How to change the default browser to Xiaomi: all ways for MIUI

Xiaomi smartphones based on the MIUI shell by default use the branded browser Mi Browser, which is not always suitable for users. Some prefer Google Chrome for syncing with the account, some prefer Firefox with extensions, and someone needs specialized browsers like Brave to block ads. However, simply installing an alternative browser is not enough: the system continues to open links in the standard application.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to change the default browser on Xiaomi devices, including the nuances for different versions of MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS. Particular attention will be paid to the problems that arise after system updates when settings are reset, and also consider alternative methods for devices with limited rights (for example, corporate smartphones).

Why does MIUI not make it easy to change your browser?

Unlike “pure” Android, where changing the browser by default takes 2 clicks, Xiaomi deliberately complicates this process.

• 🔹 Traffic monetization: Mi Browser integrated with Xiaomi’s advertising services featuring banners and promo content.
• 🔹 Ecosystem Control: The company seeks to keep users in its services (e.g. synchronizing bookmarks through Mi Account).
• 🔹 Security: Mi Browser blocks phishing sites via Xiaomi Cloud databases by default.
• 🔹 Regional restrictions: In some countries (e.g. India), Mi Browser has unique features not available in alternative browsers.

Since MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi has made the process a bit easier, but many users still find that after a reboot or update, the system resets the settings to the Mi Browser.

Method 1: Standard change through settings (MIUI 12.5 and later)

If your smartphone is running MIUI 12.5+ or HyperOS, try the official method:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
3. Slip on Browser.
4. In the list, select the browser you want (such as Chrome or Firefox).

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (especially for the European region) may not have the default Appendix. In this case, proceed to Method 2.

If you still open links in Mi Browser after changing your browser, follow the following steps:

• 📌 Open the Settings. → Memory. → Clean and clean the cache for Mi Browser.
• 📌 Reset the device.
• 📌 Check if restrictions are set through Settings → Special facilities → Simplified mode (sometimes it blocks default changes).

Method 2: Reset application settings (for older versions of MIUI)

On MIUI 11-12, the standard method often fails due to system bugs, in which case resetting application settings will help:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on three points → Reset application settings.
3. Confirm the action (this won’t delete the data, but will reset all default settings).
4. After resetting, repeat Method 1.

⚠️ Note: Reset will also reset the permissions for all applications (e.g., camera access or geolocation). → Confidentiality.

Method 3: Use of ADB (for power users)

If previous methods have failed, you can use the command ADB (Android Debug Bridge) This requires connecting the smartphone to the PC, but guaranteed to change the browser by default.

Instructions:

1. Enable Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and activate Debugging over USB.

adb shell pm set-default-browser com.android.chrome

(Replace com.android.chrome with your browser package, such as org.mozilla.firefox for Firefox).

Reset the device.

Critical: After the MIUI update, the ADB settings may reset. To lock the browser, repeat the command or use Tasker for automatic application after the reboot.

Method 4: Bypassing "Open with Help" (temporary solution)

If none of the methods worked, you can manually select a browser when opening each link:

1. Long click on the link → Open with help.
2. Select the browser you want and always mark.

⚠️ Note: This method only works for certain types of links (e.g, http:// or https://). Universal links (e.g. from applications) will need to repeat the action for each type (market://, tel:// etc.).

💡

If after selecting a browser, the system still opens Mi Browser, try to clear the data of the Settings application (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Settings → Warehouse → Clear the data. This will reset all user settings, but often solves the problem.

Solving problems after changing the browser

Even after a successful browser change, users face typical problems:

• 🔄 Reset after update: MIUI Often resets default settings when installing security patches, the solution is to repeat the setup or use Tasker to automatically apply commands. ADB.
• 🚫 Shift locking in corporate devices: If the smartphone is tied to Xiaomi Enterprise or Android Enterprise, the administrator can block the browser change. → Accounts. → Working profile.
• ⚡ Lags when opening links: If an alternative browser loads for a long time, clear its cache or turn off energy saving for it in Settings → Battery → Choice of applications.

For devices with HyperOS (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), an additional step may be required:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Permissions → Autostart.
2. Enable auto-start for your browser.
3. In Settings → Battery → Select Performance Mode for the browser Without restrictions.

Alternative methods for advanced users

If standard methods don’t help, consider these options:

• 🛠️ Using Tasker: Create a task that executes a command after booting the system ADB To change the browser, you'll need root or enabled debugging. USB.
• 🔧 Remove the Mi Browser through ADB: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser Careful: This may disrupt some system functions!
• 📦 Install custom firmware: Firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience are not tied to Mi Browser.

⚠️ Note: Removing system applications (Mi Browser, Mi Video, etc.) can lead to errors in the work MIUI, especially on devices with a locked bootloader. Before experimenting, back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

💡

On HyperOS devices (Xiaomi 13T, 14 Series), the standard browser is integrated deeper than in MIUI. To remove it, you will need to unlock the bootloader and root rights.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the browser to Xiaomi