PartnerBookmarks in Xiaomi: what are these bookmarks, how to remove them and why they appear

If you notice strange bookmarks in your Xiaomi smartphone browser called PartnerBookmarks that aren't deleted in the standard way, you're not alone. These "partner bookmarks" appear on many of the brand's devices, often without the user's knowledge, and can redirect to advertising sites, slow down your browser, or just annoy you with your presence.

In this article, we will discuss in detail what PartnerBookmarks are, why they are installed on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO, How to safely remove them (including hidden methods) and prevent them from reappearing, and whether they are virus-related or legal. MIUI, What to do if the bookmarks return after resetting the settings.

Spoiler: Most of the time, it's not malware, it's part of a Xiaomi affiliate program, but its behavior often borders on intrusive advertising. And yes, you can get rid of it -- let's talk about how.

What are PartnerBookmarks and Where Do They Come From?

PartnerBookmarks (literally, "partner bookmarks") are pre-installed bookmarks in the Mi Browser or Google Chrome browser on Xiaomi devices that lead to the sites of the company's partners, usually appearing after:

• 📱 Updates MIUI — especially after major updates (e.g., with MIUI 12 on MIUI 14).
• 🔄 Reset to factory settings - bookmarks are restored along with firmware.
• 🛠️ Install branded applications – for example, Mi Browser, Cleaner or Security.
• 📦 Unpacking a new device – on some models they are “out of the box".

Technically, this is not a virus, but part of Xiaomi’s partnership program that allows the brand to monetize embedded services.

⚠️ Note: Some PartnerBookmarks lead to sites with aggressive advertising or suspicious content (e.g. online casinos, credit services). Even if it is not a virus, clicking on such links may not be safe.

Here are some examples of addresses that are added:

• 🌐 Price comparison sites (e.g. pricecompare.example).
• 💰 Financial services (microloans, credit cards).
• 🎮 Gaming platforms or casinos.
• 🛒 Marketplaces not related to Xiaomi.

It is interesting that on devices for the European market (Xiaomi). EU ROM) These are usually not available, but are common in the global ROM) and Chinese (China) ROM) firmware.

How PartnerBookmarks are linked to MIUI and the Mi Browser browser

PartnerBookmarks are closely integrated into the ecosystem MIUI, Especially if you're using the standard Mi Browser browser:

1. Built-in function MIUI. Bookmarks are added through the system application com.android.browser or com.mi.global.browser, which has the rights to modify user data.
2. Sync with Xiaomi account. If you are logged in to Mi Account, bookmarks can be restored after deletion via cloud sync.
3. Updates through Play Market. Even if you delete the Mi Browser, its updates can re-bookmark.

The key point is that this is not a bug, it's not a bug, but Xiaomi's deliberate monetization strategy, and the company is partnering with various services, and bookmarking is one way to drive traffic to them.

In Google Chrome or other browsers (for example, Firefox), these bookmarks appear less often, but still can penetrate there through:

• 🔗 Import bookmarks from Mi Browser on first launch.
• 📥 Installation APK-Xiaomi packages (such as Mi Video or Mi Community).

It is important to understand that you can only remove them permanently by system methods – simple cleaning through the browser interface often does not help.

Step-by-step: how to remove PartnerBookmarks

There are several ways to get rid of unnecessary bookmarks, and let's start with the simplest ones and move on to the radical ones.

Method 1: Remove via browser interface (not always working)

1. Open Mi Browser or Chrome.
2. Go to the Bookmarks section → PartnerBookmarks.
3. Press and hold your finger on the unnecessary bookmark, then select Remove.
4. If the PartnerBookmarks folder is empty, but the folder itself remains, this method did not work.

Method 2: Reset the browser to factory settings

This method will delete all browser data, including history and saved passwords:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Mi Browser (or Chrome) and select Warehouse.
3. Click Clear Data and Delete Cache.
4. Reset the device.

Method 3: Disabling synchronization with Mi Account

If bookmarks are returned after removal, the problem may be in synchronization:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and Sync → Mi Account.
2. Turn off the sync for the browser.
3. Remove the bookmarks manually (see Method 1).

Method 4: Remove via ADB (for advanced users)

If previous methods did not help, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB):

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


adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.mi.global.browser

These commands will remove Mi Browser for the current user, and then the bookmarks will disappear, but the browser will also become unavailable.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB requires on-set debugging. USB It can cause the system to run in an unstable way if you don't execute the instructions correctly.

Method 5: Switching to an alternative browser

The most reliable way to avoid bookmarks return is to abandon Mi Browser in favor of:

• 🦊 Mozilla Firefox (without integration) MIUI).
• 🌐 Brave Browser (Blocking Ads by Default).
• 🔍 DuckDuckGo Browser (Privacy Focus).

After installing the new browser:

1. Import bookmarks selectively, excluding the PartnerBookmarks folder.
2. Turn off the Mi Browser auto-update in the Play Market.
3. Set the alternative browser by default in Android settings.

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The most effective method is to combine the synchronization with Mi Account + switching to a third-party browser, which prevents bookmarks from reappearing in 90% of cases.

Why PartnerBookmarks Return After Deleting

Many users complain that bookmarks appear again after a while.

Critical moment: On some devices (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro and POCO X3 Pro) PartnerBookmarks are protected by the system and are not deleted without root rights.

If you are faced with this situation, the only options are:

• 🔧 Get root access and manually delete bookmark files (risky!).
• 📱 Install custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
• 🚫 Ignore the folder, but don’t open its contents.

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If you don’t want to risk root rights, but bookmarks are a big obstacle, try hiding the PartnerBookmarks folder through a superuser file manager (such as Root Explorer). To do this, rename the folder by adding a point to the beginning of the name (such as.PartnerBookmarks), and it will disappear from the browser interface.

PartnerBookmarks and Security: Virus or Legal Function?

One of the most common questions is, is PartnerBookmarks a virus? The answer is no, but with reservations.

Technically speaking, these are:

• ✅ Legal function MIUI, prescribed in the Xiaomi user agreement.
• ✅ Do not modify system files outside the permitted limits.
• ✅ It does not steal personal data (unlike real viruses).

But there are also some troubling points:

• ⚠️ Some bookmarks lead to suspicious sites (for example, with automatic subscription to push notifications).
• ⚠️ They can track conversions for analytics (this is spelled out in Xiaomi’s privacy policy).
• ⚠️ They cannot be removed by standard means, which is suspicious of users.

To check if there is something more dangerous masquerading as PartnerBookmarks:

1. Check your device with an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes or Dr.Web).
2. Install a traffic analysis app (like NetGuard) and see where Mi Browser sends data.
3. Check the permissions of the application in Settings → Annexes → Mi Browser → Permits.

If the antivirus does not find threats, but you are confused by the behavior of bookmarks, it is better:

• 🔒 Disable JavaScript in browser settings for suspicious sites.
• 🛡️ Use a browser with an ad blocker (e.g. Brave).
• 🚫 Block bookmark domains via hosts file (requires root).

How to Prevent PartnerBookmarks in the Future

To avoid returning the bookmarks, follow these recommendations:

1. Unplug Mi Browser. Uninstall or disable the app via Settings → Install an alternative browser and make it default.
2. Monitor updates MIUI. Turn off automatic update installation in Settings → The phone. → Update: Check for feedback on the new firmware version on forums before updating (e.g, 4PDA or XDA Developers).
3. Limit Mi Account rights. Turn off browser sync in account settings. Clear Mi Cloud data regularly through Settings → Mi Account → Cloud.
4. Use custom firmware. Firmware like Xiaomi.eu or LineageOS does not contain PartnerBookmarks. Installation requires unlocking the bootloader.

Block the bookmark domains.

• With apps like Blokada or AdGuard, block domains from bookmarks.
• For advanced users: add domains to the hosts file.

If you don’t want to give up Mi Browser, but want to minimize the risks:

• 🔍 Regularly check the section bookmarks for new additions.
• 📵 Disable notifications from the browser in the settings.
• 🛡️ Use it. VPN to block trackers (e.g. ProtonVPN).

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi K50) Disabling Mi Browser can cause errors in the work of system services (for example, Mi Share or Quick Apps), in which case it is better not to delete the browser, but simply not to use it.

Alternative solutions: if nothing helps

If PartnerBookmarks are persistently returning despite their best efforts, consider these options:

1. Installation of custom firmware

Community firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu or Pixel Experience) is free of unnecessary built-in services, including affiliate bookmarks.

1. Unlock bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (waiting required) 7-15 days for a new account).
2. Install TWRP Recovery.
3. Sweep through the selected firmware.

Cons: loss of warranty, risk of "bricking" the device.

2.Use of ADB for deep cleaning

If standard methods don’t work, try these commands:

adb shell pm clear com.android.browser


adb shell pm clear com.mi.global.browser




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

This will completely reset the browser settings and disable it for the current user.

3. Appeal in support of Xiaomi

In rare cases, official support can be provided by:

1. Write to the support chat via Mi Community or Xiaomi website.
2. Specify the device model, version MIUI and describe the problem.
3. Ask to remove affiliate bookmarks as “unwanted content.”

The chances of success are slim, but some users report that after bookmarking stopped appearing.

4. Transition to another device

If the problem is critical and other methods are not working, consider changing your brand.

• 📱 Google Pixel – pure Android without unnecessary built-in services.
• 🍎 iPhone is a closed ecosystem, but without such problems.
• 🤖 Samsung with One firmware UI — less intrusive advertising.

Of course, this is a radical step, but if PartnerBookmarks is just one of many problems with the Internet. MIUI, It's worth thinking about the transition.

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The most reliable way to get rid of PartnerBookmarks forever is a combination of custom firmware + It requires technical skills, but it guarantees results.

FAQ: Frequent questions about PartnerBookmarks in Xiaomi