How to change the default browser to Xiaomi Redmi Note 10: 3 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 smartphones run on the proprietary shell of MIUI, which often installs its own Mi Browser browser as the default application. This is not always convenient - many users prefer Google Chrome, Firefox or Opera for their speed, synchronization with other devices or advanced privacy features. However, changing the default browser to Redmi Note 10 is not always obvious: MIUI hides some settings or offers them in a non-standard form.

In this article, we will discuss three working methods for changing the default browser, from the standard Android menu to workarounds for cases when the system blocks selection. MIUI It can ignore your settings, how to check your current browser by default and what to do if links still open in Mi Browser after changing. Instructions are valid for all versions of Redmi Note 10 (including Pro, Pro Max and other versions of the Redmi Note). 5G) base MIUI 12-14 and Android 11-13.

Why does MIUI block browser change by default?

Xiaomi’s branded shell is known for aggressively promoting its own services. Mi Browser is integrated into the system at the firmware level, so MIUI can:

• 🔄 Automatically reset settings after updates or reboot.
• 📱 Ignore user choice for certain types of links (e.g., from messages or advertisements).
• 🔒 Block alternative browsers through security settings (especially on Chinese versions) MIUI).

In addition, in some regional versions of the firmware (for example, for India or China), the Mi Browser cannot be turned off completely - it can only be hidden in the app menu, due to Xiaomi partnership agreements and pre-installed services.

⚠️ Note: If you are using the global version MIUI (for example, MIUI Global 14.0.5), You don't usually have any problems changing your browser (MIUI CN/IN) Additional actions may be required, including disabling system applications through ADB.

Before you get to the instructions, check the current version of MIUI in the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version. This will help you understand what restrictions may apply in your case.

Method 1: Standard change through Android settings

This is the simplest method that works on most Redmi Note 10 devices with global firmware.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
4. Slip on Browser.
5. In the list, select the browser you want (such as Chrome or Firefox).

If your browser is not on the list, make sure it is installed and opened at least once.Some applications (like Brave) require additional permission to process links.

Once you have selected your browser, check it: open any link from your message or email. If it still opens in Mi Browser, move on to the next one.

Method 2: Reset application settings (if the choice is ignored)

Sometimes MIUI forgets its default settings or resets them after the update, in which case resetting all application preferences will help:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top corner and select Reset app settings.
3. Confirm the action (this won’t delete application data, only reset the default permissions and settings).
4. Repeat Method 1 to select a browser.

This method is also useful if, after installing a new browser, links continue to open in Mi Browser or a request for an application selection appears with each click.

⚠️ Note: Resetting your application settings will cancel all permissions (e.g., access to a camera or microphone) for all programs. After the procedure, you will have to reconfigure permissions for instant messengers, social networks and other applications.

Method 3: Disable Mi Browser via ADB (for power users)

If the first two methods didn’t work and your firmware doesn’t allow you to change your default browser, you can disable Mi Browser via Android Debug Bridge (ADB).

Warning: Disabling system applications can lead to unstable MIUI operation. On Chinese firmware (MIUI CN), this method can cause errors in the operation of the launcher or notification centers.

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.

File transfer

ADB Tools

cmd

ADB

adb devices


adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser




adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.mi.globalbrowser

Reboot the phone.

After that, Mi Browser will be disabled and the system will automatically prompt you to select another browser when you first open the link. To return everything back, use the command:

adb shell pm enable com.android.browser

Checking the current browser by default

To make sure that the settings are applied correctly, check the current default browser:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management → Default Apps.
2. Look at the Browser item – the name of the application you have chosen should be displayed there.
3. Alternatively, open any link (such as from Telegram or Gmail) and see which browser it opens in.

If a link opens in an unexpected browser, check:

• 📌 Updates for the browser you select (sometimes older versions do not support link processing).
• 🔄 Settings of the specific application from which the link opens (for example, in Telegram you can select a browser in Settings). → Data and memory → Browser by default).
• 🛠️ Optimizers or cleaners (such as Security or Clean Master) that can reset settings.

💡

If you use multiple browsers frequently, install the Better Open With app from Google Play, which allows you to flexibly configure which links to open in which browser, bypassing the limitations of MIUI.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you change your default browser, Redmi Note 10 users often face typical problems.

• ❌ Error: "No browsers available" in the selection menu. Solution: Install any alternative browser (e.g. Chrome or Firefox) and open it at least once. Some browsers (e.g. DuckDuckGo) require additional permission to process links in their settings.
• ❌ Error: After the reboot, the settings are reset. Solution: This is typical of Chinese firmware. Use ADB to disable Mi Browser (see Method 3) or install custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience).
• ❌ Error: Links from some apps (like Facebook or Instagram) open in Mi Browser Solution: Set up your default browser directly in the app itself (like Facebook doing this in Settings). → Application settings → browser).

If none of these methods worked, check to see if your phone has MIUI beta installed. In test builds, bugs with default settings are common, in which case the only way out is to roll back to the stable version or wait for the update.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

💡

On global firmware MIUI, the default browser change takes no more than a minute through standard settings. If the system ignores your choice, the regional version of the firmware or the conflict with optimizers (for example, Security) is to blame.