How to permanently remove MI Browser with Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: from shutdown to complete erasure

Owners of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 often face the need to free up space on the device or get rid of unnecessary pre-installed applications. One of the most “intrusive” system components is the MI Browser, which not only takes up memory, but also periodically opens spontaneously. Despite the fact that this is a standard browser from Xiaomi, many users prefer alternatives like Google Chrome or Firefox.

The problem is that the manufacturer does not provide an easy way to remove MI Browser through standard settings, and even after resetting to factory settings or updating the firmware, the browser returns back. In this article, we will discuss three working methods: from temporary shutdown to complete removal with ADB and ROOT rights.

Why MI Browser is difficult to remove: technical limitations

MI Browser is a system application on the Redmi Note 9 that is protected from removal for several reasons:

• 🔒 Integration with MIUI. The browser is closely linked to Xiaomi’s shell, and deleting it may disrupt some features (e.g., opening links from messages).
• 📦 Package in section /system. Application files are stored in a protected area of memory that is not available without special rights.
• 🔄 Auto-recovery. MIUI periodically checks the integrity of system applications and restores remote.

Even if you manage to erase it. APK-The browser file, when it's rebooted or updated, can reappear again, and this is due to the Odex optimization mechanism that Android uses to speed up system applications. MIUI 12 and newer MI Browser is protected by an additional signature verification layer, making it harder to delete without a signature being verified. ROOT.

⚠️ Note: Removal of system applications may lead to unstable device operation, errors during updates MIUI Or even a smartphone brick, or a smartphone that is completely inoperable, and before any manipulation, back up your data and make sure you have access to recovery tools (such as the Mi Flash Tool).

Method 1: Disable MI Browser without removal (no ROOT)

If you don't need radical measures, you can just turn off the browser so it doesn't interfere with your work, which is a very knowledge-free method that's suitable for most users:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the list, find MI Browser (or "Browser" on Russian firmware).
3. Click Disable and confirm the action.

After that:

• 🚫 Browser icon will disappear from the application menu.
• 🔗 Links will still open in your default browser of choice.
• 📥 Updates for MI Browser will stop downloading.

But there are nuances:

• ⚠️ When resetting settings or updating MIUI browser is activated again.
• ⚠️ Some functions (for example, opening) PDF from the file manager, can be redirected to MI Browser.

Method 2: Remove MI Browser via ADB (without ROOT but with PC)

A more radical method is deleting via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), an official tool from Google that allows you to manage system files without superuser rights.

• 💻 A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB Redmi Note 9 (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to unlock the developer menu, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
2. Connect Redmi Note 9 to the PC and allow debugging (a request will appear on the smartphone screen).
3. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
5. Run the deletion command: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser If it doesn't work, try the alternative package: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.browser

What this method does:

• ✅ The browser will be deleted for the current user (without affecting system files).
• ✅ No need to re-flash or ROOT.
• ✅ After updating MIUI The browser will not automatically recover.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware Xiaomi blocks commands ADB to remove system applications. If you get an error DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR, So your version MIUI It's protected from these changes, and that's where the only way to do this is to ROOT.

Method 3: Completely remove MI Browser with ROOT rights

If you're prepared for radical measures and you have superuser rights (ROOT), you can delete MI Browser permanently, which is suitable for power users, because it requires:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader on Redmi Note 9.
• 📱 Established custom recaveri (TWRP).
• 🛠️ Utility for working with system files (for example, Root Explorer or Titanium Backup).

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install a file manager with ROOT support (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Go to /system/priv-app/MiuiBrowser or /system/app/Browser (the path may vary depending on the version of MIUI).
3. Delete the entire folder or only files with the.apk and.odex extensions.
4. Clear the cache and data through Settings → Applications → MI Browser (if the item is still available).
5. Reset the device.

Advantages of the method:

• 🧹 The browser will be deleted forever, even after resetting the settings.
• 📉 Free up to 50-100 MB of memory in the system partition.
• 🔧 You can also remove other unnecessary system applications (e.g. Mi Music or Mi Video).

Risks:

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Before deleting system files, back up /system via TWRP to help restore functionality if something goes wrong.

How to replace MI Browser: the best alternatives to the Redmi Note 9

If you delete or disconnect MI Browser, you have to install a reliable analog.-5 Browsers optimized for Xiaomi:

For the Redmi Note 9 with 4/64 GB or 4/128 GB of memory, the best choice is Kiwi Browser or Opera Mini – they take up little space and do not overload the system. If you want to sync with other devices, you should opt for Chrome or Firefox.

How to get back MI Browser if something goes wrong

If you have problems after removing the browser (for example, links do not open or errors in MIUI), it can be restored.

• 🔄 Reset. Return all system applications, but delete user data. → The phone. → Resetting settings.
• 📥 Hand-mounted APK. Download the original MI Browser APK for your version MIUI forum-wise XDA Developers or 4PDA and set through TWRP.
• 🔧 Install the stock firmware via the Mi Flash Tool (instructions are available on the official Xiaomi website).

If you have deleted the browser through ADB, it can be returned by command:

adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.browser

⚠️ Attention: After recovery MI Browser can automatically update to the latest version via Google Play, which will take up the memory again. To avoid this, disable auto-update for the application in the Play Store settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about MI Browser removal

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If you are unsure of your skills, start by disabling your browser (Method 1). deleting via ADB or ROOT requires experience and can lead to unstable device operation.