Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face the company’s intrusive policy of defaulting on its own Mi Browser browser as the main surfing tool, which occurs immediately after the first device is turned on or firmware updates, which can annoy users who are used to the interface of Google Chrome, Yandex or Opera. Changing this parameter is not just a matter of convenience, but also a way to regain control over the digital hygiene of your gadget.
The default application change procedure in the MIUI shells and the new HyperOS looks logical, but hidden in the depths of the system menu, where the average user rarely looks. System restrictions do not allow you to remove the standard browser without root rights, but you can reassign its role to a third-party application by regular means. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of the configuration so that you can use the software that is convenient for you.
It's worth noting that after the global interface update, some of the locations may have shifted, but the overall algorithm of actions remains the same. You need a few minutes of free time and an alternative application installed. Let's figure out how to make the browser you choose a priority for all links in the system.
Why the system imposes its browser and how to get around it
Xiaomi's policy is based on ecosystems, where its own services are top priority. When you open a link from a message in Viber, Telegram or from notes, the system automatically launches Mi Browser. This is designed to integrate with the company's news feed and services, but often leads to overuse of resources and advertising. Understanding how the Android app selection engine works helps to easily circumvent these limitations.
The Android operating system allows the user to determine which application should respond to certain actions, such as opening http and https links. However, the MIUI shell sometimes resets these settings after major updates or cleaning up memory. To make the change permanent, you need not only to choose the application, but also make sure that it has the appropriate permissions.
⚠️ Note: After upgrading to a new version of Android or MIUI/HyperOS default application settings are often reset. You'll have to repeat the selection process again.
Also, many users don't know that you can completely turn off notifications and the standard browser in the background without even deleting it.This helps save battery power and reduce the load on RAM, the system will continue to consider it installed, but will use only your choice.
Step-by-step: changing the browser by default
The most reliable way to change settings is to go through the main menu of system parameters. This method works on all current versions of firmware, including the latest HyperOS. First, make sure that the alternative browser is already installed and updated to the latest version through Google Play or GetApps.
Follow the algorithm that will lead you to the right switch.The path may vary slightly depending on the version of the shell, but the keywords on the menu remain the same.
☑️ Checklist of browser change
Open your smartphone settings and find the Apps section. In some versions of MIUI, it may be called Applications → Application Management. We need to get into the advanced settings, so look for the default App item. It's usually at the top of the screen or in the three-dot menu in the corner.
In the list that opens, look for the Browser line. The default is Mi Browser or Chrome if you've made changes before. Click on this line. The system will offer a list of all browsers installed. Select the browser you want, for example, Firefox or Samsung Internet.
Once selected, the system can display a default app change warning pop-up. Confirm the action by pressing OK or Change. Now all links will open in the selected application. If that didn't happen, check if the restriction is worth it in the application itself.
Configure in MIUI 12, 13, 14 and HyperOS
Owners of MIUI 12-14 shells and the new HyperOS may notice some visual differences in the interface. The logic of system priorities is preserved here, but the path to the menu has become a little deeper. In HyperOS, control points are often grouped more aggressively to save space.
To access settings in newer versions of firmware, go to Settings, then select Apps. Unlike older versions, you may need to click on the default App button right away, without going to application management. If there is no such option on the first screen, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Default Apps from the drop-down list.
It is important to consider that HyperOS has a more rigid memory optimization system. If your browser of choice crashes or doesn’t open, it may be that the system limits its background work. Go to Applications → Application Management, find your browser, and select No Limits mode in the Battery section.
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In the HyperOS shell for stable third-party browser operation, pin it to a list of recent apps (don’t swipe it completely) so that the system doesn’t unload it from memory too aggressively.
The new versions also include a Safe Browse feature that can redirect links through Google or Xiaomi services before opening, which can be disabled in the phone’s security settings, but this will reduce the level of protection against phishing.
What to do if the browser does not open or reset
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where after choosing a new browser links still open in the old one, or the system constantly requests the choice of application, this indicates a conflict of cached data or an error in the file association.
The first thing to do is clear the cache and data of the app you want to make the primary. Go to Settings → Apps → App Management, find the browser you want (like Chrome) and click Clear → Clear everything. Don't be afraid, bookmarks and passwords are usually synced with your account.
If the problem persists, try resetting all apps by default. The default App menu (the same place you chose your browser) often has a Reset button or a similar option in the option menu, which will return the system to a post-purchase state, and the first time it clicks on the link, it will ask you what to open the file.
⚠️ Warning: Resetting your default app settings will affect not only your browser, but also your call, message, and file opening programs. Be prepared to re-select your preferences for all types of actions.
In rare cases, the cause may be damage to the system file android.intent.category.BROWSABLE. If nothing helps, check for system updates. Intent (Android internal commands) errors are often corrected with security patches.
Comparison of popular browsers for Android
The choice of Mi Browser alternatives is huge. Each browser has its own strengths: speed, privacy, synchronization or built-in features. Below is a table that helps you decide on the main tool for surfing on Xiaomi.
| browser | The main advantage | RAM consumption | Ad-blocker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Chrome | Perfect sync with your Google account | High. | Basic |
| Yandex Browser | Traffic savings and built-in translator | Average. | Got it (Turbo) |
| Opera Mini | Working on a Bad Internet | Low. | Built-in |
| Firefox Focus | Maximum privacy | Low. | Trekking block |
| Via Browser | Minimalism and speed | Minimum | Customizable |
For owners of weak devices such as Redmi Go or old Poco models, memory consumption is critical, and in this case, you should pay attention to lightweight versions of browsers or minimalist solutions like Via or XBrowser.
If the ecosystem is important to you, then the choice is obvious: owners of Google accounts should stay on Chrome, and users of Yandex services (Taxi, Market, Music) will be more convenient to use Yandex Browser with a single login.
Hidden Engine Capabilities
Removing or disabling the standard Xiaomi browser
Many users want not just to change the browser, but to completely get rid of Mi Browser so that it does not occupy space and do not loom in the list of applications. Just remove it with the Remove button will not work, since this is a system application.
However, you can turn it off. Go to Settings → Apps → Application Management, find Mi Browser (or “Browser”) and click the “Disable” button. If the button is inactive, try first press Clear Data and Clear Cache, and then check again for the availability of the “Disable” button.
Once disabled, the app icon will disappear from the desktop and menu, and the system will no longer offer it to open links.This action is safe and does not disrupt the operation of other functions of the phone.
⚠️ Note: Complete removal of the system browser through ADB (A mistake in commands can lead to a "brickle" device or loss of the ability to open any links in the system.
For advanced users, there is a method of removing through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), and by connecting the phone to a PC, you can execute the command:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browserThis command will only remove the browser for the current user without affecting the system partition, which allows you to free up space and ensure that you get rid of intrusive software, but when you reset the phone to the factory settings, the Mi Browser will return.
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Disabling the system browser through settings is the safest way to get rid of it, without requiring root rights and a computer.