How to change the default browser to Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro: the full guide

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro smartphones run on the proprietary shell MIUI, which by default uses the Mi Browser browser to open web links. However, many users prefer alternatives like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Opera because of the greater speed, synchronization with other devices or lack of advertising. The problem is that MIUI aggressively blocks the default browser change through standard Android settings, hiding this option in deep menus or completely ignoring the user’s choice.

In this article, we will discuss all working ways to change the default browser to Redmi Note. 9 Pro (including models with MIUI 12/13/14), We will explain why the system can reset settings, and give recommendations for optimizing the operation of the selected browser. MIUI, which are not documented in official instructions.

If you've already tried to change your browser through settings and you find that links still open in Mi Browser, don't rush to reset your phone to factory settings. 90% of the time, the problem is solved without root rights and additional programs, the main thing is to understand how MIUI manages the default applications and where the key switches are hidden.

Why does MIUI block browser change by default?

Xiaomi’s branded shell is known for its aggressive policy of promoting its own services. Mi Browser is not only integrated deeper into the system than third-party applications, but also has privileges that competitors do not have.

🔹 System services binding: Mi Browser is used to display web content in other applications (e.g. Mi Video or Mi Community) and the system forcedly redirects traffic through it, even if you choose a different browser.

🔹 Limitations MIUI: In some versions of the shell (especially) MIUI 12.5 and below) the default browser change option is hidden in the developer menu or not at all in the interface.

🔹 Conflict with “Security”: Security Function → Link scanning automatically opens up suspicious links URL In Mi Browser, Ignoring Your Choices.

🔹 Cache and application data: Sometimes old settings are saved in the system cache, and even after changing the browser, links are opened in the previous application.

To get around these limitations, you'll need a combination of methods, from cleaning the cache to editing hidden settings, and we'll go into each method in detail.

Method 1: Standard change through Android settings

Let’s start with the most obvious method that should work on all Android 10+ smartphones, but in MIUI, this process can be nuanced.

1. Open Settings (⚙️) and go to the Appendix section → Application management.

2.In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select the Applications by default.

3. Slip on the Browser line (or Open links in new versions of MIUI).

4. In the list, select the browser you want (e.g. Chrome or Firefox).

If your browser is not on the list, or if nothing has changed since you selected it, MIUI is blocking this method.

Install an alternative browser from Google Play

Close all background apps (especially Mi Browser)

Clean the cache in Settings → Storage → Cleanup

Turn off the link scanning function in Security-->

Method 2: Reset applications by default

If the standard method didn’t work, try resetting all the default app settings, which will force the system to re-query your choice the next time you open the link.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.

2.Push three dots (⋮) and select Resetting App Settings.

3. Confirm the action (you may need to enter a password or a pattern lock).

4. After reset, open any web link (for example, from Telegram or WhatsApp). The system will prompt you to select a browser - specify the desired one and tick Always.

⚠️ Warning: This method resets all default settings, including calling apps, SMS After the procedure, you'll have to reconfigure opening.pdf files,.mp3 etc.

If that didn't work, MIUI is ignoring your system-level choices, and more radical measures will be needed.

Method 3: Disable Mi Browser via ADB (without root)

This method requires connecting the smartphone to the computer, but does not require superuser rights. We will disable the Mi Browser as a system application so that MIUI cannot use it.

1. Enable debugging over USB:

- Go to Settings → About phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times to activate Developer Mode.

- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable debugging over USB.

2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.

3. Download ADB Tools (e.g. Google’s Platform Tools) and unpack the archive.

4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with adb.exe and type:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser


adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.mi.globalbrowser

5. Reboot the phone. Now the Mi Browser will be disabled, and the system will prompt you to choose another browser when you open the links.

⚠️ Note: After disabling the Mi Browser, some system functions (such as previewing links in notifications) may not work properly. To return everything back, use the command: adb shell pm enable com.android.browser

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If ADB does not recognize the device, install Xiaomi USB Drivers drivers from the official website and reconnect the phone in File Transfer (MTP) mode.

Method 4: Use of third-party utilities (for advanced)

If previous methods didn’t work, you can use specialized applications that force you to change the default settings.

📌 Default App Manager (requires Android 8)+):

Shows all the default applications, including hidden system ones.

Allows you to reset settings for specific file types (e.g., http/https only).

📌 SetEdit (for experienced users):

Edits the settings.db database, where default settings are stored.

Risky: Incorrect change can lead to system failures.

📌 App Cloner (alternative approach):

Clones the selected browser (e.g. Chrome) and assigns the clone the status of a system application.

- Bypasses the limitations of MIUI by creating a "wrap" over the original browser.

Before using any utilities, make a backup of the data (Settings → System → Backup), as incorrect changes may lead to the need to reset the phone.

Comparison of browsers for Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro

Before you change your default browser, it’s worth figuring out which one is best for your smartphone. We tested popular options on the Redmi Note 9 Pro with MIUI 13 and compiled a comparison table:

🔹 Best choice for speed: Brave or Opera (thanks to traffic optimization).

🔹 Best choice for privacy: Firefox or Brave (default tracker locking).

🔹 The best choice for integration with MIUI: Google Chrome (Less conflict with system services).

If you frequently open heavy sites (like YouTube or TikTok in your browser), pay attention to RAM consumption. Redmi Note 9 Pro has 6 GB of RAM, but MIUI reserves some resources for background processes, so high-consumption browsers can cause slowdowns.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even after a successful browser change, Redmi Note 9 Pro users face typical problems, and we will discuss the most common and ways to fix them:

🚨 "The browser is reset after rebooting":

Reason: MIUI restores default settings when restarting the system.

Solution: Use ADB to disable Mi Browser (see Method 3) or install the Default App Manager app to capture the selection.

🚨 "Links from some apps are opened in Mi Browser":

Reason: Apps (such as Facebook or Twitter) have their own settings for link processing.

Solution: In the settings of each application, find the option “Open links in an external browser” and activate it.

🚨 "It is impossible to select a browser in the settings":

Reason: Your version of MIUI hides this option (often found in MIUI 12.5 for regional firmware).

- Solution: Update the system to the latest version or use it ADB-force-shift.

🚨 "The browser opens but does not load the pages":

Cause: Conflict with a VPN or MIUI firewall.

Solution: Disable Security → Traffic Scanning and check VPN settings in your selected browser.

⚠️ Note: If you are using Dual Apps (app cloning function) MIUI), Remember that each clone has its own default settings, so you have to set the browser separately for the main and cloned profiles.

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The most reliable way to change the browser to MIUI — combination ADB-commands and cache clearing. Android's standard settings are often ignored by the shell.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions