How to make a default browser in a Xiaomi phone: a step-by-step guide

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face intrusive behavior of the system, which forcibly opens all links through the built-in Mi Browser. This happens even if you have long used Google Chrome, Yandex or Opera.

Fortunately, the MIUI shells and the new HyperOS have the ability to change this behavior. You don't have to be an Android expert to reconfigure the system. It only takes a couple of minutes, but it takes care, because the settings menu can vary slightly from firmware to firmware.

In this article, we will discuss in detail how to designate a default browser so that links from messengers, emails and social networks open in the app that you are comfortable with. We will also look at the hidden settings that allow you to completely disable the system browser if you do not need one.

Why Change the Standard Browser on Xiaomi

The standard Mi Browser is often criticized for its abundance of advertising and news feeds that cannot be completely removed without special manipulation. Many users prefer more minimalistic or functional solutions. Changing the default browser is the first step to personalizing the device to your needs.

When you install a new browser, such as DuckDuckGo or Brave, the Android system by default does not switch to it automatically. HTTP-This gives you complete control over which rendering engine will be used to display web pages.

In addition, third-party browsers often offer better sync with desktop versions. If you're used to bookmarking Chrome on your computer, it makes sense to make it the main one on your phone, which will eliminate the need to constantly copy links or send them to your messengers.

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For maximum privacy, it is recommended to use browsers with built-in tracker lock, such as Brave or Firefox Focus, as the main ones.

Where to find application settings in MIUI and HyperOS

The MIUI shell interface is known for its complex menu structure, which requires you to go through multiple layers of nesting to get to the settings you want. The path may vary depending on the Android version and the device model, but the overall logic remains the same.

You have to open the main settings menu and find the partition that manages installed programs. In modern firmware versions, this section is called "Applications." This is where the keys to managing the standard system activities are stored.

Note that in some regions (e.g., the global version for Europe), item names may be translated differently than in Chinese firmware. If you don't find a precise match, look for synonyms or search by settings.

You can use built-in search to access quickly, and just type in the default or standard settings search bar, and the system will suggest you go to the desired section, which will save you time if you don't remember the exact path.

Step-by-step: installing the browser by default

The most reliable way to change your settings is to use the classic menu. Follow the instructions carefully so you don't get confused in similar points. Before you start, make sure that the browser you need is already installed and updated to the latest version.

First, go to Settings → Apps → All Apps. In this list, find the gear icon, which is usually located at the top right of the screen. By clicking on it, you will be taken to the advanced application management menu.

In the menu that opens, select “Other Settings” (or “Advanced Settings”), and you will see the “Default Apps” option, click on it to see a list of application categories that the system runs automatically when certain actions are taken.

Find the browser option on the list. The default option is Mi Browser or Built-in Browser. Click on this item and the system will offer you a choice from all the browsers installed. Select the one you want, for example, Google Chrome.

⚠️ Note: If the new browser is still opened in the old one, the previous application may have priority permissions, in which case you need to reset the default settings for the old browser.

Once selected, the system can request confirmation of the action. Accept the change. Now, when you click on any link on Telegram, WhatsApp or email, it will open the app you choose.

Alternative Method through Application Management

There is a second way that allows you to customize the behavior of a particular browser in more detail, which is useful if the standard menu doesn’t work correctly or if you want to make sure that the application has all the necessary rights.

Go to Settings → Applications → All apps and find the browser you want to make the primary in the list. Click on it to open the app information page.

At the bottom of the screen, find the Default Launch (or Open by Default) button. Click on it. In the menu that opens, activate the Open Supported Links switch, which will force the system to use the application for web links.

This method gives you a deeper control. You can see exactly what types of links (http, https, specific domains) the application supports. For most users, it is enough to simply turn on the main switch.

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Using the menu of a particular application allows you to bypass system limitations if the global setting is not applied immediately.

How to disable or remove the Mi Browser system

Many users want to not just change their browser, but get rid of the intrusive Mi Browser completely. However, in the shell of MIUI, it is a system application, and you can not remove it in the usual way.

There's a safe way to hide it and turn it off. Go to your application settings, find Mi Browser, and click "Disable." The system will warn you that it may affect other functions. Confirm the action. After that, the icon will disappear from the desktop, and the application will stop running.

⚠️ Note: Complete removal of system applications through ADB (Android Debug Bridge is possible, but requires a computer connection. Inexperienced users are better off turning off so as not to disrupt the stability of the system.

If you decide to use ADB, the command to remove the browser will look like this: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser.This will remove the application for the current user, but leave it in the system partition, which is safe for warranty.

Remember that completely removing system components can lead to errors when updating firmware or resetting settings. Disabling is the most reasonable compromise between the purity of the system and its tab.

Addressing issues and issues

Even after setting it up properly, there can be situations where the phone forgets your choices and reopens the links in Mi Browser, often after you update the system or the browser itself, and you need to repeat the selection process.

Another common problem is the appearance of pop-ups with Xiaomi’s Safe Browse offer, a security mechanism that tries to redirect you to your browser. To avoid this, you can sometimes turn off URL verification in security settings, although this will reduce the level of protection.

It's also worth checking the permissions for the new browser, making sure it has access to the network and, if necessary, a clipboard. Without basic permissions, the app may not handle incoming links properly.

If nothing works, try clearing the Mi Browser cache and data before turning it off, and sometimes the accumulated cache errors prevent the system from correctly switching to a new application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)