Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face the intrusive work of a standard web browser.The built-in Mi Browser (or Browser) is known not only for its functionality, but also for aggressive advertising, as well as collecting user data in the background. Many users wonder whether it can be completely stopped to free up system resources and increase privacy.
The deactivation process depends on the version of the MIUI operating system or the new HyperOS, and the region for which the device is released. In some firmware (for example, China or Russia), the application is system-based, which limits the possibility of removing it by standard methods. However, there are proven ways to completely stop it from working, hide it from the screen or even remove it via ADB.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods, from simple shutdowns in settings to advanced techniques for power users, how to block an application from accessing the Internet, clear its cache and prevent it from running automatically, which will allow you to use alternative solutions like Chrome or Firefox without the intervention of system software.
Why you should disable the standard Xiaomi browser
The main reason users are looking to get rid of the Mi Browser is excessive advertising. Even when notifications are turned off, the app can show pop-ups in the Tools folder or lock screen, which is not only annoying, but also consumes traffic, and also reduces battery life.
The second important aspect is privacy: a standard browser collects extensive data about search queries, browsing history and user location, and transmitting this information to developers' servers raises questions for those who value their digital privacy, and shutting down the service minimizes the digital footprint.
⚠️ Warning: Deleting the system browser completely can lead to errors when opening links from other applications unless the default application is selected on the system.Always install an alternative before deactivating.
In addition, the background processes of the browser take up RAM. On budget models of smartphones, every megabyte of RAM is in the account, and freeing up resources can significantly speed up the interface. Disabling heavy system applications is one way to optimize the device.
Disconnection through application settings
The easiest and safest way to stop a browser is to use the built-in functions of the Android operating system. This method does not require root rights or a connection to a computer. However, it is worth considering that the Remove button may not be available if the application is integrated into the firmware at a deep level.
To start, you need to find the app shortcut on your desktop or menu. Press it and hold your finger until the context menu appears. Select About (or the i icon in the circle). In the settings menu that opens, find the Delete or Disable button.
If the delete button is inactive (gray), click on Disable. The system will warn that the application will be hidden and will stop updating. Confirm the action. After that, the icon will disappear from the screen and all processes will stop. The functionality will completely cease until the moment of re-activation.
☑️ Shutdown algorithm
It is important to note that once you disable the links from the messengers may stop opening automatically.The system will request a choice of program to run. at which point select the alternative browser you have installed and select the option Always to avoid repeated questions.
Restriction of background activity and network access
If a complete shutdown is impossible or undesirable, you can significantly limit the browser’s capabilities by blocking its access to the Internet, which will turn the application into an isolated module that can not download ads or transmit data.
Modern versions of MIUI and HyperOS have a built-in traffic control mechanism. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications. Go to Mi Browser. Go to Network Connections (or Data Use) section. Here you will see switches for Wi-Fi and Mobile.
Uncheck both boxes. Now the application can't physically connect to the server. This is an effective way to fight advertising without deleting system files. But the functionality of the browser will become useless, because the pages will not load.
| Limitation parameter | Impact on work | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi lockdown | No Internet at home/office | Recommended |
| Blocking Mobile Data | No internet on the way | Recommended |
| Auto-start | Launching with the system | Banned |
| Notifications | Pop-ups | Shut down. |
Additionally, you should prevent auto-start. In the same app settings menu, find Auto-Start and turn it off, which will prevent the browser from starting processes immediately after the smartphone is turned on, which will save battery power.
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For maximum efficiency, combine network locking with auto-start banning, which is guaranteed to stop background activity even without completely removing the application.
Removal via ADB for advanced users
For those who want to completely clean the system of excess software, there is a method using Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method allows you to remove even system applications that are hidden from the average user. USB-cable.
Before starting work, activate the developer mode. Go to Settings → About the phone and quickly press 7 times on the MIUI Version (or OS Version). Then in advanced settings, enable Debugging over USB. When connecting to the PC, confirm the debugging permission on the smartphone screen.
You need to install drivers and the SDK Platform Tools on your computer. After connecting the device, open the command line in the ADB folder and enter a command to check the connection:
adb devicesIf the device is determined, you can proceed to delete. The command to uninstall the browser for the current user is as follows:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browserIn some regions, the package may be called com.miui.globalbrowser or com.android.chrome (if it is a Xiaomi system Chrome).
How to return a remote via ADB?
Setup an alternative browser by default
Once you disable or remove the standard tool, you need to make sure the system handles web links correctly. Android requires an active default browser to operate many features, such as login through a Google account or opening app deep links.
Install your preferred browser from Google Play, such as Firefox, Brave or Opera. Then go to Settings → Apps → App Management. In the upper corner, find the menu (three dots) and select the default Apps.
In the list, find the Browser item and select the installed application. Now all links from messengers, mail and social networks will open in the browser of your choice, bypassing the disabled system service.
⚠️ Note: Do not leave the browser field blank. If the default application is not selected, some Android features (such as password recovery or account login) may not work properly.
Cleaning of residual files and cache
Even after the application is disabled, temporary files, cache and stored data may remain on the disk, take up useful space and may contain traces of your activity, and it is recommended to perform a complete cleanup before the final deletion or immediately after the deletion.
Return to the About app menu for Mi Browser. Select Memory (or Storage). Click Clear or Delete Data. This action will reset all browser settings, delete history, cookies and saved passwords.
To clean up the mess, you can use the built-in Cleanup tool in the Security app (green zipper icon) to run the scan and delete the proposed garbage files, and this will also affect the remnants of the web browser.
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Completely clearing the data before removing the app ensures that no personal information will remain in the device’s memory, which is especially important when selling a smartphone.