How to replace the standard browser on Xiaomi: 5 ways to MIUI 12-14

The standard MIUI Browser browser on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO is often a source of frustration, consumes a lot of RAM, displays annoying ads, and runs slower than alternatives like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Unfortunately, you can’t completely remove a pre-installed browser through standard settings — MIUI blocks this capability. But there are a few workarounds that can help disable the built-in browser and make any other one the main browser.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods for replacing the browser on Xiaomi devices (relevant for the mobile browser). MIUI 12–14 and HyperOS, including ways for rootless users to hide an unnecessary application, disable its updates, and configure the system to automatically open links in your browser of choice. Separately, we will consider the nuances for models with a locked bootloader and the features of working with firmware Global and China. ROM.

Why should I replace MIUI Browser with another?

Xiaomi’s built-in browser has several critical flaws that make users look for alternatives:

• 🚀 Low performance: even on flagship models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi) K60 Pro) the browser slows down when opening 5+ tab.
• 📢 Built-in advertising: in MIUI Browser displays banners and push notifications that cannot be turned off without additional settings.
• 🔒 Privacy issues: the browser collects data about visited sites and sends it to Xiaomi servers (confirmed by Privacy International research).
• 🔄 Lack of sync: no integration with Google Account or other cloud services to save bookmarks and history.

For comparison, Google Chrome and Firefox offer:

• 🔐 Synchronize data between devices through an account Google/Mozilla.
• 🛡️ Built-in protection against phishing and malicious sites.
• ⚡ Optimized page rendering (especially on weak devices like Redmi) 9A or POCO M3).
• 🎨 Support for extensions (in desktop version) and themes.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (China ROM) Attempting to disable a standard browser can cause system services such as Mi Share or Quick Apps to fail.

Method 1: Disable MIUI Browser through settings (without root)

The easiest method is to hide the browser from the system so that it does not appear in the application menu and open default links. This method works on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12+ and does not require superuser rights.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar, enter Browser (or Browser in Russian).
3. Select MIUI Browser from the list.
4. Click Disable (or Remove Updates if the Disable button is inactive).
5. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

After the shutdown:

• 📱 Browser icon will disappear from the application menu.
• 🔗 Links will open in the browser you selected in the default settings (see next section).
• ⚙️ The system processes of the browser will remain active (you can see them in Task Manager), but they will not consume resources.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+) When you turn off the browser, you may stop working the quick links in the notification panel. MIUI Browser.

Install an alternative browser (Chrome, Firefox)

Create a backup of bookmarks from MIUI Browser

Check that links open in the new browser by default

Turn off auto-update MIUI Browser at Play Market-->

Method 2: Configure the browser by default

Even if you haven't disabled MIUI Browser, you can make all links open in a different browser.

1. Install an alternative browser from Google Play (such as Chrome or Firefox).
2. Open Settings → Applications → Applications by default.
3. Select Browser.
4. In the list of available applications, select the desired browser (for example, Chrome).

If the Browser item is not in the default settings, follow the following steps:

1. Open any alternative browser.
2. Go to a website (e.g. google.com).
3. In the dialog box "Open link with..." select the desired browser and tick Always.

After setting up, check that the links open in the selected browser.

1. Open any application with hyperlinks (such as Telegram or Gmail).
2. Click on the link – it should open in a new browser.

💡

If after changing the browser by default, links still open in MIUI Browser, clear the Settings cache in the Application Management section.

Method 3: Remove MIUI Browser via ADB (without root)

For users willing to use USB debugging, there is a way to completely remove the standard browser using ADB commands. This method works on most Xiaomi devices (except for models with a locked bootloader and China ROM).

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and type:

adb devices

(Your device should be displayed.)

1. Enter the command to remove the browser:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser

1. Reset the device.

If the command fails, try an alternative package:

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browser

After these actions have been carried out:

• 🗑️ browser MIUI Browser will be removed for the current user (but will remain in the system partition).
• 🔄 Browser updates via Play Market will stop.
• ⚠️ Some system functions (such as Quick Apps) may not work properly.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and HyperOS may not work due to the protection of system applications. In this case, try first to disable the browser through the settings (Method 1), and then repeat the procedure with ADB.

Method 4: Using Launchers to Hide the Browser

If previous methods don’t work, you can simply hide the browser icon with an alternative launcher, which won’t remove the app, but will make it unavailable in everyday use.

Popular launchers with the function of hiding applications:

• 🏠 Nova Launcher (Paid version allows you to hide icons).
• 🎨 Apex Launcher (free version with limited features).
• 🔍 Microsoft Launcher (there is a built-in function "Hidden applications").
• 🚀 Lawnchair (open source, support for icon hiding).

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Press and hold the empty space on the home screen, then select Settings.
3. Go to App Settings → Hide Apps.
4. In the list, find MIUI Browser and mark it.
5. Save the changes.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔄 Does not require root rights or ADB.
• 🛡️ The browser will remain in the system, but will not interfere.
• 🎨 You can customize the appearance of the interface to your preferences.

Disadvantages:

• 📱 The browser will still consume resources in the background.
• 🔗 Links may be opened in MIUI Browser if not configured by default browser.

💡

Using alternative launchers is the safest way to hide unnecessary system applications without the risk of disrupting MIUI.

Method 5: Completely remove the browser with root rights

If you have root rights installed on your Xiaomi device (e.g., via Magisk), you can completely remove MIUI Browser from the system partition, which is suitable for experienced users and requires caution.

What you need:

• 📱 Device with unlocked bootloader and root rights.
• 🖥️ Installed Root Explorer (e.g. Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
• 🔧 Backup of data (in case of failure).

Instructions:

1. Open Root Explorer and grant superuser rights.
2. Go to /system/app/ or /system/priv-app/.
3. Find folders with names: Browser MiuiBrowser MiuiBrowserGlobal

Browser_bak

Reset the device.

After removal:

• 🧹 The browser will be completely deleted from the system.
• 🔄 Updates to Play Market will be impossible.
• ⚠️ Certain functions MIUI (Quick Apps or Mi Share may not work.

⚠️ Attention: Removing root-enabled system applications can lead to bootloop or other critical crashes. Create a full backup before removing it. TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery.

If you have problems after deleting, restore deleted files from a backup or reflash the device through Fastboot.

How to get back MIUI Browser if something goes wrong

If you have problems after disabling or deleting your browser (for example, system functions have stopped working), it can be returned.

If the browser is not restored, try:

1. Reset application settings (Settings → Applications → Reset application settings).
2. Update MIUI to the latest version via Settings → System Update.
3. Perform reset to factory settings (preliminary saving data).

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi