Introduction: Why do you need a branded Xiaomi browser?
Xiaomiβs 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 brandβs 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:
- πΏ 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.
- π± 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.
Letβs compare their key features:
| Function | Mint Browser | Mi Browser (obsolete) |
|---|---|---|
| Availability on Google Play | β Yes. | β No (deleted in 2021) |
| Blocking ads | β Built-in | β Only through expansion. |
| Synchronization with Mi Account | β Yes (bookmarks, history) | β Yes (limited) |
| Support for topics | β Dark/light | β Only light. |
| Security updates | β Regular | β 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.
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:
- Open the Google Play Store on your device.
- In the search bar, type Mint Browser - Fast & Light (developer - Xiaomi Inc.).
- Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.
- 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.
βοΈ Pre-installing check
If the browser does not appear in the search, check:
- π΅ Regional restrictions: some Xiaomi apps are hidden in selected countries VPN server in India or Singapore.
- π Google Play Cache: Clear the app data in the settings (Settings) β Annexes β Google Play Store β Warehouse β Clear the cache).
- π± 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:
- Go to app.mi.com through any browser on your PC or phone.
- Sign in to your Xiaomi account (if not, sign up).
- In the search bar, enter Mint Browser.
- Select the latest version and click Download APK.
- After downloading, transfer the file to your smartphone (for example, via Bluetooth or cloud storage).
- Before installation, allow installation from unknown sources: Settings β Applications β Special Access β Installation of unknown applications.
β οΈ 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.
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Before installing an APK, check the hash file (MD5) on Xiaomiβs 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:
- Open the GetApps app (the icon with the blue robot).
- Go to the Top Charts section or search for Mint Browser.
- Press Install (installation may require confirmation via SMS or Mi Account password).
β οΈ 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?
Method 4: Alternative methods (for advanced users)
If none of the above methods worked, you can try:
- π§ 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.
- π¦ 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).
- π 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!).
β οΈ 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?
Letβs look at common mistakes and ways to eliminate them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Error "Application not installed" | A damaged APK or an incompatible version of Android | Download APK again or check the OS version |
| The browser closes immediately after launch | Conflict with other applications or lack of rights | Clear the browser cache or reinstall |
| Synchronization with Mi Account is not working | Outdated version of the browser or problems with Xiaomi servers | Update your browser or check your internet connection |
| Ad blocking doesn't work | The corresponding module is disabled in the settings | Go to Browser Settings β Block Ads and turn on the option |
If the problem is not solved, try:
- Remove all browser updates through Settings β Applications β Mint Browser β Three Dots β Remove updates.
- Reset network settings: Settings β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Resetting network settings.
- Contact Xiaomi via official chat (available in the Mi Community app).
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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.