How to completely disable or remove Mi Browser on Xiaomi Redmi 10 Pro

Why do users want to get rid of Mi Browser and can it be done?

Xiaomi Redmi 10 Pro owners often have to deactivate the pre-installed Mi Browser browser — for good reason. First, the app consumes RAM in the background, even if you do not use it. Second, it collects data about your activity (including browsing history and search queries), which raises privacy questions. Finally, many users prefer alternatives like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, but MIUI does not allow you to simply remove the system application.

It's important to understand that on the Redmi 10 Pro with MIUI 12.5/13, the Mi Browser is integrated into the shell as a system component, so the classic "remove" through the application menu will not work. However, there are workarounds - from simple deactivation to deep disabling through ADB or even rooting. In this article, we will analyze all working methods, including their pros and cons, and also explain how to avoid typical errors.

Before you start, check your firmware version: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. It depends on which steps will suit you. For example, on global versions of MIUI (with the Global suffix), some methods may not work due to manufacturer restrictions.

Method 1: Simple deactivation through settings (no root)

The safest and most reversible method is to turn off the browser in the app menu, which won't remove it completely, but it will stop the background activity and remove the icon from the launcher.

1. Open the settings and go to the Applications → Application Management section.
2. In the search box, type Browser or Mi Browser (the name may vary depending on the regional firmware).
3. Slip on the app, then select Disable (or Remove Updates if the Disable button is inactive).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

⚠️ Note: After disconnecting some functions MIUI (For example, a quick search in the status bar may stop working, and this method does not delete the cache and browser data - they need to be manually cleaned through the same section Storage in the application settings.

Check out the MIUI (Global/Chinese) version

Make a backup of important bookmarks from Mi Browser

Install an alternative browser (Chrome, Firefox)

Close all tabs in Mi Browser before disabling-->

Method 2: Disconnect via ADB (without loss of warranty)

If standard deactivation doesn’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to manage system applications without superuser rights, which works on most versions of MIUI, including the Redmi 10 Pro, but requires a connection to a computer.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 📱 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔧 Utility. ADB Tools by Google.
• 🔒 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap the assembly number → return to → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Follow the instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and run the command prompt (cmd) in the adb.exe folder.
2. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
3. Run the command to disable Mi Browser: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser For Chinese firmware, an alternative package may be required: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.browser
4. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: If the browser is still active after executing the commands, check the correct name of the package through the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep browser

Xiaomi sometimes changes the packet IDs in newer versions of MIUI.

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If ADB doesn’t recognize the device, try reinstalling drivers manually through Windows Device Manager by selecting “Update Driver” → “Follow Driver Search on This Computer” → “Select from List” → “ADB Interface”.

Method 3: Remove via TWRP (requires unlocking the bootloader)

For those willing to take drastic measures, there is the option of completely removing the Mi Browser through custom recovery TWRP.

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (bootloader).
• 📱 Established TWRP Recovery.
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60%.

The process of unlocking the bootloader is officially supported by Xiaomi, but takes up to 7 days (you need to link the Mi Account to the device and wait for approval).

1. Install TWRP via fastboot (instructions for Redmi 10 Pro are available on the XDA Developers forum).
2. Download to TWRP (Power buttons + Volume up).
3. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
4. Delete /system/priv-app/MiBrowserGlobal//system/priv-app/MiBrowserGlobalRelease/ (paths may vary depending on the version of MIUI).
5. Wipe your cache (Wipe → Cache) and restart.

⚠️ Note: Removing system applications through TWRP This can cause the phone to work unstable, especially if you remove dependent components. TWRP → Backup.

Method 4: Using Freeze Applications (without root)

If you don't want to mess around with ADB or TWRP, you can use third-party utilities that freeze system applications. One of the most popular is App Inspector (available on Google Play), which doesn't require root rights, but has limitations:

• 🔄 The app may stop working after the update MIUI.
• 🔒 Some features (such as auto-freeze after reboot) are only available in the paid version.
• ⚠️ There is a risk of working on antiviruses as "suspicious software" (false positive).

How to use:

1. Install App Inspector from Google Play.
2. Open the app and give access to special features (Settings → Special features → App Inspector).
3. Find Mi Browser on the list and tap it.
4. Select Freeze (freeze).

Alternative utilities:

• 🛠️ Package Disabler (requires) ADB-access).
• ❄️ Ice Box (Creates a Sandbox for Applications).

Deactivation through settings

ADB-team

Removal via TWRP

Freezing annexes

I don't know, I need a consultation.-->

Method 5: Reset to factory settings (last resort)

If all previous methods failed and the browser continues to interfere, the radical option is a complete reset of the phone, which will delete all user data, but return the system to its original state, where some system applications (including Mi Browser) can be disabled immediately after the first setup.

How to reset:

1. Back up your important data (Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
3. Choose to erase all data and confirm the action.
4. After rebooting at the initial setup stage, disable Mi Browser via the application menu (see Method 1).

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI After the reset, the system application update can automatically turn on, which activates the Mi Browser again:

1. Turn off automatic app updates in Google Play.
2. Disable Mi Browser from accessing the Internet through Settings → Applications → Mi Browser → Mobile data and Wi-Fi.

What if the Mi Browser still works?

If after all the manipulations the browser continues to appear or update, check the following points:

If none of these things worked, maybe your version of MIUI has unique limitations.

• 🔍 Check out thematic forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA) on the subject of workarounds for your specific firmware.
• 📧 Contact Xiaomi for support to provide instructions to disable (sometimes they go to meet the request).
• 🔄 Consider flashing to custom firmware (like LineageOS) where there are no pre-installed Xiaomi apps.

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On the Chinese versions of MIUI (with the CN suffix), it is more difficult to disable the Mi Browser because of Xiaomi’s policy, in which case the most reliable way is to run the global version of MIUI through fastboot (but it will reset all data!).

Mi Browser Alternatives: Which Browser Should You Choose?

If you've disabled the Mi Browser, it's logical to install a replacement. Here's a comparison of the popular alternatives for the Redmi 10 Pro:

For the Redmi 10 Pro with its 6GB of RAM, the best choice is Kiwi Browser or Firefox — they offer a balance between functionality and performance. If privacy is critical for you, look for Brave or DuckDuckGo.

⚠️ Note: When installing an alternative browser, remember to configure it as the default application for opening links. MIUI can continue to redirect links to the disabled Mi Browser, which will cause errors.

FAQ: Frequent questions about disabling Mi Browser