How to completely disable or remove MI Browser on Xiaomi Redmi Note: all working methods

The MI Browser is installed by default on all Xiaomi Redmi Note smartphones and is often a source of annoyance for users. It consumes resources in the background, shows ads, and its forced update via MIUI interferes with the work of alternative browsers like Chrome or Firefox. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to disable or delete MI Browser – from simple deactivation to complete deletion of system files (including methods for MIUI 12, 13 and 14).

It's important to understand that on some Redmi Note models (like the Note 10 Pro or Note 12), the MI Browser is integrated into MIUI system processes and removing it completely without root permissions can cause launcher or weather widgets to malfunction, so we'll start with the safest methods and gradually move on to radical solutions. If you're not sure about your technical skills, use the first two.

Also note that after the MIUI updates, the browser may be activated again, in which case the procedure will have to be repeated. For users who want to get rid of MI Browser once and for all, we will separately consider methods using ADB and root rights.

1.Simple disabling MI Browser through settings

The safest and most reversible way is to deactivate the browser in the app menu, which won't remove it completely, but it will stop the background and remove the icon from the desktop.

For this:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the list, find MI Browser (may be called “Browser” or “Mi Browser”).
3. Press Disable (the button will become active after tap on three points in the upper right corner).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (especially global versions) the "Disable" button can be blocked, in which case proceed to the next method.

Once disabled, the browser will stop running automatically, but its system files will remain on the device, which means that after resetting or updating the MIUI, it may reappear.

2.Removal of MI Browser Updates

If the browser has been updated through Google Play or the built-in MIUI store, it can be “rolled back” to the factory version, which sometimes allows you to disable or delete.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → MI Browser → Three Dots → Remove Updates.
2. Confirm action. If the button is inactive, the browser has not been updated.
3. After rollback, try to turn it off again (see method 1).

Some Redmi Note models (like the Note 9 Pro or Note 11) can be completely removed after rollback, but this doesn’t work on all firmware.

⚠️ Note: If after rollback the browser stopped opening links from other applications (for example, from Telegram or WhatsApp), install an alternative browser and assign it to the default application in the Application settings. → Default applications → browser.

3. Disconnection through ADB (without root rights)

The advanced user method, which does not require superuser rights but works with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), allows you to completely hide MI Browser from the system, including its background processes.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Steps:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
3. Run the command to disable MI Browser: adb shell pm hide com.android.browser If the command doesn't work, try: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser
4. Reboot your smartphone.

After that, the browser will disappear from the application menu and stop consuming resources. However, its system files will remain on the device, and after resetting the settings or updating the MIUI, you may need to repeat the procedure.

4. Complete removal of MI Browser with root rights

If you have root rights (like Magisk), you can physically delete your browser’s system files.This is the most radical and irreversible method, but it’s guaranteed to get rid of MI Browser forever.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrectly deleting system files may result in bootloop (a looped reboot) or other features not working MIUI. Make a backup copy (TWRP) beforehand!

Instructions:

1. Install any file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Go to /system/app/ or /system/priv-app/.
3. Find folders with names: Browser MiBrowserGlobal MiBrowserIndia (for Indian firmware)

Browser_bak

Reset the device.

If you have problems after deleting (for example, weather widgets or launcher do not work), restore deleted files from the backup.

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Before you delete system files, check their dependency! some versions of MIUI use MI Browser components to display web content in other applications (e.g. Mi Video or Mi Community).

5. Alternative methods: replacement of launcher and firmware

If none of the above methods worked, consider the more global changes:

Change of launcher:

• 📱 Install an alternative launcher (e.g. Nova Launcher or Lawnchair).
• 🔍 In the launcher settings to hide the icon MI Browser (if she stayed).
• 🔄 Assign another browser to the default app to open links.

Reflashing to custom firmware:

Firmware like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or HavocOS doesn’t include MI Browser by default, but it does require unlocking the bootloader and may deprive you of some MIUI features (like IR Blaster or proprietary camera algorithms).

⚠️ Warning: Flashing will void the warranty and may result in data loss.Be sure to back up through the TWRP Mi Cloud.

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Custom firmware is the only way to get rid of MI Browser forever, but it is only suitable for experienced users willing to sacrifice Xiaomi’s branded features.

6. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To make the choice easier, we have compiled a table with the pros and cons of each method:

For most Redmi Note users, the best solution is a combination of the first and second method (disable + remove updates). If you are ready for experiments, try ADB. Root and leave custom firmware for an emergency.

Frequently asked questions