What is the name of the standard browser on Xiaomi: name, functions and replacement

Have you just bought a Xiaomi smartphone and noticed that there is a different browser instead of the usual Google Chrome? Or want to understand why the standard surfing app does not behave as expected? In this article, we will understand what the default browser is officially called on Xiaomi devices, what its pros and cons are, and show you how to remove or replace it with an alternative option.

Xiaomi is installing its MIUI shell on its smartphones, which includes a number of pre-installed apps, including its own browser, which often raises questions from users. Not everyone likes its interface, speed or integrated advertising. But before you look for a replacement, you should figure out what it is and what it is called in different versions of the firmware.

It is important to note that the browser name may slightly differ depending on the region of the firmware (global, Chinese, European versions of MIUI).We will consider all options, as well as give tips on optimizing the operation of the standard browser or its complete replacement on Chrome, Firefox or Edge.

The official name of the standard Xiaomi browser

The standard browser on Xiaomi smartphones is called Mi Browser (or Mi Browser in Russian localization). This is a proprietary application from Xiaomi, which is pre-installed on all devices with a MIUI shell, starting with version MIUI 8 and higher. In some regional firmware (for example, for India), the browser may be called Mint Browser - a modified version of the same Mi Browser with different privacy settings.

In the Chinese versions of MIUI, the browser is sometimes referred to as (which translates as “browser”), but it is the same as the Mi Browser. It is important not to confuse it with the Mi Browser Pro – a separate application with advanced features that is available for download on Google Play or the Mi App Store.

To make sure you have a standard browser, check its icon: it is usually a blue or green circle with a white "Mi" inside. If you are not sure, look at the settings of the application - the full name will be indicated in the About section.

Mi Browser differs from Google Chrome and other browsers

The Mi Browser has several key features that set it apart from its competitors: Here are the main pros and cons of the standard Xiaomi browser:

• ✅ Speed and Easiness: Optimized for MIUI, It consumes less RAM than Chrome, especially on budget models (Redmi) 9A, Poco M3).
• ✅ Integration with MIUI: Supports shell navigation gestures, synchronization with Xiaomi account, quick access to company services (for example, Mi Cloud).
• ✅ Built-in ad blocker: in the settings you can enable filtering of annoying banners (though not all of them).
• ❌ Advertising in the interface: even in the browser there are banners from Xiaomi (in the global firmware there are fewer of them than in the Chinese one).
• ❌ Limited Extensions: Unlike Chrome or Firefox, there is no support for plugins like AdBlock or Dark Reader.
• ❌ Data collection: by default, the browser sends anonymous statistics to Xiaomi (you can turn off in the settings).

By comparison, Google Chrome offers greater sync capabilities with a Google account, support for extensions and better compatibility with web standards.However, it is heavier for weaker smartphones and consumes more battery. Mozilla Firefox benefits in terms of privacy, but can run slower on devices with 2-3 GB of RAM.

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If you don’t like ads in Mi Browser, go to Settings → Additional → Recommendations and turn off the “Show recommendations” option, which will reduce the number of banners, but will not remove them completely.

How to find and open a standard browser on Xiaomi

If you can’t find Mi Browser on your smartphone, use these methods:

1. App Search: Swipe down the home screen to open the search bar, and type in “Browser” or “Mi.” The system will show all matches.
2. Quick Settings Panel: On some models (Xiaomi 11T, Redmi Note 10 Pro), the browser icon is added to the drop-down menu (swipe down from the top edge of the screen).
3. Tools folder: Xiaomi often groups standard applications (calculator, voice recorder, browser) into a folder with that name.
4. MIUI settings: Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management and find it in the Browser list.

If the browser was accidentally deleted or disabled, it can be restored:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Show all apps."
3. Find Mi Browser, click on it and select “Enable” or “Install Update”.

Can I remove Mi Browser and how to do it?

Technically, Mi Browser is a system application, so you can't completely remove it without root rights. However, there are several ways to disable or hide it:

• 🔧 Disconnecting through Settings: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Browser.Click "Disable" (the button will become active if the browser is not used as the main browser). ⚠️ Note: if the Mi Browser is installed as the default browser, the system will not allow it to be disabled. First, assign another browser (for example, Chrome) to the main settings.
• 🗑️ Remove Updates: In the same app management menu, click “Delete Updates.” This will return the browser to the factory version, which can reduce its weight and remove some of the ads.

Hiding the badge

1. Press the browser icon on the home screen and drag it up to the inscription “Delete” (this will not remove the application, but only remove the shortcut).

To completely remove it, you will need to unlock the bootloader and get root access, which will void the warranty and can lead to unstable smartphone operation.

Install an alternative browser (Chrome, Firefox)|Assign it to the default browser in the settings|Make a backup copy of bookmarks from Mi Browser|Turn off sync with your Xiaomi account (if you don’t need to)-->

How to Assign Another Browser to Xiaomi

If you decide to replace Mi Browser with Google Chrome or another, follow these steps:

1. Download an alternative browser from Google Play (such as Chrome or Firefox).
2. Open any website through a new browser (e.g., type google.com into the search bar).
3. Assign it to the default browser: The system will suggest you select a link opening app — select your browser and tick Always. Or go to Settings → Applications → Default Apps → Browser and select the right one.

After that, all links from messages, emails or other applications will open in the selected browser. Please note that some system features (for example, quick search in MIUI) may still use Mi Browser.

Mi Browser Problem Solving: Errors and Bugs

If the standard Xiaomi browser is not working properly, try these methods:

• 🔄 Cleaning Cache and Data: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Browser. Click "Clear Cache" and "Clear Data». ⚠️ Warning: This will delete all bookmarks, history and saved passwords!
• 📥 Browser Update: Open Google Play or Mi App Store and check for updates for Mi Browser.In some regions, updates come through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛠️ Resetting settings MIUI: If the browser is constantly crashing, try resetting the shell settings: Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings (select "Resetting settings" MIUI», partial reset!).

Checking the Internet connection

1. Sometimes Mi Browser won’t open pages due to DNS issues. Try changing DNS to 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) in your Wi-Fi/mobile network settings.

If your browser has stopped opening some websites (like banking services) after the MIUI update, try turning off the Page Acceleration option in its settings, which sometimes conflicts with secure connections (HTTPS).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi browser

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If you choose between Mi Browser and alternatives, focus on the smartphone model: for devices with 3-4 GB of RAM (Redmi Note 9, Poco X3), a standard browser will suit, and for flagships (Xiaomi 13, Mix 4) it is better to install Chrome or Edge.