How to download Xiaomi browser: official and alternative ways

Introduction: Why do you need a branded Xiaomi browser?

Xiaomi’s browsers are not just an alternative to Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, but full-fledged tools with unique features for the MIUI ecosystem. For example, Mint Browser (formerly known as Mi Browser) is optimized to work on the brand’s smartphones: it consumes 30% less RAM, blocks annoying ads and syncs with the Mi Account to save bookmarks and history.

However, not all users know how to download and install this browser correctly, especially if it was removed or absent in the region. In this article, we will discuss all the official and secure ways, from installation via Google Play to manual download. APK-We will also tell you how to avoid fakes and why you should not download Xiaomi browsers from dubious sites.

Important: If you use a Xiaomi device outside of China, some browser features (e.g., Mi Cloud integration) may not work properly.

Xiaomi's official browsers: Mint Browser vs Mi Browser

Xiaomi offers two main browsers that are often confused:

  • 🌿 Mint Browser is a modern, open source version (based on Chromium), available on Google Play for all regions, supports dark theme, ad blocker and read mode.
  • πŸ“± Mi Browser - an outdated version, which is preinstalled on old Xiaomi smartphones (before the first one). MIUI In the new firmware, it was replaced by Mint Browser, but it was APK You can still find it on the forums.

Let’s compare their key features:

FunctionMint BrowserMi Browser (obsolete)
Availability on Google Playβœ… Yes.❌ No (deleted in 2021)
Blocking adsβœ… Built-in❌ Only through expansion.
Synchronization with Mi Accountβœ… Yes (bookmarks, history)βœ… Yes (limited)
Support for topicsβœ… Dark/light❌ Only light.
Security updatesβœ… Regular❌ Terminated in 2022

The bottom line: for most users, Mint Browser is the best choice. Mi Browser should only be downloaded to owners of older devices (for example, Redmi Note 4 or Mi A1), where the new version is not supported.

πŸ“Š What browser you use on your Xiaomi smartphone?
Mint Browser
Mi Browser
Google Chrome
Other

Method 1: Install Mint Browser with Google Play

The easiest and safest method is to download the browser directly from the official store. Suitable for all Android 5.0+ devices, including Xiaomi, POCO and Redmi smartphones.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Google Play Store on your device.
  2. In the search bar, type Mint Browser - Fast & Light (developer - Xiaomi Inc.).
  3. Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.
  4. After installation, launch your browser and log in to your Mi Account (optional) to sync your data.

Important: In some regions (e.g. the EU) due to GDPR restrictions, the browser may simply be called Mint Browser without mentioning Xiaomi.

β˜‘οΈ Pre-installing check

Done: 0 / 4

If the browser does not appear in the search, check:

  • πŸ“΅ Regional restrictions: some Xiaomi apps are hidden in selected countries VPN server in India or Singapore.
  • πŸ”„ Google Play Cache: Clear the app data in the settings (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Google Play Store β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the cache).
  • πŸ“± Android Version: Compatibility Errors May Happen on Devices Older than Android 8.0.

Method 2: Download APK-file

If Google Play is not available or the browser is not available in your region, you can download APK directly from Xiaomi.The official source is the Mi App Store (Mi Account is required).

Step-by-step:

  1. Go to app.mi.com through any browser on your PC or phone.
  2. Sign in to your Xiaomi account (if not, sign up).
  3. In the search bar, enter Mint Browser.
  4. Select the latest version and click Download APK.
  5. After downloading, transfer the file to your smartphone (for example, via Bluetooth or cloud storage).
  6. Before installation, allow installation from unknown sources: Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Special Access β†’ Installation of unknown applications.

⚠️ Attention: Never download APK from third-party sites (such as APKMirror or APKPure) if not sure of their security.Fake versions of Xiaomi browsers often contain malicious code to steal Mi Account data.

πŸ’‘

Before installing an APK, check the hash file (MD5) on Xiaomi’s website, using apps like File Commander or online services.

Method 3: Installation via Mi App Store (for China and Asia)

In the firmware MIUI for the Chinese market (China ROM), instead of Google Play, the Mi App Store is used. There Mint Browser is available by default, but can be called (Xiaomi browser in Chinese).

How to determine:

  1. Open the GetApps app (the icon with the blue robot).
  2. Go to the Top Charts section or search for Mint Browser.
  3. Press Install (installation may require confirmation via SMS or Mi Account password).

⚠️ Please note: if you are using Global ROM, But if you want to install a Chinese version of the browser, you will have to reflash the device in China. ROM. This is risky: you will lose support for Google Services and may violate the warranty.

What is the difference between the Chinese version of Mint Browser?
In the Chinese version (China ROM), the browser is integrated with Baidu and Weibo services, has a built-in translator from Chinese and blocks Western social networks (Facebook, Twitter), and there is no synchronization with Google Account.

Method 4: Alternative methods (for advanced users)

If none of the above methods worked, you can try:

  • πŸ”§ Extraction APK From another device: If a friend has a Xiaomi smartphone with a pre-installed browser, copy the file /system/priv-app/MintBrowser/MintBrowser.apk with the help of Root Explorer or ADB.
  • πŸ“¦ Installation through ADB: Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb install mint-browser-latest.apk (Developer rights and included debugging are required USB).
  • πŸ”„ Reverse to the old version: if the new version of the browser is unstable, download APK old build from the Xiaomi.eu forum (only for experienced users!).

⚠️ Attention: use ADB or the removal of system files may cause a failure MIUI, If you don't know what you're doing, back up your Settings before experimenting. β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup and reset.

Problems and Solutions: What to Do If Your Browser is Not Installed?

Let’s look at common mistakes and ways to eliminate them:

Problem.Reason.Decision
Error "Application not installed"A damaged APK or an incompatible version of AndroidDownload APK again or check the OS version
The browser closes immediately after launchConflict with other applications or lack of rightsClear the browser cache or reinstall
Synchronization with Mi Account is not workingOutdated version of the browser or problems with Xiaomi serversUpdate your browser or check your internet connection
Ad blocking doesn't workThe corresponding module is disabled in the settingsGo to Browser Settings β†’ Block Ads and turn on the option

If the problem is not solved, try:

  1. Remove all browser updates through Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Mint Browser β†’ Three Dots β†’ Remove updates.
  2. Reset network settings: Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Resetting network settings.
  3. Contact Xiaomi via official chat (available in the Mi Community app).

πŸ’‘

If the browser refuses to install on Android 13+ devices, check if Google Play Protect is blocking it. Turn it off temporarily in the security settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi browsers

Can I install Mint Browser on a non-Xiaomi device (Samsung, Huawei, etc.)?
Yes, Mint Browser is compatible with any Android 5.0+ smartphone, but some features (such as syncing with Mi Cloud) may not work properly, and other brands will not have a pre-installed browser, so you will have to download it manually.
Why does Mint Browser consume a lot of battery?
This is most often due to background data synchronization or open tabs. To reduce consumption: Turn off background activity: Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Mint Browser β†’ Battery β†’ Background activity β†’ Limit. Enable saving mode in browser settings: Settings β†’ Traffic Saving β†’ Enable. Close unnecessary tabs manually or use the function Close all tabs when you exit.
How to transfer bookmarks from Chrome to Mint Browser?
There are two ways: πŸ”„ Through Export/Import: Export Bookmarks to File in Chrome HTML (Settings β†’ Bookmarks β†’ Export, then import it to Mint Browser (Settings) β†’ Import of bookmarks). ☁️ Mi Account: If you have previously used Mi Browser, bookmarks are automatically synced when you log in to your account.
Is it safe to use Mint Browser for online payments?
Mint Browser uses the same security protocols as Google Chrome (TLS 1.3 encryption, phishing protection).However: Avoid entering bank card data on sites without HTTPS (locks in the address bar). Don't save passwords in the browser - use specialized managers (for example, Bitwarden). Regularly update your browser to close vulnerabilities.
How to remove Mint Browser completely if it is preinstalled?
On most Xiaomi devices, the browser is a system application and is not removed by standard methods: πŸ”• Disconnection: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Mint Browser β†’ Disable (the icon will disappear, but the file will remain in the system). πŸ› οΈ Removal through ADB (requires PC and debugging USB): adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.mi.global.browser ⚠️ This can disrupt other system components!