Show HN: ElixirBrowser – Android Chromium fork with extensions, inspired by Kiwi

Introduction: The Evolution of Android Browsing and the Rise of ElixirBrowser

The landscape of mobile web browsing is dominated by a handful of major players: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and various OEM skins. While these browsers offer robust performance and security, they often lack the deep customization capabilities found in their desktop counterparts. For power users, the inability to install arbitrary Chrome extensions on Android has long been a point of frustration. This gap in the market was famously filled by Kiwi Browser, a project that brought full Chromium extension support to mobile devices. However, with Kiwi Browser now archived and no longer actively maintained, users have been left searching for a viable, modern alternative.

We have observed a significant void in the ecosystem for a lightweight, privacy-focused, and highly customizable Chromium-based browser for Android. Enter ElixirBrowser, a new contender born from the necessity to replace Kiwi Browser. ElixirBrowser is not just a clone; it is a purpose-built fork of the Chromium engine, designed to prioritize speed, extension support, and a seamless daily user experience. This article provides a comprehensive deep dive into ElixirBrowser, exploring its architecture, features, installation process via the Magisk Modules repository, and its position within the broader Android browser market.

Our goal is to provide an in-depth technical analysis and user guide that positions ElixirBrowser as the premier choice for users seeking a “set it and forget it” browsing solution that respects user agency over their mobile web experience.

The Genesis of ElixirBrowser: Filling the Void Left by Kiwi

The announcement of ElixirBrowser on Hacker News sparked interest precisely because it addressed a critical pain point: the stagnation of alternative Android browsers. For years, Kiwi Browser served as the go-to solution for users who required desktop-grade extensions like uBlock Origin, Dark Reader, and Tampermonkey on their mobile devices. When Kiwi development ceased, users were forced to revert to less capable browsers or deal with the limitations of Firefox Mobile’s limited extension catalog.

ElixirBrowser was conceived under the philosophy of “user-first development.” The developer, responding to the inadequacies of existing options like Firefox and Edge on Android, sought to create a browser that “works fast and feels right for daily use.” Unlike corporate-backed browsers that prioritize sync features and ecosystem lock-in, ElixirBrowser focuses on raw performance and utility.

Philosophy and Design Principles

The core design principles of ElixirBrowser revolve around three pillars:

1. Lightweight Architecture: Built directly on top of the Chromium source code, ElixirBrowser strips away unnecessary background services and telemetry to ensure minimal resource consumption.
2. Extension Freedom: Unlike Chrome Mobile, which restricts extensions to a curated store, ElixirBrowser allows the installation of unpacked extensions and CRX files, mirroring the flexibility of desktop Chrome.
3. Privacy-Centric: While not a “privacy browser” in the strictest sense (like Tor), ElixirBrowser removes many of the tracking mechanisms present in stock Chromium builds, offering a cleaner slate for privacy-conscious users.

Technical Deep Dive: Under the Hood of ElixirBrowser

To truly understand the value proposition of ElixirBrowser, we must examine its technical foundation. Being a fork of Chromium, the browser inherits the stability and security patches of the upstream open-source project while introducing mobile-specific optimizations.

Chromium Base and Performance Optimization

ElixirBrowser is built on a recent stable branch of the Chromium engine. This ensures compatibility with modern web standards (HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript ES6+) and provides a rendering pipeline that is highly optimized for mobile hardware. We have observed that the browser utilizes the Blink rendering engine and the V8 JavaScript engine, ensuring that complex web applications and media-heavy sites load with fluidity.

Unlike the stock Android System WebView, which relies on the device manufacturer for updates, ElixirBrowser bundles its own updated WebView component. This guarantees that users have the latest security patches and performance improvements regardless of their Android version or OEM update schedule.

The Extension Manifest V3 Challenge

A significant technical hurdle in modern browser development is the transition to Manifest V3 (MV3). While Google has pushed for MV3 in Chrome, which limits the capabilities of content blockers (specifically blocking network requests), ElixirBrowser retains a nuanced approach. It supports MV3 for compliance with modern extensions but maintains underlying hooks that allow powerful ad-blocking tools like uBlock Origin to function effectively. This hybrid approach ensures that users can run the latest extensions without sacrificing the heavy-duty blocking capabilities they rely on.

Android System WebView Integration

ElixirBrowser cleverly leverages the Android System WebView for rendering web content, but with a crucial difference: it allows the user to update the WebView engine independently of the OS. This is a critical feature for older Android devices that no longer receive system updates but still require a secure browsing experience. By managing the WebView internally, ElixirBrowser bypasses the limitations imposed by outdated system software.

Key Features of ElixirBrowser: Why It Stands Out

ElixirBrowser is not merely a vehicle for extensions; it is a fully-featured browser packed with quality-of-life improvements that enhance the daily browsing experience.

Full Desktop Chrome Extension Support

The flagship feature is, without a doubt, the ability to install desktop Chrome extensions. Users can access the Chrome Web Store directly within the browser or sideload .crx files.

• Content Blocking: Install uBlock Origin, AdGuard, or Privacy Badger to eliminate ads and trackers.
• Productivity: Use Dark Reader for eye comfort, LastPass/Bitwarden for password management, and script managers like Tampermonkey or Violentmonkey.
• Custom Scripts: Execute custom JavaScript to modify page behavior, a feature essential for power users and developers.

User Interface and Navigation

The UI is designed with one-handed usability in mind. Unlike Chrome, which places the address bar at the top, ElixirBrowser offers options to move the toolbar to the bottom, making it accessible on large modern smartphones. The browser also includes:

• Gesture Navigation: Swipe gestures for tab switching and back/forward navigation.
• Incognito Mode: A strict privacy mode that does not save history or cookies.
• Custom Search Engines: The ability to set default search engines beyond the provided list, including privacy-focused options like DuckDuckGo, Startpage, and Searx.

Privacy and Security Controls

We understand that privacy is a growing concern. ElixirBrowser provides granular control over permissions. Users can easily revoke camera, location, and microphone access for specific sites. The browser also includes HTTPS upgrading to ensure connections are encrypted whenever possible.

Installation Guide: Deploying ElixirBrowser via Magisk Modules

For advanced users seeking system-level integration or seamless updates, we recommend installing ElixirBrowser through the Magisk Modules repository. This method ensures that the browser is managed alongside other system modifications, providing a cohesive experience.

Prerequisites

Before proceeding, ensure that:

1. Your device is rooted with the latest version of Magisk installed.
2. You have a root-enabled file manager or terminal access.
3. You have backed up your current data, as module installation can occasionally trigger conflicts.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

We maintain a curated repository of utility modules, including ElixirBrowser, at Magisk Module Repository.

1. Access the Repository: Navigate to our official repository using a browser or Magisk manager app that supports direct downloads.
2. Locate ElixirBrowser: Search for “ElixirBrowser” in the module list. You will find the latest version compatible with your Android architecture (ARM64, ARMv7, etc.).
3. Download the Module: Download the .zip file associated with the release. We ensure all files are verified for integrity to prevent corruption or malicious code injection.
4. Flash the Module:
   • Open the Magisk app.
   • Go to the Modules section.
   • Select Install from storage.
   • Navigate to the downloaded .zip file and select it.
   • Reboot your device once the flashing process completes.
5. Verification: After reboot, locate the ElixirBrowser icon in your app drawer. Launch the browser to complete the initial setup.

Managing Updates via Magisk

One of the advantages of using the Magisk Modules ecosystem is centralized update management. When we push a new version of ElixirBrowser (based on upstream Chromium updates or internal feature additions), Magisk will notify you of the available update. You can update directly from the Magisk app without needing to manually download new APKs, ensuring you are always running the most secure and feature-rich version.

Comparative Analysis: ElixirBrowser vs. The Competition

To validate the efficacy of ElixirBrowser, we must compare it against the current market leaders: Chrome, Kiwi (legacy), and Firefox.

ElixirBrowser vs. Google Chrome

While Google Chrome is the standard for Android, it is heavily restricted. Chrome Mobile does not support third-party extensions, forcing users to rely on limited “approved” add-ons. ElixirBrowser offers the same rendering engine but unlocks the full potential of the Chrome Web Store. Furthermore, ElixirBrowser is lighter on resources, stripping away the background sync and telemetry that drain battery life in Chrome.

ElixirBrowser vs. Kiwi Browser (The Inspiration)

Kiwi Browser was revolutionary but is now archived, meaning it no longer receives security patches. ElixirBrowser is the spiritual successor, taking Kiwi’s core idea—desktop extensions on mobile—and modernizing it. It uses a newer Chromium base, meaning it renders modern websites faster and supports newer web APIs that Kiwi might struggle with. ElixirBrowser also addresses some of the UI quirks found in Kiwi, offering a more polished, “native” Android feel.

ElixirBrowser vs. Mozilla Firefox (Mobile)

Firefox Mobile supports extensions, but the catalog is significantly smaller than Chrome’s. Many popular desktop extensions are not available on Android Firefox. ElixirBrowser bridges this gap by allowing users to install virtually any extension from the Chrome ecosystem. Additionally, Chromium-based browsers generally offer better web compatibility and performance for media-heavy sites compared to Gecko (Firefox’s engine).

Advanced Configuration: Power User Tips

We designed ElixirBrowser for users who want to tinker. Here are some advanced ways to maximize your browsing experience.

Enabling Developer Options

Like Chrome, ElixirBrowser has a hidden developer menu. Navigate to Settings > About ElixirBrowser and tap the version number seven times. This unlocks:

• Strict Mode: Enforce stricter security policies.
• Layout Inspector: Debug web page layouts visually.
• Network Throttling: Simulate slow network speeds for testing.

Customizing Extension Behavior

Not all extensions work perfectly out-of-the-box on mobile due to screen size differences. We recommend using the “Request Desktop Site” toggle alongside extensions like “User-Agent Switcher” to force desktop layouts. This is particularly useful for web apps that have stripped-down mobile versions.

Using Local Hosts File for Ad Blocking

For ultimate performance, we suggest combining extension-based ad blocking with local hosts file blocking. Advanced users can mount a custom hosts file via Magisk (e.g., the “AdAway” module) to block ad servers at the network level, reducing the load on the CPU and battery. ElixirBrowser respects system-level host file changes, providing a double layer of protection.

Troubleshooting and Community Support

As ElixirBrowser is a project born from personal necessity, it is actively refined based on user feedback. We encourage users to report issues via the official repository or the Hacker News thread.

Common Issues and Fixes

• Extension Crash: If an extension crashes, try updating it to the latest version. Some legacy extensions may not be fully compatible with newer Chromium builds.
• WebView Update Failure: If the internal WebView fails to update, ensure you have sufficient storage space. You can also manually download the latest Android System WebView APK from a trusted source and install it alongside ElixirBrowser.
• Performance Lag: If the browser feels sluggish, clear the cache (Settings > Privacy > Clear Browsing Data) and disable heavy extensions that run in the background.

The Future of ElixirBrowser

The development roadmap for ElixirBrowser is focused on stability and feature parity. While the project started as a personal tool, the positive reception from the community suggests a longer lifespan. Future updates will focus on:

1. Battery Optimization: Further reducing the background footprint.
2. Custom UI Themes: Allowing users to skin the browser interface.
3. Sync Integration: Exploring possibilities for optional sync (via third-party services) without compromising privacy.

We remain committed to keeping ElixirBrowser open-source and accessible. By hosting the distribution through the Magisk Modules repository, we ensure a streamlined delivery channel for the rooted user base, which is the primary demographic for such deep customization tools.

Conclusion

ElixirBrowser represents a significant step forward for Android power users seeking a desktop-class browsing experience on their mobile devices. By leveraging the robust Chromium engine and removing the artificial limitations imposed by mainstream browsers, it delivers on the promise of true extension support and high performance. Whether you are migrating from the archived Kiwi Browser or looking to escape the walled garden of Chrome Mobile, ElixirBrowser offers a compelling, lightweight, and highly capable alternative.

We invite you to download ElixirBrowser from the Magisk Module Repository today and experience the freedom of a browser that respects your need for control, speed, and functionality. As we continue to refine the codebase and incorporate user feedback, ElixirBrowser is poised to become the standard for rooted Android browsing.