How to Remove a Browser on a Xiaomi Phone: The Complete Guide 2026

Why Xiaomi’s standard browser might get in the way – and what to do about it

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a problem: the pre-installed Mi Browser or Google Chrome browser takes up space in memory, shows annoying advertising or simply does not suit the functionality. But it is not so easy to remove it - the manufacturer blocks the complete removal of system applications. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways: from disabling to deep removal using ADB, and also tell you what browsers can be installed instead of standard ones.

It is important to understand: on Xiaomi (especially on shell models) MIUI 14/15) The browser can be integrated into the system as system software, which means that simply clicking “Delete” in the application menu will only work for updates or third-party browsers. ADB — But everything in order.

If you are not ready for technical manipulation, there are simpler solutions: disable the browser through settings or install an alternative (for example, Firefox or Brave).

Method 1: Disable the browser without deletion (for beginners)

The safest method is to disable the browser so it doesn't show up in the menu and waste resources.This won't delete the application files, but will make it invisible to the system. Suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Mi 11.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 In the search bar, type the browser name (such as Mi Browser or Chrome).
• ⚙️ Click on the app. → Select Disable (if the button is inactive, then the browser is system – read more).
• ✅ Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

Once disabled, the browser icon will disappear from the home screen and the background processes will no longer start, but the cache and application data will remain — they can be manually cleared in the same menu.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI Disabling system applications can cause Quick Ball or widgets to fail. If you notice bugs, turn your browser back on.

Method 2: Remove browser updates (free up space)

If the browser is not deleted, but takes up a lot of space, the problem may be the updates. System software can not be erased, but you can return it to the factory version by removing all updates, which will free up to 100-300 MB of memory.

How to do this:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select a browser (such as Chrome or Mi Browser).
3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Remove updates.
4. Confirm the action.

After that, the browser will return to the original version, but will remain in the system, so that it does not update automatically:

• 🛡️ Open Google Play → Settings → Auto-update of applications.
• 📴 Choose Do Not Update Automatically or add a browser in exceptions.

Method 3: Completely delete your browser via ADB (for advanced)

If you’re ready for technical manipulation, ADB (Android Debug Bridge) will allow you to remove the browser without root permissions.This method works for all Xiaomi, but requires a connection to a computer.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📥 Google's Platform Tools utility.
• ⚙️ Included Debugging by USB phone-on.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode on Xiaomi: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times)
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in the device.
4. Open the command line (or Terminal) in the Platform Tools folder and type in: adb devices (the name of your device should appear).
5. Run the command to delete the browser (example for Mi Browser): adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser For Chrome use: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.chrome

If the command is executed without errors, the browser will be deleted for the current user (without root).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI Removal of system applications through ADB This can lead to an error android.process.media. In this case, only resetting to factory settings will help.

Method 4: Remove the browser with root rights (expert level)

If you have root access (for example, through Magisk), you can delete the browser completely, including system files. It is an irreversible process - you can restore the application only through firmware.

Instructions for Root Explorer or Total Commander:

1. Open a file manager with root access.
2. Go to /system/app/ or /system/priv-app/.
3. Find folders with names: Browser (for Mi Browser), Chrome (for Google Chrome).

Browser_bak

Reboot the phone.

The following is the case with Terminal Emulator:

su


mount -o rw,remount /system




rm -rf /system/app/Browser




rm -rf /system/priv-app/Chrome




reboot

⚠️ Attention: Removal of system APK-Files can disrupt the work MIUI, especially if the browser is linked to other services (e.g. Mi Account) make a backup copy through the TWRP.

Table: Comparison of browser removal methods on Xiaomi

What browsers to put instead of the standard: TOP-5 alternatives

If you delete or disable a standard browser, you will need an alternative. Here are the best options for Xiaomi in 2026:

• 🦊 Mozilla Firefox – open source, support for extensions, synchronization between devices.
• 🛡️ Brave – blocks ads and trackers by default, fast work.
• 🌐 Kiwi Browser – Chromium-based, supports extensions from Chrome Web Store.
• 🚀 Vivaldi - customizable interface, built-in ad blocker.
• 🔒 DuckDuckGo – Focus on privacy, minimalist design.

To establish any of them:

1. Open the Play Market.
2. Enter the browser name in the search.
3. Click Set and wait until it is completed.
4. Launch your browser and set it up as the main one in Settings → Applications → Default Apps.

If you prefer Chinese browsers (like QQ Browser or UC Browser), note that they can collect more user data.

💡

Before installing a new browser, export your bookmarks from the old one via the Export/Import menu (usually in the settings). Most browsers support the HTML format for data transfer.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you delete your browser on Xiaomi, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

• 🔄 The browser appears again after the update MIUI → Turn off auto-update system applications in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Settings (⚙️) → Auto-update of applications.
• 🚫 ADB Issuing a mistake: Filed" → Check if the debugging is included USB and whether the application package is correctly entered (e.g. com.android.browser for Mi Browser).
• 📱 The phone has stopped opening links → Assign a new browser to the default application in the settings.
• ⚠️ After root removal, the phone does not start. → Restore deleted files through TWRP or re-flash the device.

If none of the methods worked, it is possible that your Xiaomi model has protection against modifications (for example, Redmi with a blocked bootloader), in this case, you just need to turn off the browser or use MIUI Optimized - custom firmware without unnecessary applications.

💡

Before any manipulation of system applications, back up your data through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset or Mi Cloud. This will prevent you from losing important information when crashes.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions