Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S often face the problem of preinstalled browser Mi Browser — it not only takes up space in memory, but also actively sends out ads, collects user data and slows down the system. Despite the fact that the application is system, it can be removed — in whole or in part. In this article, we will discuss all the working methods from simple disconnection to deep cleaning through ADB, including nuances for a particular model Redmi Note 10S (codename rosemary).
It is important to understand: Mi Browser is integrated into firmware MIUI At the system level, you can't get standard removal through the application menu, but there are workarounds, from hiding the icon to physically removing it. APK-We tested all the ways on the Redmi Note. 10S versioned MIUI 12.5-14 and are ready to provide clear instructions for the features of this model. If you are tired of intrusive browser notifications or want to free up up to 200-300 MB of memory, this article is for you.
Why can't Mi Browser be removed in the standard way?
Mi Browser is a system service in MIUI, which means that it:
- 🔹 Established in section /system/priv-app, which is protected from changes without superuser rights (root).
- 🔹 It is linked to other components MIUI, For example, the synchronization service Mi Account.
- 🔹 Updated via Google Play (if global version is installed) or through system updates.
- 🔹 Can automatically recover after resetting settings or updating firmware.
On the Redmi Note 10S, the situation is complicated by the fact that the model comes with a MIUI based on Android 11/12, where the protection of system files is strengthened. Attempting to remove the browser through the standard interface leads to the message: "You can not delete this application." Even if you hide the icon through the launcher, the process of com.android.browser continues to work in the background, consuming resources.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI For the Redmi Note 10S The browser can be linked to the Mi Push service (responsible for notifications), its deletion can cause malfunctions in other Xiaomi applications, such as Mi Home or Mi Fit.
Method 1: Disable Mi Browser without removal (the safest)
If you don't have to get rid of your browser completely, but you just have to stop it and hide the icon, this method is best suited. It doesn't require root rights and doesn't affect the stability of the system.
Instructions for the Redmi Note 10S:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- In the search bar, type Mi Browser (or Browser on Russian firmware).
- Slip on the app and select Disable (if the button is inactive, click Stop first).
- Confirm the action in the dialog window.
After the shutdown:
- 📱 The browser icon will disappear from the main screen and from the application menu.
- 🚫 The application will not be launched automatically (for example, when you open links).
- 🔄 Browser updates via Google Play will stop.
⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI 13/14 After disabling the browser, links from other applications (for example, from Telegram or WhatsApp) may stop opening.In this case, install an alternative browser (for example, Chrome) and assign it to the default browser in Settings. → Annexes → Default applications.
☑️ Preparing for Mi Browser shutdown
Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root rights)
For those who want to completely remove the Mi Browser from the Redmi Note 10S, but are not ready to get root, the method is suitable through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which works on all versions of MIUI and does not require unlocking the bootloader.
What you need:
- 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
- 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
Step-by-step:
- Connect the Redmi Note 10S to your computer and confirm debugging access on your phone.
- Open the command prompt (cmd) in the ADB folder and execute the command: adb devices Make sure the device is identified (serial number should appear).
- Enter the command to delete the browser: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser For the global version of MIUI, an additional command may be required: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.mi.globalbrowser
- Reboot the phone.
Result:
- ✅ The browser will be completely deleted for the current user (without affecting system files).
- ⚠️ After resetting settings or updating MIUI browser can be restored.
- 🔧 If the command doesn’t work, try an alternative package: adb shell pm uninstall. --user 0 com.miui.browser.global
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
Method 3: Complete removal with root rights (for experienced)
If you’re ready to get root rights to the Redmi Note 10S, you can delete the Mi Browser at the system file level, which ensures that the browser doesn’t recover from the updates, but requires unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk.
Pre-launch warnings:
- 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader will reset all data on the phone.
- 🛡️ Root rights may disrupt some features (e.g. Google Pay or banking apps).
- ⚠️ The warranty on the device will be cancelled.
Instructions:
- Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool (the official utility from Xiaomi).
- Install custom recovery (TWRP) for Redmi Note 10S (codename rosemary).
- Please use Magisk to obtain root rights.
- Use a root-enabled file manager (e.g., Root Explorer) and delete the following files: /system/priv-app/Browser/Browser.apk /system/priv-app/GlobalBrowser/GlobalBrowser.apk (for global firmware) /data/app/com.android.browser-* (residual files)
/data/dalvik-cache
browser
Reboot the phone.
After complete removal:
- 🧹 The browser will disappear from the system forever (even after updates).
- 📉 Free up to 300 MB of memory.
- ⚙️ Some system functions (for example, opening links from the MIUI-applications may not work correctly - manual adjustments will be required.
💡
Before you get root rights, make a full backup through TWRP, which will allow you to restore the system if something goes wrong, and it is especially important to keep the EFS (IMEI and serial numbers) partition.
Comparison of Mi Browser removal methods
| Method | Difficulty | Root is required. | Restored after update | Place vacated | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shutdown | ⭐ (simple) | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ~50MB | Minimum (reference opening may not work) |
| ADB | ⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ~150MB | Medium (requires debugging over USB) |
| Root + Delete files | ⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ~300MB | High (risk of bricking, loss of warranty) |
What to do if the browser is restored after the update?
After the MIUI update on the Redmi Note 10S, the Mi Browser may reappear, because system applications are restored from the firmware image.
- 🔄 Repeat the removal through ADB (if the method was used).
- 📵 Turn off automatic updates of system applications in Settings → Annexes → Application management → ⋮ → Auto-update of system applications.
- 🛡️ Install the Magisk Universal SafetyNet Fix module if your browser has recovered due to system integrity checks.
- 🔧 For root users: add to the file /system/build.prop line: ro.miui.has_browser=False This will prevent you from installing your browser on the next updates.
If the browser has recovered from resetting, the only reliable way is to repeat the deletion procedure or use custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), where Mi Browser is absent initially.
💡
The most reliable way to prevent the return of the browser is to disable the update of system applications and use it. ADB-Team after each major update MIUI.
Alternative browsers for Redmi Note 10S
After removing the Mi Browser, it is recommended to install an alternative.The best options for the Redmi Note 10S are:
- 🌐 Google Chrome is stable but resource-intensive.
- 🦊 Mozilla Firefox – Supports extensions, good for privacy.
- 🛡️ Brave – Blocks Ads and Trackers by Default.
- ⚡ Kiwi Browser is lightweight, with support for Chrome extensions.
- 🔍 DuckDuckGo – maximum privacy, minimalist interface.
To assign a new browser by default:
- Open Settings → Applications → Default Applications → Browser.
- Select the installed browser from the list.
- Confirm your choice.
If links still open in Mi Browser (even after it is removed), clear the default app settings:
- Go to Settings. → Annexes → ⋮ → Resetting application settings.
- Confirm the reset.
- Assign the default browser again.