How to change the browser on the smartphone Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi smartphones come with a pre-installed Mi Browser browser, which many users find uncomfortable due to aggressive advertising, limited features or slow operation. Fortunately, you can replace it with Google Chrome, Firefox or any other alternative browser in several ways, from simply installing a new application to completely removing the standard solution. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods for devices on MIUI 12-15, including bypassing system restrictions and optimizing performance.

It is important to understand that on some Xiaomi models (especially for the Chinese market), the Mi Browser can not be completely removed without root rights, but it can be disabled or hidden so that it does not interfere with work. It is also worth considering that after changing the browser, some system functions (for example, quick search through swipe down on the home screen) can redirect you back to Mi Browser – a feature of the MIUI firmware that can be bypassed by additional settings.

Why do users want to change their browser to Xiaomi?

The main complaints about the standard Xiaomi browser are related to its operation and integration into the MIUI ecosystem:

• 📢 Intrusive Advertising: Even in privacy settings, ad blocks continue to show up, slowing down page loading.
• 🐢 Low speed: Compared to Chrome or Firefox, the Mi Browser often loses in performance tests.
• 🔒 Privacy concerns: The browser collects data about visited sites to personalize advertising (even if you disable the relevant options).
• 🔄 Lack of sync: no built-in sync with Google account or other ecosystems.
• 🛠️ Limited Extensions: Unlike desktop versions, the Mi Browser mobile does not support add-ons like uBlock Origin.

In addition, many users prefer Chrome because of its close integration with Google services (for example, automatic page translation or password saving), and Firefox is valued for its open source and advanced privacy settings. Even Samsung Internet or Brave can be a worthy alternative - it all depends on your priorities.

Method 1: Install an alternative browser from Google Play

The easiest and safest method is to download another browser from the official store, which is suitable for all Xiaomi models (including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark), if the device has Google services installed (on Chinese firmware without GMS, you will need to pre-install Google Play Services).

Instructions:

1. Open the Google Play Store app.
2. In the search bar, type the browser name (such as Google Chrome or Firefox).
3. Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.
4. After installation, open a new browser and follow the setup instructions (for example, log in to a Google account to sync data).

To open the new browser by default:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the browser installed (like Chrome) and select Open by default.
3. Click Clear Default Settings (if Mi Browser was previously selected).
4. When you next open the link, the system will suggest you select a browser – mark Always for your preferred option.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (especially Chinese) after updating the system, the default browser settings may be reset. To avoid this, pin the label of the new browser on the home screen and use it directly.

Method 2: Disable or remove Mi Browser (without root)

If you want to get rid of the standard browser completely, but you are not ready to get root rights, you can turn it off through the system settings. This will not remove the application physically, but will make it invisible and inactive.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the list, find the Browser (or Mi Browser) and tap it.
3. Click Disable (if the button is inactive, click Stop first).
4. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

After the shutdown:

• 🔍 Browser shortcut will disappear from the app menu.
• 📵 System functions (such as swipe down search) may stop working or give an error.
• 🔄 When resetting to factory Mi Browser will return to its original state.

If the Disable button is not available, try an alternative method via ADB (computer required):

adb shell pm hide com.android.browser

This command hides the browser without deleting it. To bring it back, use:

adb shell pm unhide com.android.browser

Method 3: Using the default browser through the developer settings

If the system persistently opens links in Mi Browser, even when you chose a different browser by default, the problem may be in the settings of WebView.This component is responsible for displaying web content in other applications (for example, Twitter or Telegram).

To forcefully replace WebView:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find WebView and select the browser you have installed (such as Chrome or Firefox).
4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Changing WebView settings may cause some applications (e.g., banking or instant messengers) to work unstable. If applications start to fly out after changing WebView, return settings to standard ones.

Method 4: Install the browser via APK (for firmware without Google Play)

If your Xiaomi runs on Chinese firmware without Google Play Services (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro for the Chinese market), you can manually install the browser via Google Play Services. APK-This method is also suitable if you want to use beta versions or modified builds (e.g. Chrome with ad blocking).

Instructions:

1. Download. APK-a browser file from a trusted source (e.g., APKMirror or the official Firefox site).
2. Transfer the file to your phone (for example, via Telegram or adb push).
3. In your phone settings, allow installation from unknown sources: Go to Settings → Applications → Special Rights → Install Unknown Applications. Select the application you will install APK through (such as Files or Explorer). Activate permission.

APK-file

Popular sources for APK download:

• 🌐 APKMirror – Verified files with version history.
• 🦊 Firefox official website – direct links to APK.
• 🛡️ Brave Browser – a browser with built-in tracking lock.

💡

Before installing an APK, check the hash file (for example, via VirusTotal) – this will protect against fake versions with malicious code.

Method 5: Completely remove Mi Browser (root required)

If you are willing to take drastic measures and have root rights, the standard browser can be removed completely, which is suitable for experienced users, since improper actions can lead to unstable system operation.

Removal will require:

• 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with unlocked bootloader and installed Magisk (or other root manager).
• 💻 Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot (for backup).
• 🔧 Application for working with system files (for example, Root Explorer or Titanium Backup).

Step-by-step:

1. Backup your system with TWRP or OrangeFox.
2. Install from Google Play app Root App Deleter or similar.
3. Launch the app, find it in the list of com.android.browser (or com.mi.globalbrowser for global firmware).
4. Click Delete and confirm the action.
5. Reset the device.

Alternative method via ADB (without graphical interface):

adb shell


su




mount -o rw,remount /system




rm -rf /system/priv-app/MiBrowser




rm -rf /system/app/MiBrowser




mount -o ro,remount /system




reboot

⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications may disrupt the work MIUI, especially if the browser is integrated into other services (for example, Mi Account or Quick Search). | grep browser.

💡

Remove Mi Browser through root is irreversible without backup. If you have problems after deleting, restore the system from the backup to TWRP.

How to set up a new browser for maximum performance?

Once you have an alternative browser installed, you need to optimize it for your needs, and here are the key settings for popular browsers:

Google Chrome

• 🔧 Turn on Traffic Savings in Settings to Speed Up Loading on Slow Internet.
• 🔒 Activate Sync with Google Account to Save Bookmarks and Passwords.
• 🚫 Turn off page preloading if you want to save traffic.

Mozilla Firefox

• 🛡️ Install uBlock Origin and Dark Reader extensions via Settings → Supplements.
• 🔄 Turn on Firefox Sync to sync data between devices.
• 📱 Activate Firefox Focus as a standalone private surfing app.

Brave Browser

• 🔒 Set up the lock level of trackers in Settings → Brave Shields.
• 💰 Include rewards for viewing ads (optional).
• 🌐 Use the built-in Tor mode for anonymous surfing.

General tips for all browsers:

• 🧹 Regularly clear cache and cookies in the settings (Settings) → Confidentiality → Clear the data).
• 📶 Turn off autoplay video to save traffic.
• 🔍 Use Dark Mode to Reduce Eye Stress.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi