Owners of modern smartphones of the Chinese corporation Xiaomi often face intrusive system software that cannot be removed by standard means. Mi Browser (or Mi Browser) is just such an application preinstalled by default on the shell of MIUI and the new HyperOS. Redmi 12 users notice that this browser not only takes up space, but also actively consumes resources, shows advertising and collects data about browsing history.
Removing system components requires caution, as incorrect actions can lead to unstable operation of the operating system. However, there are several proven ways to get rid of excess software or, at least, completely disable its activity. In this article, we will discuss safe methods of uninstallation via a computer and smartphone, and the risks associated with interfering with Android system processes.
Why users want to get rid of the standard browser
The main reason for the discontent lies in the aggressive monetization policy that the manufacturer implements. Mi Browser often displays news feeds and banner ads even when the device is in standby mode. This not only distracts, but also significantly affects the battery life of the Redmi 12.
In addition, many users are concerned about privacy, telemetry and data collection about visited sites are transferred to the company’s servers to target ads, and replacing the standard browser with a more private counterpart, such as Firefox or Brave, becomes a necessity for those who value their digital security.
⚠️ Warning: Complete removal of system components may disrupt some shell features, such as opening links from other applications. Always have an alternative browser on hand before removing the main browser.
Another factor is performance optimization: On budget models like Redmi 12, every megabyte of RAM counts. Background processes on a heavy browser can slow down the switching between tasks. Freeing those resources often yields tangible performance gains.
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Before any manipulations begin, be sure to back up your data through the Mi Cloud or your computer to avoid losing important information in the event of a system failure.
Preparing for removal of system applications
Before you start taking action, you need to follow a number of preparatory steps, which will ensure the security of your data and the stability of the smartphone during the modification process, first of all, you need to activate the developer mode, hidden by default in the Android settings.
To do this, go to the Settings → About Phone menu and find the MIUI Version (or OS Version) bar. You need to quickly click on this line 7-10 times in a row until a notification appears that the developer mode is activated.
- 🔌 Connect your smartphone to your computer through the original USB-stable-transfer cable.
- 🔍 Put the debugging on. USB Settings menu → Additional settings → For developers.
- 📲 Install the drivers. ADB on your computer, unless installed automatically by Windows.
It is also recommended to charge the Redmi 12 battery to a minimum of 60%.The process of removing system packages can take time, and suddenly turning off the device is critical.
☑️ Pre-deletion check
Method of removing via ADB on a computer
The most reliable and clean way to get rid of the system application is to use the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) toolkit. This method does not require obtaining superuser rights (Root), which retains the warranty on the device. You will need a computer running Windows, macOS or Linux.
First, download the Platform Tools package from the official Android developer site. Unpack the archive into a convenient folder, such as the root of the C drive. Open the command line or terminal in this folder. If your device is properly connected and authorized (on the phone screen you need to confirm debugging), the adb devices command will show the serial number of your Redmi 12.
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browserThis command removes the browser packet for the current user (user 0), effectively hiding it from the system and stopping all related processes. It is important not to confuse the name of the package. For Mi Browser, it can vary depending on the region of the firmware, but most often it is com.android.browser or com.mi.global.browser.
⚠️ Warning: Enter commands in the terminal carefully. An error in the syntax or packet name can result in the removal of critical system components, making the phone unusable.
If you want to return the browser back, for example, in the case of a sale of the device or to eliminate errors, use the command with the install-existing flag. This will restore the remote package to a factory state without the need to flash the entire device.
Use of System App Remover
For those who don't want to mess with the command line and PC connection, there are dedicated uninstallation apps, and one of the most popular and proven tools is System App Remover, but it's worth considering that it often requires extended access rights to work properly.
Once the application is installed and the necessary permissions are granted, it will scan the system and divide all programs into user and system. In the system section, you need to find the Mi Browser. The program interface usually highlights the dangerous components to remove in red, but the standard browser is often marked as safe to remove.
| Name of method | Difficulty | Risks. | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADB (Command Line) | Medium | Low (with care) | 100% |
| Third-party installers | Low. | Medium. | 90% |
| Disconnection in settings | Very low. | Absent. | 50% (hiding only) |
| Getting Root Rights | Tall. | High (loss of warranty) | 100% |
Some of the features of these apps can be blocked without Root rights, in which case the application will offer to use the ADB Mode mode, which works similar to the method with a computer, but is controlled directly from the smartphone screen via a Wi-Fi connection, a convenient trade-off between mobility and functionality.
What to do if the application is not removed?
Alternative: Complete shutdown without removal
If you are unsure of your abilities or are afraid of disrupting the system, the safest option is to force you to shut down.This method does not delete browser files from Redmi 12 memory, but completely prohibits them from running and displaying in the interface.
Go to Settings → Applications → All apps. Find the Mi Browser list. Click on it to open the application information page. Here you are interested in the Disable (or Turn Off) button. The system will warn you of the consequences, after which the icon disappears from the desktop and processes will stop.
- 🛑 The app will stop receiving updates through the GetApp store.
- 🔋 Will disappear background activity and battery consumption.
- 🚫 The browser will not be able to open default links until you select another program.
The downside of this approach is that the application files remain in internal storage, and for devices with a large amount of storage (128 GB or more), this is not critical, but on models with 64 GB each gigabyte counts, but it guarantees the stability of the system.
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Disabling the app is the safest method for beginners, which allows you to return everything as it was at any time, simply by turning the app back on in the settings.
Choosing a worthy replacement for the Mi Browser
After removing a standard browser, the question becomes: how to open links? The market offers many great alternatives that work faster, safer and do not contain advertising.
For privacy-minded users, Brave or DuckDuckGo are ideal, with built-in ad blockers and trackers that make it much faster for mobile pages to load, and consume less CPU power, which is true for Redmi 12.
If you want to sync with your computer, look for Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. They allow you to seamlessly switch between tabs on your phone and PC. Also worth mentioning is Via Browser, an ultra-lightweight browser weighing less than 2 MB, which will be a great replacement for heavy system software.
⚠️ Warning: After installing a new browser, be sure to go to the system settings and install it as the default application. Otherwise, links may open in the wrong application or not respond at all to clicks.