How to make Google Chrome the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi: all working methods

Why Xiaomi Redmi is hard to change the default browser and what to do about it

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi smartphones (especially on MIUI 12-14) often face a problem: the system stubbornly returns the standard Mi Browser browser even after manually changing the settings. This is not a coincidence, but a feature of the firmware, where Xiaomi aggressively promotes its services - including the browser, search engine and cloud solutions, as a result, users are forced to manually adjust every click on the link, which annoys and slows down work.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to make Google Chrome (or another browser) the main one on Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10, POCO and other models – from basic settings to bypassing the limitations of MIUI. Also, we’ll find out why settings can be reset after updating the system, and how to prevent it. If you’re tired of forced link opening in Mi Browser, read on.

⚠️ Important: The instructions below work on MIUI 12.5–14 (including global and Chinese versions) on older firmware (MIUI 11 and below) additional steps may be required - we will touch on them too.

Method 1: Standard browser change through Android settings

The most obvious way is to use Android’s built-in settings, but it often doesn’t work properly on Xiaomi because of MIUI modifications.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Slip on the Browser item and select Google Chrome (or another browser installed).

If you do that, then the Mi Browser links still open, the problem is that MIUI is deeply integrated, and it ignores Android settings and forcibly redirects traffic, so you can move on to the following methods.

Install Google Chrome from [Play Market](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.android.chrome)

Update MIUI to the latest version (check in Settings → About Phone → System Update)

Clear the Mi Browser cache in Settings → Applications → Mi Browser → Storage → Clear the cache

Reboot the phone.-->

Method 2: Reset applications by default (if Chrome doesn’t appear in the list)

Sometimes Google Chrome just doesn't appear on the list of available browsers, it's because of a bug in the app settings.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on three points → Reset applications by default.
3. Now, the next time you click on the link, the system will ask which application to use.
4. Select Chrome and always mark it.

⚠️ Warning: After resetting, all the default apps (including instant messengers, gallery, music players) will return to factory settings.

💡

If Chrome doesn't appear in the list after reset, try reinstalling it. To do this, delete the browser, clear the /Android/data/com.android.chrome folder (via the file manager) and install it again.

Method 3: Using ADB to force a browser change (for advanced ones)

If MIUI stubbornly ignores your settings, it leaves the forced method through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting the phone to a computer, but is guaranteed to work even on locked firmware.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the assembly number → Return to the Additional Settings → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Next, execute commands in the terminal (command line):

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




adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d "http://example.com" -n com.android.chrome/com.google.android.apps.chrome.Main

These teams:

1. Clearing the Mi Browser settings.
2. Install Chrome as the default link handler.
3. Testing the opening of a link through Chrome.

Method 4: Bypassing "Open Supported Links" (for MIUI 13/14)

The new versions of MIUI have a hidden link management mechanism to force the system to use Chrome:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Google Chrome.
2. Select Open by default → Open supported links.
3. Turn on all switches (especially HTTP, HTTPS, WEB).
4. Go back and select Clear the default settings.

Now, if you click on any link, you'll see a browser selection box. Select Chrome and always tick.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI 14 for Redmi Note 12) this method only works until the first reboot. After the reboot, the settings can be reset - in this case, use the method with the following: ADB.

Table: Comparison of methods of changing the browser on Xiaomi Redmi

Google Chrome

Mi Browser (stack)

Firefox

Brave

Other-->

Method 5: Remove Mi Browser (for root-right users only)

The most radical way is to completely remove the Mi Browser, which is only possible on phones with unlocked bootloader and root rights (for example, through Magisk).

Instructions:

1. Install Root Explorer or Titanium Backup.
2. Find /system/app/MiBrowser or /system/priv-app/MiBrowser.
3. Remove or rename the folder (for example, in the MiBrowser_bak).
4. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications can lead to unstable work MIUI, Also, some features (e.g. sync with Mi Account) may stop working. Use this method only if you are prepared for the consequences.

💡

Removing Mi Browser doesn’t block ads in MIUI, it’s built-in at the system level, and it will require additional manipulation of the hosts file or Magisk modules to disable it.

What to do if settings are reset after the MIUI update

One of the most common problems is resetting the browser by default after a firmware update, which is because Xiaomi is forced to return factory settings for its services.

• 🔄 Reverse to the old version MIUI (If the update only caused problems, download the firmware from the official website](https://new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index) and run through Fastboot.
• 🛠️ Use Tasker or MacroDroid to automatically return settings. Create a rule that, after rebooting, reassigns Chrome to the default browser.
• 📵 Turn off automatic updates MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Settings → Auto-update.

If you’re a frequent reset, consider switching to custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) that lacks aggressive advertising and forced Xiaomi services, but requires unlocking the bootloader and technical skills.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi Redmi