How to Change Your Default Browser to Xiaomi: A Step-by-Step Guide for MIUI 12, 13 and 14

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones are defaulting on the Mi Browser browser, an application with integrated services, advertising and a specific interface. However, many users prefer alternative solutions such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera or Brave because of their faster speed, synchronization with other devices or lack of intrusive advertising. In this article, we will discuss how to change the default browser to Xiaomi, taking into account the features of different versions of MIUI (from 12 to 14) and the nuances of Android.

The process of changing your browser to Xiaomi differs from the standard Android approach due to the customized shell of MIUI. There is no direct “default browser” in the settings, as on “pure” Android, so users have to go on tricks. We will look at all the current ways, from official change through settings to workarounds for stubborn versions of the firmware.

Important: the instructions in this article are relevant for MIUI 12, 13 and 14 (including global and Chinese versions).If you have older firmware (e.g. MIUI 11), some menu items may differ, in which case we recommend upgrading to the latest version.

Why can’t you just change your default browser on Xiaomi?

Unlike the Pixel, Samsung or other Android smartphones, where it takes 2 clicks to change the browser, MIUI makes it difficult, and the reasons are rooted in Xiaomi’s policy:

• 🔹 Integration of services: Mi Browser is closely connected to the Xiaomi ecosystem (Mi Account, cloud, bookmark synchronization.
• 🔹 Monetization: Built-in browser displays ads and promotional content (such as Mi Feed news) that brings Xiaomi additional revenue.
• 🔹 Limitations MIUI: The shell blocks the direct browser change by default through the standard Settings menu → Appendices, offering instead "recommendations».
• 🔹 Regional differences: Chinese versions MIUI (For example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+) Restrictions are even more severe due to local law.

However, you can get around these restrictions — we will show you all the working methods below. If you are faced with a situation where after changing the browser links still open in Mi Browser, the problem lies in the settings of specific applications (for example, Telegram or WhatsApp) — they also have to be reconfigured separately.

Method 1: Officially change browser through MIUI settings

This is the easiest method that works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12-14, but it doesn’t always work the first time – sometimes you need to repeat steps or restart the phone.

1. Install an alternative browser from Google Play (such as Google Chrome or Firefox). If you have Chinese firmware without Google services, download the.apk file from the official browser site.
2. Open any browser (even Mi Browser) and click on the link. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Open in another browser (if there is one).
3. The system will suggest selecting a browser to open links. Check "Always" and select the desired application (for example, Chrome).
4. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management, find Mi Browser and click Default. Turn off all options (open links, web pages, etc.).

If you still open links in Mi Browser after these actions, try the following method.

Method 2: Reset application settings (if the first method didn’t work)

Sometimes MIUI forgets changes due to cache or service conflicts, and then resetting your application settings will help, not delete your data, but return all permissions to factory permissions.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select “Reset App Settings”.
3. Confirm the action. After the reset, re-do Method 1 (choose a browser when you open a link).

⚠️ Note: Resetting app settings will disable all permissions (e.g., camera or microphone access) for all programs, and after the procedure, you will have to reconfigure the permissions for WhatsApp, Instagram and other applications.

This method often helps if MIUI ignores the default browser choice, and if it doesn't work, move on to the next one.

Method 3: Using ADB to Force Browser Change

For advanced users who are ready to connect a smartphone to a computer, there is a reliable method through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which works on even the most stubborn versions of MIUI, but requires the activation of the developer mode.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi and ADB-tools drivers.
• 📱 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔧 Developer mode on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — press 7 times).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to your PC and allow debugging over USB (a pop-up window on your smartphone screen).
2. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the adb.exe folder and type: adb devices Make sure the device is identified (serial number should appear).
3. Enter the default browser reset command: adb shell pm clear-defaults com.android.browser If you have a Mi Browser with another package (e.g. com.miui.browser), specify it via the command: adb shell pm list packages | grep browser
4. Turn off your phone and re-select your default browser by opening a link (as in Method 1).

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB Do not enter commands unless you are sure of their purpose, for example, adb shell pm clear without specifying the package will delete the data of all applications.

Method 4: Set up the default browser for individual applications

Even if you managed to change the default browser at the system level, some applications (such as Telegram, VK or Twitter) can ignore these settings and open links in Mi Browser, in which case you will have to reconfigure each application separately.

How to do this:

1. Open an app that does not open links (such as Telegram).
2. Find any link in the chat or feed, click on it and hold your finger until the menu appears.
3. Select “Open in the browser” and select the desired application (e.g. Chrome).
4. Repeat for other apps (WhatsApp, Instagram, etc.).

Some apps (like Facebook) have a built-in browser and don’t allow you to choose an external one, so you just have to uninstall the app and use the web version of it through the browser you choose.

Problems and Solutions: Why is the browser resetting back to Mi Browser?

Many Xiaomi users are faced with the situation when, after updating the system or restarting, the browser becomes Mi Browser again by default. This is due to the features of MIUI that “protect” branded applications.

• 🔄 Update MIUI: After installing the firmware update, the browser settings are reset. The solution is to re-execute Method 1 or Method 3 (via ADB).
• 📱 Mi Browser Cache Reset: Go to Settings → Annexes → Mi Browser → Storage and click "Clear Cache." Sometimes this helps to anchor changes.
• 🚫 Disable Mi Browser: If you don’t use a standard browser, disable it in the application settings. However, this can cause some system functions to fail (e.g. Mi Account).
• 🛠️ Use Launchers: Some launchers (like Nova Launcher) allow you to link opening to a specific browser, ignoring system settings.

Important: On Chinese versions of MIUI (e.g. Redmi K50 or Xiaomi 13 models with firmware for the Chinese market), the default browser change can be blocked at the system level, in which case only installing global firmware or using ADB will help.

💡

If you still have links in Mi Browser after all the manipulations, try installing Bromite or Kiwi Browser – they often integrate better with MIUI than Chrome or Firefox.

Alternative solutions: browsers with MIUI support

If standard methods don’t help, consider MIUI-optimized browsers, which are less likely to conflict with the system and sometimes offer more flexible default settings:

• 🌐 Bromite: Chromium-based browser with ad blocker and improved compatibility with MIUI.
• 🥝 Kiwi Browser: Lightweight browser with support for Chrome extensions and good integration into the Xiaomi ecosystem.
• 🦊 Firefox Focus: A minimalist browser with a focus on privacy, often running more stable than standard Firefox MIUI.
• 🅱️ Brave: Browser with tracker lock and ad-view rewards. MIUI 14 works without resetting settings.

Before installing an alternative browser, check its compatibility with your version of MIUI. For example, Bromite may not update on Chinese firmware without Google services.

💡

The most reliable way to avoid resetting the browser is to use ADB-A command to clear default settings (adb shell pm clear-defaults) prevents interference MIUI b Selecting the browser after updates.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi