How to completely remove Yandex Browser from Xiaomi phone: from normal removal to ADB-team

Why Yandex Browser is so difficult to remove from Xiaomi and what to do

Did you notice that Yandex Browser on your Xiaomi is acting like an unwanted guest? It takes up space in memory, shows annoying ads, and when you try to remove the system, the system gives a message “You can’t delete the system application”? It’s not a coincidence – MIUI (Xiaomi firmware) actively cooperates with Yandex, pre-installing their services on most models, from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 13.

The problem is that even after standard “deletions” through the application menu, the browser can recover from a reboot or system update, which is because some of its files are integrated into the system partition /system/priv-app or /system/app. But don’t despair: in this article, we will examine all possible ways, from simple to radical (including ADB and manual removal of system APKs), which work on MIUI 12-14 and Android 10-14.

Before you start, consider that some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root rights. If you are not ready for such manipulations, focus on the first three methods, they are safe and do not violate the warranty.

Method 1: Standard removal through settings (if the browser is not system)

If you installed the Yandex Browser manually (e.g. from Google Play or Mi App Store), you can remove it in the standard way:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar, enter “Yandex Browser”.
3. Click on the app, then select Delete.

If the Remove button is inactive or not, the browser is embedded in the system, in which case move to the next method.

⚠️ Note: After removal through settings, the browser may reappear after the update MIUI through settings → The phone. → System Update. To avoid this, disable automatic app updates on Google Play.

Method 2: Disabling the browser (if deletion is not possible)

If you can't delete the app, you can turn it off, and it stops all the background processes, removes the icon from the menu, and it stops auto-start.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Yandex Browser.
2. Click Disable (or Stop if the Disconnection is not available).
3. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

After the browser is turned off, the browser will stop working, but its files will remain in the phone's memory. To free up space, use cache and data cleaning:

• 📱 In the same menu, click Warehouse. → Clear the cache and Clear the data.
• 🔄 Repeat the process after each major update MIUI, Since the system can activate the browser again.

This method requires no root rights and is safe, but it doesn't completely eliminate the browser. For a radical solution, read on.

Method 3: Remove via ADB (without root, but with a computer)

If standard methods don’t work, try uninstalling your browser through Android Debug Bridge (ADB), an official tool from Google that lets you manage system applications without root rights.

• 💻 Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Instructions for removal:

1. Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
2. Connect the phone to your computer and select File Transfer mode.
3. Open the command prompt (or Terminal on macOS/Linux) in the adb.exe folder.
4. Enter the commands in turn: adb devices (you should have the name of your device) adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.yandex.browser

If the command is successful, the browser will be deleted for the current user (without affecting system files), which means that after resetting the phone or creating a new profile, it can return.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A POCO M3) The browser packet can be called com.yandex.browser.lite or en.yandex.browser. To find out the exact name, use the command: adb shell pm list packages | grep yandex

💡

If ADB Does not recognize the device, try reinstalling Xiaomi drivers or using another USB-Also check if the debugging mode is on. USB (Security settings in the developer settings.

Method 4: Remove system APK via TWRP (requires unlocking the bootloader)

To completely remove system applications, including Yandex Browser, custom recovery is required - for example, TWRP. This method is suitable for advanced users, as it requires:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (instructions for Xiaomi: official website).
• 📱 Established TWRP Recovery (the version must match the phone model).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 70%.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and press Volume Up + Power to enter TWRP.
2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
3. Open the folders: /system/priv-app or /system/app /data/app (if the browser is installed as a user application)

YandexBrowser

com.yandex.browser

Reboot the phone.

After that, the browser will be removed at the system level, but there are risks:

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Removing via TWRP is the most radical way, but it requires unlocking the bootloader and installing custom recovery. If you're not sure about your actions, it's better to use ADB or disabling the application.

Method 5: Use root rights (for advanced users)

If you already have root access (for example, through Magisk), you can delete Yandex Browser using a root-enabled file manager or terminal.

• 📁 Root Explorer or Solid Explorer (with root mode enabled).
• 🖥️ Terminal (Termux with Su command).
• 🤖 Apps like System App Remover (require root).

Instructions via Root Explorer:

1. Open the application and provide root access.
2. Go to /system/priv-app or /system/app.
3. Find folders associated with Yandex: YandexBrowser com.yandex.browser-1 en.yandex.browser

.bak

/data/data/com.yandex.browser

Reboot the phone.

After that, the browser will be deleted without recovery.

⚠️ Attention: Removing root-righted system applications can result in a bootloop ( looped reboot) if you delete critical files.Always back up through TWRP or Magisk before such operations.

What to do if the browser returns after the MIUI update

Even after successful removal, the Yandex browser may reappear after a firmware update, which is because Xiaomi includes it as part of delta updates (small patches for the system).

• 🚫 Turn off automatic updates MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update system. Click on three dots in the top right corner and select Settings. Turn off Auto Boot via Wi-Fi.
• 🔍 Install updates manually, pre-deleting the browser through ADB or TWRP.
• 🛡️ Use Magisk with Universal SafetyNet Fix to block installation of unnecessary applications.