How to change the main browser on Android Xiaomi: a step-by-step guide

Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones come with a pre-installed set of apps, dominated by its own MI Browser browser. For many users, it becomes the first thing that opens when you click on a link in messengers or social networks, which is not always convenient due to the abundance of advertising or interface features. The standard procedure for changing the default application in Android on the shells of MIUI and the new HyperOS is often hidden or works incorrectly, forcing the owner to look for workarounds.

In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to force the default browser, from standard system settings to advanced methods through ADB. You will learn why the system can ignore your choice and how to finally “untie” links from the system browser. Understanding these mechanisms will allow you to personalize the device to your habits.

Often, users are faced with a situation where after installing Chrome, Firefox or Yandex links still open in the native application, this is due to the aggressive policy of optimizing the battery and prioritizing the company’s own services, we will consider how to circumvent these restrictions and make the operating system respect your choices.

Why Xiaomi doesn’t choose another browser

The main reason why Android on Xiaomi smartphones continues to open links to MI Browser is the deep integration of system components.The MIUI shell (and its successor, HyperOS) has its own link processing mechanisms that take precedence over standard Android settings.The system considers its browser to be “safe” and preferred for displaying web content.

In addition, in the background, services are running that intercept intent requests before they reach custom settings. Even if you manually selected Google Chrome as the primary setting, system applications can ignore this parameter, which is especially true for global firmware versions where advertising services are built deeper.

⚠️ Note: Forced shutdown of system components through ADB It can cause some features, such as weather widgets or news feeds, to function unstable.

Also, keep in mind that Google Play Protect security updates and Xiaomi’s own filters can block third-party apps from trying to hijack link management, creating the illusion that the setting is not saved.

Standard way to change the browser through settings

The first and most obvious method is to use the built-in Android settings menu, but on Xiaomi, the path to it may vary depending on the shell version. Most of the time, the algorithm is the same, but the item names can vary. It's important to find the section that manages the global file and link associations.

First, you need to get into the general settings menu of the device, and here we're interested in the app unit, and depending on the version of MIUI, it can be simply called "Applications" or "Applications and Notifications," and inside this section, there's a key setting.

Next, you'll find "Default Apps." This is where the HTTP and HTTPS protocols switch. If you choose MI Browser from this menu, the system will ignore other browsers installed. You'll click on this item and select from the list the desired application, such as Samsung Internet or Edge.

• 📱 Open “Settings” and go to the “Applications” section».
• ⚙️ Find the "Default Apps" item (may be in the three-dot menu).
• 🌐 Click on the “Browser” line and select the desired application from the list.
• ✅ Confirm your choice if the system requests permission.

If after performing these actions, the links still open in the wrong place, then the settings were reset by the system or there are conflicting permissions, in which case you need to move to a deeper cache clearing and reset preferences.

Resetting default settings and cleaning the cache

When the standard choice doesn't work, you have to force the system browser to "forget" the current settings, which won't delete your bookmarks or your history, but it will reset all the file and link associations that MI Browser has fixed, and then the first time you click on the link, the system will be obliged to ask you what to open the web page.

To do this, you'll need to find the system browser in the list of all applications, which can be called "Browser", "Mi Browser" or "System Browser", and when you go to its application card, you'll find the "Default" or "Open by Default" button, and if you click on it, you'll see the "Delete Default" button.

After reset, it is also recommended to clear the cache of the system browser itself, which will help remove temporary files that may dictate the system startup priority. Go to the Memory section inside the application card and click Clear Cache. Don't confuse it with the Clear All button, which will delete your saved passwords and tabs.

Now that the settings are reset, try to click on any link from the messenger. If the system is working correctly, a pop-up should appear asking "Open with?." Select your preferred browser and click "Always." This will capture the choice at the operating system level.

Setup link opening in specific applications

Sometimes the problem is not global settings, but permissions for specific aggregator applications, such as Telegram, WhatsApp, or VK. These apps may have their own built-in browsers or cache the choice of a link opener. To change behavior, you need to configure the Open Supported Links settings.

Go to the settings of the app you are interested in (e.g. Telegram). Find the section responsible for data or links. On Android 11 and above, this functionality is included in the general application settings. You need to find the item “Open supported links” and make sure that the “Always ask” switch is worth it or that a specific browser is selected.

It’s important to understand that some apps, especially social networks, use WebView to instantly display pages inside themselves so as not to take the user away from the application. In such cases, changing the default browser won’t help – you need to look for the “Open links externally” setting inside the social network application itself.

Using ADB to Force Change

If the software methods don't work, you'll have to use the Android debugging bridge (ADB), which allows you to send commands directly to the system without having to use the GUI, which can block the changes, and you'll need a computer and USB debugging on your smartphone.

First, activate the developer mode. To do this, quickly click on the build number in the About Phone section seven times. Then, in the Developer menu that appears, turn on USB Debugging. Connect the phone to your PC and install ADB drivers. You can now send commands to reset packet preferences.

adb shell pm reset-preferred-apps

This command will reset all open always settings for all applications at once. Once clicked, the system is guaranteed to ask you about your browser choice, and you can use a more point command to delete preferences specifically for the system browser if you know its exact batch name (usually com.android.browser or com.mi.global.browser).

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB Incorrect commands can cause you to delete important system settings. Make sure you copy the commands accurately.

After completing the command, ADB Reboot the device is recommended, and this will force the system to reread the configuration files and apply new processing rules. URL-If that didn't work, maybe the problem is a particular bug in the firmware version.

Solving problems with HyperOS and new versions of MIUI

In HyperOS, Xiaomi has strengthened the protection of system applications, making it impossible to remove or completely disable them without root rights. However, the default browser mechanism remained similar to previous versions, although the settings interface has become more minimal.

HyperOS users often note that after updating the system, the settings are reset, in which case the creation of a new user profile helps. Go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Second Space (or just add a new user). In a clean profile, the system will immediately ask for preferences when you first start the browser.

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Before major system updates, take screenshots of important settings. After the update, the interface may change, and finding the right items will become more difficult.

The new versions also include a Safe Browser feature that can be enabled in No Child mode or through digital well-being, and check if the restriction on using certain apps to open web content in parental control or the Guest profile is worth it.

If you use third-party launchers, they can also intercept clicks.Make sure the launcher settings don't have a hard link opening path.In most cases, returning to the standard launcher for setup time helps solve the problem.

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The most reliable way to secure a browser is a combination of resetting default settings for MI Browser and manually selecting Always when you first start a link after rebooting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)