How to completely remove MI Browser from Xiaomi Mi 9: 5 working ways

Owners of Xiaomi Mi 9 often face the need to free up space on the device or simply get rid of the unnecessary preinstalled browser MI Browser. Despite the fact that it is a system application, it can be removed - but not all methods are equally effective. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods: from simple disabling to complete removal through ADB, including bypassing the limitations of MIUI.

It's important to understand that Xiaomi Mi 9 (codenamed cepheus) runs on MIUI, where many system applications are protected from removal. However, with superuser rights (root) or through Android Debug Bridge (ADB), you can circumvent these restrictions. If you're not ready for radical measures, consider alternatives like disabling or hiding the application.

Before you start, make sure you have:

• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 9 smartphone with unlocked bootloader (for root or root methods) ADB)
• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and tools ADB/Fastboot
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 50% (to avoid failures)
• 📁 Backup of important data (in case of emergency situations)

1. Method: Disabling MI Browser without deleting

The safest method is to disable the browser so that it does not appear in the menu and does not waste resources. This will not delete the application files, but will make it invisible to the system.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search box, type MI Browser (or com.android.browser).
3. Click on the application, then select Disable.
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

⚠️ Note: Disabled application may be activated again after update MIUI. To avoid this, use the Titanium Backup Freeze (requires root).

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If MI Browser doesn’t appear in the app list, try enabling the system applications in the settings (three dots in the upper right corner → “Show system”).

2. Method: Removal via ADB (without root)

The method is suitable for users who do not want to get root rights, but are ready to work with ADB. This method does not require unlocking the bootloader, but removes the application only for the current user.

Steps:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and do the following at the terminal:

adb devices


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

If the team returns Success, the browser is removed for your profile. For complete removal (including updates), use:

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

Developer mode activated|Debugging is on. USB|Drivers installed ADB PC-only|Smartphone connected in the mode "File transfer"-->

3. Method: Complete removal with root rights

If you have root, you can delete MI Browser without a trace, including all its files and cache. This method is irreversible - after deleting, you can restore the browser only through firmware.

Instructions:

• 📌 Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Root Explorer). FX File Explorer).
• 🔍 Cross the path. /system/priv-app/MiBrowser or /system/app/MiBrowser.
• 🗑️ Delete the MiBrowser folder (or files) MiBrowser.apk and MiBrowser.odex).
• 🔄 Reset the device.

⚠️ Attention: Deleting system files can lead to bootloop ( looped reboot). TWRP Or OrangeFox.

4. Method: Using Magisk (for advanced users)

If you have Magisk installed, you can use modules to uninstall system applications, a method that is safer than manual removal because it allows you to roll back in case of errors.

Procedure:

1. Download the Universal System App Remover for Magisk.
2. Install the module through Magisk Manager (Modules → Install from storage).
3. After the reboot, open the System App Remover app (appears in the menu).
4. Find MI Browser in the list and click Delete.

The advantage of this method is the ability to restore a remote application through the same module.

Google Chrome|Mozilla Firefox|Brave|Samsung Internet|Other-->

5. Method: Replacement of MI Browser with alternative (without deletion)

If deleting seems risky, consider replacing your standard browser with another one, which will avoid using MI Browser without physically deleting it.

How to do this:

• 🌐 Install an alternative browser (such as Chrome, Firefox or Brave).
• 🔗 Assign it to the default browser in Settings → Annexes → By default. → browser.
• 🚫 Turn off notifications from MI Browser in the application settings.
• 🔒 You can hide the browser icon using a launcher (for example, Nova Launcher or Nova Launcher). POCO Launcher).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you delete MI Browser, users often face problems.

1. "Failed to delete" error in ADB

The reason: the application is protected by the PRIVILEGED flag, and the solution is to use the command:

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

2. no links are opened after deletion

Reason: MI Browser was the default browser. The solution is to assign a different browser in the default settings.

3. Bootloop after manual removal

The reason: critical files were deleted, so the solution is to flash the phone through Fastboot or restore the backup to TWRP.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (for example, MIUI 14) MI Browser is integrated into system services, and its removal can cause Mi Account or Mi Cloud malfunctions:

adb shell dumpsys package com.android.browser

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The safest way is to disable or replace MI Browser with an alternative, and a complete removal is only justified if you are prepared for possible failures and are able to restore the system.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions