How to change the browser on the smartphone Xiaomi Redmi: the full guide

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones come with a pre-installed Mi Browser browser, which is not always convenient for users: someone wants to switch to the usual Google Chrome, someone cares about privacy in Mozilla Firefox, and some are looking for maximum speed in Brave or Opera. In this article, we will analyze all the ways to change your browser to Redmi – from simple installation of an alternative to completely removing the standard application (where possible).

It is important to understand: on Xiaomi with a shell MIUI You can't just uninstall system applications, but there are workarounds, and we'll look at safe methods for beginners and advanced solutions for power users. You will also learn how to make a new browser by default, so that all links open automatically in it, and what settings should be changed for optimal work.

Why users want to change their browser to Xiaomi Redmi

The pre-installed Mi Browser has a few features that not everyone likes:

• 🔍 Data collection: by default, the browser sends usage statistics to Xiaomi (you can turn off in the settings).
• 🚀 Performance: Some users complain about slow performance compared to Chrome or Firefox.
• 📱 Advertising: in Chinese version MIUI banners can be displayed in the browser (the global firmware is usually absent).
• 🔄 Limited features: no sync with Google account, weak extension support.

Alternative browsers offer:

• 🔒 Better privacy (e.g. Firefox Focus or DuckDuckGo).
• ⚡ Fast work with optimized engines (Chrome on Blink, Firefox on Gecko).
• 🔗 Synchronization between devices (bookmarks, history, passwords).
• 🛠️ Extensions to block ads, translators, and other tools.

⚠️ Note: If you use Redmi with Chinese firmware (MIUI China, some alternative browsers (e.g. Google Chrome) may not work as well due to the lack of Google Play services. APK-files from official websites.

Preparing for a browser change: what to do in advance

Before installing a new browser, follow a few simple steps to avoid problems:

1. Check the version. MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Current versions (e.g, MIUI 14/15) Supports all modern browsers.
2. Free up space: Alternative browsers can weigh from 50MB (Opera Mini) to 200MB+ MB (Chrome with cache).
3. Sync data: If you use Mi Browser, export bookmarks through your browser settings → Exports/imports.
4. Set up a Google account (if you plan to use Chrome): check that you are logged in to Settings → Accounts. → Google.

If you are going to delete Mi Browser (which is only possible with root or through permissions) ADB), Make a backup copy of the system:

• 📱 Use built-in backup: Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
• 💾 Or copy important data to Google Drive./Mi Cloud.

Method 1: Install an alternative browser from Google Play

The easiest and safest method is to download the browser from the official store. 9A Up to Redmi Note 13 Pro+) global-fixed.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Google Play Store (Icon) 🛍️ mainscreen).
2. In the search bar, type the browser name, for example: Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Opera Browser Brave Private Browser

Install

Google

How to make the new browser the main one:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Default Applications → Browser.
2. Select from the list the installed browser (for example, Chrome).
3. Confirm the choice – now all links will open in it.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 10C or Redmi A1) With limited memory, installing heavy browsers (such as Chrome) can slow down your work, and then choose lightweight alternatives like Opera Mini or Firefox Focus.

💡

If the browser is slow after installation, clear its cache: Settings → Annexes → [Browser name] → Memory. → Clear the cache.

Method 2: Install the browser through APK (For Chinese firmware or without Google Play)

If your Redmi doesn’t have Google Play (for example, Chinese firmware) MIUI China: The browser can be installed manually through APK-This method is also suitable for installing beta versions or specialized browsers (for example, Tor Browser).

Where to download APK:

• 🌐 Official Websites: Google Chrome Firefox Brave
• 📦 Sites with APK (Check reputation: APKMirror (reliable source) APKPure (careful with advertising)

Installation instructions:

1. Download. APK-browser file on phone or computer.
2. If you downloaded it on PC, transfer the file to Redmi via USB cloud-storage.
3. On your phone, enable installation from unknown sources: Go to Settings → Annexes → Special access → Install unknown applications. Select a file manager (such as Files or Explorer) and allow installation.

APK

Install

shut down

⚠️ Attention: Installation APK Always download files from official sites or trusted resources (such as APKMirror). Before installing, check the hash of the file (if listed on the site) or use an antivirus (such as Dr.Web Light).

Method 3: Remove Mi Browser (power users only)

On most Xiaomi Redmi models, it is impossible to completely remove the Mi Browser without superuser rights (root), since it is a system application.

Option 1: Disconnect via settings (without root)

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Mi Browser in the list and open its page.
3. Click Disable (the button may be inactive on some firmware).
4. Confirm the action. The app will disappear from the menu, but it will remain in the system.

Option 2: Removal through ADB (computer)

This method is suitable for users who do not want to get root, but are ready to use it. ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

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

Instructions:

1. Turn on USB Debugging on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to become a developer), then Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging over USB.
2. Connect Redmi to your computer via USB and confirm the debugging authorization.
3. Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: Adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
4. Execute the removal command (see above).
5. Reboot the phone.

Option 3: Complete removal with root rights

If you have root (for example, through Magisk), use a file manager with superuser rights (for example, Root Explorer):

1. Go to /system/app/MiBrowser or /system/priv-app/MiBrowser.
2. Remove the folder or rename it (for example, in the MiBrowser_bak).
3. Reset the device.

💡

Removing Mi Browser is not necessary for alternative browsers, but installing a new browser and making it the main browser is enough. Deleting system applications completely can lead to unstable operation. MIUI!

Set up a new browser for optimal operation

After installing an alternative browser, it is recommended to perform several settings to improve performance and security:

1. Data synchronization

• 🔄 In Chrome: Sign in to Google account via Settings → Synchronization.
• 🔄 In Firefox: Create a Firefox account and enable sync in Settings → Account.

2. Optimization of productivity

• ⚡ In Chrome: Enable Light Mode (Settings) → Light mode) to save traffic.
• ⚡ In Opera: activate Turbo mode (Settings) → Turbo mode).
• 🗑️ Clean the cache regularly: Settings → Confidentiality → Clear the data.

3. Security and confidentiality

• 🔒 Turn off password saving if you use a password manager (e.g. Bitwarden).
• 🛡️ In Firefox, enable Enhanced Tracking Protection (Settings) → Confidentiality).
• 🚫 In Chrome, turn off personalized ads: Settings → Advertising → Shut down.

4. Blocking ads

If your browser doesn’t have a built-in blocker (like Chrome), use:

• 🛡️ DNS-Filtering: Install AdGuard or set up DNS at 1.1.1.1).
• 🔗 Extensions (in supported browsers): uBlock Origin (for Firefox).

Solving problems when changing the browser

Sometimes, after installing a new browser, errors occur. Let's consider the most common ways to fix them:

If the browser does not open some sites:

• 🌐 Check your internet connection (switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data or vice versa).
• 🔄 Clear the browser data: Settings → Annexes → [browser] → Memory. → Clear the data.
• 🔒 Turn it off. VPN or proxy if they are used.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12) after the update MIUI default browser settings can be reset. Check them after each major system update.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi Redmi