How to permanently disable MI browser on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face the problem of a pre-installed MI browser - an application that not only takes up space in memory, but also regularly sends notifications, consumes traffic in the background and can even automatically install extensions without your knowledge. Despite the fact that the MIUI system does not allow you to remove the browser by standard means, there are legal ways to disable or completely uninstall it.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods: from simple hiding the icon to deep removal through ADB (no root rights!). We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions of the firmware - MIUI 12, 13, 14 and HyperOS, and also warn against common errors that can lead to system failures. If you are tired of intrusive browser updates or want to free up RAM, read on - here you will find a solution for any level of training.

Why can’t MI browsers be removed in the standard way?

The MI Browser app (or Mi Browser Pro in the newer versions) is a system application in MIUI firmware, which means it is integrated into the shell at the kernel level and performs several hidden functions:

• 🔗 Default processing of web links (opening) URL other applications).
• 📊 Collect anonymous statistics to improve Xiaomi services (even if you have disabled personalization).
• 🔄 Automatic updates via Mi App Store, which may conflict with user settings.
• 🛡️ Protection from the “fool”: Xiaomi blocks the removal so that inexperienced users do not lose the basic browser.

Moreover, in MIUI 14 and HyperOS, the browser is linked to com.miui.browser, which is responsible for processing Quick Apps.

• ❌ Errors when opening links from WhatsApp, Telegram or mail.
• ❌ System interface crashes when trying to run WebView.
• ❌ Loss of functionality of weather and news widgets (they use web viewers).

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with firmware for the Chinese market (China) ROM), Deleting your browser can block access to branded services such as Mi Cloud or Mi Pay. Before taking action, check your firmware region in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

Method 1: Disable the MI browser through settings (without root rights)

The safest method is to deactivate the browser, not delete it.This hides it from the menu, stops background processes and prevents automatic updating. MIUI 12-15 and HyperOS:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar, enter Browser (or Browser in Russian).
3. Choose MI Browser (or Mi Browser Pro).
4. Click Disable (button can be gray – tap it twice).
5. Confirm the action in the window that appears by clicking Disable the application.

After that:

• 📱 The browser icon will disappear from the main screen and from the application menu.
• 🔄 Automatic updates via Mi App Store will stop.
• 🚫 Background activity (battery and internet consumption) will be stopped.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 or Xiaomi) 12T) After disabling the browser, links from messages may stop opening. To fix this, install another browser (for example, Chrome) and select the option "Open supported links" in its settings".

Download an alternative browser (Chrome, Firefox)

Save bookmarks from the MI browser (export to HTML)

Check if the browser is used in Quick Apps

Turn off auto-update in the Mi App Store-->

Method 2: Removal via ADB (no root rights)

If you don't shut down enough, you can completely delete your browser using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which doesn't require root rights, but requires connecting your smartphone to your computer.

• 🧹 Full space vacancy (up to 150-200 MB depending on the model).
• 🛡️ Guarantee that the browser will not recover after the update MIUI.
• 🔧 The ability to return the browser back with one team.

Be prepared first:

1. Download ADB Tools for Windows/macOS/Linux.
2. Turn on the smartphone Developer Mode: go to Settings → About phone and 7 times tap on the version of MIUI.
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
4. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.

Now run commands in the terminal (command line):

adb devices

(Your device name should appear as a confirmation of your connection.)

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

For the Mi Browser Pro, use:

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

If the command is successful, you will see Success. The browser will be deleted for the current user (without affecting system files).

Disconnection through settings

Removal via ADB

root rights and complete removal

I don't know, I need help.-->

Method 3: Hiding the browser with Launcher (visual solution)

If you don't want to delete the browser, but you just want to remove the icon and prevent accidental launches, you can use the alternative launchers.

Install one of the launchers:

• 🌐 Nova Launcher (paid version allows you to hide applications).
• 🎨 Microsoft Launcher (free, with support for hiding icons).
• 🔍 Apex Launcher (there is an option to “Hide apps” in the settings).

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Hold your finger in the free place of the main screen → Settings.
2. Go to Settings → Apps and widgets → Hide applications.
3. Mark MI Browser on the list.
4. Save the changes, the icon will disappear.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ System files are not affected.
• ✅ You can return the icon at any time.
• ✅ It works on all versions. MIUI HyperOS.

⚠️ Note: Hiding the icon does not stop the background processes of the browser. If the goal is to save battery or traffic, use Method 1 (disable) or Method 2 (ADB).

💡

If after hiding the browser, the links stopped opening, install Chrome or Firefox and in the Android settings (Settings → Apps → Default) select it as the default browser.

Method 4: Complete removal with root rights (for advanced)

If you have root rights (e.g., through Magisk), you can delete the browser permanently, including all of its system files.

• 🔧 They are working with Root Explorer or ADB.
• 📦 Ready for possible system failures (backup recommended!).
• 🔄 They are not expected to update through standard MIUI Updater.

Steps to remove:

1. Install Root Explorer (or similar file manager with root support).
2. Go to /system/app/MiBrowser or /system/priv-app/MiBrowser.
3. Remove the entire folder or rename it (for example, in the MiBrowser_bak).
4. Reset the device.

Alternatively, through ADB with root rights:

adb shell


su




mount -o rw,remount /system




rm -rf /system/app/MiBrowser




rm -rf /system/priv-app/MiBrowser




reboot

After that, the browser will be deleted at the system level, but consider the risks:

• ⚠️ Possible errors in the update MIUI (The system may attempt to recover deleted files).
• ⚠️ Some features (such as Quick Apps) will stop working.
• ⚠️ When reset to factory settings, the browser can return.

💡

Before removing with root rights, be sure to create a backup via TWRP or OrangeFox>. Restore the system from the backup is the only way to return to work in case of critical errors.

Method 5: Replace the default browser (alternative approach)

If your goal is not so much to remove the MI browser as to stop using it, you can simply replace it with the default browser, which will prevent automatic opening of links in the unnecessary application.

Instructions:

1. Install an alternative browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge).
2. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
3. Slip on the three dots in the top corner → Applications by default.
4. Select the browser and specify the desired application (e.g. Chrome).

It is further recommended that:

• 🔕 Disable notifications from MI browser in Settings → Notifications.
• 🚫 Disallow auto-start in Settings → Battery → Auto-start.
• 📵 Limit Internet access in Settings → Mobile network → Using traffic.

This method does not remove the browser, but makes it invisible in everyday use, suitable for users who do not want to risk the stability of the system.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When working with MI browsers, users often face typical problems, and here's how to prevent them:

If after manipulating the browser you notice unstable system operation (for example, MIUI begins to slow down or issue errors), follow the following steps:

1. Clear the system cache in Settings → Memory → Cleanup.
2. Restart the device in Safe Mode (hold the shutdown button → Restart in Safe Mode).
3. If the problem persists, return the browser with the command: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.browser

FAQ: Answers to popular questions