How to permanently remove Yandex Zen from Yandex Browser on Xiaomi phone

Why Yandex Zen is hindering Xiaomi users and how to disable it

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face intrusive integration of Yandex Zen into the standard Yandex Browser. The recommendation tape appears on the home page, distracts from search and slows down content loading, especially when the browser is installed by default in the MIUI firmware and does not allow you to fully remove it.

The problem is compounded by the fact that on some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10/11, POCO X3/X4) Yandex Zen is sewn into system applications and not removed by standard methods. Even after resetting, the browser can restore the recommendation tape. In this article, we will discuss all working methods from simple concealment to complete removal via ADB.

It is important to understand that the methods differ depending on the version of MIUI (12/13/14) and the type of browser (regular or Yandex Browser Turbo).We tested the instructions on the current firmware from 2023-2026, but some steps may require adaptation to your model.

Method 1: Disabling Zen tape through browser settings

The easiest way is to hide recommendations right in the Yandex Browser interface, which is suitable for most users and does not require superuser rights.

1. Open Yandex Browser on your Xiaomi.
2. Slip on the icon "Three dots"** (menu) in the lower right corner.
3. Select the Settings item → Main page.
4. Move the slider Show the Zen tape to the off position.
5. Restart the browser to make the changes effective.

If after these actions the tape is still displayed, check:

• 🔄 Have you upgraded to the latest version (sometimes bugs are fixed in new releases).
• 📱 Is Yandex Browser Lite used, and the settings may vary.
• 🔒 Are there any restrictions on MIUI Change of system applications (relevant to Chinese firmware).

Update Yandex Browser to the latest version|Check the browser model (Turbo/Lite/common)|Make sure you are not active VPN|Reboot your phone after the changes-->

On some versions of MIUI 14, the Home page may be called Appearance or Interface. If you don't find the right section, search by settings (the magnifier icon at the top of the screen).

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If Zen continues to appear after disabling, try clearing the browser cache in the phone settings: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Yandex Browser → Storage → Clear the cache.

Method 2: Remove via MIUI settings (without root)

If the Yandex Browser is preinstalled in Xiaomi firmware, it cannot be removed in the standard way, but it can be disabled or hidden through system settings. This method works on most models (including Redmi 9/10/11, POCO F3/F4, Xiaomi 12/13).

Instructions:

1. Open the phone settings.
2. Go to the Apps → Application management.
3. Find Yandex Browser in the list (use search if necessary).
4. Slip on it and select Disable (if the button is active) or Remove Updates.
5. Confirm the action. The app will disappear from the menu, but it will remain in the system.

Please note:

• 🚫 On some firmware buttons, Disable may be inactive (grey).
• 🔄 After disabling the browser will stop updating through Google Play.
• 📌 If you need to return the browser, go to Settings → Annexes → Turn it off and activate it again.

On models with MIUI for Russia (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) sometimes helps reset browser settings:

Settings → Applications → Yandex Browser → Storage → Resetting settings

Method 3: Use of an alternative launcher

If Yandex Zen is integrated not only into the browser but also into the MIUI launcher (like the widget on the home screen), you can get around this with a third-party launcher. This method doesn't remove Zen completely, but hides it from view.

Recommended launchers for Xiaomi:

• 🌐 Nova Launcher – flexible settings, gesture support.
• 🎨 Lawnchair – a lightweight open source launcher.
• ⚡ Microsoft Launcher - Windows integration (if you use a PC).
• 📱 POCO Launcher – official launcher from Xiaomi without advertising.

How to install and configure:

1. Download the selected launcher from Google Play.
2. When you first start, select it as the default launcher.
3. Remove Yandex Zen widgets from the main screen (long press → Delete).
4. In the launcher settings, disable offers from MIUI (Screen Settings or Home Screen).

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ No need for root rights.
• ✅ You can return the standard launcher at any time.
• ✅ Additional features (dark theme, adaptive icons).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Yandex Zen will remain in the browser (unless you have disabled it separately).
• ❌ Some system widgets MIUI may not work.

Standard. MIUI|Nova Launcher|Lawnchair|POCO Launcher|Other-->

Method 4: Remove via ADB (for advanced users)

If previous methods have failed, you can force Yandex Zen (or the entire browser) to be removed using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a method that requires connecting the phone to a PC and basic command line knowledge.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This may cause a phone malfunction.We recommend you back up your data before starting.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB Debugging on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (Tap 7 times to become a developer) Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging on USB
2. Connect Xiaomi to your PC via USB-cable (select File Transfer Mode).
3. Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
4. Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with ADB and enter: adb devices (should appear the name of your device).
5. Run the command to delete Yandex Browser: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.yandex.browser Or only to disable Zen (if the browser is needed): adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.yandex.browser

Possible errors and solutions:

After you have completed the commands, restart the phone. Yandex Browser (or Zen) must disappear from the system. If you want to return it, use the command:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.yandex.browser

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ADB-The commands are only valid for the current user (--user 0). After resetting the phone to the factory settings, all changes will reset.

Method 5: Flashing to Global MIUI (Radical Method)

On some Xiaomi models (especially the Chinese versions), Yandex Zen is sewn into the firmware level, in which case the only reliable way is to reflash the phone to the global version of MIUI.

⚠️ Warning: Flashing can lead to data loss, warranty cancellation and module problems NFC/4G. Do this only if other methods have not helped.

How to ask:

1. Download the official global firmware for your model from MIUI Downloads.
2. Unpack the.zip file into the root of the phone’s memory.
3. Open the Update app on your phone.
4. Slap the icon. ⋮ → Select a firmware file.
5. Select the downloaded file and confirm the installation.

What does the flashing give you?

• 🌍 Removal of Chinese services (including Yandex Zen).
• 📱 Google Services (if not supported).
• 🔄 Regular security updates.

Risks:

• ⚠️ Possible breeck (turning the phone into a brick) in case of an error.
• ⚠️ Data loss (backup via Mi Cloud or TWRP).
• ⚠️ Violation of warranty obligations (if the phone is on warranty).

If you have never flashed your phone, it is best to contact a service center or use safer methods (such as ADB).

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods fail, radical measures remain:

1. Installing custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) will completely remove all pre-installed apps, but will require unlocking the bootloader and may deprive you of some MIUI features.
2. Using root rights to force the removal of system applications through Magisk or Titanium Backup is a risky method, as it can disrupt the stability of the system.
3. In rare cases, they can help disable unnecessary services through service teams (relevant to warranty phones).

Before you go to extreme measures, ask yourself questions:

• 🤔 How much does Yandex Zen interfere with? Maybe it's enough just to ignore it.
• 📱 Are there alternative browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Kiwi) that will completely replace Yandex Browser?
• 🔧 Are you prepared for the possible consequences (data loss, resetting settings)?

For example, on Xiaomi 13 Pro, users successfully got rid of Zen by installing Bromite, a browser with a lock tracker that automatically hides unnecessary widgets.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing Yandex Zen on Xiaomi