How to turn off the default browser on Android Xiaomi Redmi

Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones, which run on the Android operating system with the shell MIUI or HyperOS, provide users with ample opportunities for customization. However, there is often a situation when pre-installed software begins to interfere with the comfortable operation of the device. In particular, many users face the intrusiveness of a standard web browser that automatically opens when you launch links from messengers or other applications. This is annoying, especially if you prefer to use third-party solutions with advanced functionality or built-in adblockers.

Complete removal of system applications on devices of the Chinese manufacturer without obtaining root rights or using special scripts through the computer is often impossible due to the security policy of Google and Xiaomi. However, there is an effective way to "disable" the browser in the background, prevent it from opening default links and free RAM from unnecessary processes. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods for solving this problem, from standard settings to more advanced techniques.

It's important to understand that the default browser is not just a shortcut on the screen, but a system component that handles all Internet requests. If you try to just remove the icon, the functionality may be disrupted, but the correct deactivation through the settings will redirect the data streams to the desired channel. We'll look at the nuances of working with the MIUI shell, where the process may differ from pure Android, and also pay attention to the security and performance of the device after the changes.

Why a standard browser may not suit the owner of Xiaomi

The standard application, often called Mi Browser or simply “Browser”, is often criticized by users for overconsumption of resources. Unlike light third-party counterparts, Xiaomi’s system solution can contain many background processes that load the processor and consume battery power. This is especially noticeable on the budget models of the Redmi series, where every megabyte of RAM is in the account. In addition, many users are concerned about privacy issues, since embedded browsers often collect telemetry and data about visited sites for advertising.

Another common problem is aggressive advertising and news feeds that are built into the homepage. Even if you have installed Chrome or Firefox as your primary surfing tools, the system may periodically suggest returning to the standard version or opening certain types of links in it. This creates a sense of loss of control over your device.

In addition, the interface of a standard browser may not be familiar to those who have previously used other smartphones. Lack of synchronization with the Google account in some versions of the shells or specific implementation of bookmarks make the transition to alternative solutions almost a must-have for comfortable work, which is why the question of how to disable or minimize the impact of this component remains one of the most popular in the community of owners Xiaomi.

• 🚀 High consumption of RAM and battery charge in the background.
• 📢 Availability of built-in advertising and news widgets on the start page.
• 🔒 Questions about data privacy and telemetry collection by the manufacturer.
• 🔄 Intrusive link opening from other applications without user demand.

Checking the current application settings by default

Before you start taking active action to disable, you need to diagnose the current state of the system. In the shell of MIUI and the new HyperOS, settings can be hidden in different sections of the menu, which often confuses inexperienced users. The first step should always be to check which application is designated by the web link handler, which will allow you to understand how deeply the browser is integrated into the system and what permissions are given to it.

To do this, go to the Settings menu, then select the Apps section and find the App Settings. In the list that opens, find your browser (such as "Browser" or "Mi Browser"). Inside the app menu, you are interested in the Default or Open by Default section. This is where you display status: can the application open supported file types and links. If the switch is active, the system will automatically launch this browser when you click on any hyperlink.

Also worth noting is the "Special Settings" section in the main settings menu of the phone, which often hides the default general paragraph of the App, which list allows you to globally choose which browser to use, and if you have a browser, it will always run, ignoring your preferences, and changing this setting is the first and most important step in the fight for control of the device.

⚠️ Note: In some versions of the firmware MIUI The "Disable" item may be inactive (shadowed) if the application is critical to the system, in which case simple methods will not help, and you will need to use special utilities to remove system debris.

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The global setting in the Default Apps section takes precedence over the individual settings of each particular application.

Step-by-step instructions for disconnecting through MIUI settings

The process of deactivating the standard page browser on Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones requires several steps to be taken in a sequence. It is important not to miss steps, since the interface can contain many nested menus. This instruction is relevant for most modern models, including the Redmi Note series, Xiaomi Mi and Poco.

First, make sure you have an alternative browser installed and configured that you plan to use. If you turn off the standard browser and no replacements are available, links may stop opening at all, which will lead to errors in the operation of other applications. Once you install an alternative (for example, Yandex Browser, Opera or Chrome), you can start setting up.

Follow the following steps to disconnect:

1. Open the settings of your smartphone.
2. Go to the Appendix -> All Appendices.
3. Find the "Browser" (compass or globe icon) in the list.
4. Click on the default button and select Clear default settings.
5. Go back a step and click the Disable (if available) or Remove Updates button, and then try to disable again.

If the "Disable" button is not available, try first to click Stop, then Delete Data and Clear Cache. This will reset all temporary files and settings, which sometimes unlocks the possibility of completely disabling the application. After performing these actions, the system should stop offering this browser to open links.

Using ADB to remove system components

For advanced users who are not afraid of working with a computer, there is a more radical but effective method – the use of the ADB debugging bridge (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to remove or hide system applications that are not removed by standard methods, this is especially true for Xiaomi owners, since the company often blocks the ability to remove its services.

To start, you need to activate the developer mode. Go to Settings -> About Phone and quickly click on the build number seven times (MIUI Version). Once you have the message "You became a developer", go back to the settings menu, find the section Additional -> For developers and enable debugging over USB. You may also need to enable debugging over USB (Security settings) and allow the installation of applications via USB.

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

The above command is an example for removing a standard Android browser. For Xiaomi, the batch name may differ (for example, com.mi.global.browser or com.android.browser).Be sure to check the exact name of the package through the inspector application or the command adb shell pm list packages. Be extremely careful: removing the system components necessary for the shell to work can lead to a cyclical reboot of the device before entering the command.

Comparison of popular alternative browsers

Once you have a standard app, you will have to choose a replacement. Android browsers are huge and each offers unique features. For owners of Redmi and Xiaomi, options such as traffic savings, the presence of an integrated ad blocker and speed on mobile processors are important.

The table below provides a comparison of the main characteristics of popular browsers, which users often choose instead of standard:

If you want to be fast and minimal, look at Via Browser or DuckDuckGo. If you're used to the Google ecosystem, Chrome will be the best-selling provider for the company's services.

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When choosing a new browser, pay attention to the presence of the Incognito function and the ability to install extensions if you use the browser to work with confidential data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)