How to remove the built-in browser with Xiaomi Redmi 8: 5 working ways

Why Standard Methods Don’t Work and What to Do

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 8 often face a problem: the built-in Mi Browser or Google Chrome browser can not be removed in the standard way - the “Delete” button is simply not in the app menu. This is not a coincidence: the manufacturer blocks the removal of system applications to keep the MIUI stable. But what if the browser slows down, shows annoying ads or simply does not need?

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways, from simple shutdown to complete removal through the engineering menu and ADB. It is important to understand that some methods require superuser rights (root) or can affect the warranty.

If you are unsure of your skills, start with the safest ways (sections 1–2). For power users, methods using ADB or TWRP (sections 4–5) will be suitable.

Method 1: Disable the browser without deleting (without root)

The safest method is not to delete the browser completely, but to turn it off, which hides the application from the menu, stops background processes and saves battery power, minus: the application itself will remain in the memory of the phone, taking up space.

How to do this:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 In the search bar, type the browser name (for example, Mi Browser or Chrome).
• 🚫 Click on the app. → Disable (if the button is inactive, first click Stop).
• ✅ Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

Once disabled, the browser icon will disappear from the home screen and the app will stop updating through Google Play. However, some system functions (such as opening links from other applications) can be redirected to another installed browser.

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If links do not open after disabling the browser, install an alternative browser (such as Firefox or Opera) and assign it to the default browser in the application settings.

Method 2: Remove browser updates (free up space)

Many users are unaware that even system applications (such as Mi Browser) can take up space due to updates downloaded through Google Play, which can be removed by returning the app to the factory version.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the browser in the list and open its page.
3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Remove updates.
4. Confirm the action.

This method does not remove the application itself, but reduces the space it occupies from ~100-200 MB to ~20-50 MB. After removing the updates, the browser will return to the version preinstalled in MIUI and will stop automatically updating.

Method 3: Remove from “Developer Settings” (without root)

If you don't like disabling your browser, you can try removing it through the developer menu, which doesn't work on all MIUI firmware, but sometimes allows you to uninstall system applications without root.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on the MIUI Version until the “You’re a Developer” notification appears.

Settings → Additional → For Developers

Removal of system applications

Select the browser from the list and confirm the deletion.

⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications may cause malfunctions MIUI. For example, after deleting Mi Browser, links from system notifications may stop opening!

Make a backup copy of important data|Check for an alternative browser|Record current network settings (Wi-Fi, VPN)|Make sure the battery is charged >50%-->

Method 4: Complete removal via ADB (for power users)

If previous methods have failed, you can delete the browser using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting the phone to your computer and basic command line knowledge, but does not need root rights.

What you need:

• 💻 A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB (download).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to your computer and allow debugging over USB.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Remove the browser by command (replace package.name with the real name of the package): adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser For Mi Browser use: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browser For Google Chrome: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.chrome

Important: Deleting through ADB does not erase the app completely, but only hides it for the current user. After resetting, the browser may appear again.

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Deletion via ADB is the safest method among the “advanced” methods, as it does not affect system files and does not require root rights.

Method 5: Removal using TWRP (root required)

If you're willing to take drastic measures and you have customized TWRP recaps installed, you can delete the browser completely, including all its files, which is irreversible and can lead to unstable system operation if you remove critical components.

What needs to be done:

1. Install TWRP on your Redmi 8 (instructions are available on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums).
2. Download the file manager for TWRP (e.g. Aroma File Manager).
3. Load the phone in TWRP mode (clip Power + Volume up).
4. Go to /system/app or /system/priv-app and find folders with the browser: For Mi Browser: MiuiBrowser or Browser. For Chrome: Chrome.

Delete the folders and restart the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrectly deleting system files can cause the phone to "break" (break down).If Redmi 8 does not turn on after deleting, you will need to flash through Fastboot.

What to do if the browser appears again after the update

Many users find that after updating MIUI, remote browsers return, which is because system applications are restored when you install a new firmware.

• 🔄 Turn off auto-update MIUI in settings (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Settings → Auto-update).
• 📵 Use the update blocker (e.g., the Disable Service app to disable the update service).
• 🛠️ Install custom firmware (like LineageOS) where there are no built-in Xiaomi browsers.

If the browser is still back, repeat the deletion process in the previously selected way.

Comparison of browser removal methods with Xiaomi Redmi 8

FAQ: Frequent questions about browser removal