Mi Browser on Xiaomi: what is this program and can it be removed?

If you own a Xiaomi smartphone, you’ve probably noticed the Mi Browser browser preinstalled, an app with a blue globe icon. Many users are wondering what the program is, why it is needed, and can it be safely removed? In this article, we’ll go through all aspects of the Mi Browser, its features, pros and cons, and give clear instructions on how to manage this application.

On the one hand, Mi Browser is marketed as a fast and secure browser with integration into the Xiaomi ecosystem, and on the other, it is often criticized for intrusive advertising, data collection and duplication of features of Google Chrome or other popular browsers. So should it be used? Or should it be removed immediately? Let's sort it out in order.

What is Mi Browser and who designed it?

Mi Browser is a proprietary web browser from Xiaomi, preinstalled on all smartphones of the brand under the control of the shell. MIUI. It was created as an alternative to Google Chrome and other browsers, with a focus on speed, traffic savings and integration with Xiaomi services (such as Mi Account or Mi Cloud).

The first version of the browser appeared in 2014, and since then it has been regularly updated.The Mi Browser is based on the Blink engine (the same as Chrome), but with its own improvements from Xiaomi, which means that in terms of compatibility with sites, it is almost equal to competitors, but has unique features such as:

• 🔍 Reading mode – removes unnecessary elements from the page for a comfortable reading of the text.
• 📦 Traffic compression – reduces the amount of data you download (useful with a slow Internet connection).
• 🛡️ Built-in protection – blocking phishing sites and malicious links.
• 🌐 Page translation – built-in translator for foreign websites.

But things aren't going so well. In 2020, Mi Browser was caught in the middle of a scandal over allegations that it collected user data even in incognito mode. Xiaomi promptly released an update, but the browser's reputation was tarnished. Today, it's still part of the firmware. MIUI, But its use is voluntary.

The main functions of Mi Browser: pros and cons

To objectively assess the Mi Browser, consider its key features and compare with its counterparts. Below is a table with the main features and their features:

One of the main advantages of the Mi Browser is its deep integration with the shell. MIUI. For example, he might:

• 📱 Open links from other Xiaomi apps (such as Mi Video or Mi Community) without further confirmation.
• 🔄 Sync bookmarks and history between Xiaomi devices with Mi Account.
• 📌 Offer quick access to frequently visited sites on the home screen.

But there are also serious disadvantages:

⚠️ Attention! In some regions (e.g. India), Mi Browser displays intrusive ads in the form of banners and pop-ups, which is related to the monetization of free software. In Russia and Europe, there are fewer ads, but they are still in the form of "recommended news" on the homepage.

Do you need a Mi Browser on a Xiaomi phone?

The answer to this question depends on your needs, and let's figure out who should keep the Mi Browser and who should remove it or replace it.

Leave the browser if:

• 🔹 You are actively using Xiaomi services (Mi Cloud, Mi Home, etc.) – integration makes it easier to work with.
• 🔹 You have limited traffic – the data compression feature really saves megabytes.
• 🔹 You need a lightweight browser without unnecessary extensions.

Remove or replace if:

• 🔸 You prefer Google Chrome, Firefox or Safari – they are more versatile.
• 🔸 You are annoyed by advertising or data collection (despite the fixes, the trust in the browser is undermined).
• 🔸 You're using it. VPN or frequently working with foreign sites – Mi Browser may block some resources.

If you decide to abandon the Mi Browser, you can either disable it or completely remove it (on some models).

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Before removing Mi Browser, install an alternative browser (such as Chrome or Brave) to ensure you don’t get left without internet access.

How to Disable or Remove Mi Browser from Xiaomi

If you're determined to get rid of the Mi Browser, you have two options: disable (hide from the menu) or delete (wipe completely off your phone), the second method doesn't work on all models, as the browser is often a system application.

Method 1: Disabling the browser

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Mi Browser (or simply "Browser").
3. Click Disable (the button may be gray).
4. Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

After disabling the browser icon will disappear from the menu, but the application itself will remain in the system and will not consume resources.

Method 2: Complete removal (requires unlocking the bootloader)

On most smartphones, the Xiaomi Mi Browser is a system application and is not removed by standard methods.

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (the procedure takes up to 7 days).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP).
3. Download and flash modified firmware without Mi Browser or remove it manually through ADB:

adb shell


pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser

⚠️ Attention! Deleting system applications can lead to unstable operation of the phone. If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to limit yourself to turning off the browser.

Mi Browser Alternatives: Which Browser to Choose for Xiaomi

If you have removed or disabled the Mi Browser, you will need an alternative.

If you're interested in privacy, Brave or Firefox is the best choice, with your security settings enabled, and Chrome or Samsung Internet is the best choice for maximum speed.

Importantly, on Xiaomi smartphones without Google services (such as models for China), Chrome may not work, in which case Firefox or Via browser will be the alternative.

How to transfer data from Mi Browser to another browser

If you want to change your browser and save your bookmarks, history and passwords, use the instructions below. Most browsers support data import, but the methods vary.

Transfer of bookmarks

1. Open Mi Browser and go to Bookmarks (star icon).
2. Press Control. → Export and save the file in.html format.
3. In the new browser, find the import function (usually in the settings) and select the saved file.

Transferring history and passwords

For history and passwords, it is easiest to sync through your Google or Firefox account:

• 🔄 In Chrome: Sign in to Google account – history and passwords are synced automatically.
• 🔄 In Firefox: Create a Firefox account and enable sync in your settings.

⚠️ Attention! Mi Browser passwords are not exported directly, and if you don't save them to Google Smart Lock or another manager, you'll have to type them manually.

Frequent Mi Browser Problems and Solutions

Even if you decide to leave the Mi Browser, you may face some problems, and consider the most common and ways to eliminate them:

If none of the methods helped, try resetting your browser settings to factory:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Mi Browser.
2. Press Memory. → Clear the data.
3. Confirm the action – the browser will return to the original settings.

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Before resetting your browser data, export your bookmarks as they will be deleted without the possibility of recovery.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Mi Browser