Select the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi 9

Xiaomi smartphone owners, particularly the Redmi 9, often face the imposition of the branded Mi Browser browser when installing the operating system, a standard MIUI shell behavior designed to integrate the user into the manufacturer’s ecosystem, but many users prefer third-party solutions such as Google Chrome, Opera or Firefox, because of the familiar interface or advanced synchronization functionality.

The process of changing the main application to go online on Android is quite simple, but in Xiaomi firmware it can be hidden in the depths of the settings menu. Incorrect choice or random action can lead to the fact that links will open again in an unwanted application. In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions for fixing the desired browser as a system standard.

Understanding how Android 10’s app prioritization system works (the base version for Redmi 9) will help you avoid confusion in the future.We’ll look at not only the standard path through settings, but also how to reset preferences if the system “forgot” your choices or behaves incorrectly.

Why the system offers Mi Browser and whether to change

When you first start Redmi 9 or reset to factory settings, the system actively promotes its own services. Mi Browser is often installed as the default application, since it is optimized for working with the MIUI shell and contains built-in traffic saving functions. However, for many users, its interface is overloaded with news feed and recommendations, which reduces the speed of work.

Changing your browser by default affects which app you open when you click on any link from messengers, social networks or email clients. If you are used to syncing your history through a Google account, using Chrome will be a more logical solution. Alternative browsers like DuckDuckGo or Brave can offer increased privacy, which is also a strong argument for changing the standard.

It is important to note that deleting or disabling a system browser is not always possible without root rights, but replacing it as a priority application is available to every user.This will not remove the Mi Browser from the device, but will stop running it automatically when you click on links.

⚠️ Note: Complete removal of system components through ADB or third-party utilities can lead to unstable operation of the shell MIUI. It is recommended to simply change priority, leaving the system browser in place.

Choosing the right surfing tool is a matter of personal comfort and security requirements. Some users value minimalism, others value having a built-in ad blocker. Regardless of your preferences, Android makes it easy to switch to any installed counterpart.

Preparation for changing the main browser to Redmi 9

Before making changes to system settings, make sure the alternative app is already installed on your device.If you plan to use Google Chrome, it is most likely already present on the system but may be disabled.Other options, such as Yandex Browser or Samsung Internet, will require a pre-load from the Google Play store.

Checking the availability of the browser is a critical step: the system will not allow you to choose an application that is not physically installed on Redmi 9. After installation, it is advisable to launch the new browser once, accept the user agreement and adjust the basic parameters so that it is correctly defined by the operating system.

It’s also worth making sure your device has a Google account enabled, especially if you’re planning to sync passwords and bookmarks. Having a stable internet connection at the time of setting up will ensure that databases are updated quickly and security certificates are checked for the new app.

Some users prefer to use specialized versions of browsers, such as Chrome Beta or Firefox Nightly, in which case the system will perceive them as separate applications, and the selection procedure will have to be re-conducted for each version.

Step-by-step: how to install the browser by default

The MIUI shell configuration process is based on the standard Android algorithm, but the paths to the menu may vary slightly depending on the firmware version. To start, open the main settings menu of your Redmi 9. You will need to find the section responsible for managing applications, which is usually called “Apps” or “Applications and notifications”.

Within this section, you need to go to the "Default Apps" subsection, and this is where you store a list of action categories (calls, messages, browsers) for which the system chooses to automatically run the appropriate software.

Clicking on this option, you will see a pop-up or transition to a new menu, where you will be presented with a selection of all installed browsers. Choose the option you want, such as Chrome. After that, all links in the system will begin to open through the selected application.

If after selecting the system again starts asking how to open the link, or resets the choice to Mi Browser, perhaps the old application still has priorities, in which case you need to clear the default settings for the old browser through the management menu of the specific application, finding the button “Start by default” and selecting “Delete settings”.

Setting priorities through the application menu

There is an alternative way to manage priorities that allows you to control the behavior of each application in more detail. To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All Apps. In the list, find the browser you want to make the main one, or vice versa, the one you want to get rid of as a standard.

In the application card, find the Default Launch section. If it says that the application is used to open links, click on the “Delete Settings” or “Default Clear” button. This action “releases” the system from the obligation to use this particular browser, allowing you to choose another one the next time you click on the link.

This is especially useful if you have multiple browsers installed and want to reset all your preferences at once. After clearing the settings for all browsers, the first time you click on a link, the system will force you to ask about your choice, and you can set the “Always” box next to the desired application.

Using the application-specific management menu gives you more control, especially when the standard path through the general settings for some reason doesn't work correctly, which often happens after major system updates.

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If you change browsers frequently, create a Test folder on your desktop and keep alternative browser shortcuts there to avoid getting confused in the main apps.

Solution: if the settings are not saved

Xiaomi Redmi 9 users sometimes face a situation where the selected browser is reset after a device reboot or system update.This may be due to aggressive battery optimization characteristic of MIUI. The system can "kill" the background processes of the browser, considering them unnecessary, which leads to a reset of file associations.

To prevent this, add your browser to the power saving exception list. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance (or simply “Battery”), find your browser in the list, and select the “No Limits” strategy, which will allow the application to work in the background and save its priority settings.

Another cause of problems may be Android WebView version conflicts. This system component is responsible for displaying web pages within apps. Make sure that updates are available in the Google Play store for the Android System WebView component, and install them. The old version of this component can cause errors when trying to open a link in a new browser.

⚠️ Warning: Don't disable the Android System WebView component completely. It's a system library that's essential for many applications, not just browsers, and it can cause messaging and social networking errors.

If the problem persists, try clearing the Settings cache (not the browser itself, but the system settings menu) through the All Apps menu by finding Settings and selecting Clear → Cache, and the data will not be affected, but the temporary configuration files will be updated.

Comparison of popular browsers for Xiaomi Redmi 9

The choice of browser for Redmi 9 depends on what tasks you perform most often. The device's hardware platform (MediaTek Helio G80 processor) is quite productive, but optimizing resource consumption is still important. Google Chrome provides better synchronization with the PC, but can be heavyweight for budget devices with many open tabs.

Opera Mini and UC Browser offer traffic savings by compressing pages on servers before sending to your phone, which is true if you often use mobile Internet with a limited rate, but privacy concerns should be considered when using such proxy servers.

For privacy enthusiasts, Firefox Focus or Brave will be a great choice, blocking trackers and engine-level ads, which also has a positive effect on page load speed and battery life. The Mi Browser loses out on this because it collects telemetry for advertising purposes.

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The best choice for Redmi 9 is a balance between performance and functionality. Chrome will suit most, and Brave – those who appreciate speed and no advertising without installing additional blockers.

The table below will help you quickly compare the key features of market leaders:

The final choice is left to the user, but the availability of the ability to quickly change makes the Android platform on Xiaomi flexible and convenient for any use cases.