How to Change the Default Browser to Xiaomi

Modern Xiaomi smartphones running on the Android operating system come with a pre-installed set of applications that developers consider the most useful to the user. However, each owner of the gadget has his preferences: someone is used to the minimalism of Chrome, others choose a functional Yandex.Browser, and still others prefer Opera or Firefox. The problem arises when the system insists on opening links through a standard application, ignoring your desires.

Changing the default web browsing program is not just a matter of aesthetics, but also a way to improve the efficiency of the device. In the shells of MIUI and the new HyperOS, this process has its own nuances, different from pure Android. The user may find that the desired menu item is hidden, or the system will require confirmations every time a third-party application is launched. Understanding the logic of application priorities will allow you to take control of the gadget in your own hands.

In this article, we will take a look at the algorithms for different firmware versions, look at the methods of forced prioritization, and learn how to disable intrusive system functions. You will learn how to make your browser the main tool for navigating the Internet, eliminating unnecessary clicks and automatic switching. This simple action will significantly improve the user experience with your smartphone.

Why Change the Standard Internet App

The standard app, often called MIUI Browser or Xiaomi Browser, does have a wide range of features, including built-in ad blocker and traffic saving mode. However, many users note that it consumes more battery and RAM than lighter counterparts. In addition, synchronizing history and passwords is often more convenient in the Google or Yandex ecosystem, making replacing the standard solution a logical move.

Security is another strong argument for changing the default browser: Third-party developers often release security updates faster than the system application is updated as part of firmware. Using the latest versions of Chrome, Edge or DuckDuckGo, you get access to the latest technologies to protect against phishing and malicious scripts, which is critical when making online payments or logging into banking applications.

Customization is also important: Standard solutions often have a fixed design that cannot be changed. Alternative applications allow you to set themes, change the layout of toolbars and adjust control gestures, which turns the surfing process from a utilitarian need to a personalized experience tailored to the specific habits of the owner of a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone.

• 🚀 Performance: Third-party browsers often run faster and less processor load when rendering heavy pages.
• 🔒 Privacy: Many alternatives offer built-in trackers and incognito mode with advanced data protection features.
• 🎨 Interface: The ability to fine-tune the appearance to your preferences, which is lacking in standard system applications.

⚠️ Note: When you install a new browser, the system may request permission to access contacts or geolocate. Read access rights requests carefully so that you do not pass unnecessary information to dubious applications from unknown sources.

Where to find default application settings in MIUI and HyperOS

Xiaomi’s shell interface changes with each update, and the settings may vary. Most current versions of MIUI 12, 13, 14 and the new HyperOS have standardized the default path to managing applications, but require care. You need to get into the system settings section, where the operating system’s behavior adjusts when handling various types of links and files.

To start, open the main settings menu of your device, which is usually a gear icon. In the list that opens, look for a section that can be called Apps or Applications and Notifications. This is where you focus on managing all installed programs, their rights and priorities. In some firmware versions, this item can be entered into a separate menu, Advanced Settings, but more often it is in the main list.

When you log into the app menu, look at the top of the screen or the list of additional options. There should be a line called "Default Apps." When you click on it, you will be taken to the menu where the system shows which program is currently responsible for calls, messages, navigation and, of course, web browsing. If you can't find this item right away, search inside the settings by entering the "default" request.

• 📱 Path to the menu: Go to Settings → Annexes → Default applications for quick access to the desired partition.
• 🔍 Search: Use the search bar at the top of the Settings screen by entering the phrase “default apps” if the menu is changed.
• ⚙️ Android Version: On older versions of Android, the path may be different: Settings → Additionally. → Default applications.

⚠️ Note: Some global firmware versions may have different names, such as “Default apps” or “Standard apps.” If you don’t see the Russian version, look for the corresponding English equivalent.

Step-by-step: installing a new browser

The process of installing a new priority application is pretty simple, if you know where to click. Once you've moved to the Default Apps section, look for the browser. Click on it and the system will open a list of all the programs installed on your device, capable of processing web links, and this list will contain both system and downloaded options from Google Play or GetApps.

Select from the list the desired application, such as Google Chrome or Yandex. Once you touch the name, next to it will appear a tick or a completed circle, confirming the choice. From now on, all links opened from other applications (messengers, email, social networks) will automatically start in the selected program.

If after selecting the system still asks how to open the link, or opens the old browser, check whether the restriction on “Open supported links” inside the application itself. Sometimes it is useful to clear the cache of the old browser or restart the smartphone so that the changes take effect finally and cached data does not interfere with the work.

• ✅ Selection: Tap the desired browser name in the list to activate it as your primary navigation tool.
• 🔄 Reboot: After changing the settings, it is recommended to restart the device to apply changes to all system processes.
• 🧹 Clean: If the old browser keeps popping up, clear its data through the All Apps menu» → «Delete the data».

Solving problems: if the system does not allow you to choose a browser

Xiaomi users often face a situation where the browser selection point is blocked or the selection is reset, this can be due to the fact that the Mi Browser system application has the highest priority of protection or is updated through system services, in which case you first go to the settings of the application itself, which you want to make the main one, and make sure that it has all the necessary permissions.

Another common problem is having multiple profiles or modes of operation (e.g., Second Space). The default browser settings may not sync between spaces. You will have to repeat the priority setting procedure separately for each user profile, and it is worth checking whether the Security mode is enabled, which can force you to open links in secure mode.

In rare cases, a complete reset of application preferences helps, which is not going to delete your data or photos, but it's going to return all the file association settings to factory settings, and then the system, when you click on the first link, will ask you which application to use and suggest you remember the choices, and this is the most reliable way to shake up the system if a software failure interferes with normal operation.

• 🛡️ Security: Check the Xiaomi Security app if there are no locks for third-party browsers.
• 👤 Profiles: Make sure you are in the main profile, as settings may not apply in the Second Space».
• 🔃 Reset: Use the Reset App Settings feature in the Special Options menu to update file associations.

Comparison of popular browsers for Android

Choosing a browser is always a compromise between speed, functionality and resource consumption. To help you decide which program will best suit your use case on a Xiaomi smartphone, we have prepared a comparison table to help you understand whether you should switch from familiar Chrome to something more specialized.

Consider that most browsers (Chrome, Edge, Opera, Yandex) have the same rendering engine, which means that the sites will be displayed almost identically. The differences lie in the additional features: built-in VPNs, ad blockers, PC sync and RAM consumption. For low-end models of Redmi or POCO with a small amount of RAM, this is a critical parameter.

⚠️ Attention: Browsers with Turbo or traffic compression feature pass your data through their servers. Do not use them to enter sensitive information if you do not trust the compression service provider.

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Use the “Lite” or “Mini” browser versions if your smartphone is slow, and they consume significantly less CPU and RAM resources, which prolongs battery life.

Setting up the Start Page and Search Engine

Once you have successfully installed your default browser, it makes sense to customize it for yourself. By default, many apps offer their own search engines or news feeds that can be annoying. Fortunately, in any modern browser settings, you can change the search engine to Google, Yandex, DuckDuckGo or any other that supports the OpenSearch standard.

You also need to look at the start page, and instead of a news feed that consumes traffic and distracts, you can set up a blank page or a page with frequent sites, which will speed up the browser launch and make it cleaner visually. In Chrome or Yandex settings, this is done through the Settings menu» → «Main page».

Remember to check your sync settings. If you move from one device to another (e.g., from iPhone to Xiaomi or from PC to phone), logging in to your account will save all passwords, history and bookmarks, eliminating the need to manually transfer important data and allow you to continue reading from where you left off on your computer.

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Properly configuring the search engine and the start page saves user time and removes information noise, making the work on the Internet more productive.

• 🔍 Search engine: Go to the browser settings → «Search engine" and select the preferred option from the list.
• 🏠 Home: Include the Home button in the menu to return to your favorite page in one click.
• 🔐 Sync: Sign in to automatically transfer all bookmarks and passwords from other devices.