Browser in Xiaomi: what is the default, how to configure or replace it

If you recently bought a Xiaomi smartphone or updated your firmware MIUI, You may have noticed that the system has its own browser, the Mi Browser, which replaces the standard Google Chrome and offers unique features integrated with the Xiaomi ecosystem, but many users have questions: What browser is it, how it works, can it be removed and replaced with what?

In this article, we will take a closer look at all aspects of the Xiaomi browser, from its features and differences from competitors to step-by-step instructions for setting up, optimizing and deleting, and focus on privacy issues, as the Mi Browser is often criticized for collecting data, and consider the best alternatives for those who prefer other browsers.

The material is relevant for all modern versions MIUI (12 to 14) and Xiaomi smartphone models, including Redmi, POCO And Black Shark. If you're looking for an answer to a specific question, use the block. FAQ end-of-article.

1.What is the default browser in Xiaomi?

Mi Browser (or Mi Browser) is a proprietary web browser developed by Xiaomi specifically for devices based on the MIUI. It comes pre-installed on all smartphones of the brand and replaces the standard Google Chrome in the basic configuration.

The main features of the Mi Browser:

• 🔹 Integration with MIUI — Synchronization with Xiaomi account, access to cloud bookmarks and history.
• 🔹 Easy mode – accelerated loading of pages due to traffic compression (useful with a slow Internet).
• 🔹 Built-in ad blocker – filtering annoying banners without additional extensions.
• 🔹 Reading mode – removing unnecessary elements from the page for a comfortable viewing of the text.
• 🔹 Gesture support – Swipe management (e.g. swipe left/right to switch between tabs).

However, Mi Browser has some drawbacks that make it easier for many users to remove:

• ⚠️ Data collection – the browser transmits information about visited sites to Xiaomi servers (you can disable in the settings).
• ⚠️ In-UI Advertising – sometimes banners with offers from Xiaomi appear (for example, advertising other apps).
• ⚠️ Limited extensions – no plugin support like in Chrome or Firefox.

2.How to distinguish Mi Browser from Google Chrome?

Many users confuse Mi Browser with Google Chrome, especially if both apps are installed on the smartphone.

To find out which browser opens by default on your Xiaomi, follow the following steps:

1. Open any app that has a link (such as Telegram or WhatsApp).
2. Click on the link - the browser that is designated by default will open.
3. Look at the app icon in multitasking: Mi Browser has an orange color with a white “M” and Chrome has a multicolored circle.

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If you want to switch between browsers quickly, add their widgets to the home screen. To do this, hold your finger in the free space of the screen. → Widgets → Find the right browser.

3. Mi Browser settings: how to optimize work

Mi Browser offers flexible settings that allow you to adapt it to your needs.

Light mode activation (traffic saving)

If you have a slow Internet connection or a limited rate, activate the light mode:

1. Open Mi Browser.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Settings.
3. Go to the Light Mode section.
4. Turn on the switch Use the light mode.

This feature compresses traffic and speeds up page loading, but some site elements may not display correctly.

3.2. Setup of the ad blocker

The built-in ad blocker in Mi Browser works without any additional extensions.

1. Open the Settings. → Additionally.
2. Select Ad Blocker.
3. Activate the option to block ads.
4. (Optional) Set up exceptions for individual sites.

Disabling data collection (confidentiality)

By default, Mi Browser sends anonymous data about visited sites to Xiaomi servers.

1. Go to Settings. → Confidentiality.
2. Disable options: Send usage data Personalized recommendations

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Even after disabling data collection, the browser can store your browsing history locally. To delete it completely, go to Settings. → Confidentiality → Clear the data.

4.How to remove Mi Browser from Xiaomi (and can you do it?)

Mi Browser is a system application, so you can't completely remove it without root rights, but there are a few ways to get around this limitation:

4.1. disabling the browser (without deletion)

If you don’t want to use the Mi Browser but can’t remove it, turn it off:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Mi Browser on the list.
3. Click Disable (the application will disappear from the menu, but will remain in the system).

4.2. Removal through ADB (power-user)

If you have experience working with ADB, You can remove Mi Browser with the command:

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

⚠️ Note: This method requires the included debugging USB It can cause the system to malfunction!

Replacement of the browser by default

If you have installed another browser (such as Chrome or Firefox), make it your primary browser:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Applications by default.
2. Choose Browser.
3. Please specify the desired application from the list.

Install an alternative browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.)

Save bookmarks and history (export to the HTML)

Turn off sync with your Xiaomi account

Make a backup copy of the data-->

5.The Best Mi Browser Alternatives for Xiaomi

If you are not satisfied with Mi Browser, consider the following browsers:

• 🌐 Google Chrome is the most popular browser with extension support and sync through a Google account.
• 🦊 Mozilla Firefox is an open source browser that places a strong emphasis on privacy, supports extensions and has built-in tracking protection.
• 🛡️ Brave, which blocks ads and trackers by default, speeds up page loading, is ideal for those who value anonymity.
• 🚀 Opera – a browser with built-in VPN It's ad blocker, and it's a good way to bypass geo-restrictions.
• 🔍 DuckDuckGo is a minimalist browser with a focus on privacy, does not save history and automatically blocks trackers.

To install any of these browsers, open Google Play and type the name in the search. After installing, be sure to assign it to the default browser (see section 4.3).

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If you use multiple browsers frequently, use the Island app (from Xiaomi developers) to create an isolated environment with separate settings.

6. Solving browser problems on Xiaomi

Sometimes Mi Browser (or other browsers) may not work properly. Let's look at the typical problems and their solutions:

6.1. the browser is constantly closed or departs

If the Mi Browser is closed spontaneously, try:

• Clear the cache: Settings → Annexes → Mi Browser → Clear the cache.
• Update your browser via Google Play or MIUI Updater.
• Disable battery saving for the browser: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → Find the browser → Select "No restrictions".

6.2 Some websites are not opened

If individual pages are not loaded, check:

• Internet connection (try switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data).
• Settings DNS: sometimes it helps DNS-servers (e.g. 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8).
• Ad Blocker: Disable it for a problematic site (see Section 3.2).

6.3. the browser brakes or is slow

To expedite the work:

• Close all unnecessary tabs (in Mi Browser swipe down the tab).
• Turn off animations: Settings → Additionally. → Turn off animations.
• Use the light mode (see section 3.1).

⚠️ Note: If the problem persists after all manipulations, try resetting your browser settings to factory settings: → Additionally. → Reset settings. This will delete the history, bookmarks and saved passwords!

7. Comparison of Mi Browser with other browsers: which one to choose?

To determine which browser is best for your Xiaomi, compare the key parameters:

Mi Browser is suitable for users who want maximum integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem and do not want to install additional applications. If you want privacy or extensibility, you should choose Firefox or Brave.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the browser in Xiaomi