How to remove the default browser opening on Xiaomi: all ways

The standard Mi Browser browser on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often opens spontaneously when you click on links — even if you installed Chrome, Firefox or another browser. The problem is associated with the aggressive integration of proprietary software into MIUI firmware, where Mi Browser is rigidly spelled out as a system application for processing web links. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to disable its forced opening — from simple settings to deep changes in the system (no root rights!).

It’s important to understand that you can’t completely remove the Mi Browser, it’s a system application associated with the MIUI kernel. But you can block its automatic launch, reassign the link handler, and even hide it from the interface. The methods work on all current firmware versions (MIUI 12-15) and models: from the budget Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra. If you encounter a problem after the update, check the section about resetting default settings.

Why Xiaomi is forced to open its browser

The reason is Xiaomi's policy of monopolizing the ecosystem, and the company integrates the Mi Browser at the firmware level as:

• 🔗 Reference Processor by default – even if you choose a different browser, the system can reset settings after rebooting.
• 📦 Part of the system services package – the application is associated with com.android.browser and com.miui.browser, which can not be uninstalled without root.
• 💰 Source of income – the browser has built-in advertising blocks and affiliate links (for example, on AliExpress or Amazon).
• 🔄 Data Collection Mechanism – Xiaomi analyzes user behavior through its browser (even if you have disabled personalization).

Starting with MIUI 12.5, the company has tightened controls: now, when a third-party browser is first launched, the system shows a pop-up saying “always open links to Mi Browser.” If a user accidentally clicks “Yes”, it becomes more difficult to return the settings back. In addition, after major updates (for example, from MIUI 13 to MIUI 14), all user preferences are reset — this is the logic of the firmware.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5 or Redmi K60) After resetting to factory settings, Mi Browser can return to default status, even if you have previously changed it.This is due to the work of the service com.miui.systemAdSolution, which restores the “recommended” settings.

Method 1: Change the default browser in Android settings

The most obvious method is to manually reassign the link handler, but in MIUI, this process is complicated: the system can ignore your choices or reset them after the reboot.

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 tap it. In the list, select your preferred browser (such as Google Chrome or Firefox).
4. Confirm your choice by clicking Always or OK (depending on the MIUI version).

If the Mi Browser still opens after this action:

• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes changes only apply after a reboot.
• 📱 Check if settings are reset after connecting to Wi-Fi or mobile (this is a bug) MIUI 14).
• 🔧 Delete the cache and Mi Browser data in the app settings.

Clear the Mi Browser cache |Reboot phone | Check for MIUI | Updates Disable battery optimization for the browser-->

Some firmware (e.g. MIUI 13 Global) may not have the default App option, in which case use an alternative path:

1. Open any third-party browser (such as Chrome).
2. Go to any link (e.g. google.com).
3. When the system asks which application to use, select your browser and mark Always.

Method 2: Disable Mi Browser through the application settings

If reassignment doesn’t work, you can limit the Mi Browser to the app menu, which won’t delete the browser, but will block its background activity and automatically start:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Mi Browser (or just the Browser) in the list and tap it.
3. Select Stop (to close all processes).
4. Tap Disable (if the button is active) – this will prevent the browser from starting without your permission.
5. In the Permissions section, disable all powers, especially: 🌐 Displaying on top of other applications 🔗 Changes in system settings 📱 Launch on boot

On MIUI 14+ firmware, the Disconnect button may be inactive.

1. Open Settings → Special features → Special features services.
2. Find the Mi Browser in the list and turn it off.
3. Return to the application settings and clear Cash + Data.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) Disabling Mi Browser can lead to errors in the work MIUI Launcher (disappearance of widgets or hovers when scrolling the main screen). If this happens, return the settings back and use Method 4 (ADB).

Google Chrome|Mozilla Firefox|Microsoft Edge|Opera|Other-->

Method 3: Reset application settings by default

If the system persistently resets your browser choices, try resetting all the link handlers settings, which will return the phone to a "clean" state where you can re-specify your preferred app:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Reset App Settings.
3. Confirm the action (a password or pattern lock may be required).
4. After reset, immediately open your browser (such as Chrome) and click on any link. The system will prompt you to select the default application - specify the desired browser and mark Always.

This method works on 90% of Xiaomi devices, but it has a nuance: the reset affects all applications, not just the browser.

• 📞 Calling app (if you use an alternative dialer).
• 📷 Gallery for opening photos.
• 🎵 Music player.

If the Mi Browser is reset by default, check if the MIUI Recommendation function is enabled:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. Slip the firmware version 7-10 times to activate the developer mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Turn off the option of MIUI Automatic Recommendations.

Method 4: Disconnect via ADB (without root rights)

For advanced users, there's a method using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) that allows you to disable the Mi Browser at the system level without removing it completely.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB (download).
• 📱 Developer's Included Mode and Debugging USB phone-on.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
2. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear serial number of your device.
3. Run the command to disable Mi Browser: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.browser
4. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

If you need to return the browser, use:

adb shell pm enable com.android.browser


adb shell pm enable com.miui.browser

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14 for POCO F4) shutdown ADB In this case, return the settings with the command adb shell pm enable and use Method 5 (hiding the icon).

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If ADB doesn’t recognize the device, try reinstalling drivers manually through the Mi Flash Tool or using an alternative cable. On Windows, disabling driver signatures (Test Mode) can also help.

Method 5: Hiding the browser and blocking notifications

If no methods are working, you can at least take the Mi Browser out of your sight and stop it from showing notifications. This won't solve the problem of link opening, but it will make using the phone more comfortable.

How to hide the icon:

1. Press your finger on the Mi Browser icon on the home screen.
2. Choose Remove (this will not remove the app, but only remove the shortcut).
3. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Browser → Notifications.
4. Turn off all switches in the Notifications section.

You can also block background activity:

1. In the Mi Browser settings, go to Data Use.
2. Turn off Background and Autostart.
3. In the Battery section, select Limit background activity.

MIUI 14+ firmware has a hidden feature to completely hide system applications:

What to do if nothing helps

If all methods are powerless, radical measures remain:

• 🔄 Firmware rollback - on older versions MIUI (For example, 12.0-12.5) the problem with the browser is less severe.
• 📱 Installing custom firmware, such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience, completely removes all Xiaomi system applications, but requires unlocking the bootloader.
• 🛠️ Root access – with superuser rights, you can delete Mi Browser via Titanium Backup or adb shell pm uninstall.
• 🔧 Reset to factory settings – sometimes helps, but does not guarantee the result (on new firmware, the browser can return).

Before radical actions, check whether the behavior of the browser is related to:

• 📲 Viruses - some adware reassigns link handlers. check the phone through Malwarebytes.
• 🔗 Problematic links - some URL (For example, with mi.com or xiaomi.com) forced to open in Mi Browser.
• 📱 App updates – after Google Play Services update or MIUI System Launcher settings may reset.

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If you decide to use custom firmware, remember: this will void the warranty and may result in some features being blocked (e.g. Google Pay or Widevine L1 for Netflix in HD).

FAQ: Frequent questions