How to change the browser to Android Xiaomi: full instruction

Owners of Xiaomi smartphones often face the intrusiveness of the proprietary shell MIUI or its new version of HyperOS. Standard web surfing application, preinstalled by the manufacturer, may not suit the user with its functionality or an abundance of advertising. There is a natural desire to replace it with a more familiar Google Chrome, Yandex or Firefox. However, simply removing or installing an alternative is not always enough for the system to start using the new tool by default.

The process of changing the main web browser to Android is based on standard operating system principles, but the Xiaomi shell has its own nuances: you need not just download an alternative application, but also force the system to specify which software should open links from other programs, which requires access to certain sections of settings, which are sometimes hidden deep in the menu.

In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions that will allow you to completely abandon the standard solution and use any other web client. We will consider both standard methods and advanced methods if standard settings are blocked by the manufacturer in your firmware version.

Why you should consider changing the standard browser

The standard Mi Browser app is often criticized for its aggressive data collection policies and excessive news feeds. Users who value privacy and speed prefer lighter and safer counterparts. Replacing the standard tool eliminates the constant stream of advertising notifications and news widgets that consume traffic and battery power.

Third-party development also offers advanced functionality that is not available in the basic version: it can be built-in ad blocker, traffic saving mode, synchronization with desktop versions or support for extensions. Integration with the Google ecosystem or other services is often implemented in third-party products much deeper and more convenient.

⚠️ Warning: Completely removing the system application without installing an alternative can lead to errors when trying to open links from messengers or social networks.Make sure the new client is fully installed and configured before disabling the old one.

It is also important to note the impact on the performance of the device: heavy shells with many background processes can slow down the work of budget models Redmi or Poco. Lightweight counterparts can significantly speed up page loading and reduce the load on RAM, which is especially important for devices with a small amount of RAM.

Selecting an alternative web client for installation

Before you change your system settings, you need to choose and install a suitable replacement. There are many options available in the Google Play Market, each of which has its own characteristics, and the choice depends on your personal preferences regarding the interface, speed and set of additional features.

Google Chrome is the most popular choice, providing perfect sync with your Google account, browsing history, and passwords on other devices, and is the most stable and compatible option that correctly displays all modern web pages.

• 🌐 Google Chrome is the benchmark for speed and sync with the Google ecosystem.
• 🛡️ Brave – focused on maximum privacy and built-in tracker blocker.
• 🚀 Opera Mini is great for saving traffic and working on weak devices.
• 🦊 Mozilla Firefox offers flexible configuration and extension support.

For users who are interested in saving traffic or working in an unstable Internet, specialized versions with a data compression mode will be suitable. You should also pay attention to Yandex Browser, which is optimized for the Russian-speaking segment of the Internet and offers convenient integration with Yandex services.

How to install the application by default through settings

Once the new software is installed, you need to reconfigure the system. On Xiaomi smartphones with a MIUI shell or HyperOS, the path to the desired settings may vary slightly depending on the version of Android, but the general principle remains the same. You will need access to the application management section.

First, open the main settings menu of the phone. Find the Apps section or All Apps. In some firmware versions, the desired item may be inside the Settings -> Apps -> Application Management subsection. This shows the complete list of all installed software.

In the top right corner of the screen, you often have a three-dot menu or a gear. Click on this item to reveal additional options. In the list that opens, select the default App, and that's where the roles are assigned to the programs that are installed.

In the menu that opens, you'll see a Browser bar. Click on it. The system will offer a list of all compatible web clients installed on the device. Choose the one you want to use the main one. After that, all links from other applications will open in the selected program.

Advanced settings and reset preferences

Sometimes it happens that the system does not change the choice or continues to open links in the old application, in which case it may be necessary to reset the default settings for a particular application. This action does not delete data or history, it only returns the choice of the default program to the "ask the user" state.

To do this, go back to the Application Management menu. Find the current browser you want to replace (such as Mi Browser) in the list. Go to it and scroll down to the Default Open or Default Launch button. Press Reset button.

Once reset, the next time you click on the link, the system will ask you again which app to use. Choose a new browser and tick Always or Use by default, which will consolidate the choice and prevent repeated questions.

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse "Data Cleanup" and "Default Reset": The first action will delete your bookmarks, logins and browsing history, the second will only allow you to choose another program to open links.

Using ADB for System Change

In rare cases, when the manufacturer rigidly blocks the browser change or deletes the corresponding menu item, you can use debugging over USB. The method requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and the presence of the ADB tool (Android Debug Bridge).

First, you need to activate the developer mode. Go to About Phone and quickly press the build number seven times (MIUI Version). Then in advanced settings, turn on USB Debugging. Connect the phone to your PC and open the command prompt.

adb shell pm set-home-activity --user 0 com.android.chrome

In the command below, com.android.chrome is the batch name of Google's browser. If you want to install another, you need to know its exact packet name (e.g., com.opera.browser), which is a method that forcibly assigns the specified app to the home screen and link handler.

If the command is successful, the system will apply the changes immediately. Rebooting the device is not required, but is desirable to consolidate the result. Be careful when entering commands, as an error in the syntax can lead to the fact that no application will be assigned to the main one.

Frequent problems and ways to solve them

Even after a successful change of settings, users may encounter unexpected behaviors, such as some links within Xiaomi apps (such as a theme or game store) may persist in the built-in browser, because system components take precedence over user settings.

Another common problem is that notifications from an old browser appear, even if you don’t use it. To get rid of this, go to the notification settings of a particular application and completely disable them from displaying, or turn off background activity.

• 🔍 Links open in the wrong app – check if the “Always” check box is on the old browser, and reset the default settings.
• 📉 Brakes the work of the interface – try to disable animation in the developer settings or clear the cache of the new browser.
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge – limit the background activity of the new application in the energy saving settings.

Also, consider that some sites may not display correctly in alternative engines if they are sharpened for specific Chrome features, in which case it is useful to have another “duty” browser installed for compatibility.