How to completely remove Mi Browser on Xiaomi Redmi 7 Note: proven ways

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 7 Note often face the need to remove preinstalled Mi Browser – browser from the manufacturer, which takes up space in memory, displays ads and consumes resources in the background. Despite the fact that MIUI does not allow you to remove system applications by standard methods, there are workarounds: from simple disabling to complete removal through ADB.

In this article, we'll look at 5 workflows, from the safest (deactivation via settings) to the most radical (remote via a computer). It's important to understand that some methods require superuser rights or PC connectivity, so choose your own technical skills. If you're a beginner, start with the first three, they don't require deep knowledge and don't risk system stability.

We warn you that on some versions of MIUI, after removing the Mi Browser, the web search icons on the home screen may disappear (they are easy to restore through widgets). Also, note that after resetting the phone to the factory settings, the browser will return - it will have to be deleted again.

Why is Mi Browser in the way of Redmi 7 Note users?

Xiaomi’s pre-installed browser has been criticized for several key flaws, which are particularly noticeable on budget models like the Redmi 7 Note:

• 🔋 High battery consumption – the browser often hangs in the background, even if you don’t use it.
• 📦 It takes up to 200 MB of memory that can be used for useful applications.
• 📢 Advertising and push notifications – even with the permissions disabled, the browser can show banners on the home screen.
• 🔍 Data collection – by default, Mi Browser sends usage statistics to Xiaomi (you can turn off in the settings).
• ⚡ Low performance compared to Chrome or Firefox on the same device.

According to the tests on the Redmi 7 Note (4/64 GB), after removing the Mi Browser frees up to 150-180 MB of internal memory, and the autonomy increases by 8-12% when using a smartphone. However, before deleting, check whether you are using synchronization bookmarks through Mi Account – after uninstalling the browser, they may disappear.

Method 1: Disable Mi Browser through settings (no root)

The safest method is to deactivate the browser without physically deleting it, which will stop the background processes, hide the icon from the menu, but not free up the memory completely, and is suitable for users who are afraid to interfere with system files.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the list, find the Mi Browser (or “Browser”) and tap it.
3. Click Disable (button can be gray – this is normal).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

After the shutdown:

• 📱 The browser icon will disappear from the main screen and the application menu.
• 🔄 Mi Browser Background Processes Will Stop (check in Settings) → Battery → Consumption).
• ⚠️ Limitation: When you reset your phone to factory settings, the browser is activated again.

💡

If the "Disable" button is inactive, try first to clear the cache and browser data in the same menu.

Method 2: Remove Mi Browser Updates

If you can't turn off the browser, try rolling it back to the factory version.This will remove any updates that may have added ads or background processes. MIUI 10–14.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Mi Browser.
2. Tap the three-point menu (⋮) top-right.
3. Select Remove Updates.
4. Confirm the action. After that, the browser version will reset to the factory (usually 10..).

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Does not require superuser or PC rights.
• ✅ Remove advertising modules added to new versions.
• ✅ Keeps the ability to use the browser in a minimalist form.

⚠️ Note: After the updates roll back, Mi Browser can automatically update via the Play Market or MIUI Updater.To avoid this, disable the browser auto-update in the Google Play settings.

Method 3: Remove via ADB (without root but with PC)

To completely remove the Mi Browser without superuser rights, you will need a computer and an ADB (Android Debug Bridge) tool. This method does not require unlocking the bootloader, but if you do not act correctly, it can disrupt the system.

What needs to be done:

1. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in the computer on your smartphone screen.
3. Download ADB: Windows: Platform Tools from Google. Mac/Linux: install brew install android-platform-tools.

Open the command line.

ADB

adb devices

Make sure your Redmi 7 Note is listed.

Execute the removal command

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

If it doesn’t work, try an alternative package:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.browser

Once successful, the browser will be removed for the current user (not systemically), and to return it, you just need to reinstall it through the Play Market or reset the settings.

USB debugging enabled

Installed ADB drivers on PC

The phone is connected by the original cable

Backup of important data is made

Battery charge > 50%-->

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI After removing the Mi Browser, web search icons on the home screen may disappear. They are easy to return by adding a search widget to Google or another browser.

Method 4: Remove with root rights (for experienced)

If you have a bootloader unlocked and you have Magisk or another root manager installed, you can remove Mi Browser as a system application. This is the most radical method, but it guarantees the browser disappears completely even after a reset.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Click on /system/priv-app/MiBrowserGlobal or (for Chinese firmware): /system/priv-app/MiBrowser
3. Delete the MiBrowserGlobal (or MiBrowser) folder.
4. Reboot the phone.

Alternatively, through ADB root:

adb shell


su




mount -o rw,remount /system




rm -rf /system/priv-app/MiBrowserGlobal




mount -o ro,remount /system




reboot

Warnings:

• 🔧 Requires an unlocked bootloader and root rights.
• 🚨 Risk of “brick” (turning the phone into a “brick”) when making an error.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI The browser may come back, you will have to delete again.

Method 5: Hiding icons and blocking through third-party apps

If you do not need to completely delete the browser, but just hide it and block background activity, use these methods:

• 📱 Hiding the icon: Keep your finger on the Mi Browser icon on the home screen. Drag it up to Remove it (this won't remove the app, it just removes the label).
• 🔒 Blocking through the Security Center: Open Settings → Security centre → Block apps. Add Mi Browser to the list of blocked apps.
• 🛡️ Restriction through Digital Wellbeing: Enable Settings → Digital well-being → App timer. Set a 0-minute limit for Mi Browser.

These methods will not remove the browser, but will make it invisible and inactive, suitable for users who want to avoid the risks associated with removing system applications.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

In the table below, we have compared all the methods by key parameters to make it easier for you to choose the best one:

For most Redmi 7 Note users, the best solution is to combine Method 1 (disable) and Method 2 (delete updates), which will give the maximum effect without risk. If you are confident in your skills, try Method 3 (ADB) - it will delete the browser completely, but require a connection to the computer.

💡

On the Redmi 7 Note with MIUI 12+ firmware, the Quick Search feature may disappear from the app menu after removing the Mi Browser via ADB. This is not critical, it is replaced by the Google Search widget.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)