Where and how to choose the default browser on Xiaomi smartphones: the full guide to 2026

Changing the default browser on Xiaomi smartphones is a task that at first glance seems elementary, but often causes difficulties for users.It is the features of the MIUI shell, which does not always provide direct paths to the desired settings. If you have installed Google Chrome, Firefox or another browser, but the system persistently opens links in the standard Mi Browser, this article will help you understand the reasons and find a solution.

Many users find themselves in a situation where, after installing an alternative browser, the system ignores their choices, which is due to MIUI's aggressive policy of promoting its own services. However, you can bypass these restrictions - you need to know where to look for the right options. In this article, we will look at all possible ways, from standard settings to workarounds for stubborn versions of firmware.

We’ll focus on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models based on MIUI 12-14, as these are the versions that most often raise questions. If you use older firmware (such as MIUI 11 or lower), some instructions may not work, in which case you will need to update the system or manually edit configuration files.

Before you start settings, make sure that an alternative browser (such as Chrome or Edge) is installed and updated to the latest version.

Why Xiaomi doesn’t make it easy to change the default browser?

Xiaomi is actively promoting its Mi Browser browser, which is integrated into the MIUI shell by default.

• 💰 Monetization: Mi Browser displays ads and collects data on user behavior, which brings additional revenue to the company.
• 🔗 Ecosystem: Xiaomi aims to keep users in its ecosystem by offering related services (cloud, Mi Account, payments).
• 🛡️ Security: The standard browser is better optimized to protect against threats in the Chinese Internet segment.
• 📱 Optimization: Mi Browser is tested for compatibility with Xiaomi hardware, which reduces the risk of failures.

As a result, users are faced with an artificially complicated process of changing the browser, for example, in some versions of MIUI, the default browser selection option is simply hidden in the depth of the menu or is only available after additional actions are performed.

Also, after system updates, settings can be reset, and Mi Browser becomes the default browser again.This is not a bug, but a planned firmware behavior.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global Market (Global) ROM) The process of changing the browser is easier than on the Chinese versions (China) ROM). If you have Chinese firmware, some methods may not work without root rights.

Method 1: Standard browser change via MIUI settings

The most obvious method is to use the built-in system settings. It works on most devices with MIUI 12-14, but the path to the option may vary depending on the version.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
4. Slip on Browser.
5. In the list, select the browser you want (such as Chrome or Firefox).

If the default App item is not on the menu, try an alternative path:

Settings → Memory → Default Applications → Browser

On some devices (such as POCO F3 or Redmi Note 11), the option may be called Default Settings or Silences.

Make sure that the alternative browser is installed |

Check out the MIUI version (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version)|

Close all open tabs in Mi Browser|

Restart the device before setting up-->

⚠️ Note: On some models (for example, Xiaomi Mi 11 with) MIUI 13) after selecting an alternative browser, the system may request confirmation via Security → Permissions. Don't ignore this step!

Method 2: Reset application settings (if the browser does not change)

If the standard method didn't work, the reason could be cached settings, in which case resetting the application parameters would help:

How to perform the reset:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top corner and select Reset app settings.
3. Confirm the action (a password or pattern lock may be required).
4. After reset, try to change the default browser again (see Method 1).

This method resets all application settings, including permissions, notifications, and silences, and after the procedure, you will have to reconfigure access to contacts, camera, and other functions for all applications.

If the reset didn't help, the problem could be Mi Browser's administrative rights.

Settings → Security → Device administrators

Make sure that Mi Browser doesn’t have any special permits.

Mi Browser (standard) |

Google Chrome|

Mozilla Firefox|

Microsoft Edge|

Other-->

Method 3: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

For advanced users who are willing to work with ADB, there is a method of forced change of browser through the command line, which is true for devices where the settings are blocked by the manufacturer.

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap the assembly number → return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Commands to execute:

adb shell pm clear com.android.browser


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

com.android.chrome

org.mozilla.firefox

Once you've done the commands, restart the device, which can cause some system applications to malfunction if they're not done correctly, and only use it if other methods don't work.

Method 4: Disable Mi Browser through settings (radical method)

If the system persists in returning the Mi Browser as the default browser, you can try to disable it completely.

• ⚠️ Some system features (such as opening links from notifications) may stop working.
• ⚠️ After updating MIUI The browser can be activated again.
• ⚠️ On Chinese versions of firmware (China) ROM) Disabling system applications is often blocked.

How to turn it off:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Mi Browser on the list and tap it.
3. Click Disable (if the button is active).
4. Confirm the action.

After disabling, try reassigning your browser to default via standard settings. If the Disabling button is inactive, it is forbidden on your firmware without root rights.

💡

Before disabling Mi Browser, install an alternative browser and check if links from other apps (such as Telegram or WhatsApp) open in it.

Table: Compatibility of methods with MIUI versions

The table shows that the most universal method is to reset application settings, but it requires reconfiguring all applications. For China ROM, often the only working option is to obtain root rights, which voids the warranty.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If none of the above methods worked, consider the following options:

• 🔄 Update MIUI: Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → System Update: Newer versions can fix bugs with default settings.
• 📲 Install custom firmware: Firmware like Pixel Experience or LineageOS are free of restrictions MIUI, but require unlocking the loader.
• 🛠️ Use Launchers: Some launchers (like Nova Launcher) allow you to assign default apps to specific actions.
• 📧 Call for support: Write to the official chat Xiaomi (via Settings) → The phone. → Feedback: Sometimes the problem is solved at the server settings level.

If you decide on a custom firmware, keep in mind that this is:

• Reset all data on the device.
• It could lead to a loss of warranty.
• Requires unlocking the bootloader (the procedure takes up to 7 days to wait for confirmation from Xiaomi).

💡

Before installing custom firmware, back up your data through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi