How to permanently disable Mi Browser on Xiaomi Redmi 10: from simple ways to radical

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 10 often encounter an annoying pre-installed browser Mi Browser, which not only takes up space in memory, but also actively consumes traffic in the background. Despite the fact that Redmi 10 (models 2021/2022, M2101K7AG) comes with the ability to choose the default browser, the system application continues to run itself, show ads and update through Google Play. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods โ€“ from temporary shutdown to complete removal without loss of warranty.

It's important to understand that Mi Browser is integrated into MIUI firmware at the system process level. Simply removing an icon from the desktop or "deleting" it through the application menu doesn't solve the problem - the browser remains active in the background. We tested all methods on Redmi 10 with MIUI 13/14 versions (Android 11/12) and selected only working solutions, including bypassing restrictions without root rights.

Why Mi Browser is a hindrance to Redmi 10 users

The main claims to the browser from Xiaomi are related not only to its unnecessaryness, but also to aggressive behavior:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Automatic updates through the Play Market, increasing the size of the application to 150+ MB.
  • ๐Ÿ“Š Background activity: consumes up to 5-10% Charges per day even if no use is made.
  • ๐ŸŽฏ Advertising notifications and banners in the interface that cannot be disabled by standard means.
  • ๐Ÿ”— Redirect links from other apps (such as Telegram or WhatsApp) to Mi Browser instead of your browser of choice.

According to 4PDA traffic analysis, Mi Browser sends data in the background to Xiaomi servers (domains api.mi.com, data.mistat.xiaomi.com), even if you have never opened the app. This applies to all Redmi 10 modifications, including global (Global ROM) and Chinese (China ROM) versions.

โš ๏ธ Attention: Starting with MIUI 14, Xiaomi has blocked the ability to disable system applications through Settings โ†’ Trying to do this in a standard way will lead to a message saying, "This application cannot be disabled".

Method 1: Disable via application settings (without root)

The safest method, which requires no additional tools, is suitable for users who want to block background browser activity, but are not willing to delete it.

  1. Open Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Application Management.
  2. In the search bar, type "Browser" (or "Browser" for Russian firmware).
  3. Choose Mi Browser (Blue Globe Icon)
  4. Press Stop (the button will turn grey).
  5. Go to the Battery section and select Limit background activity.
  6. In the Notifications section, turn off all switches.

This method does not remove the browser, but significantly reduces its impact on performance. however, Mi Browser can be activated again after a device restart or MIUI update.

Disable Auto Update in Play Market|Remove browser widgets from the desktop|Check battery settings for other system applications|Reboot your phone to apply changes-->

Method 2: Remove updates and reset to factory version

If the Mi Browser has been updated through Google Play, it can be rolled back to a factory version that takes up less space and has fewer background processes.

Instructions:

  1. Go to Settings. โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Mi Browser โ†’ Three points (โ‹ฎ) โ†’ Remove updates.
  2. Confirm action. The size of the application will decrease from ~150 MB to ~30 MB.
  3. Go back to Google Play, find Mi Browser and click Delete (not Open).
  4. Turn off auto-update: On the app page in Play Market, click on three points โ†’ Remove from the auto-update list.
Action.The resultLimitations
Removal of updatesReduced battery consumption by 2-3% / dayThe browser stays in the system.
Disabling Auto-UpdatesStopping the growth of the application sizeRequires manual control after resetting settings
Background restrictionReduced network activityDoes not block the launch by links

โš ๏ธ Warning: After resetting the phone to factory settings (Settings) โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ Reset) all restrictions on the Mi Browser will be lifted. You will have to repeat the procedure again.

Google Chrome|Mozilla Firefox|Opera|Samsung Internet|Other-->

Method 3: Removal via ADB (without root rights)

For users willing to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), there is a way to completely remove the Mi Browser without obtaining root permissions.This method works on all versions of Redmi 10, but requires a connection to a computer.

Step-by-step:

  1. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
  2. On your phone, activate Developer Mode: Settings โ†’ About Phone โ†’ MIUI version (click 7 times).
  3. Enable USB debugging in Settings โ†’ Additional โ†’ For developers.
  4. Connect Redmi 10 to your PC and confirm debugging permission.
  5. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB and type:
adb shell


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

If the command fails, try an alternative package:

pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browser.global

Redmi 10 with MIUI 14 Global (Android 12) runs only the second command option. Once executed, the browser will disappear from the application menu and stop consuming resources. However, its icon may remain in the list of All Apps - this is normal, since system files remain on the device, but are not active.

๐Ÿ’ก

If ADB doesnโ€™t recognize the device, try reinstalling Xiaomi drivers via Mi PC Suite or manually through Device Manager (select Android ADB Interface driver).

Method 4: Blocking through Package Disabler (for advanced)

If ADB seems complicated, you can use apps like Package Disabler Pro or App Inspector, which allow you to freeze system applications without physically removing them.

How it works:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Install Package Disabler from Google Play (payment or free trial required).
  • ๐Ÿ” Search for "com.android.browser" or "com.miui.browser".
  • โ„๏ธ Click "Disable" in front of the package found.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Restart your phone to apply changes.

The advantage of this method is the ability to quickly return the browser if it is needed for system functions (for example, for authentication in some Xiaomi services), however, after updating the MIUI, you may need to re-block.

What if the system notifications stopped working after the lock?
In rare cases, disabling Mi Browser can disrupt Mi Account or GetApps. To return functionality: 1. Unfreeze your browser in Package Disabler. 2. Update MIUI to the latest version via Settings โ†’ System Update. 3. Re-block your browser after the update. If the problem persists, use ADB for partial removal (see Method 3).

Method 5: Complete removal with root rights (for experienced)

Radical method, which permanently removes Mi Browser from the system, but requires root rights, is only suitable for users willing to lose warranty and risk the stability of the system.

Instructions:

  1. Get root rights with Magisk (instructions for Redmi 10 are available on XDA Developers).
  2. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
  3. Go to /system/app/MiBrowser or /system/priv-app/MiBrowser.
  4. Remove the entire folder or rename it to MiBrowser_bak.
  5. Reset the device.

After that, the browser will be completely uninstalled and its processes will not start even after resetting.

  • โš ๏ธ Possible disruptions MIUI, Especially if the browser is integrated into other system services.
  • โš ๏ธ Updates MIUI Ota Updater can restore deleted files.
  • โš ๏ธ Xiaomi warranty is cancelled if root is detected.

๐Ÿ’ก

Before removing it through root, back up your system via TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery, which will allow you to restore your phone in the event of a "brick" (unworkable state).

What to do if Mi Browser returns after MIUI update

Xiaomi regularly releases updates for MIUI that can restore system applications, including the Mi Browser, to prevent it from reappearing:

  1. Turn off automatic updates MIUI: Go to Settings. โ†’ Updating the system โ†’ Three points (โ‹ฎ) โ†’ Settings. Turn off "Automatic download of updates".

ADB

adb shell pm hide com.android.browser

This command hides the browser from the update system.

Install an alternative launcher:

Apps like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair allow you to hide system icons, including the Mi Browser, even if it is installed.

If the browser is still back, repeat the procedure of disabling or deleting it (depending on the method previously chosen). On Redmi 10 with MIUI 14, users note that after updating it is enough to re-run the ADB command from Method 3.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing Mi Browser on Redmi 10

Can I remove Mi Browser without a computer?
Yes, but with limitations. Without ADB or root, you can only disable your browser through settings (Method 1) or delete its updates (Method 2). Complete removal without a PC is impossible.
Will Xiaomi Cloud work without the Mi Browser?
Yes, Mi Browser is not related to the Xiaomi Cloud, but some bookmark sync features may require a browser, and if you don't use this option, uninstall is safe.
Why does the browser reappear after being deleted via ADB?
This is because of two reasons: You reset your settings, it restores all system applications. MIUI has updated and the firmware has returned the browser. In this case, you need to re-enter the ADB command. To avoid the problem, disable the automatic MIUI update (see section above).
Can I redirect all links to another browser?
Yes, for this: Install an alternative browser (e.g. Chrome or Firefox). Go to Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Default Apps โ†’ Browser. Select the browser from the list. However, some system links (e.g. from Mi Account) can still open in Mi Browser.
Is there a risk of โ€œbrickingโ€ the phone when you delete the browser?
With Methods 1-3, there is no risk - in the worst case scenario, the browser will return after the update. Method 5 (with root) can theoretically crash if you delete the associated system files. Always back up through TWRP before manipulating /system.