How to permanently disable MI Browser on Xiaomi Redmi 8T: working methods of 2026

Why is MI Browser so hard to remove and is it worth it?

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 8T often face a problem: the pre-installed browser MI Browser not only takes up space in memory, but also consumes resources in the background, shows ads, and sometimes becomes a source of unnecessary traffic. Despite the fact that this is a standard MIUI application, its behavior is not always satisfactory users. The main difficulty is that MI Browser is integrated into the system as a system application, and easy removal through the Apps menu is not available.

Before you start disabling, it’s important to understand that you can’t completely delete a browser without root rights — you can only deactivate it or hide it from the system. This is due to Xiaomi’s policy that blocks the removal of key MIUI components to avoid failures. However, even a partial shutdown has a noticeable effect: notifications stop coming, background activity disappears, and the browser itself no longer interferes with the application menu.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways – from simple disconnection through settings to advanced methods using ADB and third-party utilities, and understand what risks certain actions carry, and what to do if after manipulations there are problems with the operation of the smartphone.

Method 1: Standard shutdown via MIUI settings

The safest and easiest method is to deactivate the browser in the application menu, which requires no additional tools and is even suitable for novice users, but it has a limitation: the browser will remain on the system, but will not start and update.

To turn off MI Browser:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the list, find MI Browser (or just Browser).
3. Slip it on it, then select Unplug.
4. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

After that, the browser icon will disappear from the menu and background processes will be stopped. However, MIUI can automatically turn it back on after system updates. To avoid this, it is also recommended to prohibit auto-update for the browser in the Google Play Store (if it is displayed there).

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI The "Disable" button may be inactive, which means that the manufacturer has blocked the deactivation for the application, and then you have to use alternative methods.

Method 2: Remove updates and reset to factory version

If MI Browser has been updated through Google Play, it can be returned to the factory version, which sometimes allows you to disable the application, which works because system applications in a “pure” form (without updates) often have fewer restrictions.

Instructions:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → MI Browser.
• 🔄 In the upper right corner, click on three dots and select Remove Updates.
• 🔙 Confirm the action. After that, the browser version will reset to the factory.
• ⚙️ Now try again to click Disconnect - on some firmware this becomes possible.

If the Remove Updates button is inactive, the browser has not been updated through the Play Market, and this method will not work, in which case it is worth trying the method with ADB (described below).

Turn off browser auto-update in Play Market|

Backup important data |

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone |

Battery charge of at least 50%|-->

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (without root rights)

A more radical but effective method is to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which allows you to disable system applications without getting root, but requires connecting a smartphone to a computer and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
2. On your smartphone, activate Developer Mode (go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times).
3. Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
4. Connect Redmi 8T to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer on your smartphone screen.
5. Open the command prompt (or PowerShell in Windows) and type:

adb devices

(Your device should be displayed. If not, check the drivers.)

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

This team will shut down. MI Browser for the current user. if there is an error DELETE_FAILED_DEVICE_POLICY_MANAGER, The manufacturer has blocked this action and a different approach will be required.

⚠️ Attention: Some teams ADB They can lead to disruptions in work. MIUI, If you typed it incorrectly, like trying to remove a flag system application. --user 0 For the wrong package, it can cause a cyclic reboot. Always check the name of the package (com.android.browser for the first time). MI Browser) before executing the command.

Method 4: Use of third-party utilities (e.g. App Inspector)

If ADB commands seem complicated, you can use specialized applications that make it easier to disable system programs, and one of the most popular is the App Inspector (available on Google Play).

How it works:

• 🔍 Install App Inspector from Play Market.
• 📋 Open the app and find it in the list. MI Browser (or com.android.browser).
• ⚙️ Slip on it and select the option to Disable or Freeze.
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone to apply changes.

The advantage of this method is that the utility automatically determines possible actions for each application and minimizes the risk of errors, but some features (for example, complete removal) can only be available in the paid version.

Alternative annexes:

• 🛠️ Package Disabler – allows you to disable system packages without root.
• 🧊 Ice Box – Freezes unnecessary applications, including system applications.
• 🔧 System App Remover – requires root, but provides more features.

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Before using third-party utilities, check reviews in the Play Market - some applications may contain ads or request unnecessary permissions. For example, if the utility requests access to SMS or contacts to disable the browser - this is suspicious.

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

If you're willing to take drastic measures and have root access, you can remove MI Browser permanently, which is 100% effective, but requires unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk or SuperSU, which cancels the warranty and can lead to unstable system operation.

Instructions:

1. Get root rights (instructions for Redmi 8T can be found on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums).
2. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
3. Go to /system/app/MiBrowser or /system/priv-app/MiBrowser.
4. Delete the browser folder or rename it (for example, in the MiBrowser_bak).
5. Clear the cache and data through Settings → Apps.
6. Reset the device.

After that, the browser will be completely removed and the space will be used for other purposes, but remember that removing system applications can lead to:

• ⚠️ Work failures MIUI (For example, errors in the update).
• 🔄 Unable to use certain features (e.g., quick search from the notification bar).
• 🛠️ Problems with the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI removal MI Browser can disrupt WebView, the component responsible for displaying web content in other applications. If messengers or banking applications stop working correctly after deleting, return the browser folder back to your browser.

What if there is a problem after MI Browser is turned off?

In rare cases, deactivating or deleting your browser can cause problems, and here are the most common symptoms and ways to treat them:

If none of the methods worked and the problems persist, the most reliable solution is to reset to factory settings. Be sure to back up the data before doing so, as all user files will be deleted. To avoid re-activating MI Browser, immediately after reset, disable it via settings or ADB.

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If after manipulating the browser, the smartphone stopped turning on, do not panic. In 90% of cases, the firmware through the Fastboot mode using official software from Xiaomi helps.

FAQ: Frequent questions about disabling MI Browser on Redmi 8T