Owners of Xiaomi smartphones often face a situation where after buying or updating the system all links open in the standard Mi Browser.This can annoy those who are used to the Google ecosystem and synchronizing history between devices.The standard application from the Chinese manufacturer is functional, but many users are closer to the interface and capabilities of Google Chrome.
The process of changing the priority application in the shells of MIUI and the new HyperOS is not always intuitive. The system may obsessively suggest returning the default settings or hiding the desired item in the depth of the menu. In this guide, we will break down all the nuances so that you can customize the gadget for yourself.
We're going to look at not only the standard algorithm of actions, but also ways to solve problems when the select button simply doesn't click or the system ignores the command. Understanding the structure of Android settings will allow you to manage the device more efficiently.
Features of the browsers in the shell MIUI
MIUI, and now the HyperOS, is built on Android, but has a significant change in the logic of system services. Chinese developers often promote their own services, so the Mi Browser is installed as a system component that is difficult to remove without superuser rights. However, Android has a strict hierarchy of permissions, allowing the user to override the choice of developer.
When you install Chrome from the Play Market, it registers as an alternative web link processing app, a problem that occurs when the system is supposed to "remember" your choice. Unlike pure Android, it often requires manual intervention in the App menu, as the automatic request may not appear or be blocked by privacy settings.
⚠️ Note: In some versions of firmware with aggressive energy savings, the system can automatically reset browser settings. If after a few days links start to open again in Mi Browser, check the battery settings for Chrome.
It's important to understand the difference between a default opening and a desktop shortcut. You can put a Chrome icon on the home screen, but when you click on a link in the messenger, Mi Browser will open. We need to change the behavior of the system when processing. URL-address.
Basic configuration through the application menu
The most reliable and proven way to change priority is to use the App Manager, which works on 99% of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, regardless of the Android version. You don't need to install third-party software, all the tools are already built into the system.
You first need to go to the general settings menu, find the gear icon and scroll down to "Applications," which stores all the installed and system components, and we're interested in the software management section.
In the list, find Google Chrome. Note that the list can be sorted by frequency of use or alphabet. Make sure you choose the browser from Google, rather than its lightweight version of Lite, if installed.
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If you can’t find Chrome in the list, use the search bar at the top of the Apps menu screen to speed up the process.
Once you log into the app menu, you'll see a screen with version information, memory usage and control buttons, and that's where the hidden behavioral controls are, and we'll need to find the "Open by default" option.
Click on this option. You'll see a menu that shows you your current status, and it'll probably say "Not specified" or "Mi Browser" and you'll click "Use by default." The system can request confirmation of administrator rights or a password to unlock the screen.
☑️ Quick-tuning algorithm
Forced cleaning of Mi Browser settings
Sometimes you've prioritized Chrome, but the system persists in running links in its native browser, because the Mi Browser already has a cache of file associations, and to wake up a choice again, you need to reset your competitor's settings.
Go back to the Apps menu and find Mi Browser (or simply Browser) and go to its properties. Unlike the previous step, we need to find the Clear Data or Clear Data button.
⚠️ Warning: Cleaning up the data will reset the start page settings, saved passwords in the Mi Browser itself and download history inside this application. Make sure you don't have important information there that can't be restored.
Select "Clear all data" or "Clear all data" and then the system "forgets" that Mi Browser ever opened links. The next time you click on any URL from SMS or messenger, Android must give the system window to select the application.
In the window that appears, select Chrome. Make sure to tick Always (or Use as Default) before you click OK. This will seal the choice at the system level. If you just click Once, the question will be asked each time you click.
Why is Mi Browser coming back?
Solving default choice problems
There are times when the default use button is inactive (gray) or not, a common problem on older versions of MIUI (10, 11) and some builds of MIUI 12.
The first thing to do is make sure Chrome is updated to the latest version through the Play Market.Outdated versions may not have the necessary certifications to work as the primary link handler in newer versions of Android.
Step two is permissions verification. Go to Permissions on the Chrome app menu. Make sure you allow storage and, if any, network access. Without basic permissions, the system may consider the application unready.
The third, most effective method for stubborn cases is to remove Chrome updates and reinstall them, or reinstall the app altogether, and sometimes the configuration files get corrupted and a clean installation solves the problem.
| Problem. | Probable cause | Decision-making |
|---|---|---|
| The default button is grey | Conflict of Android versions | Update Chrome through Play Market |
| Links open in Mi Browser | Cash file associations | Clear the Mi Browser data |
| There is no choice when opening a link | Android service failure | Reset the device |
| Permanent pop-ups | MIUI Advertising Module | Disable personalization in settings |
If none of these methods worked, try temporarily disabling Mi Browser. Search the "Disable" button (if it's active) in the app menu, which will make the system browser sleepy, and Chrome will have no competition.
Settings inside Google Chrome itself
Once the system settings are applied, it is not superfluous to check the internal parameters of the browser itself. Google Chrome has its own mechanisms for synchronizing and processing links that can conflict with the system.
Open Chrome and click on the three dots in the top right corner. Go to Settings. Find the Privacy and Security section. It's worth checking if any experimental features (flags) that can change the behavior of the app are enabled.
Also in the "Search engine" section, make sure that Google is selected, not, for example, Bing or Yahoo, if you use these services. This does not affect link opening, but is important for overall comfort of use.
Pay special attention to the Sync section. If you want a story opened on Xiaomi to be displayed on your PC, sign in to your Google account. This is a key feature that many people choose this browser for.
⚠️ Warning: Do not install questionable extensions or themes from unverified sources inside your browser. On mobile devices, they are often the cause of data leaks or intrusive advertising.
You can set up the newscast in the Discover section, and if you don't need personalized recommendations, you can turn them off to speed up the launch of the app and save traffic.
Alternative methods and work with labels
There's another thing that many people forget about, widgets and shortcuts, and even if Chrome is the default, there's a Mi Browser News widget on the desktop that looks like a standard one.
Check your desktop and lock screen. Remove the widgets associated with the Mi Browser. Replace them with Google widgets or just use the app shortcut. (long tap) on the browser icon will allow you to see the available widgets.
For advanced users, there is the possibility of using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), connecting the phone to a PC, you can forcibly hide the Mi Browser command:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browserThis command completely disables the system browser at the user level, making it impossible for even the system to run it. This is a radical method that ensures that Chrome remains the only option, but requires caution.
Use this method only if you are confident in your actions, and in case of errors, you can only return everything back through a full reset of your phone settings or re-energize the package through ADB.
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Disabling the system application completely via ADB is the most effective way to get rid of the Mi Browser imposition, but it requires a computer and basic debugging knowledge.