Modern smartphones Xiaomiworking on an operating system Androidrequire regular maintenance to ensure security and stable operation. One of the key elements of the ecosystem is the web browser, through which we access information, banking services and social networks every day.
If you notice that pages load slowly, display incorrectly, or suspicious pop-ups appear, this is a sure sign that software is outdated. Timely installation of new versions eliminates vulnerabilities and adds new functions.
In this article we will look in detail at how to update the browser on your device for free, be it standard Mi Browser or third-party solutions like Google Chrome. The process is simple and does not require special skills, but it is important to follow the sequence of actions.
Why you need to update the web browser on your smartphone
Many users ignore notifications about available updates, considering them optional. However, developers release new versions for a reason. Each update contains patches securitythat close security holes discovered by hackers.
Ignoring updates can lead to leakage of personal data, interception of passwords, or infection of the device with malware. This is especially critical if you use your phone for online shopping or managing bank accounts.
⚠️ Attention: Using an outdated version of the browser on public Wi-Fi networks significantly increases the risk of your device being hacked by attackers.
In addition to security, new versions bring improvements in processing speed JavaScript and graphics rendering. This means that heavy websites will open faster, and high-definition videos will play without delay.
Enable automatic app updates in Google Play or Mi GetApps settings to avoid missing important security patches in the future.
Updating the standard Mi Browser on Xiaomi
Smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO by default are equipped with their own browser. Mi Browser. It is deeply integrated into the shell MIUI or HyperOSso it is often updated separately from the application store.
To check for a new version, launch the application and look for the profile icon or menu at the bottom of the screen. Usually the path looks like this: click on the person icon, then select Settings.
In the list that opens, you need to find the section About the browser or Version. The system will automatically contact the server and check that the installed software is up to date.
- 🚀 Click the "Check for updates" button to start scanning.
- 📥 If a new version is found, the "Update" button will appear or “Download.”
- ✅ After downloading, the installation will begin automatically; a reboot is usually not necessary.
Sometimes the update may not come through the app itself. In this case, you should check the system store GetApps, which is also native to the ecosystem Xiaomi.
☑️ Checking Mi Browser
Updating Google Chrome and third-party browsers
Most users prefer to install Google Chrome, Opera or Yandex Browser. These applications are managed through the store Google Play Storeand the update process is unified for all devices on Android.
Open the application Play Market on your phone. You will see your profile icon in the top right corner. Click on it to open the account management menu.
Select item Manage applications and device. Here you will see an Overview tab and a Manage tab. Go to the tab Management.
In the list of installed applications, find the desired browser. If there is a note next to it "Update available", just click the button Update.
| Browser | Update location | License type | Network requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Browser | Inside the application / GetApps | Free | Wi-Fi / mobile data |
| Google Chrome | Google Play Market | Free | Wi-Fi / mobile data |
| Opera Mini | Google Play Market | Free | mobile data (savings) |
| Firefox | Google Play Market | Free | Wi-Fi / mobile data |
An alternative way is to find the browser through a search in the store and click the button Update right on the application page. It's faster if you know the exact name of the app.
Manual installation via APK files
Sometimes automatic updates do not work due to regional restrictions or errors in the application stores. In such cases, you can resort to manually installing the file APK.
This method requires more caution. You need to download the installation file exclusively from the official websites of developers or trusted resources, such as APKMirror.
Before installation, the system Android will ask for permission to install from unknown sources. You will need to go to Settings → Applications → Special access → Install unknown applications and allow this action for your file manager or browser.
⚠️ Attention: Never download browser APK files from dubious forums or file hosting services, as they may contain Trojans and viruses.
After downloading the file, open it through a file manager. Follow the prompts on the screen: press Install and wait for the process to complete. The old version will be replaced with a new one, preserving all bookmarks and history.
What to do if the installation is blocked?
If the system writes “The application is not installed,” check whether there is enough free memory on the phone. Also try uninstalling the old version of the browser before installing the new one, having previously saved important data.
Updating the Android System WebView system component
Many users do not know that it is not the browser itself that is responsible for displaying web pages within various applications, but the system component Android System WebView. Its obsolescence can cause crashes even in updated browsers.
This component is updated in the same way as regular applications - through Google Play Store. Find the store in the search Android System WebView.
If the button is active and it says Update, be sure to perform this action. This is a critical element for the correct operation of all software based on Android.
In some cases, if the update button is inactive (gray), this means that you have the latest version installed, or updates are controlled by the manufacturer through system packages MIUI.
Regular updating of Android System WebView ensures that links from instant messengers and social networks will open correctly and safely.
Possible problems and solutions
During the update process, users may encounter download or installation errors. Most often, the problem lies in an unstable Internet connection or lack of free space on the drive.
If the download freezes at a certain percentage, try switching from mobile data to Wi-Fi or vice versa. It is also recommended to clear the application store cache through the phone settings.
To clear the cache, go to Settings → Applications → All apps → Google Play Store → Storage → Clear cache. This will not delete your data, but it will reset temporary files that may be interfering with downloads.
- 🔋 Make sure the battery charge is at least 20% to prevent your phone from turning off during installation.
- 💾 Free up at least 500 MB of free space to unpack the updates.
- 🔄 Reboot the device before trying to update again if the process is frozen.
Sometimes the problem may be due to an outdated version of the operating system itself Android. If your phone is very old, new versions of browsers may simply not be supported.
⚠️ Attention: Settings interfaces may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13, 14) or HyperOS. If you don't find the item you need, use the settings search.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will my bookmarks and passwords be saved after the update?
Yes, with a standard update through the app store or inside the browser, all your data, including history, bookmarks, saved passwords and open tabs, remains intact. Data deletion occurs only when you completely reset the phone settings or forcefully remove the application with data clearing.
Why does the Xiaomi browser ask to allow access to contacts and phone?
This is a standard requirement for the synchronization and speed dialing functions. However, you can reject these permissions in the privacy settings if you do not plan to use the browser for calls or synchronizing contacts with the Mi Cloud.
Is it possible to roll back to an old version of the browser if the new one does not work well?
Officially, such a function is not provided. To roll back, you will need to delete the current version, find and install the old APK file manually. This is a risky procedure, as you will be left without security updates, so resort to it only in extreme cases.
Do you need to pay to update the browser on Xiaomi?
No, updating any browser on the Android platform is completely free. If any app requires you to pay for an update, it is a scam. All official updates are distributed freely through application stores.
What to do if the "Update" button is grayed out in the Play Store?
This may mean that you already have the latest version available for your phone model and Android version. Also check the date and time on the device - incorrect time settings can block communication with Google servers.