How to completely disable the Xiaomi browser: deletion, deactivation and blocking updates

Why do users want to get rid of Mi Browser – and can it be done without consequences?

Xiaomi’s standard browser (known as Mi Browser or Browser in newer versions of MIUI) is installed on all of the brand’s smartphones, from budget Redmi to flagship Xiaomi 14. Despite integration with the MIUI ecosystem, many users are eager to remove it. The reasons range from intrusive advertising and data collection to bugs opening web pages or conflicts with alternative browsers like Chrome or Firefox.

But there’s a catch: on most devices, the Mi Browser is a system application, and it’s impossible to remove it completely without root permissions. However, there are several legal ways to disable, hide or block it from working, from deactivating through settings to using it. ADB-In this article, we will discuss all the current methods for MIUI 14/13/12, including nuances for specific models.

Before you start, consider that some actions can affect the stability of the system. For example, forced removal of system APKs without a backup can lead to a cyclical restart (bootloop) or disruption of other MIUI services. If you are not prepared for the risks, limit yourself to safe methods in the first three sections.

Method 1: Disable the browser through application settings

The easiest and safest method is to deactivate the browser in the app menu, which will not physically remove it, but will stop background activity and hide the icon from the launcher, suitable for all devices on MIUI without root rights.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the list, look for Browser (or Mi Browser in older versions).

After that:

• 🔴 The browser icon will disappear from the main screen and the application menu.
• 📱 Background processes (com.android.browser) will no longer consume resources.
• ⚠️ But: Links from other apps (such as Telegram or WhatsApp) may still open in Mi Browser if it is set as the default app.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global POCO F5) The disable button may be blocked. In this case, proceed to Method 2.

Back up important bookmarks (export via Browser Settings → Import/Export)

Install an alternative browser (we recommend Chrome or Bromite)

Check if Mi Browser is used as the default link app

Close all browser tabs in multitasking-->

Method 2: Remove updates and reset to factory version

If the Mi Browser was updated through Google Play, it can be rolled back to a factory version that takes up less space and lacks a portion of the ads, a method that requires no root rights and is reversible.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Browser.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Remove Updates.
3. Confirm action. The app will return to the version preinstalled on the device.
4. (Optional) Disable automatic browser updates in Google Play: Open Google Play → Profile → App Management → Browser → Disable Auto Update

Advantages of the method:

• 📉 Reduced memory consumption (factory version weighs) ~20-30 MB versus ~100MB updated).
• 🚫 Removed imposed functions like banner ads and news feed.
• 🔄 The ability to return updates at any time.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for Russia (e.g. Redmi) 10C) rollbacks can cause geolocation services to fail, as the browser is integrated with Yandex cards.

Google Chrome

Mozilla Firefox

Bromite (with ad blocking)

Samsung Internet

Another (write in the comments)-->

Method 3: Blocking through ADB (without root)

For advanced users willing to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), there is a way to completely hide the browser from the system, including opening default links.This method does not require superuser rights, but involves connecting the smartphone to a PC.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to unlock the developer menu, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB and execute: adb shell pm hide com.android.browser
3. Reset the device.

The effect of the team:

• 📥 Updates via Google Play are blocked automatically.

⚠️ Note: The pm hide command only works on MIUI version 12.5 And newer. On old firmware (for example, on old firmware, MIUI 11 For the Redmi Note 8) The alternative syntax is required: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser Cancel action by adb shell pm enable com.android.browser.

Settings → Annexes → Application management → A gear (⚙️) → Reset application settings

Method 4: Remove via TWRP (root required)

For users with an unlocked bootloader and TWRP installed, there is a radical method - the physical deletion of the browser's system files. This will permanently eliminate the application, but it will require caution: an error can lead to a bootloop.

Step-by-step:

1. In TWRP, select Advanced → File Manager.

Risks and consequences:

• 🔄 Mi Account and cloud synchronization may fail.

Method 5: Alternative methods (for specific cases)

If none of the above methods are suitable, consider these options:

1.Use of Package Disabler (without root)

Applications like Package Disabler Pro or Bloatware Remover allow you to disable system components without ADB. However, newer versions of MIUI (14+) may require root or Shizuku.

2. Replace the browser by default

If the goal is to avoid opening links in Mi Browser, it is enough:

1. Install an alternative browser (such as Chrome).
2. Open any link → Always choose for a new browser.

3.For POCO Launcher

On devices with POCO Launcher (for example, POCO X3 Pro) you can hide the browser icon:

• 📌 Click the Browser icon → Take it off the screen.
• 🔍 In the launcher settings, turn off the display of system applications.

💡

On devices with MIUI for the EU (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) browser cannot be disabled by standard methods due to requirements GDPR. In this case, it will only help. ADB root.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after successfully disabling the browser, users are faced with nuances. Consider typical scenarios:

1.The browser continues to open links

The reason: Mi Browser remained the default app. Solution:

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → A gear (⚙️) → Reset application settings.
2. When you next open the link, select another browser and mark Always.

2.The bookmarks disappeared after the shutdown

If you haven’t made a backup, try:

• 🔍 Recover data via Mi Cloud (if synchronization was enabled).
• 📁 Check the folder. /sdcard/MiBrowser/Bookmarks — Sometimes the bookmarks are stored in the form HTML-file.

3. "Browser stopped" error

It occurs after incorrect deletion of system files.

• 🔄 Flash the device via Fastboot (instructions for your model are available at xiaomiflash.com).
• 🛠️ Recover deleted files through TWRP (if there's a backup).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions