Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face intrusive pre-installed browser work. The standard Mi Browser app can be annoying with an abundance of promotional news, notifications and the inability to completely disable it through standard settings. Many users wonder how to get rid of this system component to free up space and increase privacy.
Deleting a system application completely requires a deeper intervention than simply uninstalling user programs. However, there are safe methods to freeze or delete a browser without obtaining Root permissions. In this article, we will look at all the current ways to solve the problem, from simple settings inside MIUI to advanced methods through ADB.
Before taking drastic measures, it is important to understand that Mi Browser is integrated into the MIUI shell and can be used by system widgets or search functions. Incorrect removal can lead to unstable work of some services, so we strongly advise you to first try to hide the application or disable its notifications. If you are firmly determined to clean the system of excess software, follow the instructions below with caution.
⚠️ Note: Before making changes to system components, create a full backup of important data. Incorrect removal of system packages can lead to errors in the operation of the interface.
Why Xiaomi’s standard browser raises questions
The main reason for the discontent of users lies in the aggressive policy of data collection and display of content: the browser is set by default to show news feed, which often contains unwanted materials. In addition, the application takes up space in memory and consumes CPU resources even in the background, which affects the autonomy of the smartphone.
Another challenge is linking to a Mi Account and synchronizing data without the user’s explicit desire. The standard browser often acts as a gateway to other ecosystem services, removing or replacing this component allows you to regain control of the device and use lighter and more secure alternatives like Chrome, Firefox or Brave.
It is worth noting that different versions of MIUI and HyperOS may have different degrees of browser integration, and in some regions you can simply turn the application off in settings, while in others it is hidden from the user, and understanding these nuances will help you choose the right deactivation method.
Preparing for removal of system applications
To perform the procedure of removing system components, you will need a computer with Windows, macOS or Linux operating system. USB-cable to connect your smartphone. Before you start, make sure that the device is debugging on the device. USB.
To activate the developer mode, go to the Settings menu → On the phone and press. 7-10 once in a row under the line “Version” MIUI». Then, in the expanded settings menu, a new option will appear, "Developers" and that's where you need to find and turn on the option. USB-debugging.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
It is important to allow debugging access when you first connect the cable to your computer. A request will appear on your smartphone screen that needs to be confirmed. Without this step, the computer will not be able to send a command to remove the application. It is also recommended to disable the antivirus on your PC during the procedure so that it does not block the tools.
Method 1: Disconnecting through MIUI settings
The easiest and safest way to do this is to try to disable the application by regular means. This method does not physically delete the browser files, but completely stops it from working, hides the icon and prevents the process from starting. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications and find in the list of Mi Browser or Browser.
If the "Disable" or "Delete" button is active, just click on it. The system will warn of possible consequences, but in the case of a standard browser, this rarely leads to critical errors.
What to do if the switch button is grey?
In some cases, the browser may be hidden in the Tools folder. Even if you delete the shortcut, the app itself will remain in the system. So checking through the settings menu is a must. If normal removal is not possible, proceed to the next method.
Method 2: Delete via ADB (Android Debug Bridge)
The most effective way to remove the entire tool is to use the ADB toolkit. This method requires a connection to a PC, but does not require superuser rights. First, download the SDK Platform Tools from Google's official website and unpack the archive into a convenient folder, for example, C:\adb.
Connect your smartphone to your computer and open the command line or terminal in the folder with ADB. Enter the adb device command to check the connection. If all is correct, you will see the serial number of the device. Next, enter the command to delete the packet:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browserDepending on the firmware version, the name of the package may vary. For global versions, com.mi.global.browser is often used, and for Chinese versions, com.android.browser. If one command fails, try variations. Once the command is successfully executed, the browser will disappear from the system completely.
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The ADB team removes the application only for the current user (user 0), without affecting the system partition.This is safe and allows you to return the application factory reset.
To recover an application that is deleted in this way, it is enough to execute the command adb shell cmd package install-existing com.android.browser (substituting the current name of the package), which makes the ADB method preferable for experiments with the system.
Use of Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools
For those who do not want to work with the command line, there is a convenient graphics utility Xiaomi. ADB/Fastboot Tools. is an open source program designed specifically for Xiaomi device owners. It automatically identifies the connected device and offers a list of system applications to remove.
After you start the program and connect your smartphone, select the Debloat tab. In the list, find Browser or Mi Browser and click the delete button. ADB-The interface is clear even to beginners, and the risk of error is minimal.
The utility also allows you to remove other unnecessary components, such as Mi Video, Mi Music and various service applications. However, be careful: removing critical system components can lead to a “bootloop” (cyclic reboot).
| Method | Difficulty | Security | Return of the annex |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI settings | Low. | Tall. | Incorporation in settings |
| ADB team | Medium | Tall. | Install-existing team |
| Xiaomi Tools | Low. | Tall. | Through the program interface |
| Root rights | Tall. | Medium | Just reflashing. |
Alternatives and setting up a new browser
After removing a standard browser, the system may stop opening links from other applications. To fix this, you need to install an alternative. It is recommended to choose light and fast browsers such as Via Browser, DuckDuckGo or Brave, which block trackers and ads.
Once you have installed your new browser, go to Settings → Applications → Default Apps. Find the browser and select the installed app. Now all links will open in the new program. This is an important step for comfortable use of your smartphone.
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Use browsers with built-in ad blocking to speed up page loading and save traffic, which is especially true for mobile networks.
Some users prefer to use specialized launchers that completely change the interface and hide system applications, but replacing only the browser is often enough to improve performance.
⚠️ Warning: When installing browsers from unknown sources, enable Play Protect security check to avoid malware infecting your device.
Possible problems and solutions
In rare cases, after deleting the browser, there may be errors in the work of widgets or Google search bar on the desktop. If the search bar stops working, try to clear the data of the Google application or replace the widget.
If the phone is not working properly, you can always return the remote application via ADB, as described above, and in the extreme case, a full reset to factory settings (Wipe Data) will help, which will return all system components to their original state, so having a backup of data is critical.
Sometimes antivirus programs on PCs can block work. ADB. If the connection is not installed, try temporarily disabling the protection or adding a tool folder to the exceptions. USB-The cable supports data transfer, not just charging.
Can I delete a browser without a computer?
Conclusion
Removing or disabling Xiaomi’s browser is an effective way to improve the user experience and free up the resources of the device. Using secure methods through ADB or special utilities, you can have full control of your smartphone.
Replacing heavy system software with lighter alternatives extends battery life and makes the interface more smooth, and we hope that these methods will help you to customize the device exactly as convenient for you.