Mi Browser on Xiaomi Redmi: why you need, how it works and can you remove it?

If you own a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone (or any other device on the phone) MIUI), I'm sure you've noticed a browser preinstalled with the Mi Browser logo, and it often raises questions about what it is, why it's not deleted in the standard way, and whether it should be used instead of Chrome or Firefox?

In this article, we will take a look at Mi Browser in detail, from its core features and integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem to its hidden features and uninstallation methods, and focus on the unique feature of the browser, synchronization with a Mi Account that works even without Google services, and how to disable annoying ads, set up a start page, and why some users prefer it over alternatives.

The material is relevant for all modern versions MIUI (from 12 before 14) Redmi models, including Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi 10/11, POCO X5 If you're looking for a way to optimize your browser or get rid of it completely, read on.

What is Mi Browser and why is it necessary for Xiaomi Redmi?

Mi Browser is a proprietary web browser from Xiaomi, preinstalled on all devices under control MIUI. It is based on the open source Chromium engine (like Google Chrome), but with a number of modifications:

• 🔹 Integration with Xiaomi ecosystem: synchronize bookmarks, history and passwords through the Mi Account (works even without Google).
• 🔹 Optimization for MIUI: adapted interface for the company shell, support for gestures and themes of design.
• 🔹 Traffic savings: built-in data compression mode (similar to Chrome Lite).
• 🔹 Ad Blocking: Basic protection against trackers and pop-ups (but not always effective).

The main advantage of the browser is that it has a deep connection to the firmware, for example, it can:

• 📱 Open links from system notifications faster than third-party browsers.
• 🔄 Synchronize data between Xiaomi devices (smartphone, tablet, TV).
• 🛡️ Use built-in functions MIUI, For example, Read Mode or Night Light, without additional settings.

However, the Mi Browser has its downsides:

⚠️ Note: The browser collects anonymous telemetry (website visited, usage time) to improve Xiaomi services, as stated in the user agreement, but you can not disable the fee completely, only limit it through privacy settings.

By default, the browser is tied to system processes MIUI, So you can't just remove it, but there are workarounds, and we'll talk about them in the appropriate section.

Mi Browser differs from Google Chrome and other browsers

Many users install Chrome or Firefox immediately after buying Redmi, unaware that Mi Browser works more efficiently in some scenarios.

Mi Browser wins in two cases:

1. If you are actively using other Xiaomi devices (e.g. Mi) TV or Mi Pad) and want to sync bookmarks without Google.
2. If you have limited traffic, Lite mode is more stable than its Chrome counterparts.

In other cases, Chrome or Firefox will be preferred because of the support for extensions and more flexible privacy settings.

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If you need extensions (such as an adblock or translator), but do not want to abandon Mi Browser, try Kiwi Browser – it is also based on Chromium, but supports installing extensions from the Chrome Web Store.

How to Set Up Mi Browser: Hidden Features and Optimization

By default, the Mi Browser is set to integrate as much as possible with Xiaomi services, which is not always convenient.

1. Disabling advertising and trackers

The browser displays ads on the homepage and in search results to reduce the number of ads:

1. Open the Mi Browser and go to the ⋮ (Menus) → Settings → Confidentiality.
2. Activate the option to block pop-up windows.
3. Enable Tracker Protection (works at level) DNS).
4. Turn off Personalized Recommendations in the Homepage section.

2. Set up the start page

By default, the main one displays news from Xiaomi and quick links. To change this:

• 📌 Go to Settings. → Homepage.
• 📌 Choose an Empty Page or add your Quick Links.
• 📌 Turn off news and recommended content.

3. Reading mode and traffic saving

For comfortable viewing of articles:

• 📖 Enable Read Mode in the menu (book icon) – removes unnecessary elements of the page.
• 📶 Activate Lite Mode in Settings to Save Traffic (Useful with Slow Internet).

Disable personalized advertising|Set up a tracker lock|Set up an empty start page|Activate Lite mode to save traffic-->

4.Sync with the Mi Account

If you use multiple Xiaomi devices, you can sync:

• 🔗 Bookmarks;
• 📁 Visit history;
• 🔐 Saved passwords (if optional in Settings is enabled) → Mi Account).

For this:

1. Sign in to your Mi Account on all devices.
2. In the browser, go to Settings → Mi Account and enable synchronization.

⚠️ Note: Password sync via Mi Account is less secure than through Google Password Manager or Bitwarden.If your account has two-factor authentication enabled, the risks are minimal, but for critical data (banks, mail) it is better to use specialized managers.

How to remove Mi Browser with Xiaomi Redmi: step-by-step instructions

Remove Mi Browser with standard tools MIUI It's not -- it's a system application. But there are three ways that you can work:

Method 1: Disconnect (without root)

If you do not need to completely delete the browser, just hide it from the menu:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Mi Browser in the list and select it.
3. Click Disable (the button will become active after confirmation).
4. Confirm the action – the browser will disappear from the menu, but will remain in the system.

⚠️ Consequences: Some system links (e.g. from notifications) may be opened with an error. In this case, return the browser using the same settings.

Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root)

A computer and tool will be required to remove the entire device. ADB (Android Debug Bridge. Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your smartphone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times).
2. Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect the phone to the PC, open the command line and type:

adb devices

(Your device should be displayed) Then do:

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

After the reboot, the browser will be deleted for the current user (but will remain in the firmware).

Method 3: Remove with root rights

If you have root, you can delete the browser completely:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer).
2. Go to /system/app/MiBrowser or /system/priv-app/MiBrowser.
3. Delete the files MiBrowser.apk and MiBrowser.odex, if any).
4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications from root can lead to unstable work MIUI. Before the procedure, make a backup copy through TWRP Or OrangeFox.

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Disabling the browser through settings is the safest way. ADB It is suitable for advanced users, and the root method is recommended only if you are ready for possible system failures.

Mi Browser Alternatives: Which browser is better for Xiaomi Redmi

If Mi Browser doesn’t suit you, consider the following options:

For Redmi devices with low RAM (2-3 GB), Kiwi Browser or Firefox Lite are the best choice. If privacy is the priority, look for Brave or Firefox Focus.

Tip: Before installing a new browser, disable Mi Browser (as described above) so that it doesn’t consume resources in the background.

Frequent Mi Browser Problems and Solutions

Xiaomi Redmi users often face the following issues in the Mi Browser:

1. the browser itself opens or displays advertising

Reason: System processes are operating in the background MIUI, which launch a browser to display advertisements or notifications.

Decision:

• 🛑 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Mi Browser → Battery and select Limit background activity.
• 🛑 In the same settings, disable Auto Start.
• 🛑 Remove the browser cache in the Warehouse → Clear the cache.

2 Some websites are not opened

Reason: The browser uses its own DNS-Xiaomi servers that can block individual resources (especially in China).

Decision:

• 🌍 Go to Settings. → Confidentiality → Use the safe one. DNS Select Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Google.
• 🌍 Disable Phishing Protection in Security Settings (may Falsely Block Sites).

3. Slow work or departures

The reason: cache accumulation, conflict with other applications or lack of RAM.

Decision:

• 🧹 Clear the cache and browser data in Settings → Annexes → Mi Browser → Warehouse.
• 🔄 Update your browser via Play Market (if you have a global version installed) or App Store (for Chinese firmware).
• 📱 Reboot the device – it will reset the background processes MIUI.

4. Bookmarks are not synchronized

Reason: Mi Account problems or disconnected sync.

Decision:

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → Mi Account → Synchronize and enable the option for the browser.
• 🔄 Log out of your account and log in again.
• 🔄 Check your internet connection – synchronization only works with a stable connection.

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After the update MIUI The browser started to work worse, try to roll it back to the previous version. APK old version from APKMirror and install manually (allowing installation from unknown sources).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions about Mi Browser