How to Change the Default Browser to Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

Modern Xiaomi smartphones, working on the basis of shells MIUI or the new HyperOS, by default offer the user their own browser. However, for many device owners this becomes a point of discomfort, as they are used to the functionality of Google Chrome, Yandex Browser or other alternatives. The problem is that when you click on links from messengers or applications, the system persistently opens them in the built-in browser, ignoring the preferences of the owner of the gadget.

Fortunately, the architecture of the Android operating system makes it easy to reassign a priority application for processing web links. Changing the default browser is not just a matter of aesthetics, but also a way to improve performance, since third-party solutions often work faster and have more convenient ad blockers. In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions for all current versions of firmware.

The customization process may vary slightly depending on the version of Android and the specific modification of the MIUI interface. Some settings are placed in a separate application menu, and some are hidden deep in the system parameters. We will look at all possible ways to solve the problem so that you can choose the most suitable for your Redmi, POCO or Xiaomi.

Why Change the Standard Browser on Xiaomi

The built-in app is often criticized for intrusive advertising and overconsumption of resources. Many users are faced with the fact that the standard browser opens news feeds or banner ads immediately after launch, which is annoying if you need to quickly find information.

Third-party browsers also offer more advanced synchronization features: If you’re using a Windows or macOS computer, using Chrome or Edge on your phone will instantly move open tabs between devices. Synchronizing history and passwords through a Google or Yandex account makes life in the ecosystem much easier.

Security is also important: Third-party developers often implement security patches and improved phishing protections more quickly. Xiaomi’s built-in browser is updated only with Google’s system security patches, which may be less common than with specialized apps from the Play Market.

⚠️ Note: When you remove or disable system components associated with the built-in browser, some system features (such as desktop news widgets) may stop displaying content correctly or require reconfiguration.

And extensions, too. Many modern mobile browsers support plugins that block mining trackers and scripts, which not only improve privacy, but also save traffic and battery life, as the processor doesn't have to handle unnecessary advertising scripts.

Global customization through the application menu

The easiest and fastest way to change a priority application is available in most firmware versions, which does not require deep immersion in system settings and takes just a few seconds to find a security icon with a green shield logo on your desktop or app menu.

Once you start the app, scroll down to the Tools section. Here you are interested in Settings (usually the gear icon). In the menu that opens, find the App section or immediately go to the default browser.

Select from the list the desired application, such as Google Chrome. The system can request confirmation of action or show a pop-up.

A drop-out window with a change of settings warning, and once confirmed, all links from any application will open in the service you choose.

• 📱 Open the Security app on the home screen.
• ⚙️ Go to the settings (cogs) and find the item of the Application.
• 🌐 Select the default browser and select the desired option.

If this item is not in the security menu, try an alternative path through the general system settings. On new versions of HyperOS, the menu logic can be changed, and access to this option is transferred to the standard Android settings menu.

Configure through the system parameters of Android

In the newer versions of MIUI 13, 14 and HyperOS, application management is included in the standard operating system settings menu, which is universal for pure Android and is suitable if you can not find the desired option through the security menu.

Go to Settings and find the Apps section. Some firmware versions may call it All Apps. Inside this section, you need to find Application Management. The interface will then offer two paths: either search the list or access system settings through the menu (three dots in the corner).

Find the default browser in the list. If there is no such item in the general list, click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen and select the default Apps. The window that opens will have the browser string. Clicking on it will show the current value (for example, Mi Browser) and the list of alternatives.

Select the app you want. The system can alert you that the app you choose can access links. This is standard Android behavior, confirming that the app is ready to intercept open requests. URL-address.

Resetting default settings for a specific application

Sometimes you have to not just pick a new browser, but you have to wean your phone to open links in the old one, for example, if you accidentally clicked "Always" when you select an application, and now the system ignores your attempts to choose another, in which case the default settings reset will help.

Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. Find the app that is currently opening instead of the one you want (like Mi Browser) on the list.

At the bottom of the screen, find the default Start (or Open by Default) button. Click on it and select Remove Default Settings or Reset. Then, the next time you click on the link, the system will again ask you which application to use.

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse the Stop or Delete button with the default reset button. Stopping the app will close it right now, and clearing the data will delete your history and cache inside that browser.

This procedure is especially useful if you have installed a new browser, but the system continues to stubbornly open links in the old one, ignoring global settings. Forced prioritization forces Android to re-question the user about preferences.

Features of work in HyperOS and MIUI 14

With the release of the HyperOS shell, Xiaomi began to integrate its services more actively, but (at the same time) made the interface more similar to stock Android. This means that the path through Settings becomes the main one, and the Security menu gradually fades into the background for such tasks.

HyperOS has a feature called “Recommended Apps,” which can automatically prompt you to install or use Xiaomi’s browser when you first turn on or reset. To avoid this, read the pop-ups carefully when you first set up your device.

Users note that HyperOS may reset after major system updates, so if you notice that links have started opening again in the wrong application, the algorithm of actions remains the same: check the "Default Apps" in the settings.

• 🔄 The interface is closer to pure Google Android.
• 🔍 The path through "Security" can be hidden or removed.
• ⚡ Automatic resets are possible after the software update.

Solution: if the browser is not selected

There are times when the browser selection point is active (not grey), but when you click on it, the list is empty or the selection is not saved. This may indicate a conflict of versions of Android WebView or damage to system files.

The first thing you need to do is update the Android System WebView component through the Google Play store, which is the system module that is responsible for displaying web content in all applications, and its incorrect operation often blocks the choice of the main browser.

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If the browser list is empty, try temporarily disabling the built-in Mi Browser in the application settings, select the browser you want, and then turn on the Mi Browser again. This often "shakes" the system.

It’s also worth checking for updates for the app itself that you want to make the main one: Older Chrome or Yandex may not properly register yourself as a link handler. Update all apps through Play Market.

In rare cases, cleaning the Settings cache helps. Go to Settings → Apps → Show all apps → menus (three dots) → Show system processes. Find Settings, go to memory and click Clear → Clear cache. The data will not be affected.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

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The main conclusion: Changing the default browser to Xiaomi is a safe and useful procedure that takes less than a minute through the Default Apps menu and significantly improves the user experience.