How to change the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: 3 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 smartphones running MIUI often come with a pre-installed Mi Browser browser, which automatically becomes the default application for opening web links. However, many users prefer alternatives like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Opera because of the faster speed, synchronization with other devices or lack of advertising. In this article, we will discuss how to change the default browser to Redmi Note 8, taking into account the features of the MIUI 12/13/14 firmware and Android 9/10/11 versions.

It is important to understand that the process may differ depending on the shell version and the updates installed. For example, in MIUI 14 the browser change algorithm is simplified, while in older versions (MIUI 11 and below) additional steps may be required. It is also worth considering that some system restrictions Xiaomi does not allow you to completely remove the Mi Browser, but this does not prevent the designation of another browser as the main one.

If you’ve tried to change your settings before, but links still open in Mi Browser, the problem may be in the system cache or application conflict.We’ll look at all the nuances, including hidden developer options that allow you to bypass the limitations of MIUI without root rights.

Why is it difficult to change the default browser on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8?

The MIUI shell is known for its aggressive approach to pre-installed apps. Unlike pure Android, where changing the browser takes a couple of clicks, Xiaomi makes this process difficult:

• 🔹 Systemic constraints MIUI: Some versions of the shell block direct access to the default application settings for third-party browsers.
• 🔹 Automatic Recovery: After System Update, Mi Browser May Become the Default Browser Again.
• 🔹 Absence of an explicit menu item: in some firmware, the browser change option is hidden in the depth of the settings.
• 🔹 Google Services Conflict: If Google Play Services is not installed on your device, the system can ignore the changes.

Also, on the Redmi Note 8 with Android 9 Pie (the minimum version for this model), the algorithm differs from the newer versions of Android 10/11. For example, Android 10 has a unified interface for managing applications by default, whereas Android 9 has broken this process into several stages.

Another feature is that Xiaomi sometimes links opening links to the system application com.android.browser, which does not appear in the list of installed programs, which requires additional manipulation through the developer settings.

Method 1: Standard change through Android settings

This is the most obvious method that works on most Xiaomi devices, including the Redmi Note 8. However, its effectiveness depends on the version of MIUI:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
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 listed, install it from Google Play and repeat the steps. On some MIUI 12 firmware, the default App item may be directly in the App section without additional submenu.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi Note 8 with MIUI 11 and below after changing the browser, you may need to clear the cache for the Settings application (Section of the Application) → Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache, otherwise the changes may not apply.

If after completing these steps, links still open in Mi Browser, proceed to the next method.

Method 2: Using the settings of a particular browser

Some browsers (like Google Chrome or Opera) have a built-in function to assign themselves to the default app, which is especially useful if the standard method didn’t work:

1. Open an alternative browser (such as Chrome).
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Scroll down and find the default browser (in Chrome) or make the default browser (in Opera).
4. Click the button and confirm the selection in the system window.

In Firefox, this item may be called Assign Firefox as the default browser and be in the General section. If the button is inactive, then the browser is already the default application, or the system blocks the changes.

If the Mi Browser still opens links after this, check if the device has duplicate browsers (e.g. Chrome and Chrome Beta), and the system can select the first option from the list.

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Before changing your browser, open any web link (such as a Telegram message) and tap "Always" in the selection window that appears, which sometimes helps to consolidate the changes.

Method 3: Reset application settings (for complex cases)

If previous methods failed, the system settings may have failed, and then application settings will be reset, which will return all defaults without deleting the data:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reset App Settings.
3. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings.
4. After restarting the device, repeat Method 1 or Method 2.

This procedure will reset all default settings (including link launch, permissions and notifications), but will not delete personal data.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi Note 8 with MIUI 12.5+ Resetting application settings may also disable autorun for some programs. After the procedure, check Settings section → Annexes → Autostart and enable the desired applications manually.

If this did not help, then the last option remains – the use of developer settings, which will be discussed later.

Additional method: Developer settings

For experienced users who are ready to experiment, there is a way to bypass the limitations of MIUI through the Developer Settings, a method that requires caution, as incorrect actions can disrupt the stability of the system.

First, activate the developer mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version until you become a developer!
3. Return to the main Settings menu and open a new section for developers.

Next, follow the following steps:

1. In the Developer Settings, find Don't keep activities and turn it off. This will prevent automatic resetting of browser selection.
2. Scroll down and activate Debugging over USB (optional, but may help with further manipulation).
3. Find the Background Process Limit and set the value without limitations.
4. Reboot the device and repeat the attempt to assign the default browser through standard settings.

These actions make MIUI more flexible about default application settings, but remember that changing developer settings can affect device performance and autonomy.

Solving problems after changing the browser

Even after a successful browser change, Redmi Note 8 users may face a number of problems, including the most common and ways to fix them:

• 🔄 Links open in the old browser: clear the cache for the Settings app and restart the device. Also check if updates are installed for the Settings app. MIUI.
• ⚠️ Error "No applications to handle this action": this means that the browser you choose does not support processing certain types of links. Try another browser or reinstall the current one.
• 📱 Browser resets after update MIUI: This is a well-known problem with Xiaomi, and after every major update, you'll have to reassign your default browser.
• 🔒 You can’t select a browser in your settings: this may be due to device policy (for example, if the smartphone is linked to a corporate account). → Accounts.

If none of the methods worked, consider alternative firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) that lacks the limitations of MIUI. However, this requires unlocking the bootloader and may take you out of warranty.

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On Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 with MIUI 12.5+, the most reliable way is to combine reset application settings and assign the browser through its internal settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi