How to completely disable or remove the Mi browser on Xiaomi: working methods

Why do users want to get rid of the Mi browser – and should they?

The Mi Browser is a standard application on all Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones running the MIUI shell. Despite integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem (bookmark synchronization, quick access to the company's services), many users are eager to disable or remove it, the reasons vary from intrusive advertising to privacy concerns.

According to Kaspersky Lab research (2020), the Mi Browser browser collects more data than similar applications from Google or Mozilla, and it often cannot be deleted by standard means, only deactivate. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to disable, including hidden settings MIUI 14 and circumventing restrictions through ADB.

⚠️ Important: Deleting your browser completely can disrupt some system functions (such as opening links from messages).We recommend first trying to disable it rather than manually erasing files.

Method 1: Standard shutdown via MIUI settings

The safest method is to deactivate the browser through the app menu, which is suitable for most Xiaomi models (including the Redmi Note 12, Poco X5, Mi 11) and does not require superuser rights.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search box, type “Browser” or “Mi Browser”.
3. Slip on the browser icon, then select Disable.
4. Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI Global) instead of the button Disable may display Remove updates. In this case, first reset the application to the factory version, then try again to disable.

Make a backup copy of bookmarks (export to HTML)

Check if the browser is used as a default application

Close all browser tabs in multitasking

Disable browser auto-update in Google Play-->

Method 2: Remove updates and reset to factory version

If the Mi Browser browser does not turn off directly, the problem may lie in the installed updates. The manufacturer sometimes blocks deactivation for current versions of the application.

How to do this:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → browser.
• 🔄 Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Remove Updates.
• 🔙 Go back to the main menu of the app and try to turn it off again.
• 🚫 If the Disable button is active, press it. If not, proceed to method 3.

After rollback, the browser will lose all stored data (history, bookmarks), but its system version will become vulnerable to disabling. On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro), this method only works when the Internet is disabled, otherwise MIUI will automatically update the browser again.

Google Chrome

Mozilla Firefox

Samsung Internet

Brave

Other-->

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (without root rights)

For advanced users willing to work with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), there is a way to completely hide the browser from the system.This will not delete the application files, but will make it inaccessible to the user and other programs.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode on your smartphone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times).
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install it. ADB-Drivers and open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools.
4. Enter the command: adb shell pm hide com.android.browser For Mi Browser Pro use: adb shell pm hide com.mi.globalbrowser
5. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Once this command is executed, the browser will disappear from the application menu, but its system processes may continue to work in the background:

adb shell pm unhide com.android.browser

Method 4: Remove via TWRP (requires unlocking the bootloader)

For users with an unlocked bootloader and customized recap (TWRP) installed, a radical method is available - physical deletion of browser files - a method that is suitable for Xiaomi models on MIUI 12-14, but requires caution.

Instructions:

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (the process takes up to 7 days).
• 📱 Install. TWRP For your model (see instructions for the XDA Developers).
• 🗑️ Boot in. TWRP, Go to Advanced. → File Manager.
• Delete folders: /system/priv-app/MiBrowserGlobal//system/priv-app/MiBrowserPro/
• 🔄 Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Deleting system files can cause a cyclic bootloop if you delete something superfluous. TWRP (Backup → System).

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If links from messages stop opening after removing the browser, install any other browser (such as Chrome) and assign it to the default application in Settings → Applications → By default.

Method 5: Blocking through system permissions (MIUI 14+)

The latest versions of MIUI 14 have the ability to restrict system applications through the permission menu, which does not disable the browser completely, but makes it unusable.

How to block:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management → Browser.
2. Go to the Permissions section.
3. Turn off all permissions, including: 📡 Internet 📁 Warehouse 📍 Location 🔍 Camera/Microphone (if available)

Notifications

After that, the browser will remain on the system, but will not be able to connect to the network, save files or send data, in fact, it will become a "dummy" — this method is reversible — just turn on permissions again.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

Each method has its pros and cons. Below is a table for quick selection of the best option depending on your model and level of training.

For most users, the first two methods are sufficient. ADB and TWRP should only be used if you are confident in your actions or ready for the possible consequences.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you turn off the Mi Browser, users encounter common errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: The “Disable” button is inactive.

• 🔹 Remove browser updates (see Method 2).
• 🔹 Check if the browser is installed as the default application (Settings) → Annexes → By default).
• 🔹 On some firmware (MIUI China shutdown blocked - use ADB.

Problem 2: After disconnecting, the browser reappears.

• 🔹 Turn off auto-update in Google Play (find Mi Browser in the app list and uncheck Auto Update).
• 🔹 Freeze the app via Titanium Backup or App Quarantine (root required).
• 🔹 Check for updates MIUI — Sometimes the browser returns after the system update.

Problem 3: No links from other applications are opened.

• 🔹 Assign another browser to the default application (Settings) → Annexes → Browser by default).
• 🔹 Use apps like Open Link With to select your browser with each click.

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If the browser is still running after all the manipulations, check for duplicate packages. In some firmware, Mi Browser can be installed as com.android.browser and com.mi.globalbrowser at the same time.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions