How to completely remove Xiaomi browser from your phone: system and hidden methods

The built-in Mi Browser browser on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often irritates users: it takes up space in memory, displays ads, collects data and is not always easy to use. Despite the fact that the manufacturer does not provide a standard option for completely removing this application, there are workarounds – from simple disconnection to deep removal via ADB or root access.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways, including the nuances for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14) and smartphone models. Importantly, some methods require technical skills, and the wrong actions can lead to system failures. If you are not sure, use safe alternatives (for example, a simple shutdown).

Why you can’t remove Mi Browser in standard ways

Mi Browser is one of the Xiaomi system applications that are protected from removal for several reasons:

  • 🔹 Integration with MIUI: The browser is linked to other services (e.g. Mi Account, Quick Apps) and its deletion may disrupt the system.
  • 🔹 License Agreements: Xiaomi will provide the browser as part of the firmware for certain regions (e.g. India and China).
  • 🔹 Security: System applications are protected from changes to prevent device hacking through vulnerabilities.

Even if you find the "Delete" option in the app menu, it will be unavailable (shadowed) instead, the system will only suggest disabling or uninstall updates, but there are workarounds - about them below.

⚠️ Warning: Deleting system applications without root rights can cause a cyclical bootloop or Google Play Services crash!

Method 1: Disable the browser through settings (without root)

The safest method is to disable the browser, not delete it, which hides the app from the menu, stops background processes and prevents automatic updates.

  1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
  2. In the list, find the Browser (or Mi Browser).
  3. Click Disable and confirm the action.
  4. (Optional) Return to the app menu and click Remove Updates to reset it to the factory version.

Once disabled, the browser will disappear from the main menu, but will remain in the system, it will be able to activate again through the same settings, this method does not free up space on the disk, but stops all the processes of the application.

Install an alternative browser (Chrome, Firefox)

Check the default settings (so that links open in the new browser)

Clear cache and data of the disabled Mi Browser

Reboot your phone to apply changes-->

Method 2: Remove updates and reset to factory version

If the browser was updated through Google Play or MIUI Updater, it can be returned to the original version, which reduces the space occupied and eliminates unnecessary functions.

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Browser → Storage.
  2. Click Clear Data and Clear Cache.
  3. Go back and select Remove Updates.

After that, the browser will return to the version that was installed when you first turned on the phone, which usually weighs 2-3 times less than the updated one (for example, 30 MB instead of 90 MB). However, an automatic update can download the new version again - to avoid this, turn off the auto-update for Mi Browser in Google Play.

💡

If the "Remove Updates" option is not available, try to disable the browser first (Method 1), then try again.

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

For power users, there is a method of removing the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) without root permissions, but it needs to connect the phone to the computer, the advantage is that the browser will be deleted completely, not just disabled.

Preparation:

  • 🖥️ Install. ADB Tools on PC.
  • 📱 Enable Developer Mode on your phone: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times).
  • 🔌 Turn on the debugging. USB In Settings → Additionally. → For developers.

Instructions:

  1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
  2. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Mac/Linux) in the adb folder.
  3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices (should appear serial number of the device).
  4. Follow the command to delete the browser: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser For some versions of MIUI, an alternative package may be required: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.mi.globalbrowser

If the command is successful, the browser will disappear from the system, but the next major MIUI update may bring it back, and to prevent this, block its re-installation via ADB:

adb shell pm hide com.android.browser

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO F3) browser-deleting ADB Mi Account may cause errors. Before you execute the command, check if the browser is used for authorization in Xiaomi services.

Google Chrome

Mozilla Firefox

Samsung Internet

Brave

Other-->

Method 4: Complete removal with root rights

If you have root access installed on your phone (e.g. via Magisk), you can delete your browser without restrictions, which is suitable for advanced users, as it requires modification of system files.

Steps:

  1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
  2. Go to /system/app/ or /system/priv-app/.
  3. Find folders with names: Browser MiBrowserGlobal MiBrowser

Browser_bak

Settings → Storage

Reboot the phone.

After that, the browser will be completely erased from the system and space on the disk will be free. However, be careful: an error when deleting system files can lead to the failure of the phone. TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery.

What to do if after removing the browser the phone does not turn on?
If the device is stuck on the MIUI logo or left in the bootloop, try: 1. Log in Recovery Mode (press Power + Volume Up). 2. Select Wipe Cache Partition. 3. If it does not help - restore backup via TWRP or reflash the phone through the Mi Flash Tool.

Method 5: Disconnect via Security Center (for MIUI 13/14)

The newer versions of MIUI 13 and MIUI 14 now allow you to disable system applications through the Security Center, a method less radical than ADB, but effective at blocking the browser:

  1. Open the Security Center (the shield icon in the app menu).
  2. Move to Acceleration. → Auto-start.
  3. Find the Browser in the list and disable autorun.
  4. Return to the main menu of the Security Center and select Battery → Battery Management.
  5. Find the browser and set it to Limited mode.

All of them are available on Google Play or official websites.