Modern smartphones, especially the popular Xiaomi Redmi and Poco models, come with a pre-installed set of applications, with its own web browser taking center stage. Despite the developers’ efforts to improve the functionality of the Mi Browser, many users prefer time-tested solutions like Chrome, Firefox or Opera, which are more familiar, synchronized with desktop versions and lack of intrusive advertising. The process of replacing a standard application with a preferred one is not always obvious due to the features of the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions necessary to redirect all system links to your chosen web browser. You will learn how to turn off automatic link opening in Mi Browser, where the default settings are hidden and what nuances can occur when working with different versions of the Android operating system. Proper setting of this parameter significantly increases the comfort of daily use of the gadget, eliminating unnecessary clicks and transitions.
It’s worth noting that the procedure may vary slightly depending on the firmware version and the device’s regional location. However, the basic principle of Android’s application management system remains the same across all models, including the Redmi Note, Redmi K and budget series.
Why it is important to choose your browser
The use of a third-party browser is often driven by the need for advanced functionality that is not available in stock solutions, such as extension-enabled browsers that allow you to block ads at the code level of a page, use nightly themes for any site, and save passwords in independent cloud storage, which is critical for users who value privacy and speed of content download.
In addition, third-party applications are often optimized better for heavy web resources and have more flexible privacy settings. Unlike the built-in Mi Browser, which can aggressively collect telemetry, alternative products like DuckDuckGo or Brave focus on protecting user data. Changing the application by default is the first step to creating a secure digital environment.
And synchronization is also important. If you're using a computer or a tablet, the single browser ecosystem allows you to instantly switch between devices while continuing to read from the same place, and setting this option up on Xiaomi requires you to do several sequential actions, which will be discussed below.
⚠️ Note: After changing the default browser, some deep system links (such as news feed in widgets or banner ads in system applications) may still open in Mi Browser.
Understanding how the operating system handles link opening requests will help avoid confusion. Android uses the Intent Filters engine, which determines which application should respond to a particular action, and your task is to explicitly indicate the system priority of the software you choose over the system.
Preparation for the change of the standard annex
Before you make changes to your system settings, make sure that the alternative web application is already installed and updated to the latest version.Not having an up-to-date version can cause some scripts or login forms to work incorrectly on sites. Go to Google Play Store or AppGallery and check for updates.
It is also recommended to log in to the new browser in advance so that your data (bookmarks, passwords, history) is accessible when you first start from an external link, eliminating the need to reconfigure after changing priorities.
☑️ Preparation for setup
It is important to make sure that the device does not include energy austerity modes that can block the background work of a new application. Although this rarely affects link opening, the stability of the system as a whole depends on the correct power settings.
Instructions: Change through application settings
The main method of changing the priority application is in the management of installed software. This path is universal for most versions of Android and MIUI shells. First, open the main settings menu of your Xiaomi smartphone and find the App section.
Within this section, select All Apps (or Application Management) and you will see a complete list of installed software, find the browser you want to make the primary browser (like Chrome or Yandex) in the list. Click on its name to get to the details.
In the menu that opens, look for Default or Default Launch. If the system allows you to change your settings, you will see a switch or a Default Open button. Activate this option. In some firmware versions, you may need to first click Clear Default Settings on the old browser (Mi Browser) to unlock the choice of a new one.
- 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → All applications.
- 🔍 Find your preferred browser (Chrome, Opera, etc.) in the list.).
- ⚙️ Click on Default and select Open Supported Links.
- ✅ Confirm your choice if the system requests permission.
If after these actions links are still opening in the wrong application, additional file types may be required.In the default menu, click Supported Web Addresses and make sure all switches are enabled, especially HTTP and HTTPS. This ensures that any web request will be handled by the application of your choice.
⚠️ Note: Some global versions of the firmware MIUI The default option can be hidden until you launch the application at least once and try to open the link manually through it.
Alternative method via the "Default Applications" menu
There is a more direct path that is not available in all versions of the interface, but speeds up the process significantly. In the main settings menu, find the App section, then select the Settings subsection (often presented as a gear or three dots in the corner of the screen) or immediately look for the default App item.
This menu shows you a list of the main categories of applications: phone, messages, browser, mail, etc. Find the Browser line. By default, it will be Mi Browser or Chrome. Click on this line.
The system will offer a list of all installed browsers that can handle web links. Choose the one you need from the list, after which all hyperlinks from messengers, documents and other applications will automatically open in the selected browser.
This method is the most reliable, as it sets a global priority at the system level, ignoring the individual settings of each application. If you do not find this item in the specified place, use the search by settings, entering the phrase "default".
Configure depending on the version of MIUI and HyperOS
Xiaomi’s shell interface is constantly changing, and the settings may vary, and owners of devices with MIUI 12, 13 and 14 should be careful about the names of menu items that may have been translated or renamed.
The newest HyperOS shell has kept the logic the same, but the visual design of the menu has become more minimalist. The default browser selection can be displayed on the first screen of application settings. The new versions also have increased control over permissions, so when you first start a new browser after changing the settings, the system can re-request confirmation.
Features of Chinese versions of firmware
Below is a table showing the differences in the ways to set up for different versions of the software:
| Shell version | The path to settings | Features |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12 / 13 | Settings → Applications → All Applications → [Browser] → By Default | Manual activation of HTTP/HTTPS is required |
| MIUI 14 | Settings → Applications → Default Applications → Browser | Simplified selection from the list |
| HyperOS 1.0 | Settings → Applications → Application Management → [Browser] | Strict control of permits |
| Android 13/14 (Stock) | Settings → Applications → Applications by default | Standard Android Interface |
Regardless of the version, the key is to find the item related to “open links” or “default apps.” If you have recently updated, the usual paths may have changed, so using a search by settings remains the fastest way to find the desired parameter.
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Use search in settings: type “browser” or “default” into the search bar of the main settings menu to instantly go to the desired item, bypassing long menu lists.
Problem Solving: If the browser does not change
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where, despite all the settings, links persistently open in Mi Browser. This can be due to cached data or specific settings of the Xiaomi system itself.
Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Mi Browser. Select Clear (or Memory) and click Clear All. This will reset all temporary files and, more importantly, reset the link opening priorities for that application. The system will then ask you what to open next and suggest you select a new browser with the Always option.
- 🔄 Restart the device after changing settings to apply the changes.
- 🗑️ Clear the Mi Browser app data to reset its priority.
- 🔗 When you open the link, select “Always” for the new browser.
Another reason could be Xiaomi’s “Security” feature, which has its own browser settings: Open the Security app (green zipper icon), go to the settings (cogs) and check the Browser section. Make sure there’s no hard-to-reach system solution.
⚠️ Note: Clearing the Mi Browser application data will delete your history and saved pages inside that particular browser. Make sure you don't need this information, or export it in advance.
If nothing helps, check if the app you’re clicking from is part of the Xiaomi ecosystem (like the Explorer or Music app). Such apps may have hard-coded link opening paths that ignore system settings, in which case only installing a third-party file manager will help.
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Resetting the default settings for the old browser (Mi Browser) is often the crucial step if a simple priority change doesn’t work.