How to completely disable MI Browser on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is still one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but its branded browser MI Browser is a lot of complaints: users complain about the forced integration into the system, advertising, data collection and the inability to completely remove the standard means. If you want to get rid of this application, you are not alone.

In this article, we’ll break down all the working ways to disable MI Browser on the Redmi Note 7 (and other devices on MIUI 10/11/12), including hidden settings, ADB commands, block updates, and even radical methods for advanced users. It’s important to understand that completely removing the system application can affect the stability of the phone – so we’ll point out safe alternatives and warn about the possible risks.

Before you start, check your firmware version: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. This depends on the availability of some methods. Also prepare a backup of important data just in case.

Why is MI Browser so hard to remove?

The fact is that MI Browser on the Redmi Note 7 is not just a regular application, but a system component deeply integrated into the MIUI shell.

• 🔗 Synchronization services (Xiaomi account, cloud)
• 📱 Quick Applications (swipe left on the home screen)
• 🔄 System updates (some files are downloaded via the MI Browser)
• 🛡️ Security (checking phishing links)

That is why standard removal via Settings → Applications is not available – the “Delete” button is simply absent or inactive. Moreover, even after disabling, the browser can automatically turn on after updating MIUI or resetting settings.

There is a legal aspect: in some regions (e.g. the EU), Xiaomi is required to provide the default browser choice, but on the Redmi Note 7 with global firmware, this mechanism often does not work properly.

Method 1: Disable MI Browser through standard settings

The safest method, which requires no additional tools, is suitable for most users, but has limitations:

⚠️ Attention: After disconnection MI Browser will stop opening by default, but its files will remain on the system.

Steps to shut down:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search box, enter MI Browser (or "Browser" in Russian).
3. Slip on the app and select Disable (may be called "Deactivate").
4. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

If the button is inactive:

• 🔓 Try resetting the app settings first (Storage button) → Clear the data").
• 🔄 Restart your phone and try again.
• 📱 Make sure you don’t have global firmware for China (there’s often a blockage of system applications).

Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root rights)

A more radical method that allows you to completely remove MI Browser from your device without getting root access requires a connection to your computer and an ADB (Android Debug Bridge) installation.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Complete removal of the application (released) ~50-100 MBT memory).
• ✅ Does not require unlocking the loader.
• ✅ It works on most versions. MIUI (including the Redmi Note 7).

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Next update MIUI The browser may return.
• ⚠️ Some functions (e.g. checking links to the SMS) stop working.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
2. Turn on the phone Developer Mode: go to Settings → About phone and 7 times tap on the MIUI version.
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
4. Connect the Redmi Note 7 to your computer and type in the command line:

adb devices

(Your device should appear. If not, install Xiaomi USB Drivers.)

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

For MIUI 12+, another command may be required:

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

If there is a mistake DELETE_FAILED_DEVICE_POLICY_MANAGER, So your firmware is blocking the deletion:

adb shell pm hide com.android.browser

Method 3: Blocking the MI Browser Updates

Even if you disabled or deleted your browser, it can return after the MIUI update. To avoid this, you need to block its updates through Google Play and system services.

Instructions:

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Find MI Browser (if it is on the list of installed ones).
3. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and uncheck Auto Update.
4. To block completely, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → MI Browser → Additional → Permissions and disable all permissions.

Additional measures:

• 📵 Turn off mobile data and Wi-Fi for MI Browser in Settings → Annexes → MI Browser → Mobile data/Wi-Fi.
• 🔒 Install a third-party firewall (such as NetGuard) and block your browser’s Internet access.
• 🔄 Check the list of apps regularly after updates MIUI — Sometimes the browser is restored.

Method 4: Replace MI Browser with an alternative browser

If you don't want to delete MI Browser, but you just don't want to use it, you can make another browser the default browser, and that will prevent you from accidentally opening links in an unnecessary application.

How to install the browser by default:

1. Install an alternative browser from Google Play (such as Google Chrome, Firefox or Brave).
2. Open any browser and click on a link (e.g. google.com).
3. In the window that appears, select Always and specify the desired browser.
4. Go to Settings → Applications → Default Applications → Browser and select your browser.

Recommended browsers for Redmi Note 7:

• 🌐 Google Chrome is stable but consumes a lot of memory.
• 🦊 Firefox – Supports extensions, good for privacy.
• 🛡️ Brave – Blocks Ads and Trackers by Default.
• ⚡ Kiwi Browser is lightweight, with support for Chrome extensions.

⚠️ Note: Some system links (e.g. from SMS or notifications) may still be opened in MI Browser, even if you installed a different browser by default. MIUI.

💡

To avoid opening links in MI Browser completely, install the Open Link With app from Google Play.It lets you choose the browser for each link manually.

Method 5: Radical methods (for advanced users)

If you are willing to take risks, there are ways to get rid of MI Browser completely, but they require unlocking the bootloader or root rights.These methods can lead to a loss of warranty or unstable phone operation, so use them at your own risk.

Options:

1. Removal through TWRP: Unlock the bootloader on the Redmi Note 7 (Official instructions on Xiaomi website. Install custom recovery TWRP. With the help of a file manager in TWRP delete the folders: /system/app/Browser /system/priv-app/Browser
2. Use Magisk: Get root rights through Magisk. Install System App Remover. Find MI Browser on the list and remove it.

Installation of custom firmware:

• Sweat Redmi Note 7 to custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
• In most custom firmware MI Browser is missing by default.

Warnings:

• 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the phone.
• 📉 Some banking applications may stop working after rooting rights are granted.
• 🔄 Updates MIUI through OTA will not be available.

💡

Before using radical methods, make sure you have a backup of all the data and understand the risks.In most cases, it is enough to disable via ADB or install an alternative browser.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after disabling or deleting MI Browser, Redmi Note 7 users face a number of problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

Problem 1: MI Browser reappears after the MIUI update.

• 🔄 Before updating, disconnect the Internet for MI Browser (via firewall or application settings).
• 📥 After the update, repeat the removal procedure through ADB.
• 🔒 Install Magisk module to block system application updates.

Problem 2: Links from messages are opened in MI Browser.

• 🔗 Open Link With or Better Open With from Google Play.
• 📱 In some versions MIUI Helps reset the settings of the application Messages.

Problem 3: After MI Browser was removed, some features (e.g., checking for phishing links) stopped working.

• 🛡️ Install an alternative antivirus (such as Malwarebytes or Bitdefender).
• 🌐 Use a browser with built-in protection (e.g. Chrome or Firefox with uBlock Origin extension).

Problem 4: Cannot connect to ADB (device not defined).

• 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🖥️ Install Xiaomi drivers USB Drivers manually.
• 🔄 Restart your computer and phone, then try again.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions