How to permanently delete your native browser on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

The standard Mi Browser browser on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones is often annoying, not only takes up space in memory, but also displays annoying ads, collects data about visited sites and periodically opens spontaneously. Many want to get rid of this application, but the manufacturer does not provide a standard option for complete removal.

In this article, we will discuss all possible methods, from simple disabling to complete removal of the system browser, including methods for devices without root rights. You will learn what risks exist with each approach, how to circumvent the limitations of MIUI and what to do if the browser returns after the system update. The instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-14 and most modern Xiaomi models (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13, etc.).

Why you can’t just delete Mi Browser through your settings

Unlike conventional applications, Xiaomi’s native browser is a system component, which means it is integrated into MIUI firmware and performs a number of hidden functions:

• 🔗 Processing web links from other applications (for example, when clicking on a link to Telegram or WhatsApp).
• 📊 Collecting telemetry to personalize ads (even if you have disabled all permissions).
• 🔄 Updating Xiaomi branded services through the web interface.
• 🛠️ Backup mechanism for system recovery in case of failure.

For this reason, MIUI blocks the "Delete" button in the application menu, and the maximum that is available to the user without additional manipulation is to turn off the browser through the settings, but even after turning off, he can:

• ⚡ Continue to work in the background (check in Settings) → Battery → Battery utilization).
• 🔄 Automatically activate after updating MIUI.
• 📱 Appear in the list of “Last Apps” after the reboot.

Method 1: Disable the browser without deleting (the safest method)

If you don’t need drastic measures, just deactivate the Mi Browser through standard settings.This won’t free up the device’s memory, but will stop background activity and prevent accidental launches.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search box, type “Browser” (or “Browser” for the English version of MIUI).
3. Select Mi Browser from the list.
4. Click “Disable” (on some firmware, the button may be called “Delete Updates” → then “Disable”).
5. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

After the shutdown:

• 🚫 Browser icon will disappear from the application menu.
• 🔒 It will stop running in the background.
• ⚠️ However, browser files will remain in the system and will take up to 150-200 MB of memory.

💡

If the “Disable” button is inactive, try first to remove all browser updates (the “Delete Updates” button) and then try again.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi K50) After disabling the browser, links from other applications may stop opening. In this case, use an alternative browser (such as Chrome or Firefox) and assign it to the default application in Settings. → Annexes → Default applications → browser.

Method 2: Removal via ADB (without root rights)

A more radical method is to remove the browser using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which does not require root rights, but requires connecting the smartphone to the computer.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📥 Utility. ADB Tools by Google.
• ⚙️ Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to unlock the developer menu, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your computer and allow debugging via USB (a request will appear on the phone screen).
2. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB (hold Shift + right mouse button → “Open command window”).
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Run the command to delete the browser: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser For some versions of MIUI, an alternative command may be required: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.browser

If the command is successful, you will see a message of success.

• ✅ The browser will be deleted for the current user (not from the system completely).
• 🔄 When resetting settings or updating MIUI He can come back.
• 📱 Links from other apps will open in the default browser.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14 for Xiaomi 13 Pro) removal through ADB This can cause a breakdown in branded services such as Mi Account or Themes. Before executing a command, back up your data!

Method 3: Complete removal with root rights

If you have root rights (like Magisk), you can completely wipe your browser from the system, which is the most effective method, but also the most risky one – wrong actions can lead to a bootloop.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Go to /system/app/ or /system/priv-app/ (depending on the version of MIUI).
3. Find folders with names: Browser MiuiBrowser MiuiBrowserGlobal

Browser_bak

Reset the device.

Advantages of the method:

• 🧹 The browser will be deleted forever, even after updates.
• 📉 Free up to 200-300 MB of memory.
• 🔒 All background processes associated with the browser will disappear.

Risks:

Method 4: Replacing the browser with an alternative (bypass)

If deleting seems too risky, you can simply replace the standard browser with another and make it the main one. This will not eliminate the Mi Browser physically, but will reduce its use to zero.

How to do this:

1. Install an alternative browser from Google Play (e.g. Chrome, Firefox, Brave or Kiwi Browser).
2. Open Settings → Applications → Default Applications → Browser.
3. Select the installed browser from the list.
4. (Optional) Disable Mi Browser via settings (see Method 1).

Pros of the method:

• 🛡️ Safe – does not require any intervention in the system.
• 🔄 It's easy to put it back.
• 📱 Links will be opened in the selected browser.

Cons:

• 🗑️ Mi Browser will remain in the system and will take up space.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI It can be reset by default browser.

💡

Replacing your default browser is the safest way to get rid of annoying ads in Mi Browser without physically removing it.

Method 5: Remove via TWRP (for power users)

If you have custom TWRP recovery installed on your device, you can delete the browser directly through it, a method that is suitable for users who already have experience with firmware.

Instructions:

1. Boot into TWRP mode (usually pressing Power + Volume up when turned on).
2. Go to the Advanced File Manager section.
3. Find and delete the following files: /system/app/MiuiBrowser/MiuiBrowser.apk /system/priv-app/MiuiBrowserGlobal/MiuiBrowserGlobal.apk /data/app/com.android.browser-* (all folders with such a prefix)

Wipe → Cache

Reset the device.

Warnings:

• 🔧 This method requires an unlocked boot loader and installed TWRP.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI The browser may return.
• 📦 It is recommended to create a backup copy beforehand through TWRP (Backup).

What to do if the browser returned after the update

One of the most common problems is the automatic recovery of the Mi Browser after the MIUI update, which is because the firmware contains the original browser files and restores them when installed.

How to prevent the return of the browser:

• 🔄 Turn off automatic updates MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update system. Click on three dots in the top right corner. → «Update settings. Turn off the option "Automatic boot over Wi-Fi».

Remove the browser immediately after manual update:

1. 🛡️ Use Magisk modules to lock: Install Universal Systemless Hosts or App Systemizer. add Mi Browser to the list of blocked apps.

If the browser has already returned:

1. Repeat the removal procedure with the selected method (see Methods 2-5).
2. Check if new browser folders have appeared in /system (sometimes MIUI changes their location).
3. Clear the cache and data of the com.android.updater app (responsible for updates): adb shell pm clear com.android.updater

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing the browser on Xiaomi