for experimentation, the browser can be removed entirely using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that requires connecting the smartphone to a PC and basic command line knowledge.

Warnings:

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This may cause system failure, and we recommend backing up the data before starting.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI After removing system applications, errors may occur when updating the firmware. In this case, a complete reset (wipe) will be required).

Instructions:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
2. Turn on USB Debugging on Redmi 9: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode), then Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging on USB.
3. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
4. Open the command prompt (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) and type:

adb devices

(Your device should be displayed).

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

If the team doesn’t work, try:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser

Once executed, the browser will disappear from the system. To return it, you will need to reset to factory settings or flash it.

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Removing via ADB is the only way to get rid of the Mi Browser completely without root rights, but it is only suitable for advanced users.

Method 5: Hide Mi Browser from the home screen and app menu

If you don't have to delete the browser, but it's interfering with everyday use, you can just hide it, and it doesn't turn off the background, but it takes the icon out of your sight.

How to hide it:

• 📱 Put your finger on the Mi Browser icon on the home screen.
• 🔄 In the menu that appears, select Delete (actually, it just removes the shortcut).
• 🔍 To hide from the app menu, use a launcher that supports hiding icons (for example, Nova Launcher or Nova Launcher). POCO Launcher).

At Nova Launcher:

1. Click the empty space on the screen → Settings.
2. Go to the Apps menu → Hide the Apps.
3. Check out Mi Browser and save the changes.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you're working with the Mi Browser on Redmi 9, you're going to see some common mistakes, and you're going to look at some of the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: The “Disable” button is inactive

This is because of MIUI's policy, which blocks the shutdown of key system applications.

• 🔄 Update your firmware to the latest version (sometimes restrictions are lifted).
• 🛠️ Use it. ADB for forced shutdown (see Method 4).
• 🔒 Install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher) that lets you hide system applications.

Problem 2: After reset, the browser becomes the main one again

This is because MIUI automatically resets its default settings when you update or reboot.

• 🔗 After reset, immediately assign another browser by default (see Method 1).
• 🚫 Turn off automatic update of Mi Browser in Google Play.

Problem 3: Browser Advertising doesn’t disappear

Even after resetting, the Mi Browser can display ads, which is due to the integration of Xiaomi services.

• 🔕 In the browser settings, disable Personalized Recommendations and Show news on the homepage.
• 🛡️ Install an ad blocker (such as AdGuard or Blokada).
• 🚫 Disable the browser completely (see Method 2).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions