Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is still one of the most popular budget smartphones, but its owners often face intrusive preinstalled browser Mi Browser. the application not only takes up space in memory, but also actively sends notifications, consumes traffic in the background and sometimes even intercepts links from other applications, opening them in their interface. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to disable it, from simple system settings to deep interventions through ADB.
It's important to understand that Redmi Note 8 (including Pro and 8T versions) runs on MIUI, where some system applications are protected from removal. However, even without the permission of a superuser (root) you can effectively lock the browser so that it does not interfere with work. We tested all methods on current firmware versions (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS for supported devices) and identified those that work stably.
Why is Mi Browser bothering users?
At first glance, a pre-installed browser seems harmless, but in practice it creates many problems:
- 📱 Automatic link opening – even if you use Chrome or Firefox, some links from messengers or social networks can open in Mi Browser.
- 🔔 Intrusive notifications – Advertising news, updates and “useful” Xiaomi services that are difficult to disable through standard settings.
- 📊 Background activity – the application consumes up to 10-15% battery charge per day, if not to limit its operation.
- 🔒 Data collection – by default, the browser sends usage statistics to Xiaomi servers (you can manually disable it, but not all users know about it).
In addition, the Mi Browser is often updated via Google Play, making it difficult to remove it — even after uninstallation, it can recover on the next update.
Method 1: Disconnect via application settings (without root)
The safest and most reversible method is to force the browser to stop and disable through system settings, which requires no special knowledge and works on all versions of the Redmi Note 8:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- In the search box, type Mi Browser (or com.android.browser for older versions).
- Slip on the app and select Forced Stop.
- Click Disable (if the button is active) or Remove Updates (will return the browser to the factory version).
- In the Notifications section, turn off all switches.
After this, the browser will stop launching automatically, but its icon will remain in the application menu. To hide it, use any launcher (for example, Nova Launcher or POCO Launcher) with the application hide function.
Make a backup copy of important bookmarks|Check the alternative browser for performance|Disable Mi Browser Auto Update on Google Play|Make sure there is enough charge on the phone (minimum 30%)-->
Method 2: Remove updates and reset to factory version
If the Mi Browser has been updated through Google Play, it can be returned to the original version, which often solves problems with intrusive advertising and background activity:
- Go to Settings. → Annexes → Mi Browser → Three points (⋮) → Remove updates.
- Confirm the action. The app will return to the version preinstalled in the firmware.
- Then turn off auto-update for it in Google Play: Open Play Store. Find Mi Browser. Tap three dots next to the Update button and uncheck Auto Update.
This method will not delete the browser completely, but will reduce its activity. ADB root.
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If after reset, the browser is updated spontaneously again, check the settings of the Xiaomi account: sometimes updates come through the branded GetApps store. Disable it in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Synchronization settings.
Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (without root but with PC)
For advanced users who are ready to connect their smartphone to their computer, there is a method of disconnecting through Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which does not require superuser rights, but allows you to intervene more deeply into the system:
Step 1: Preparation
- Download ADB Tools for Windows/macOS/Linux.
- Turn on the phone Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times).
- Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
Step 2: Commands to disable:
adb shell pm hide com.android.browserIf the command doesn’t work (on some firmware), try:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browserStep 3. Verification:
- Reboot the phone.
- Make sure the Mi Browser icon is removed from the menu.
- Try to open a link from another application – it should open in the browser of your choice.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
Method 4: Removal with root rights (for experienced)
If your Redmi Note 8 has superuser rights installed, you can completely remove the Mi Browser from the system.
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Go to /system/priv-app/MiBrowserGlobal (for global version) or /system/priv-app/MiBrowser (for Chinese firmware).
- Remove the MiBrowser folder or rename it to MiBrowser_bak.
- Clear the cache and data through Settings → Applications → Mi Browser (if the application is still displayed).
- Reset the device.
⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications can cause the phone to function unstable.Before taking action, back up through TWRP Mi Flash Tool. On some firmware, deleting the browser breaks the function of opening links from messengers - be prepared to manually assign the browser by default.
Method 5: Alternative solutions (if nothing worked)
If you can’t disable Mi Browser, consider these options:
| Problem. | Decision | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Browser recovers after update | Turn off auto-update in Google Play and delete your Xiaomi account (if you don’t use it) | Low. |
| Links open in Mi Browser | Assign another browser by default in Settings → Applications → By default | Medium |
| Notifications keep coming. | Use AppOps to block system-level notifications | Tall. |
| Browser consumes battery | Limit background activity through Settings → Battery → Optimization | Low. |
For a radical solution, you can consider flashing to custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), where there are no pre-installed Xiaomi applications at all.
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If you are not prepared for the risks with root or firmware, the combination of methods 1 and 2 (disable + remove updates) gives the best result without losing stability.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When working with system applications, users often face typical problems:
- 🔄 "The browser returns after the reboot, which means it's protected by the system. ADB for complete disconnection (method 3).
- 🔌 "I can't connect to the ADB" — Check the drivers and turn on the debugging by USB developer-setting.
- 📱 "The icon is still there, but the app won't open, which is normal after the pm hide command.
- ⚡ "Phone started to brake after deleting" - restore deleted files or make a reset settings.
⚠️ Note: On HyperOS firmware (the new Xiaomi shell), the path to system applications may be different. Before removing, check the current instructions for your OS version through Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI.