How to permanently remove Mi Browser on Xiaomi: from a simple shutdown to a complete removal

The Mi Browser is the default browser for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, but not everyone likes it. The reasons for deleting it can range from intrusive advertising and unnecessary notifications to privacy concerns or just wanting to use an alternative browser like Chrome or Firefox. However, standard removal through the app menu is often not available — the system simply does not provide such an option.

In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to remove Mi Browser from Xiaomi phone – from temporary shutdown to complete deletion of system files (for power users). You will also learn how to prevent automatic browser recovery after updates and what to do if the application suddenly reappears. The instructions are relevant for devices on MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS, including Xiaomi 13/14 models, Redmi Note 12/13 and POCO F5/X5.

Why can't Mi Browser be removed in the standard way?

The Mi Browser app falls into the category of system utilities that Xiaomi integrates into MIUI firmware.

• 🔹 It is preliminarily set out in the section /system/app or /system/priv-app, Where a normal user does not have the right to write.
• 🔹 The system blocks the “Delete” button in the application menu (only the “Disable” option is available»).
• 🔹 After resetting settings or updating the firmware, the browser can recover automatically.

Moreover, in some regions (such as India or Europe), the Mi Browser is tied to Xiaomi services such as Mi Account or GetApps. its removal may affect the operation of other features, such as syncing bookmarks or accessing branded themes.

Method 1: Disable Mi Browser without root rights

The easiest and safest way to do this is to turn the app off through settings, and it won't delete it completely, but it will hide it from the menu and stop the background.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the list, find Mi Browser (or “Browser” on Russian firmware).
3. Click "Disable" and confirm the action.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 10A or POCO M4 Pro) the "Disable" option may be blocked. In this case, try the following method.

Clear the app cache | Stop Forced | Disable Auto Update in Play Market | Remove the shortcut from the home screen-->

After disabling, the browser will stop appearing in the list of applications, but its files will remain in the device’s memory. To free up space, go to Settings → Storage → Apps and clear the Mi Browser cache.

Method 2: Remove updates and reset to factory version

If the browser has been updated through Google Play, you can roll it back to the factory version and then disable the updates, which will reduce the space occupied and remove unnecessary functions.

How to do this:

1. Go to Play Market → Profile → Application Management.
2. Find Mi Browser and click “Delete Updates” (or “Cancel Update”).
3. Return to the application settings and disable it as in Method 1.
4. In Play Market, turn off auto-update for Mi Browser (three dots → Auto-update disabled).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 14 and HyperOS may not have the Remove Updates button, in which case only a complete deletion (see Method 4) will help).

Method 3: Remove Mi Browser via ADB (without root)

If disabling doesn’t help, you can delete the browser for the current user using Android Debug Bridge (ADB).This method doesn’t require superuser rights, but will require connecting the phone to a computer.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times).
2. Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and install ADB drivers (for example, via Android SDK).
4. Open the command prompt (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) and type:

adb devices

(Your device should show up. If not, check the drivers.)

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

For Mi Browser Global, use the command:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.mi.globalbrowser

⚠️ Attention: After rebooting or resetting, the browser may recover. To avoid this, block its updates in the Play Market and turn off background activity in the battery settings.

adb shell am force-stop com.android.browser

Method 4: Completely delete system files (root only)

If you have root rights (e.g., through Magisk), you can delete Mi Browser permanently by deleting its system files, which is irreversible and can lead to unstable firmware if you delete the associated libraries.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /system/priv-app/MiBrowserGlobal or /system/app/MiBrowser.
3. Remove the entire folder or rename it (for example, in the MiBrowser_bak).
4. Clear the cache to /data/data/com.android.browser.
5. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware, Mi Browser is integrated into SystemUI. Deleting it can lead to a crash of the interface. TWRP Or OrangeFox.

Method 5: Replace Mi Browser with another default browser

If you don’t need to delete Mi Browser, but just want to use another browser (like Chrome or Firefox), assign it to the default app:

1. Install an alternative browser from the Play Market.
2. Open Settings → Applications → Default Applications → Browser.
3. Select the app you want (like Google Chrome).

Now all links will open in the selected browser. To Mi Browser does not interfere, turn off its notifications:

• 🔔 Settings → Notifications → Mi Browser → Shut it down.
• 🔄 Disallow auto-start in Settings → Battery → Battery consumption management.

💡

The default browser designation does not remove the Mi Browser, but makes it invisible in everyday use.

What if the Mi Browser reappears after the update?

After updating MIUI or HyperOS, system applications, including Mi Browser, can recover.

• 📵 Turn off automatic firmware updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔧 Use it. ADB to block the packet (the command below).
• 🛡️ Install the Magisk module to block system applications (e.g. Universal) GMS Doze).

The command to block through ADB:

adb shell pm hide com.android.browser

If the browser still returns, try to roll back to the previous firmware version or use custom software (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi Browser removal