How to change the default browser on Xiaomi smartphones: all ways in 2026

Why is it difficult to change the default browser on Xiaomi?

Xiaomi smartphone owners regularly face a problem: the system stubbornly returns the Mi Browser browser as the default application, even after a manual change. It’s all about the policy of MIUI, the Android brand shell, which aggressively promotes its own services. Unlike “pure” Android, where it takes 30 seconds to change the browser, on Redmi, POCO or Mi, this process can turn into a multiple fight with settings.

The root of the problem lies in two factors: first, MIUI modifies the standard Android menu, hiding direct paths to changing apps by default; second, after updates, the system often resets user settings, returning Mi Browser to the first place. For example, after installing MIUI 14, many users noticed that even previously selected Chrome or Firefox stopped opening links automatically.

But the good news is that you can get around these limitations. We'll go through all the current ways, from official (via the settings menu) to alternative (using ADB and third-party utilities). It's important to understand that the effectiveness of the method depends on the version of MIUI and the model of the smartphone - for example, on the POCO F5 with MIUI 14, the algorithm will differ from the Redmi Note 10 on MIUI 12.5.

Method 1: Standard change through Android settings

To begin with, the most obvious method that works on most Xiaomi devices (unless the system explicitly blocks it) does not require root or PC connectivity, but may require repetition after MIUI updates.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Find the Browser section and select the desired application (such as Google Chrome or Firefox).
4. Confirm the choice by pressing OK or Set by default.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (Especially Chinese or global with regional restrictions, the default Appendix may not be available.

If, after completing these steps, links still open in Mi Browser, the reason may be:

• 🔄 Cash system - clean it in Settings → Memory. → Cleanup.
• 📱 Update MIUI — Some versions reset their default settings.
• 🛠️ Manufacturer restrictions on devices for the Chinese market (China) ROM) This method may not work.

Method 2: Use the Open with Menu

When the standard path doesn’t work, you can go a detour — get the system to remember your choices when you open a particular link — which is less reliable (you’ll have to repeat it for new links), but often helps as a temporary solution.

How to do this:

1. Find any web link (e.g., on Telegram, WhatsApp, or on the home screen).
2. Keep your finger on the link until the context menu appears.
3. Choose Open with (Open with)
4. In the list of applications, tap on the desired browser and mark Always (Always).

⚠️ Note: This method does not work with all types of links, for example, links from Gmail or YouTube can ignore your choice and open in Mi Browser by default.

If the method does not work, try the following:

• 🔗 Use direct links – for example, from Notes or Google Keep, not from social networks.
• 📌 Fix your browser on the home screen – sometimes it helps the system to “remember” it.
• 🔄 Reinstall the alternative browser – remove and reinstall it from Google Play.

Method 3: Reset application settings (radical method)

If previous methods didn’t work, you can try resetting all application settings to factory ones, which will remove all user preferences (including the default browser), but often solves the problem with the stubborn Mi Browser.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top corner and select Reset App Settings.
3. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.
4. After restarting, repeat Method 1 (standard browser change).

⚠️ Note: This method will reset all application settings, including:

• 🔕 Permissions for camera, microphone, geolocation.
• 📱 Default applications for calls, SMS, multimedia.
• 🔄 Background processes and battery optimization.

The advantage of this method is that it does not require root rights and works even on locked downloaders, but after the next MIUI update, the problem may return.

Method 4: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

For advanced users who are ready to connect a smartphone to a PC, there is a reliable way - the ADB command (Android Debug Bridge), which bypasses the limitations of MIUI at the software level and forcibly installs the desired browser by default.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the version number → Return to the Additional Settings → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-Type C Cable (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission on the device screen.
2. Open the command prompt (CMD on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Find out the name of your browser package (for example, for Chrome it is com.android.chrome).
5. Follow the command to change the browser by default: adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome (replace com.android.chrome with your browser package name).
6. Reboot your smartphone.

⚠️ Attention: Some versions MIUI block out ADB, If nothing has changed after you run the command, try an alternative command:

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


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

This will disable Mi Browser for the current user, but may cause errors in the system.

💡

If you don’t know the name of the browser package, install the App Inspector app from Google Play – it will show the full details of any installed application.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To make it easier for you to decide, we have compiled a comparative table of all methods with their pros and cons. MIUI:

For most users, the best solution is a combination of Method 1 (standard shift) and Method 2 (Open with Help). If you are ready to experiment and have access to a PC, ADB will give the most stable result.

💡

On devices with MIUI Global (for example, Redmi Note 12 or Xiaomi 13) usually enough standard methods. on Chinese firmware (China ROM) without ADB or custom firmware can not do.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after a successful browser change, Xiaomi users face unexpected challenges, including the most common ones and ways to fix them.

Problem 1: After the reboot, the Mi Browser opens again.

• 🔄 Solution: Repeat the browser change through the settings. If it doesn't work, use it. ADB.
• 📵 Reason: MIUI Resets default settings when restarting the system.

Problem 2: The default application list does not have the right browser.

• 🔍 Solution: Remove and reinstall the browser. Check if it supports linking (e.g. Firefox Focus cannot be the default browser).
• 🛠️ Reason: Some browsers (e.g. DuckDuckGo) are not registered as link handlers.

Problem 3: Links from a particular app (like Instagram) ignore settings.

• 🔗 Solution: In the settings of the problem application, find the section Open links and manually specify the browser.
• 📱 Reason: Some apps have their own settings for link processing.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using MIUI In Chinese (even on global devices), some menu items may be called differently, such as the default Chinese apps — (mòrèn yìngyòng).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions