Official Xiaomi browsing app
Mi Browser is the official web browser installed on Xiaomi devices. It’s free to download and available in forty-four languages. It’s also compatible with other Android phones and tablets. One great thing about this app is that it’s ad-free and carries the Xiaomi quality seal.
This simple browser has a minimalist design. Like all browsing apps, it has tabs, incognito mode and lets you decide between various search engines. Customise your homepage with links to the sites you visit often or pick between font sizes. If you don't like the Mi Browser, you can use an alternative like Microsoft Edge, UC Browser or Brave Browser.
There are various settings you can adjust in the app. General settings include choosing a reading mode and which search engine you want to use. Toggle a button to set it as your default browser, and decide if you want to download videos and images.
App settings
The buttons and gesture setting let you decide what action the app should perform when you swipe from the edge of the screen. Under accessibility settings, you can choose to display the search bar in the notification shade or pick the text size displayed on web pages. ‘Other’ lets you adjust privacy and security options.
Banned in India
The Indian government is cracking down on mobile apps with ties to China. They aim to ensure a safe and sovereign Indian cyberspace. Thus, India has banned Mi Browser Pro. However, the free version Mi Browser is allowed (for now).
Although the company claims that they adhere to all requirements of Indian law, there have been privacy concerns about the tracking of users even in incognito mode. This is the reason why you can now opt-out of the company tracking of browser activity.
To protect yourself, you can disable the content feed and personalised services. If you go to security settings, you can revoke the authorisation of the app to access your data or turn off incognito mode.
Browsing in your hands
Download the Mi Browser free on any Android phone. It’s straightforward to use and you can customise your homepage with links to sites you visit often. But make sure to adjust the privacy settings before you use the app.
