The browser on Xiaomi is not just a tool for surfing the Internet, but a key element of the system, which depends on the speed of loading pages, security of personal data and even the operation of some applications. If you notice that sites open slowly, video slows down, and banners with ads appear too often, itβs time to update the browser. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to update for Redmi devices, POCO, Black Shark and other Xiaomi lines, including cases when standard methods do not work.
The manufacturer often releases patches for the built-in MIUI Browser, but they are not always automatically installed. Moreover, many users prefer alternatives like Google Chrome or Firefox, which also require regular updates. We will tell you how to update any browser on Xiaomi's Android device, from standard to third-party, and what to do if the update freezes or gives an error. All methods are free and do not require root rights.
1. How to check the current version of the browser on Xiaomi
Before you update your browser, make sure it's really necessary. The outdated version can not only slow down, but also contain vulnerabilities that scammers exploit.
- π For MIUI Browser: Open the browser β tap three points in the upper right corner β Select Settings β The version is listed in the line Assembly number.
- π For Google Chrome: Launch the App β press three points β Settings β About Chrome. The current version will appear at the top of the screen.
- π¦ For Mozilla Firefox: Open the menu (three dots) β Settings β Firefox version is listed under the logo.
Compare what you see with the latest versions on official websites:
- MIUI Browser: browser.mi.com (Updates section)
- Google Chrome: Play Market
- Firefox: mozilla.org
If your version is older than the site, itβs time to update.
β οΈ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro) POCO X3 NFC) The built-in browser can be called Mi Browser instead of the browser. MIUI Browser. It's the same app -- the only difference is the name.
2. Method 1: Update via Google Play Market
The easiest and safest method is to use the Play Market, which is suitable for all browsers except the built-in MIUI Browser (updated via MIUI Updater).
- Open the Google Play Market (Color Triangle icon).
- In the search bar, type the browser name (such as Chrome or Firefox).
- Click on the app card. If an update is available, instead of the Open button, it will Update.
- Update and wait for the download to be completed.
If there is no Update button, you have the latest version installed, in which case you can try alternative methods in the following sections.
Check Wi-Fi connection (updates weigh 50-150 MB)
Free up at least 200 MB of memory on your device
Close all background applications (especially antiviruses)
Make sure that your Google account is authorized-->
On some Xiaomi devices (especially custom firmware) Play Market may not show updates, due to regional restrictions or modified Google services.
- π Restart your phone and try again.
- π± Remove the Play Market cache: Settings β Annexes β Application management β Google Play Store β Memory. β Clear the cache.
- π Check the region of your Google account: it must match your country of residence.
Method 2: Update the built-in MIUI browser
The built-in MIUI Browser (or Mi Browser) browser is not updated through the Play Market, but with system updates to check for updates:
- Open the settings (cog icon).
- Go to About the Phone. β Updating the system.
- Click Check for updates.
- If a new version of MIUI is available, download it and install it. The browser will update automatically.
If the system update is not available, but the browser is outdated, you can try forced installation through the APK-- For that, file:
- π₯ Download the latest version MIUI Browser from the official website: browser.mi.com (Download section").
- π Save the file to your phone memory (for example, in the Downloads folder).
- π§ Allow installation from unknown sources: Settings β Annexes β Special access β Installation of unknown applications β Select a browser or file manager.
- π±οΈ Open the downloaded one. APK-file and follow the installer's instructions.
β οΈ Attention: Installation APK From third-party sources (not browser.mi.com) it can lead to virus infection.Always check the digital file signature and reviews on Xiaomi forums (e.g. Mi Community).
| Xiaomi model | Supported version of MIUI Browser | Method of updating |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | 16.0.0 and higher | Through System Update or APK |
| POCO X5 Pro | 15.5.0+ | Only via APK (system updates are rare) |
| Black Shark 5 | 14.0.0+ | System Update (browser integrated into firmware) |
| Redmi 10A | 13.0.5 (maximum) | Updates are terminated, only alternative browsers |
Method 3: Update via APK (for power users)
If the Play Market doesnβt offer an update and the system update is not available, the manual installation of APK remains, which is suitable for any browser, including Chrome Beta, Firefox Nightly or Brave.
- Download. APK reliable: π Official sites: APKMirror (check the developer's signature). π APKPure (Look for the Verified icon").
Check the file.
VirusTotal
APK
Install.
1. Open the file manager (e.g., Google Files).
2. Find the downloaded APK and tap it.
3. Confirm installation by pressing "Install".
4. wait until completion (reboot may be required).After installation, check the browser version in the settings. If there is an error "Application not installed", the reasons may be as follows:
- π« Android incompatibility: File is designed for a new version of Android than on your phone.
- π Lockdown MIUI: On some firmware Xiaomi is prohibited to install modified APK.
- π₯ Damaged file: download APK from another source or.
What to do if the APK is not installed?
5. Method 4: Update via Mi Community (for Chinese firmware)
If your Xiaomi is running on Chinese firmware (e.g., Redmi K50 Gaming for the domestic market), standard upgrade methods may not work due to a lack of Google services.
- Install the Mi Community app (if not, download the APK from app.mi.com).
- Sign in under your Mi-account.
- Go to the Updates section (bell icon in the upper right corner).
- If an update for MIUI Browser is available, download and install it.
Chinese firmware also has regional restrictions, such as the browser can only be updated to Chinese users to circumvent this:
- π Change the region to βChinaβ in Mi-account (risky β you can block the account).
- π Use it. VPN with servers in China (e.g. ExpressVPN), but this does not guarantee success.
- π² Install global firmware via Fastboot (requires unlocking the bootloader).
π‘
If you often encounter update issues on Chinese firmware, consider switching to the global version of MIUI. Instructions are available on the 4PDA or Xiaomi.EU forums.
Method 5: Alternative browsers (if update is not possible)
If you canβt update your current browser (for example, on older models like Redmi). 5A or Mi A1), The best way to do this is to install an alternative browser.-3 variant:
| browser | Advantages | Cons | Download link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Chrome | Maximum compatibility with websites, synchronization with Google account | High RAM consumption, collects user data | Play Market |
| Firefox Focus | Built-in ad blocker, doesn't save history | Limited functionality (no extensions) | Play Market |
| Brave | Blocks trackers, supports torrents, awards for viewing ads | Slower Chrome on weaker devices | Play Market |
To install an alternative browser:
- Open the Play Market and find the app you need.
- Click Set and wait until it is completed.
- Launch your browser and import bookmarks from the old one (if necessary).
β οΈ Note: On Android Go devices (e.g., Redmi Go or POCO C31) Some browsers may not work well, and in this case we recommend Chrome Go or Opera Mini, which are optimized for weak smartphones.
7. How to fix errors when updating the browser
If you have any problems during the update, use our tips:
- π "Not enough memory" error: free up space by deleting unnecessary files or applications. Use Settings β Memory. β Cleanup.
- π« "App is not compatible with the device: check the Android version in Settings β If it's below the required level, update the firmware.
- π Slow loading: connect to another Wi-Fi network or use mobile internet (if traffic restrictions allow for it).
- π "Installation locked": allow installation from unknown sources (see Method 3).
If the browser after the update is unstable (flys out, does not open pages), try:
- Clear cache: Settings β Applications β [Browser Name] β Memory β Clear cache.
- Reset the browser settings to factory (in the browser settings menu).
- Remove the update (if it is a system application) and return the old version.
π‘
If your browser starts to consume more battery after the update, check background activity in Settings β Battery β Battery Use. Turn off auto-update tabs and notifications from sites.