How to change the default browser to Xiaomi Redmi: a detailed guide with pictures

Are you tired of all the links to your Xiaomi Redmi automatically opening in the standard Mi Browser?Would you like to use Google Chrome, Firefox or another alternative browser as your primary browser?In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change the default browser on Xiaomi smartphones with the shell MIUI 12, 13 and 14 – from basic settings to hidden system features.

The problem is that the manufacturer often restricts user experience by forcing its services to be installed. But even in the latest versions of MIUI, there are loopholes for flexible customization. We tested all methods on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi 11T and POCO X5 models, the instructions work equally stable. Importantly, some steps may differ depending on the regional firmware (global, Chinese, European).

Why does Mi Browser open by default and can it be removed?

The standard Mi Browser browser is deeply integrated into Xiaomi’s ecosystem, not only processing web links, but also linked to:

• 🔍 Search engine default (often redirects to Bing or Yandex depending on the region)
• 📱 Built-in synchronization services (Mi Account account)
• 🛡️ Security features (checking malicious links through Mi Security)
• 📊 System notifications (e.g., news feed on the home screen)

You can't delete the Mi Browser completely without root permissions, the system will block this operation, but you can disable it (which will free up up to 150-200 MB of memory) or simply replace it with an alternative browser for all links. The main obstacle is that MIUI periodically resets its default settings after updates. We'll show you how to consolidate your choices.

Method 1: Change the default browser through application settings

This is the simplest and most official method that works on all versions of MIUI 12-14. Instructions are relevant for models Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F3/X3 and other devices based on Android 11-14.

Steps:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Scroll to the Browser section and tap it.
4. In the list of available browsers, select the desired one (for example, Chrome or Firefox).

If your browser does not appear in the list, make sure that:

• 📥 The app is installed from Google Play (not available) APK)
• 🔄 It has been updated to the latest version.
• 🚫 Not disabled in settings (Settings) → Annexes → [browser-name] → Turn it on)

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi firmware (especially Chinese) the default App item may be hidden. ADB.

Method 2: Configure by opening a link (a bypass)

If the standard method didn't work, try tricking the system into suggesting a browser choice when you open a link, which works even on blocked firmware.

Instructions:

1. Open any app that has clickable links (such as Telegram, WhatsApp or Gmail).
2. Click on any web link (e.g. https://google.com).
3. In the window that appears, select Always and specify the desired browser.
4. Confirm the action by pressing OK.

This method works 80% of the time, but has a limitation: some system links (e.g. from Mi Account) will still open in Mi Browser. To avoid this, use Method 4 with the default browser disabled.

💡

If the link opens in Mi Browser despite the settings, try clearing the cache of the app that initiates the opening (such as Telegram or Gmail).

Method 3: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

For advanced users who can’t change the browser using standard methods, there is a solution via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which works on all versions of MIUI, including Chinese firmware without Google Services.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to unlock the developer menu, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB)
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original)

Instructions for entering into ADB (in order):

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


adb shell cmd package set-home-activity com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main

Replace com.android.chrome with your browser package:

• 🌐 Chrome: com.android.chrome
• 🦊 Firefox: org.mozilla.firefox
• 🎭 Opera: com.opera.browser

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB On Xiaomi models with a locked bootloader (for example, Redmi Note 12 for China), these commands may not work without unlocking the bootloader.

Method 4: Disable Mi Browser (memory release)

If you do not plan to use a standard browser, you can disable it that:

• ⚡ Free up to 200 MB of memory
• 🚫 Prevent background activity (battery savings)
• 🛡️ Remove unnecessary notifications from Xiaomi

How to turn it off:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Mi Browser (may be called simply the Browser).
3. Click Disable (the button will become active after pressing the three dots in the top corner).
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

Once disabled, some system functions (such as checking for virus links) will stop working. If you need this protection, install an alternative antivirus, such as Malwarebytes or Bitdefender.

Solving problems: browser resets after MIUI update

Many users of Xiaomi Redmi are faced with the fact that after the system update, the browser is reset by default to the Mi Browser, which is due to Xiaomi’s policy, which forcibly restores some settings “for stability of work”.

How to capture your choice:

1. Opt out of automatic updates: Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. Click on three points → Update Settings → Turn off Autoboot.
2. Use Tasker to Automatically Restore: Install the Tasker app from Google Play. Create a task with the Open Default Settings action and run it after you reboot.

Install custom recovery (for advanced)

• Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
• Sweep through TWRP and delete Mi Browser through the file manager.

If the browser was removed through ADB, it can only be restored by resetting settings or flashing.