Xiaomi Redmi 8 owners often face the problem of pre-installed browser Mi Browser — it not only takes up space in memory, but also actively consumes battery power in the background. Despite the fact that Redmi 8 was released in 2019, its MIUI firmware still contains this application, which can not be removed by standard means. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods — from temporary shutdown to complete deletion of system files, including methods without superuser rights.
The peculiarity of Redmi 8 (codenamed olive) is that its firmware is based on Android 10 with a MIUI 11/12 shell, where the Mi Browser is integrated at the system level. This means that simply clicking "Delete" in the application menu will not work. However, there are workarounds - from using ADB to modifying the firmware. It is important to understand that some methods require caution: wrong actions with system files can lead to a "brick" of the device (complete failure).
Why is Mi Browser so hard to remove?
The Mi Browser app in Xiaomi Redmi 8 belongs to the category of system apps – system applications that:
- 🔹 Built into firmware MIUI and stored in a section /system, record-proof;
- 🔹 They have higher privileges than regular user programs;
- 🔹 Often linked to other Xiaomi services (e.g., bookmark sync via Mi Account).
In addition, Mi Browser acts as a backup browser for opening links from other applications (for example, from Mi Video or Mi Community), its removal can lead to errors when clicking on links, if the alternative browser is not configured by default, and it is worth considering that in some regional firmware (for example, for India), the browser contains additional services, which makes it difficult to uninstall it.
Method 1: Disable Mi Browser without removing
If you don't have to completely erase your browser, you just have to stop it, you can use Android's built-in tools. This method doesn't require superuser rights and is safe for the system:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management;
- In the search bar, enter Mi Browser (or “Browser” in Russian);
- Click on the application, then select Disable;
- Confirm the action in the dialog window.
After the shutdown:
- 📉 The app will disappear from the menu and stop using resources;
- 🔄 Updates will no longer be installed for it;
- ⚠️ However, browser files will remain in memory (about 150-200 MB).
⚠️ Note: In some versions MIUI After disabling the browser can be activated again after the system update.
Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root)
A more radical method is to remove the com.android.browser package (or com.mi.globalbrowser in global firmware) using Android Debug Bridge (ADB). It does not require root rights, but it does require a computer and USB-cable.
Steps:
- Activate Developer Mode on Redmi 8: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times)
- Enable USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For Developers;
- Connect your phone to your PC, install it. ADB-Drivers and open the command line;
- Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices (should display the serial number of the device);
- Delete the browser by command: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser (for global firmware use com.mi.globalbrowser).
☑️ Preparation for removal through ADB
If the command is successful, the browser will be deleted only for the current user (without affecting system files).
- ✅ The app will disappear from the menu and stop updating;
- ✅ Released. ~200 MB of memory;
- ⚠️ After resetting the phone to factory settings, the browser will return.
⚠️ Note: Some Redmi 8 firmware (especially Chinese) may have a different name for the browser package. To find out the exact name, use the command: adb shell pm list packages | grep browser
Method 3: Removal by root rights
If your Redmi 8 has Magisk or another root rights manager installed, you can delete the browser completely, including its system files, and any root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer) will do this.
Instructions:
- Open the file manager and give it root access.
- Go to /system/priv-app/MiBrowser (or /system/app/MiBrowser)
- Remove the entire folder or rename it (for example, in the MiBrowser_bak);
- Reboot the phone.
Advantages of this method:
- 🧹 The browser will be deleted forever, even after resetting;
- 📁 Free up to 300 MB of memory;
- ⚙️ All related services will disappear (for example, bookmark synchronization).
| Deleting method | Root is required. | Freed memory | Recovered after discharge | Risk to the system |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disconnection in settings | ❌ No. | ~0 MB (files remain) | ❌ No. | ⚠️ Low. |
| ADB (--user 0) | ❌ No. | ~200MB | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Medium. |
| Deletion of system files | ✅ Yes. | ~300MB | ❌ No. | ⚠️⚠️⚠️ High-pitched |
| Debloat scripts (e.g. Universal Debloater) | ✅ Yes. | ~300MB+ Other applications | ❌ No. | ⚠️⚠️ High-pitched |
💡
Before deleting system files, back up /system/priv-app/MiBrowser in case you need to restore your browser.
Method 4: Using Debloat Scripts
For advanced users, there are special scripts that automatically remove unnecessary system applications, including Mi Browser. One of the most popular tools is Universal Android Debloater (UAD), which works through ADB and allows you to selectively uninstall packets.
How to use:
- Download Universal Android Debloater
- Connect Redmi 8 to your PC and activate ADB.
- Run the script and select com.android.browser in the list;
- Press Uninstall and confirm the action.
Advantages of UAD:
- 🔍 Shows a complete list of system applications with a description;
- 🛡️ Allows you to backup copies before deletion;
- 🔄 Supports Recovery of Remote Packets.
⚠️ Note: Debloat scripts can remove critical components MIUI, If you choose the wrong packages, always check the description before uninstallation!
Method 5: Flashing with a remote browser
The most radical, but also the most reliable way is to install custom firmware, which Mi Browser is missing from the beginning.
- 📱 LineageOS (Pure Android without a free Android) MIUI);
- 📱 Pixel Experience (with Google Pixel interface);
- 📱 Havoc-OS (with extensive customization capabilities).
Installation process:
- Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool;
- Install custom recovery (TWRP)
- Download the firmware and download it through TWRP;
- Run Wipe Dalvik/Cache and restart.
Advantages:
- 🚀 Total absence MIUI-bloke;
- 🆕 Regular security updates;
- 🔧 Ability to fine-tune the system.
What happens if you remove the Mi Browser without an alternative?
What to do if the browser returned after the update?
After the MIUI update via OTA, the Mi Browser may reappear, because the firmware restores system applications, to prevent this from happening:
- Before updating, turn off the automatic installation of applications: Settings → Annexes → Application management → ⚙️ → Auto-update applications (disable)
- Use ADB to lock the package: adb shell pm hide com.android.browser (requires Magisk or similar module);
- Install a Magisk module called Universal Debloater that prevents remote applications from being restored.
If the browser has already returned, repeat the deletion procedure by the previously selected method.
💡
The most reliable way to prevent the Mi Browser from returning is to use custom firmware or the Magisk module to lock system packages.