The modern Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphone comes pre-installed with a set of apps that developers consider most convenient for most users. However, everyone’s habits are different, and many owners prefer to use alternative solutions for surfing the Internet. The standard Mi Browser can seem overloaded news feed or just unusual after using other devices.
The process of changing the main browser pages in the shell of MIUI or HyperOS does not require superuser rights or complex flashing. Android allows you to flexibly adjust the priorities of launching applications, which gives you complete control over which program will open links from messengers and social networks. This is a basic personalization setting that you should perform immediately after purchase.
In this article, we will discuss each step of the procedure in detail, consider the possible nuances of the interface and answer frequent questions. You will learn how to forget about random launches of unnecessary programs and make working with the gadget as comfortable as possible. Proper configuration of default applications is the first step to convenient use of a smartphone.
Why you should consider changing the standard reviewer
Users often ignore system settings, relying on “as is, as should be.” However, standard applications in Xiaomi smartphones often contain built-in advertising, news aggregators and data collection algorithms that may be redundant for the average user, replacing them with lighter or more private counterparts can significantly speed up the device.
In addition, third-party browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Brave offer advanced sync functionality, so if you use a computer or tablet, a single ecosystem will allow you to instantly access history, passwords, and open tabs on any device, which increases productivity and convenience.
It’s also important to note security and update speeds: Major browser developers release security patches faster than system components in budget smartphones are updated, and using the latest version of the software reduces the risk of malicious code when visiting questionable resources.
- 🚀 Accelerating page loading with optimized rendering engines.
- 🔒 Advanced privacy settings and tracker blockers.
- 🔄 Synchronize data between all your gadgets in real time.
⚠️ Note: When installing unknown browsers from third-party sources, make sure the developer is reliable so as not to expose personal data to the risk of leakage.
Preparation for the installation of a new application
Before you change your system settings, you need to make sure that the alternative application is already installed on your Redmi 9. You can download the desired software through the official Google Play Market store, which is the most secure source.
If you plan to use specific versions of software that are not available in your area, you may need to download the APK installation file from the developer’s official website, in which case MIUI will request permission to install from unknown sources, a standard security procedure that must be confirmed for a specific installer.
After a successful installation, take your time to change the settings immediately, and it is recommended to launch the new browser, accept the user agreement and, if necessary, log in to the account, which will allow the system to correctly recognize the application as ready to go.
☑️ Ready to change browser
Step-by-step: changing the settings in MIUI
The MIUI shell interface may vary slightly depending on the Android version, but the logic of the menu remains the same. First, open the main app menu and find the Settings icon. It's usually located at the top of the list or on the desktop and looks like a gear.
In the menu that opens, scroll down to the App section. In some firmware versions, this item may be called Applications and Notifications. This is where all software management, access rights, and default settings are concentrated. Click on this to go to the appropriate submenu.
Next, select the default App option. The system will offer a list of categories for which you can select your preferred software. Find the browser bar and click on it. You will see a list of all the browsers installed on the device.
In the window that appears, simply select the desired application from the list. The system will instantly apply the changes, and from that point on all links will open in the selected program. No additional confirmations or reboots are usually required.
| Step. | Action. | Location on the menu |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Opening the settings | Main screen / gear |
| 2 | Division of management | Applications → Default Applications |
| 3 | Category selection | Pressing "Browser" |
| 4 | Activation. | Selecting the desired application from the list |
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If you can’t find the “Default Apps” option, search inside the settings by entering the word “browser” or “default.”
Alternative method through search of settings
Xiaomi Redmi 9 owners will often appreciate the ability to quickly access the desired features without a long walk through the menu.At the top of the settings screen is a search bar that allows you to instantly find any parameters, this method is especially convenient if you have a custom theme that hides the standard item names.
Simply enter the default browser or default application request in the search box, and the system automatically filters the settings and prompts you to go to the desired section immediately, saving time and eliminating the possibility of error when selecting an item in a complex menu.
You can also use global search by swiping down your desktop (if Google Search or Device Search is enabled). By typing in a keyword, you get a direct shortcut to go to managing default apps. This is the universal way to navigate Android.
The use of search is especially relevant for those who change settings frequently or do not want to remember the exact structure of the MIUI menu.
Notification management and cache cleaning
Once you have installed a new browser as your primary browser, you should pay attention to its notification settings. Often new applications begin to actively send news and recommendations, which can be annoying. You can access notification management through Settings → Applications → All applications by selecting your new browser.
Check the amount of space you occupy here, and if you're actively using the Internet, your browser cache can grow to hundreds of megabytes. Regular cleaning through Memory helps to free up space and speed up your device. In Redmi 9, this is especially important because of the limited amount of internal memory in the basic versions.
Remember to also set up sync if you want to save passwords and history, and you need to log in to your account (Google, Yandex, Firefox Account) inside the browser itself, without this step, the data will only be stored locally on the phone.
- 🗑️ Clean the cache in the "Storage" section regularly to maintain speed.
- 🔔 Turn off intrusive push notifications in the settings of a particular application.
- ☁️ Enable synchronization to save data in the cloud.
⚠️ Note: When cleaning application data (not just cache), you may lose saved passwords and history if sync is not enabled.
What to do if the selection button is inactive?
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where links from messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber) continue to open in the old browser, this is due to caching file associations in the system itself or in a particular application-source link, the solution lies in resetting the settings of the opening application.
To fix this, go to Settings → Apps → All apps. Find the messenger that doesn’t open the links correctly (like WhatsApp) in the list. Select Open by default and click Delete default settings. Then the next time you click on the link, the system will ask again what to open it.
Another common problem is the spontaneous return to Mi Browser after a system update. MIUI It can reset some user preferences to factory values, in which case the default browser selection procedure must be re-run.
If none of these methods work, try removing the updates to the Mi Browser itself (if this option is available in your Android version) or disabling it completely, which is guaranteed to force the system to look for an alternative to open web content.
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Resetting the link opening settings in the messenger often solves the problem of ignoring the selected browser by default.
Comparison of popular browsers for Redmi 9
Choosing an alternative to the standard solution is a matter of taste, but for a budget device like the Redmi 9, optimization and resource consumption are important. Heavy browsers can slow down a smartphone, especially with many tabs open.
The market leader remains Google Chrome, which is perfectly integrated into the system, but can be demanding for RAM. Opera Mini or UC Browser offer traffic saving modes, which is important when using the mobile Internet. Firefox will please fans of privacy and extensions.
It is important to consider support for hardware acceleration and video codecs. Some lightweight browsers may be worse at playing heavy video content in high resolution, so the choice must balance speed and functionality.
| browser | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Chrome | Synchronization, speed. | High RAM consumption |
| Opera Mini | Saving traffic, easy | Less functions, compression of photos |
| Firefox | Privacy, expansion | It may be slower on older OSes. |
| Brave | Blocking ads out of the box | Harder for beginners. |