Why itβs important to upgrade MI Browser to Xiaomi and the risks of ignoring updates
The Mi Browser is a standard application on Xiaomi smartphones that many users use daily for surfing, watching videos and working with web services. However, not everyone knows that an outdated version of the browser can cause serious problems, from slow loading pages to security vulnerabilities that scammers will exploit. For example, Mi Browser versions older than 12.5.4 were discovered a critical vulnerability that allows attackers to intercept input data from the keyboard.
Browser updates not only close security holes, but also bring new features: support for modern web standards (such as WebP or AVIF for images), improved synchronization with your Mi Account, and battery optimization. Especially important is the update for owners of budget Redmi models (such as Redmi Note 10 or POCO X3 Pro), where every percentage of charge is on the account. But how to update the browser if it does not update automatically? And what to do if after the update Mi Browser began to slow down?
Before you get to the instructions, note that the upgrade process may vary depending on the version of MIUI (e.g. MIUI 13 vs MIUI 14) and regional firmware (global, Chinese or European).
Method 1: Update via Google Play Market (for global firmware)
The easiest and safest method is to upgrade via Google Play.It is suitable for most Xiaomi smartphones with global or European firmware (for example, Xiaomi 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+). However, there is a caveat: in some regions (for example, in China), Google Play is blocked by default, and this method will not work.
To update Mi Browser via Google Play:
- Open the Google Play Market app.
- In the search bar, type Mi Browser.
- Choose the official app from the developer Xiaomi Inc.
- If you have an Update button, press it. If you don't have one, you already have the latest version installed.
β οΈ Note: Sometimes Google Play may display a message saying, "This app is incompatible with your device" because of regional restrictions or an outdated version. MIUI. In this case, try method 2 or 3.
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If after updating through Google Play, the browser began to consume more battery, clear its cache in the application settings (Settings β Applications β Mi Browser β Memory β Clear the cache).
Method 2: Update via MIUI App Store (for Chinese firmware)
Xiaomi smartphones with Chinese firmware (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi K60 Pro) instead of Google Play uses the branded app store β MIUI App Store (or GetApps), updates here come with a delay, but without regional locks.
Instructions:
- Open the GetApps app (Blue Package Icon).
- Go to the Update tab (the arrow icon down).
- Find the Mi Browser list and click Update.
- If the update doesnβt show up, try manually finding the browser through search and checking for the new version.
β οΈ Attention: B MIUI The App Store sometimes has fake versions of the Mi Browser from third-party developers. Make sure the publisher is Xiaomi Inc. and the number of downloads exceeds 100 million.
What if the MIUI App Store doesnβt update apps?
Method 3: Manual installation APK-File (for experienced users)
If standard methods donβt work, you can manually update the Mi Browser by downloading it. APK-This method is suitable for all firmware, but requires caution: installing files from unreliable sources can lead to infection with viruses.
Step-by-step:
- Download the latest version of the Mi Browser from the official MIUI App Store website (section "Global") or from a trusted resource, for example, APKMirror.
- Before installation, allow installation from unknown sources: Settings β Applications β Application Management β Browser (or File Manager) β Allow installation from this source
- Open the downloaded one. APK-file and follow the installer's instructions.
- After installation, restart the phone.
β οΈ Note: When manually installed, do not use versions of the Mi Browser with modified resolutions (such as "Pro" or "Mod") - they may contain spyware (MD5) source-site.
β Download APK Officially sourced only
β Check the version (should be newer than the current version)
β Allow installation from unknown sources
β Make a backup copy of browser bookmarks
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Solving problems when updating MI Browser
Even when following instructions, users often encounter errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The βUpdateβ button in Google Play is not active | The device is not supported by the current version of the browser | Try the way with APK or check compatibility on the app page |
| Error "Application not installed" | Conflict with the current version or damaged APK | Remove the current version of the browser and install it again. |
| Browser brakes after update | Cash not cleared or conflict with other apps | Clear the cache and data (Settings β Applications β Mi Browser β Memory) |
| No access to MIUI App Store | Regional restrictions or blockages | Use a VPN or download APK directly |
If none of the solutions worked, try resetting your browser to factory settings. Go to Settings β Apps β Mi Browser β Additional β Reset. Note that this will delete all saved passwords and bookmarks.
How to enable automatic update MI Browser
So you can set up automatic updates to avoid manually monitoring new versions, and Google Play does this:
- Open the Mi Browser page on Google Play.
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
- Select Enable Auto Update.
For MIUI App Store:
- Open GetApps.
- Go to Settings (the gear icon).
- Enable the option of Auto Update applications.
β οΈ Note: Auto-update via mobile Internet can consume traffic quickly. We recommend that you turn it on only when you connect to Wi-Fi. To do this, select Auto-update only via Wi-Fi in the Google Play settings.
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Automatic updates via the MIUI App Store only work on Chinese firmware. On global versions of MIUI, use Google Play.
What to do if after the update MI Browser stopped working
Sometimes newer versions of the browser contain critical bugs that make the app dye or not run.
- π Remove to the previous version: Delete the current version and install the older version (you can download it on APKMirror in the Version History section").
- π± Clear the Application Data: Go to Settings β Annexes β Mi Browser β Memory. β Clear all data.
- π§ Check conflicts with other browsers: If you have Chrome or Firefox installed as your default browser, reset your default settings for Mi Browser.
- π‘ Reset network settings: Sometimes problems are caused by incorrect settings VPN Or a proxy. Reset them to Settings. β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Resetting network settings.
If the problem persists, please contact Xiaomi via an official chat or forum.
- The model of your smartphone (for example, Xiaomi 11T Pro).
- The MIUI version (Settings β About Phone β MIUI version)
- Mi Browser Version (you can find Settings β Applications β Mi Browser).
- Description of the error (for example, "browser crashes when you open YouTube").
Alternatives to MI Browser: when to switch to another browser
If the Mi Browser is not stable even after the upgrade, it may be worth considering alternatives. Here is a comparison of popular browsers for Xiaomi:
| browser | Pluses | Cons | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Chrome | Maximum compatibility with websites, synchronization with Google account | High RAM consumption, slow operation on weak devices | Users of the Google Ecosystem |
| Mozilla Firefox | Support for extensions, high speed | There is no deep integration with MIUI | Those who value privacy |
| Brave Browser | Built-in ad blocker, protection against trackers | Less optimized for MIUI | For safe surfing. |
| Via Browser | Low weight (less than 5MB) and traffic savings | Stripped functionality | Owners of budget Xiaomi |
To change the default browser:
- Install an alternative browser from Google Play.
- Go to Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Click on the three dots in the top corner and select the Default Apps.
- In the browser section, select the desired application.