How to change the default browser on Xiaomi phone

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the intrusiveness of the brand shell, which by default offers to use the Mi Browser. This solution often raises questions among users who are used to more functional analogues like Chrome, Opera or Yandex.Browser. Changing the standard browser is not just a matter of personal preference, but also a way to improve the security and speed of the Internet, getting rid of unnecessary advertising in system notifications.

The process of changing the browser on devices with shells MIUI and the new HyperOS can be different from standard Android, which sometimes puts users at a loss. The system may not immediately offer a choice after installing a new application, requiring manual intervention in settings. Understanding the logic of the system will allow you to easily manage application priorities and customize the gadget to your needs without unnecessary difficulties.

In this article, we will take a look at all the stages of configuration, from installing alternative software to fine-tuning system parameters, learn how to force a new browser to open all links, even if the system resists it, and explore the nuances of working with different versions of firmware and possible problems that you may encounter.

Why you should change the standard browser to Xiaomi

The standard Mi Browser, pre-installed on most of the brand’s devices, is often criticized for overconsumption of resources and intrusive notifications. Many users note that it tends to overload RAM, which is especially noticeable in mid- and low-end models. Replacing it with a lighter counterpart can significantly improve smartphone performance and increase battery life.

In addition, third-party browsers often offer more advanced privacy and ad-blocking features out of the box. While the system solution can collect telemetry, alternatives like Firefox or Brave focus on protecting user data, a critical aspect for those who value their digital privacy.

Another important factor is synchronization: If you use a computer or tablet from another brand, using a single browser on all devices provides a seamless experience. Visit history, saved passwords and open tabs will be instantly available on your Xiaomi, which makes it much easier to work.

• 🚀 Accelerating the system by optimizing memory consumption.
• 🛡️ Improved protection against trackers and malicious scripts.
• 🔄 Easy synchronization of data with other gadgets.
• 🎨 Flexible configuration of the interface and extensions.

⚠️ Note: When you delete or disable your system browser, make sure you have an alternative, otherwise some system features that require you to open web pages (such as authorization on Wi-Fi networks) may not work properly.

Preparation for the installation of an alternative observer

Before you change the settings, you need to install the desired application. On Xiaomi smartphones, this can be done through the official Google Play store or, in some regions, through GetApps. It is recommended to download software only from trusted sources to avoid the introduction of malicious code.

After installation, take your time to open links. Give the system a few seconds to index the new application. In some versions of MIUI, the first time a new browser is launched, a window may pop up asking if you want to use it by default. If you missed this moment or the window did not appear, you will need to manually adjust.

It is also important to check for updates for the system itself. Sometimes bugs that prevent the correct change of applications by default are fixed in security patches. Go to Settings → About phone and click on the MIUI version to check the relevance of the software.

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If you install the browser in the form APK-a file from a third-party source, the system can block the installation, in which case you will need to allow installation from unknown sources for a specific installer application (for example, Explorer or Chrome).

Instructions: Assigning the browser through the MIUI and HyperOS settings

The main method of changing the priority application is deep in the system settings. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of the shell, but the logic remains the same. You will need to find the partition responsible for managing the applications.

Follow the step-by-step algorithm: first open the settings menu, then go to the Apps section. Here you will need All Apps or Application Management. In the upper right corner of the screen, there is often a three-dot menu, where the desired option is located.

Click on three dots and select the default Apps. In the list that opens, look for the Browser option. The system will give you a choice of all the browsers you have installed. Choose the one you pre-downloaded. After that, all links from messengers and other programs will open in the selected application.

In some cases, especially on global firmware versions, the path can be simplified. Try searching by settings: type the word "browser" or "default" into the search bar at the top of the settings menu.

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The main step is to find the hidden Default Apps menu through three points in the Application Management section, as there is often no direct link in the main settings menu.

Configure through the menu of a specific application

There is an alternative way that doesn't work in all versions of Android, but on Xiaomi it often works. You can try changing the settings directly in the card of the app itself, which allows you to more detail manage the permissions and behavior of the program.

Go to Settings → Apps → All apps. Find your new browser (like Chrome) in the list. Click on it to open the information page. Here you need to find Open by default or Run by default.

If the system allows, you'll see the "Open Supported Links" switch. Activate it. However, if this gray point is missing, then the priority is rigidly set by the system, and you need to use the method described in the previous section through the general application settings.

• 📱 Open the settings of a specific browser.
• ⚙️ Find the "Default" or "Open Links" section".
• ✅ Activate the switch if it is available.
• 🔍 If the option is not available, use the global system settings.

Interestingly, new versions of HyperOS have made permission management more stringent, so that malicious software can’t steal from link management, so manually selecting through the Default Apps menu remains the most reliable method.

What to do if the browser is not selected or reset

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the system ignores the choice or after a while begins to open links again in Mi Browser.This can be due to caching settings or aggressive operation of the memory optimizer.

The first thing you need to do is clear the cache and the system component that controls preferences. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications. Click three dots and select Show System Processes. Find the Settings app or Android System and try clearing its cache.

⚠️ Warning: Cleaning up system applications data may reset some personalized interface settings, such as widget location or alarm settings. Be prepared to restore them.

Also check if the auto-start ban is worth it for the new browser. MIUI has a strict power saving system. Go to the Safety app (green zipper icon) → Battery → Settings. Make sure your browser is not limited to the correct operation in the background.

If nothing works, try removing the Mi Browser updates. Go to the Mi Browser app and click Remove Updates. This will roll it back to the factory version, which sometimes removes the priority conflict.

Comparison of popular browsers for Xiaomi

The choice of alternatives is great, and each user is looking for something different. For owners of Xiaomi, it is not only speed that matters, but also compatibility with the theme of design and the absence of conflicts with the system.

Google Chrome is the benchmark for syncing. If you use Google services, it's the best choice. It's stable, but it can consume a lot of RAM. For devices with 4GB of RAM or less, it can be tangible.

Yandex.Browser is popular in the CIS thanks to its built-in page translator and turbo mode, which saves traffic.It is well optimized for mobile networks, but contains many elements of the Yandex ecosystem that can be annoying.

Opera and Brave offer built-in ad blockers, which is critical for comfortable surfing.Brave is also known for its crypto-focused and high degree of privacy.

For older Xiaomi models, such as the Redmi Note 8 or 9 series, it is better to choose lighter versions, such as the Via Browser or Opera Mini. They will take up a minimum of space and will not load the processor with background processes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)