What is a branded browser Xiaomi: a detailed analysis of the capabilities and hidden functions

If you own a Xiaomi, Redmi or a smartphone POCO, You may have noticed that the company's logo is pre-installed, Mint Browser (formerly known as Mi Browser), a software that often raises questions about why you need it when you have Chrome or Safari, and how it's better (or worse) than your competitors. And most importantly, can it be safely removed without disrupting the system?

In this article, we will take a closer look at what Xiaomi’s branded browser is: from technical features to hidden features that are not covered in the official instructions. MIUI, What data it collects, and why some users prefer it to standard solutions, and for those who want to get rid of pre-installed software, a detailed step-by-step guide, taking into account the nuances of different versions of firmware.

What is Mint Browser and How did it come about?

Mint Browser is a proprietary web browser from Xiaomi, designed as an alternative to Google Chrome and other popular solutions.It was originally called Mi Browser and debuted in 2016 alongside the company. MIUI 8.In 2019, the company relaunched it under a new name - Mint Browser, adding improved design, optimization for weak devices and additional privacy features.

The main feature of the browser is its deep integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem, which is closely linked to Mi Account, Mi Cloud services and even the company’s smart devices, for example, it can quickly connect to Mi Home or manage IoT gadgets directly from the browser interface. The Mint Browser is marketed as “lightweight” and “energy efficient” – especially for budget smartphones Redmi and the Redmi. POCO.

• 📅 Release year: 2016 (as Mi Browser), rebranding in 2019
• 🌍 Availability: preinstalled on all devices with MIUI (except for the EU's global firmware)
• 🔄 Engine: based on Chromium (like Chrome, but with modifications)
• 📱 Support: It works on Android 5.0+, including MIUI 12/13/14

Interesting fact: in some regions (e.g. India), Mint Browser is distributed separately from the firmware through Google Play called Mint Browser - Fast & Light. This is due to local laws on preinstalled software. In Russia and Europe, it is usually only found as a system application.

Technical Features: How Mint Browser is Different from Chrome

At first glance, the Mint Browser is not much different from Google Chrome or Samsung Internet. However, there are several key differences under the hood that make it unique - in both a good and a bad way.

First, the browser uses its own algorithm for compressing traffic, which Xiaomi says can reduce mobile internet usage by 30-40% through server-side optimization of images and scripts, which is relevant for users with limited tariffs, but raises questions about the security of the data transmitted.

Second, it has improved integration with Xiaomi services:

• 🔗 Quick access to Mi Cloud, Mi Home and Mi Video via sidebar
• 📱 Synchronize bookmarks and history between Xiaomi devices (if Mi Account is enabled)
• 🛡️ Built-in ad blocker (works at the level) DNS, like AdGuard)
• 🌙 The mode "Dark theme", which automatically adjusts to the system settings MIUI

On the other hand, Mint Browser has been criticized for collecting telemetry, and independent research (such as Princeton University) has found that it sends more data to Xiaomi servers than Chrome or Firefox, including information about sites visited, session times, and even some device data, although some of that telemetry can be turned off in settings.

Advantages and disadvantages: whether to use

To make an objective assessment of Mint Browser, we compare its pros and cons, starting with the benefits that may be critical for some users:

There's no definitive answer to whether you should use it, it depends on your priorities. If you're looking for traffic savings and performance on weak devices, Mint Browser might be a good alternative to Chrome. If privacy and extensibility come first, you'd better look at Firefox or Brave.

⚠️ Note: In some regions (e.g. China), Mint Browser may contain censored services built-in. MIUI, this problem is not, but it is worth checking the browser version in the settings (About the browser) → Assembly number).

How to Set Up Mint Browser for Maximum Performance

Even if you choose to leave Mint Browser, you can optimize it for your needs. Here are the key settings that you should change:

1. Turn off telemetry collection: Go to Settings → Privacy and deactivate options: 📊 "Send usage data" 🔍 "Personalized recommendations" 📍 "Use location data” (if not necessary)
2. Activate Turbo Mode: In Settings → Turbo mode, turn on the option "Saving traffic" This will compress images and remove unnecessary scripts, speeding up the loading of pages by 20-30%.
3. Set up an ad blocker: In Settings → Adblocker Select the filtering level: 🛡️ "Basic – only blocks dangerous websites 🚫 "Medium – removes banners and pop-ups 🔒 "Aggressive – Maximum filtering (may break some sites)

Sync your data with your Mi Account:

If you have multiple Xiaomi devices, in Settings → Synchronization: Backup bookmarks and history. This is convenient, but requires authorization in Mi Account.

For additional acceleration, you can manually clean the cache. → Data cleanup: We recommend this procedure every 1-2 weeks, especially if the browser has started to slow down".

💡

If you don't like the homepage with news and ads, you can replace it with an empty tab. → Homepage and select the option "Empty Page".

Can I remove Mint Browser and how to do it?

Yes, you can delete Mint Browser, but with reservations, because it's a system application, just clicking "Delete" on the menu won't work. You'll need root rights or use. ADB (Android Debug Bridge: Let's look at both.

Method 1: Through ADB (without root)

This method is suitable for most users and does not require unlocking the bootloader.

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Build number - tap 7 times, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB)
• 🔌 USB-TypeC Cable (original so there are no connection issues)

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line (Win + R → cmd).
2. Enter the command: adb devices Make sure the device is identified (should appear its serial number).
3. Execute the command to uninstall: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser For Mint Browser in new versions MIUI You may need another command: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.mi.globalbrowser
4. Reboot your smartphone. The browser will disappear from the menu.

Method 2: Using root rights

If you have a bootloader unlocked and you have Magisk or SuperSU installed, you can delete your browser through any root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer).

1. Open the manager and go to /system/priv-app/ or /system/app/.
2. Find the Browser or MintBrowser folders.
3. Remove them or rename them (e.g., adding.bak at the end).
4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Removing system applications can lead to unstable firmware, especially if the browser is associated with other services MIUI. For example, in some versions MIUI 12 after deleting Mint Browser stops working on the built-in view PDF-Before deleting files, back up your files!

Mint Browser Alternatives: Which Browser to Choose for Xiaomi

If you're considering opting out of Mint Browser, consider alternatives.

• 🔒 Privacy – how much the browser protects your data
• ⚡ Performance – page loading speed and RAM consumption
• 🔄 Synchronization – the ability to transfer bookmarks between devices
• 🛠️ Extensibility – Support for extensions and themes

Compare the popular options:

For Xiaomi devices with 4GB of RAM or less, we recommend Brave or Kiwi Browser, which combines lightness and functionality. If privacy is more important than speed, Firefox with enhanced security settings is the best choice.

💡

If you use Google services frequently (Gmail, Drive, Calendar), Chrome will remain the most convenient option despite the high resource consumption.

Hidden functions of Mint Browser: what can, but does not advertise

Mint Browser has some undocumented features that few people know about, and they can be useful for power users:

• 🔍 Incognito mode with password: Unlike Chrome, you can install it here PIN-code to enter private mode. To do this, go to Settings → Confidentiality → Protecting the Incognito Regime.
• 📥 Download videos from sites: The browser can save videos directly from pages (for example, from YouTube or TikTok). To do this, click on three dots next to the address bar and select Download Video (does not work on all sites).
• 🌐 Translation of pages without the Internet: In Settings → You can also download an offline dictionary for translation, which is useful on trips where there is no stable connection.
• 📡 IoT Device Management: If you have a Xiaomi smart lamp or outlet, you can quickly open the control panel via the side menu (Mi Home) in your browser).
• 📊 Traffic usage statistics: C Settings → Traffic savings are displayed by detailed statistics for each site — how much data it consumes. This helps to identify "gluttonous" resources.

Another little-known feature is the Read Mode, which removes all ads and extra elements from the page, leaving only text, activates automatically on news sites, but you can manually turn it on through the menu. ⋮ → Reading mode.

For developers, a built-in debugging console is useful. To open it, type in the address bar:

about:debug

After that, the section For developers with tools for testing sites will appear in the settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi browser