How to completely disable Mi Browser on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: a step-by-step guide

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 often face the need to disable the pre-installed Mi Browser browser from the manufacturer, which can not be removed by standard means. This program not only takes up space in the memory of the device, but can send data about your activity to Xiaomi servers, which causes concerns for users who care about privacy. Fortunately, there are several ways to deactivate, hide or restrict the operation of this browser without obtaining root rights.

In this article, we will look at all the relevant methods for MIUI 12, 13 and 14, including disabling through system settings, use ADB-teams and alternative solutions for those who do not want to see the browser in the list of applications. 9 (Note 9/9S/9 Pro/9T), Because the procedure may vary depending on the firmware version and the regional software, and if you're looking for a way to get rid of an intrusive browser once and for all, you've come to the right place.

Why can't Mi Browser just be removed?

Unlike most custom applications, Mi Browser is a system service in MIUI firmware, which means it is integrated into the operating system at the kernel level and performs a number of functions related to:

• 🔗 Default web link processing (for example, when opening a link from a message);
• 📱 Sync your data with your Xiaomi account (if you use Mi Cloud);
• 🛡️ Security – Some browser versions contain modules to scan malicious sites.

Uninstalling a system application without special tools can lead to unstable device operation, interface errors, or even crashes of other programs. However, disabling or freezing the browser is a safe alternative that does not violate the integrity of the system. On the Redmi Note 9, this can be done in several ways, depending on your technical skills and the version of MIUI.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware for the Indian or global market (MIUI Global) disabling Mi Browser may affect the Quick Links feature in the notification panel. Before deactivating, check if you are using this option.

Method 1: Disable Mi Browser through system settings

The simplest method, which does not require additional tools, is to force the browser to stop and turn off the application menu, which is suitable for all versions of MIUI 12 and above, including the Redmi Note 9 with the latest updates.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the list, find the Mi Browser (may be called the Browser or the Browser).
3. Slip it and select Forced Stop (if the button is active).
4. Next, click Disable (or Remove Updates if the Disable button is inactive).
5. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

After that, the browser icon will disappear from the application menu, and the service itself will stop working in the background. However, on some firmware, the Mi Browser may be activated again after a device restart or system update, in which case you will have to repeat the procedure or use alternative methods.

Method 2: Using ADB to shut down completely (without root)

If the default shutdown fails or the browser is turned on again, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which does not require superuser rights, but requires connecting the smartphone to a computer.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔒 Complete deactivation of the browser at the system level;
• 🔄 Not reset after rebooting;
• 📱 It works on all versions. MIUI For the Redmi Note 9.

This will require:

1. Install ADB Tools on PC;
2. Enable USB Debugging on your phone (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (Tap 7 times) → Additional settings → For developers → Debugging over USB);
3. Connect the Redmi Note 9 to your computer and confirm your trust in the device.

Next, run the following command in the command line (or terminal):

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

If you see a message Package com.android.browser new state: disabled-user after you run the command, the browser is successfully disabled.

adb shell pm enable com.android.browser

⚠️ Note: Some firmware for Redmi Note 9 (especially Chinese) may have different browser packet IDs. If the command doesn't work, check the correct one. ID via adb shell pm list packages | grep browser.

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If ADB does not recognize the device, try reinstalling Xiaomi drivers from the official website or using Google’s generic Android SDK Platform Tools.

Method 3: Hiding the browser icon without disabling

If you do not fundamentally completely deactivate the Mi Browser, but simply remove its icon from the application menu, you can use the built-in MIUI functions. This method does not affect the browser in the background, but makes it less noticeable.

Coverage options:

For full concealment of the icon in the standard MIUI launcher:

1. Open the Settings. → Desktop.
2. Choose Hide Apps.
3. Mark the Mi Browser in the list and confirm.

This method does not disable the browser, but makes it less accessible. For example, links can still open in Mi Browser if it is set as the default application.

How to prevent Mi Browser from opening default links

Even after disabling, the browser can automatically open web pages if it is set as the default application for link processing. To avoid this, you need to reset your default settings or assign another browser.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Mi Browser and tap it.
3. Choose Open by default → Clear the silences.
4. Install another browser (like Chrome) and select it as the default app when you first open the link.

If Mi Browser is already disabled, but links still open in it, try:

• 🔄 Reset the device;
• 📲 Install another browser and manually select it when opening the link;
• 🔧 Reset application settings (Settings) → System system → Resetting settings → Reset application settings).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 14 for Redmi Note 9 resetting the silence may not work due to manufacturer restrictions, in this case, only completely disabling the browser through the ADB.

What if Mi Browser is turned on after the update?

One of the most common problems is that the browser is activated again after a system update or a device restart, which is because MIUI automatically restores some system applications.

• 🔄 Re-disconnection through settings or ADB;
• 🚫 Banning updates for Mi Browser (Settings) → Annexes → Mi Browser → Disable updates);
• 📵 Using Tasker to automatically disable the browser when you boot the system (requires setting up automatic tasks).

For the Redmi Note 9 with MIUI 13/14, you can also try:

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

This command removes updates for the browser, returning it to the factory version, which is easier to disable.

Alternative solutions: Replacing Mi Browser with a different browser

If your goal is not just to disable Mi Browser, but to switch to a different browser entirely (e.g. Chrome, Firefox, or Brave), follow these steps:

1. Install an alternative browser from Google Play.
2. Open any web link (such as in a message) and select the new browser as the default app.
3. Disable or remove updates for Mi Browser (see previous sections).
4. (Optional) Move bookmarks from Mi Browser to your new browser via export/import.

Comparison of popular browsers for Redmi Note 9:

If you use Mi Account to sync your bookmarks, export them to an HTML file before switching to another browser:

1. Open Mi Browser;
2. Slip on three points (menu) → Bookmarks → Exports;
3. Save the file and import it to the new browser.

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Disabling Mi Browser does not affect the performance of other Xiaomi system applications, but may disrupt link opening from some services (for example, Mi Cloud or Theme Store).

FAQ: Frequent questions about disabling Mi Browser on Redmi Note 9