The Xiaomi Mi 8, released in 2018, is still a popular device thanks to its AMOLED screen and performance. However, the MIUI shell that controls the interface often imposes its own apps on users, including the built-in web browser. Many owners prefer to use third-party solutions such as Google Chrome, Yandex Browser or Mozilla Firefox, because of the familiar interface and sync with the PC. The standard situation where links from messengers open in an unknown application is annoying and requires intervention in the system settings.
The process of changing the main browser to Xiaomi can differ from pure Android due to the deep customization of the interface by the manufacturer. In some versions of the firmware, the system aggressively suggests returning everything to factory parameters or ignores the user's choice at the first click. It is critical to understand that on MIUI, the setting is often hidden in the application menu, not in the general settings of the system, as on stock Android. This confuses beginners who are looking for the desired item in the Screen or Additional section.
In this guide, we will discuss in detail all the available ways to install your preferred browser on the Mi 8. We will look at both standard methods through settings and forced resetting if the system “forgot” your choice, you will learn how to manage permissions and prevent spontaneous replacement of the browser after firmware updates.
Why Xiaomi Mi 8 is changing the browser on its own
The phenomenon of returning to the factory browser on Xiaomi Mi 8 is often associated with the peculiarities of the MIUI shell. The system tends to optimize background processes, and if a third-party browser does not have the appropriate permissions, MIUI may consider it inactive, switching to the system application. This is part of a power consumption strategy that sometimes works too aggressively, closing the background services of popular applications.
Also, after a major firmware update or the browser app itself, file association settings can be reset. Android perceives the updated app as a new version with a modified digital certificate or signature, which requires re-confirmation of the default user choice.Mi 8 owners often face this after upgrading from MIUI 10 to MIUI 11 or 12.
Also, consider that some pre-installed apps have priority in the system. Unless you set a strict restriction, Xiaomi can offer an “enhanced” page-browsing experience through its service. This is not a virus, but a feature of the company’s marketing policy, which seeks to keep the user in its ecosystem of services.
Technical details of MIUI operation
Preparation for setup: installation and update
Before you change the system settings, you need to make sure that the alternative browser is installed correctly on the Xiaomi Mi 8. Download the APK installation file from the official developer website or use the Google Play store. The outdated version of the application may not appear correctly in the list of available programs for opening links.
Once installed, it is recommended to immediately launch the application and perform the initial setup, which will create the necessary cache files and register the browser in the system as an active application. Without this step, MIUI may simply “not see” the new program in the selection list.
☑️ Checking browser readiness
It's also important to check for updates for the system itself. Sometimes browser-switching bugs are patched with security patches. Go to settings and check the version of MIUI. If an update is available, you'd better install it before making configuration changes.
Main method: Configure via the application menu
The most reliable way to change the default browser on Xiaomi Mi 8 is to work directly with the parameters of the application being installed. Unlike other smartphones, here we configure not the system, but a specific program, allowing it to open links.
First, open the menu of all apps and find the Settings icon. From the list, select the App item, then go to All Apps mode. Find the browser you want to make the primary browser (like Chrome or Yandex) in the alphabet list. Click on it to open the management page.
Inside the app menu, find the Default (or Open by default) section. Here you will see a switch or Open Supported Links button. Activate this setting. The system may issue a warning that this app will open links instead of the current browser — confirm the action.
- 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → All applications.
- 🔍 Find your preferred browser (e.g. Opera) in the list).
- ⚙️ Select the default option and activate the link opening option.
- ✅ Check that the switch is on green.
After completing these steps, the Xiaomi Mi 8 will try to open web pages through the selected application. If the system requests confirmation when you first launch a link, be sure to select Always or Default to pin the result.
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If there is no switch in the Default menu, try first to clear the data of the other browser, which is now the main one, through the same app settings menu.
Alternative method: through application management
There's a second way that works on some versions of MIUI as a global switch, which allows you to select a browser from a shared list without going into the settings of each application separately, which is convenient if you change your preferences often.
Go to Settings and search by settings (a magnifier at the top). Enter “Default Apps” or simply “Default Apps.” The system should output the corresponding menu item. If the search does not work, look for the Applications section → Application Management → three-dot menu in the corner → Default Apps.
In the list that opens, find the Browser category. Click on it and the system will offer a list of all browsers installed. Choose the one you want from the list. On Mi 8, this list can be hidden under the “More” button if you have many apps installed.
⚠️ Note: If the browser is inactive or missing in this menu, use the basic method through the application-specific settings described in the previous section. MIUI.
Once selected, the system can show a pop-up asking if you have confirmed a replacement, accept the changes, and now all links from social media, messengers and email clients will lead to your browser of choice.
Problem Solving: If the settings are not saved
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where after rebooting the Xiaomi Mi 8 settings are reset and links are reopened in the system browser.This can be caused by a version conflict or cache system.The first step should be to remove updates to the system browser Mi Browser or completely disable it, if the firmware allows.
Try cleaning the Settings and Application Manager cache. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find Settings, click Clear → Clear cache. Don’t worry, your personal data won’t be affected, only temporary interface configuration files will be reset.
Also check if the Safe Browse feature or similar security mechanisms in Xiaomi’s Security antivirus are enabled.They can force traffic through their engine to check for viruses, ignoring user choices.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Links open in Mi Browser | Not selected the "Always" option | Reset your Mi Browser settings and choose again |
| No browser selection on the menu | Application not installed or hidden | Check the installation and permissions in "All Apps" |
| Permanent reset after reset | Aggressive MIUI optimization | Disable energy savings for the browser |
| Errors when opening HTTPS links | Conflict of certificates | Update the WebView application and system components |
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If nothing helps, temporarily delete the Mi Browser system browser (if you have rights) or disable it in the settings so that the system is forced to use an alternative.
Optimization of the browser on Xiaomi Mi 8
Once you have successfully changed the default browser, it is worth taking care of its stable operation. Xiaomi Mi 8 is equipped with a Snapdragon 845 processor, which still copes with heavy pages, but memory optimization is important. Go to the battery settings and set the "No restrictions" mode for the selected browser. This will prevent tabs from being unloaded from memory.
It is also recommended to disable ads in system applications so that they do not interfere with the operation of the new browser: turn on the MIUI Optimization function in the developer menu if it was disabled, or vice versa, try to disable it if there are strange things in the interface.
- 🚀 Enable the “Acceleration” mode in the browser settings for speed.
- 🔋 Set background activity limit to "No restrictions».
- 🛡️ Allow auto-run if you want to receive notifications from websites.
Clean your browser cache regularly, as the accumulation of temporary files on MIUI can slow down the interface. Use built-in cleaning or third-party utilities, but with caution.
⚠️ Note: Do not use accelerators and cleaners of dubious origin from the Play Market. the built-in Security optimizer on Xiaomi is quite enough, and third-party programs can conflict with the system.