How to change the default browser to Xiaomi Mi9: the complete guide

A modern smartphone, especially one as powerful as the Xiaomi Mi9, gives users a lot of freedom in their choice of software. However, the MIUI shell built on top of the Android operating system often imposes its own solutions, setting them as priorities, this is especially noticeable when you click on a link from the messenger instead of the usual Google Chrome or Firefox, you open up a built-in MI Browser, which may not suit you with its functionality or synchronization.

Changing a standard web browsing app isn’t just a matter of aesthetics, it’s a necessity for many flagship device owners. System links opened from other apps should run in an environment where you’re comfortable with bookmarks, passwords and extensions. Xiaomi Mi9 owners face this challenge regularly, as aggressive system optimization sometimes resets user preferences after upgrades.

In this article, we will take a look at all the default browser options available on your device, the standard system settings, the nuances of working with the MIUI shell, and the methods of forcing an application if standard paths are blocked or hidden, and learn how to avoid typical errors and keep the Internet running smoothly on your gadget.

Why Xiaomi is imposing its browser and what is the problem

Xiaomi is known for its policy of promoting its own services, which is especially pronounced in Chinese versions of firmware, but is also found in global builds of MIUI. The built-in browser often contains news feed, advertising blocks and functions that can annoy experienced users who are accustomed to the minimalism of Chrome or the privacy of DuckDuckGo. The system automatically assigns it to the main immediately after the first activation of the device or data reset.

The problem is not just visual design, but deep integration of system components. Hyperlinks from social networks, email clients and instant messengers are handled by default by the system component, which redirects the request to the preinstalled application. If you installed a new browser but did not change your Android settings explicitly, the system will continue to ignore your preferences by opening pages in the old window.

⚠️ Note: Some versions of the shell MIUI They can automatically return the browser settings to factory settings after a major system update.

In addition, the Xiaomi Mi9, with its high-resolution screen and powerful Snapdragon 855 processor, is able to display heavy web pages without delay. Using an optimized third-party browser can unlock the potential of the device better than the standard solution. Understanding the mechanisms of the Android link handlers will help you take control of the device into your own hands.

Preparing the device for changing the standard application

Before you make changes to your system settings, you need to make sure that the alternative app is already installed and works correctly. On the Xiaomi Mi9, this is especially important, since the system strictly controls the permissions for new programs. First, go to the Google Play store and download the desired browser. Make sure that the version of the application is compatible with your version of Android.

After installation, take your time to change your settings immediately. Launch a new browser at least once, accept the user agreement and, if necessary, log in to your account. This is necessary for the Android operating system to register the application as fully ready to work and add it to the list of available processors.

It is also worth checking for updates to the MIUI shell itself. Sometimes bugs that prevent applications from changing by default are fixed in security patches. Go to the settings and check the relevance of the software version. If the system suggests updating, it is better to do this before making configuration changes to avoid version conflicts.

Main method: configuration through the system menu

The most reliable and correct way to change the priority application is to use built-in application management tools. On the Xiaomi Mi9, the path to these settings may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the logic remains the same. You need to find the section responsible for managing installed programs.

Go to the main settings menu and find the App item. Some firmware versions may call it Applications and Notifications. Inside this section, we're interested in the App Management subsection, and that's where all the information about the programs installed on the device, their rights and behavior is stored.

At the top of the application management screen, you'll see three dots or a menu button. Click on it to reveal additional options. In the drop-down list, select the default App. This section contains action categories for which you can select the priority program: calls, messages, maps, and, of course, browser.

Find the Browser line in the list. Click on it and the system will show you a list of all installed browsers that can handle web links. Choose the desired application, for example, Google Chrome. After that, all the links will open in it. If you do not see the desired browser in the list, make sure that it is installed not as a "system application", but as a user.

Alternative way through the menu "Open with the help"

Sometimes the direct path through the settings can be hidden or not work properly due to cache errors, and then you can use a situational switching method, which is based on the system's response when you try to open a link when you don't have a hard default rule or when it's been reset.

First, reset your current browser by default. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. Find the browser that is the primary browser (usually MI Browser) on the list. Click on it to open the application information page.

Within the app information, find the Start or Open by Default section, and it will have a button to Remove Default Settings or Reset Preferences. Press it. Now the system has forgotten which app to choose for links, and the next time you try to open a web page, it will ask you about it.

After reset, go to any application that has a link (like Telegram or WhatsApp) and click on any URL. App Select box will appear on the screen. In this window, select your preferred browser and click Always (or Always) button, which will force the choice to be given to the application for all future actions of this type.

Solving problems with MIUI shell and hidden settings

Owners of Xiaomi Mi9 often face features of the MIUI shell, which can ignore standard Android protocols. In some cases, the system may insist on returning MI Browser as the main one, issuing pop-up notifications about safety or speed. This is part of the manufacturer's ecosystem, and you can only completely disable these notifications through additional settings.

If standard methods don't work, try searching by settings. Click on the magnifier icon at the top of the settings menu and type in the phrase "default apps" or "default apps." The system will lead you to the desired hidden menu, which may vary in different regions of the firmware, especially for devices purchased in China with global firmware installed.

⚠️ Warning: Be careful when using third-party launchers or programs to modify system files. MIUI It can cause a loss of warranty or unstable operation of the device.

Another common problem is having two profiles or modes (e.g., "Standard" and "Lite"). Make sure you change the settings in the profile that is currently active. Switching between profiles can reset individual application settings, returning everything to factory values.

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If the system is constantly resetting browser selection, try disabling the auto-update for the built-in MI Browser on Google Play so the system doesn't try to reset its priority after the update.

Configure access rights and permissions for the new browser

Once you have successfully assigned a new browser to the primary, it is important to properly configure its permissions. Xiaomi Mi9 has a strict power consumption policy that can "kill" the background processes of the browser, which can lead to links opening slowly or not opening at all.

Go to Settings → Applications → App Management and select your new browser. Go to the Permissions section. Make sure the application has access to storage (for downloading files), microphone (for voice search), and geolocation if necessary. Without these permissions, the browser’s functionality will be limited.

Pay special attention to battery settings. In the app menu, find Saving Charge and select No Limits mode. This will prevent the browser from being forced to stop by the system when it is running in the background, which is critical for receiving notifications and fast loading pages.

Also check if AutoRun is enabled. On Xiaomi devices, this is a separate permission that you need to give manually. Find your browser in the application list and turn on the AutoRun switch, which ensures that the browser is ready to work immediately after the screen is turned on.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Properly configuring the resolutions and battery mode for the new Xiaomi Mi9 browser is critical for stable performance, as MIUI aggressively manages background processes.