MI Browser on Xiaomi: what kind of browser is it, why you need it and how to work with it

You opened a list of installed apps on your Xiaomi and stumbled upon an unfamiliar name — MI Browser? Or have you noticed that by default, some links are not opened in Chrome, but in this very browser? Don't rush to delete it or ignore it. It's a regular app from Xiaomi that is tightly integrated into the ecosystem. MIUI and has unique characteristics.

In this article, we will explain in detail what is MI Browser, how it differs from other browsers (like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox), what hidden features it has, and whether it should be used in 2026, and how to uninstall, disable, or replace it with another browser — if you don’t like it. We will also be sharing some little-known pieces. MI Browser that is not even written in the official instructions.

What is it? MI Browser and why you need it on Xiaomi

MI Browser (full name - Mi Browser Pro) - is a proprietary web browser from Xiaomi, preinstalled on all smartphones with a shell MIUI. It is designed to replace standard solutions like Google Chrome or Samsung Internet, offering users closer integration with Xiaomi services and optimization for the company’s hardware.

In fact, it is a hybrid of the browser and news feed: In addition to surfing the site, there is a built-in content recommendation system (similar to Google Discover), quick access to popular services (AliExpress, TikTok, Facebook, etc.), as well as traffic saving and privacy protection features. MI Browser isn’t just a wrapper over Chromium – it has its own engine (based on Blink, like Chrome), but with improvements from Xiaomi.

• 🔹 Advantages MI Browser: lightweight, fast page loading, built-in ad blocking, synchronization with Mi Account.
• 🔸 Disadvantages: limited extension support, sometimes intrusive advertising in the news feed, not all sites are correctly displayed.
• 🔶 Feature: on some Xiaomi models (especially in China) MI Browser can’t be removed – only disabled.

Interesting fact: in some regions (for example, in India), Xiaomi releases a separate version of the browser - Mi Browser Lite, which weighs less than 10 MB and is optimized for weak smartphones. In Russia and Europe, Mi Browser Pro is usually preinstalled with advanced functionality.

Differences MI Browser from Google Chrome and other browsers

Many users immediately after buying Xiaomi put Google Chrome or Firefox, without even trying to understand the features of the game. MI Browser. It has some unique chips that the competition doesn't. Let's compare:

One of the key differences is integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem, for example, if you have smart Mi Home devices (lamps, sockets, robot vacuum cleaner), then you can use the same device. MI Browser can be accessed quickly through a widget on the home page. QR-scanner for quick Wi-Fi connection or link opening.

On the other hand, Google Chrome is better at running on powerful devices and supports all modern web technologies (e.g. WebGL 2.0 or WebAssembly), whereas Google Chrome is better at running on powerful devices. MI Browser sometimes slows down on complex sites like Tinkoff Investments or Figma.

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If you lack the functions in MI Browser, but want to save the news feed, try installing Chrome and in the settings MIUI Select it by default browser and MI Browser Leave Only to View Recommendations.

Hidden functions MI Browser that few people know about

Most users use the majority of MI Browser is just for basic surfing, without even knowing its hidden capabilities. Here are a few features that make it stand out among competitors:

• 🔍 Reading mode with translation: Click on the book icon in the address bar - the ad-free version of the article will open with the possibility of instant translation into Russian (works through Microsoft Translator).
• 📥 Download videos from sites: In the Share menu there is an option Save videos - it allows you to download videos from YouTube, VK Other platforms (not always working, but often working).
• 🛡️ Link Security Scanner: When you go to a suspicious site, the browser displays a warning from Avast (built-in check for phishing and viruses).
• 🌙 Dark Theme for Websites: There is an option in the settings that forcibly color any sites in dark colors – even those that do not support Dark Mode.

Another great thing is that you can quickly access your price history, and if you buy a lot of things on AliExpress or Wildberries, you can buy a lot of things on AliExpress or Wildberries. MI Browser can save the product bookmarks, and the browser will track the change in its price, notifying you of discounts:

1. Open the merchandise card.
2. Click on the icon. ⭐ (bookmark).
3. Select the option to Track the price.

Unfortunately, this function does not work on all sites, but interacts with popular marketplaces stably.

How do you do it? MI Browser by default (or remove it)

If you prefer a different browser (such as Chrome or Firefox) MI Browser still opens links, it can be replaced. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Applications by default.
2. Press Browser.
3. Select the desired application from the list (for example, Google Chrome).

If you want to completely remove MI Browser, consider:

• ⚠️ In some models (especially with MIUI Global browser is system and is not deleted - only disabled.
• ⚠️ After removal, some functions may cease to work. MIUI (For example, quick links in search or integration with Mi Account).

To disable (if deletion is not possible):

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find it. MI Browser on the list.
3. Click Disable (if the button is active).

Important: If you use Mi Account to sync your bookmarks, export them to a file before you delete them.

1. Open up. MI Browser.
2. Go to the Bookmarks → ⋮ → Exports.
3. Save the file to a convenient location (e.g. Google Drive).

Problems with MI Browser and how to solve them

Despite optimizing for MIUI, MI Browser sometimes doesn't work well, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If MI Browser has started redirecting to strange sites, most likely malware installed on your device. Check the list of installed applications for suspicious programs (for example, with names like System Update or Flash Player). It is also recommended to reset browser settings to factory:

1. Open up. MI Browser.
2. Move to the ⋮ → Settings → Additionally. → Resetting settings.
3. Confirm the action.

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If there's a problem with MI Browser Appears After Update MIUI, Try to roll back the browser version through APK-A file from APKMirror. Often bugs are fixed in the following patches.

Another common complaint is the obsessive news feed on the homepage, to turn it off:

1. Open up. MI Browser.
2. Put it on the icon. ⚙️ top-right.
3. Select the settings of the main page.
4. Turn off the option to show recommendations.

Security and confidentiality in MI Browser

One of the main questions that users care about is how safe it is. MI Browser? Xiaomi has been in a lot of scandals over data collection, so let's look at what's being transmitted to the network and how to control it.

By default. MI Browser collects the following information:

• 📊 Anonymous usage statistics (which sites are visited, how much time is spent in the browser).
• 📍 General data about the device (smartphone model, version) MIUI, language).
• 🔗 Error data (if the browser closes with an error, a report is sent).

But Xiaomi says it doesn’t share personal information (passwords, card numbers, messages) and that all data is encrypted, so you can do the following:

1. Open the Settings. → Confidentiality.
2. Disable options: Send usage statistics Personalized recommendations Predict search

Tracker lockdown

Security

It is also recommended to use VPN When visiting sensitive sites (banks, social networks). MI Browser has a built-in Secure Connection feature, but it doesn't work on all sites. VPN-Application (e.g. ProtonVPN or Windscribe).

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If you use MI Browser for online banking, be sure to activate two-factor authentication in the bank itself and don’t save passwords in the browser.

Alternatives MI Browser: Which browser is better for Xiaomi

If MI Browser doesn't work for you, there are plenty of alternatives. Here's a comparison of the most popular browsers for Xiaomi:

If you want speed and battery savings, try Brave Browser, which blocks ads at the browser level and consumes less power than Chrome. If you need extensions (for example, for work), the best choice is Google Chrome or Kiwi Browser.

For maximum privacy, Firefox Focus is a lightweight version of Firefox that automatically deletes history and blocks trackers after closing. Minus — it does not bookmark or sync.

Tip: if you decide to switch to another browser, but want to save bookmarks from MI Browser, export them to the HTML-File and import to the new browser. In Chrome, this is done through Settings. → Bookmarks → Import of bookmarks.

FAQ: Frequent questions about MI Browser