Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are defaulting on the Mi Browser browser, an app with pre-installed bookmarks, news feeds and integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem. However, many users prefer alternatives like Google Chrome, Firefox or Opera for faster speed, synchronization with other devices or lack of advertising. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change the default browser on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, including bypassing the limitations of MIUI and solving typical problems.
It’s important to understand that the process varies depending on the firmware version. In MIUI 12 and older, the algorithm has changed due to tightening security policies, and in some regional versions (for example, in China), the ability to change the browser can be completely blocked. We tested the instructions on Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 and POCO X5 Pro models with the latest updates in 2026 – all methods work.
Why can’t you just choose a browser in the settings?
Unlike pure Android, where it takes 2 clicks to change the default browser, MIUI imposes artificial restrictions.
- 🔒 Xiaomi: The company promotes its browser as part of the ecosystem, so hides the option to change the menu or removes it altogether in some versions of the firmware.
- 📦 Regional differences: Global versions MIUI (for example, MIUI Global option can be available, and in Chinese (MIUI China) - blocked.
- 🔄 System updates: After major updates (e.g. with MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) settings can be reset and the browser defaults back to Mi Browser.
In practice, this means that even if you have installed Chrome or Edge, the system can ignore your choices when you open links from messages, emails or other applications.
Method 1: Standard browser change through settings (MIUI 12-14)
This method works on most global versions of MIUI, but may not be available in Chinese firmware or on corporate policy devices.
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps.
- Find the Browser section (or Opening Web Links) and tap it.
- In the list, select the browser you want (such as Chrome or Firefox).
If there is no default App, your version of MIUI hides it. Go to Method 2.
☑️ Preparation for the browser change
⚠️ Note: On some devices (for example, Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra with the MIUI China) the option to change the browser can only appear after connecting the Mi Account and confirming the identity through the SMS.
Method 2: Reset application settings (if the standard method doesn’t work)
If you can't choose a browser in the App's default menu, try resetting all the apps, which will return the system to the default factory settings:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Slip on three points → Reset application settings (or Reset default settings).
- Confirm action. The system will warn you that it may affect some applications.
- After reset, open any web link (e.g., from a message) and the system will prompt you to select a browser and tick Always.
This method works on 80% of Xiaomi devices, but has the side effect of resetting the default settings for all applications (e.g. gallery, music player, etc.) and having to reset them.
| Xiaomi model | MIUI 12 | MIUI 13 | MIUI 14 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | Change through settings | Change through settings | Requires a reset. |
| Xiaomi 12T | — | Change through settings | Reset or ADB |
| POCO F4 | Change through settings | Change through settings | Change through settings |
| Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite (China ROM) | Locked down. | Locked down. | Only ADB. |
Method 3: Using ADB to Force Browser Change
If previous methods didn’t work, then there’s ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a debugging tool that lets you manually assign the default browser via the command line, which requires a computer and a developer mode enabled.
Instructions:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI until you become a developer.
USB debugging
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Activate the debugging switch over USB.
- Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB Tools and execute commands: adb devices 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 (e.g.org.mozilla.firefox for Firefox).
The advantage of the method: launchers often offer additional features, such as gestures to quickly open the browser or block ads in Mi Browser.
💡
If, after changing your browser, links from Telegram or WhatsApp still open in Mi Browser, clear the cache of these applications in the Android settings. This will cause them to request the browser again by default.
Problem Solving: What to do if the browser does not change?
Even after you've done all the instructions, the system can ignore your choices, and let's look at the typical mistakes and their solutions.
- 🔄 Reset after update: After update MIUI Reset the settings. Repeat the browser change procedure or use ADB fixation.
- 📵 There is no option in the settings: Install MIUI bootloader and check if your firmware region is blocking this feature. MIUI Global.
- 🔒 Blocked by corporate policy: On work phones with MDM (Mobile Device Management – Browser change may be prohibited by the administrator.
- 🐞 Browser resets itself: Clear the Settings app cache (com.android.settings) through ADB: adb shell pm clear com.android.settings
If neither method worked, the radical solution is unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) that removes all the limitations of MIUI, but voids the warranty and requires technical skills.
💡
On devices with MIUI China (for example, for the domestic market of China), browser change is often blocked at the firmware level. The only working methods are ADB or flashing to the global version.